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Gavalohori is in the Apokoronos region of Western Crete. At the foot of the White Mountains, this is the greenest region of Crete.
Being close to Chania international airport and the ferry port at Souda, our houses are easily reachable by direct charter flights in the Summer, or by internal flight or ferry from Athens all year round. An excellent base from which to explore the enormous variety of topography, history, both modern and ancient, Crete will always surprise you.  		      
Click the map for travel information Rainbows in the Mountains Church at Souri against White mountains Imbros gorge - just as spectacular as Samaria
The White Moutnains dominate the scenery - snow capped until late May Old combo at the recyced glass factory, Kambia Old Roman Town at Lappa Lovely old village wall
Plenty of space for walking Always a place on the beach for you Wild flowers are everywhere January until May Chania old harbour
Looking over our houses towards the sea Roman wells at the top of the village In the village

Gavalohori is a working rural village, still retaining its unique personality - relax with the pace of Cretan life.
Many of the lovely old buildings have been restored, including the Folk Museum, which chronicles the history of the village. It is an interesting record of culture and handicrafts. The local Women’s Co-operative is actively reviving traditional handicrafts, examples of which can be bought in their shop in the village square. The village centre has three good tavernas, well stocked shops and a bakery. Sometimes live traditional Cretan folk music is played on Summer evenings
A typical doorway framed in stone Pottery in the folk museum Loom in the folk museum
Old olive tree and village walls One of the bigger churches - here Judas is burnt at Easter Old mill workings under the "Venetian arches"
Winter sunset Olive grove in Spring View from Gavalohori's second big church
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Suns sets over the beach Sailing scool Windsurfers are for hire

Almirida is our nearest beach resort. Once a small fishing village it is now a lively seaside resort with many delightful tavernas. Windsurfers, catamarans & kayaks can be hired by the hour from a French sailing school. The beach is sandy and shelves gently, making it ideal for small children.

Chania The second city in Crete, Chania old town is an archaeological wonderland with a unique combination of buildings - Venetian, Turkish as well as Cretan. There are two harbours which are packed with restaurants & shops. You can take a boat trip, visit the nautical museum, or just wander around the narrow back streets. The Agora & Saturday street market have the best fish, meat, fruit, vegetables - & don't miss "leather lane".        
Beautiful fruit at the street market "Leather Lane" Herb stall in the covered "Agora"
Locally grown peppers Packing vine leaves at the market  
View over naval fort and Souda Bay View toward Drapanos Old monastery

Aptera From the Turkish Fort at Aptera there are the most amazing views over Souda Bay, the White Mountains, and the whole Apokoronas region. The fort is being extensively renovated, and can be seen dominating the landscape for miles around. Beyond the fort, Ancient Aptera was once the principle city of Crete. The site has been important, possibly since 1st c BC as it is at a vantage point above the entrance to the natural harbour of Souda. There are extensive Roman buildings, including two huge cisterns - one almost complete, bath houses, temples & villas & an old monastery.
Ancient Roman cistrens From the Turkish fort Monastery
Other things to do and see:
Cycling - Crete is one of the best places in the Mediterranean for cycling and walking, especially in the cooler months March-May and September-November. The roads in most parts of the island have improved radically in just the last few years and are now mostly good tarmac.
Within half an hour or so you can be in the most beautiful & spectacular Cretan countryside, and have it pretty much to yourself.
ADVENTURE BIKES Georgioupolis specialise in the hire of good quality mountain bikes and organised tours of this area.  
Walking/Gorges The famous Samaria gorge is just to the south and there are also many less well-travelled gorges such as Imbros Gorge, which runs parallel to Samaria. The Apokoronas area is wonderful for walking & cycling, especially in the Spring & Autumn. We have written out some circular walks and cycling routes from the houses. You only have to drive a little way inland and you will find enormous expanses of beautiful countryside, remote forest & mountain passes, with villages virtually untouched by the 21st century  
Birdwatching - Crete is a stopping off place for many birds on their migration routes from Africa to Europe and back. There is a fantastic variety of native birds, especially raptors and wetland birds.
Lake Kournas is a famous spot for bird and other wildlife, or you can observe swallows, martins and many other birds from the comfort of the Old Wine Press roof terraces  

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