Heraklion Off the Beaten Path Tips by Elena_blue

Lake Zaros is a lake near the village of Zaros, about 50 kms from Heraklion southwards. It is a peaceful scenery on the bottom of Psiloreitis mountain. During August there are many different activities, like a "water festival" with a fishing competition, children activities and so on. Come here to enjoy the scenery, have a drink or a meal, eat trout to the nearby fish farms or take the hiking path of Rouvas canyon - see the relevant off the beaten path tip.

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Rouvas canyon is on the south side of Psiloreitis mountain. Come here to enjoy hiking in a fabulous mountain scenery.
The path starting-end point is on lake Zaros (see relevant off the beaten path tip), about 50 klms south of Heraklion. The distance to cover is about 5klms to arrive to a plateau with st. John church and also the same distance backwards. It took us totally about 5 hours to enjoy it on a slow pace.
BE CAREFUL: In Crete hike either early in the morning or in the afternoon. The heat during daytime is high and you are in the danger of sunstroke.

For more details, have a look to my travelogue "Hiking in Rouvas canyon"

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On the south side of mountain Psiloreitis the local villages Zaros and others maintain a self catered furnished shelter. It might be available on request on the spot for a 1-2 nights stay. I didn't go there but I know the place and it is beautiful. Mountain scenery, overlooking the south coast of Crete and the sea. For details, ask George at tavern Votomos, see relevant tip about trout and salmon.

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15 kms from Heraklion is village Anopolis where there is a glorious new built church of saint John. The church is located in a beautiful mountain scenery. It is an ideal afternoon ride by car, if you stay in the area.
Combine it with an afternoon drink or dinner to a nearby village. You can also combine it with visit to the nearby water amusement park.
On a small, easy ride you can experience and enjoy the scenery, a beautiful church, the religious feeling of locals and also the easy going life to the pisturesque villages of the area.
To go there, go from Heraklio eastwards by the north coast. At Kokkini Hani village turn right (there are signs to "Anopolis"), drive upwards to the hill. On the big crossroad go left to go to the church or turn right to go to the water amusement park.

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