Location

Analipsis is roughly 24 kilometres east of Heraklion, shortly after Gouves and before Anissaras. It is also known as Analipsis Hersonissou, as it is very close to the seaside resort of Hersonissos. Analipsis is built along a long road, running over a kilometre from the old Heraklion - Agios Nikolaos National Road down to the beach. Analipsis differs from the neighboring seaside resorts in that tourist development began much later here. This gives you the impression, on entering Analipsis that you are in a verdant Cretan village with houses and pretty gardens alternating with fields and olive groves. Of course, as you near the centre of the village and the beach, there are more and more car rental bureaus, restaurants and other tourist businesses. You will also see estate agencies, showing that there is considerable interest in buying land and houses in the area, which is still being built up. On reaching the beach of Analipsis, the first thing you see is the tiny church with the waves almost lapping at its foot. It is a very picturesque church and every tourist who passes through Analipsis stops here for a commemorative photo.

Avdou Village It is situated in the eastern part of the area, on the 39th km of the artery leading to the plateau of Lassithi. Avdou, wooded like most villages of Lagada, looks like a small earthly paradise. Avdou is also called Kapetanohori, on the ground of the well-known chieftains it bred during the Cretan Revolutions. N. Kagiabis, a flag-bearer of Karaiskakis, and Dafiotis, who saved the small town of Archanes in the revolution of 1897, were two of them. Avdou attracts a large number of visitors who come to see not only its indisputable natural beauty but also its inhabitants who never fail to be cheerful, kind and hospitable. Agriculture (agricultural products and fruits) is the main activity of the locals. Those who visit this village have a lot to see. Faneromeni Cave lies on the northwest mountainside; an area called Louloudaki, at a height of 770m where the second golden axe has been found. It is worth noting that that there are a large number of Christian monuments inside or at least near the village, like the Paleo-Christianic Basilica (a large building, which houses a collection of mosaics, decorative peacocks and more like that). There are well-painted churches inside the village which are preserved almost unchangeable (St. Antonios, St. Georgios, and St. Konstantinos). They house a collection of frescos painted in the 14th and 15th centuries by great painters of the famous Cretan School of Holy Icons Painting (by Manouil and Ioannis Fokas).

The village Anissaras stretches out modern and colourful, showing the highest tourist development in Hersonissos. Previously an old land belonging to the village of Hersonissos, it showed a rapid growth during the last fifteen years due to its favourable location. Anissaras is a coastal tourist resort, where are many hotel clusters of perfect infrastructure. For another year, Anissaras is offering the best of it as far as entertainment, fun, and pleasant accommodation of its visitors’ are concerned. Hospitality is the main feature of the inhabitants, who will welcome you making you feel at home. What will certainly amaze you in Anissaras are the perfectly organized, beautiful beaches (awarded the Blue Flag of Europe). There, you have the opportunity to enjoy the golden sun and the majestic blue of the sea.

Limin Hersonissos, the renowned resort of Crete, can be defined by its vibrant colors, abundant light, stunning sea views, luxurious accommodations, exceptional quality, and warm hospitality. This cosmopolitan destination is a gem nestled along the coasts of the Cretan sea. Limin Hersonissos is an enchanting paradise, holding countless secrets waiting to be discovered by visitors. It is a place blessed by nature, where social life thrives in lush hotels, amazing clubs, and modern shops, all while offering the opportunity to escape to pristine beaches. The crowded port of Limin Hersonissos presents visitors with an overwhelming variety of entertainment and excursion programs to choose from. The hospitable locals themselves add a special touch to the atmosphere, ensuring that every guest experiences unforgettable moments and unique encounters. It is located on the western edge of the bay of Malia and serves as the administrative center for the new municipality and various governmental services. The area buzzes with energy, as if the town never sleeps. Hersonissos has become a meeting point for hundreds of visitors seeking a memorable holiday experience and genuine entertainment. Numerous shops cater to every desire, offering high-quality products. Tasteful commercial establishments and luxury boutiques provide opportunities to purchase quality decorative items, souvenirs, and clothing at favorable prices. In the restaurants and taverns, visitors have the chance to savor the famous Greek delicacies and indulge in authentic local flavors, as well as international cuisine. Cafeterias offer refreshing drinks, coffee, spirits, and cocktails, while traditional cafes serve delightful Greek coffee. For those seeking an exhilarating nightlife experience, the town's nightclubs provide the perfect ambiance. Hersonissos caters to those who revel in action, movement, and vibrant life. The town also hosts various cultural events, including exhibitions of popular art and traditional celebrations.

This is spread in the middle of a valley with abundant waters and luxuriant vegetation. Verdant with fructiferous trees, it offers a breathtaking view. The village lies at the entrance of the Lassithi Plateau. Epano Kera Miniti and Kato Kera are situated at an altitude of 680 and 580metres, respectively. Their name comes from the homonymic monastery of Panagia Kera Kardiotissa (Holly Mother). This was built between the two villages and is characterized as a Byzantine monument (961 – 1204 A.D.) Its establishment is related to the thaumaturge icon of Virgin Mary, which is kept in the church of Saint Alfonso Escuelino in Rome, nowadays. The work is attributed to Saint Lazarus dating from the 9th century. That historic monastery used to be the point of guard for the Lassithi Plateau, during Cretan combats. The visitor is impressed by the primeval ways of worship while listening to legends of local tradition and observing the wall paintings in the temple. One can relax with the inhabitants’ hospitality, the view and the environment over a glass of the famous raki, relish the palatable, traditional food served in the taverns of the village and buy the famous popular art handcrafts. Moreover, there are the local celebrations of Panagia Kardiotissa on 8th of September and of Agios Ioannis Rigologos on 29th of August, with traditional music and dances.

The village of Potamies lies within an idyllic landscape with luxuriant vegetation, surrounded by vineyards, orange and olive-groves, at an altitude of 170metres. Spreading over the verdant valley of the river Aposelemis, which sources from the Lassithiotika Mountains disemboguing in the northwestern coasts, it is undoubtedly one of the most picturesque villages of Heraklion. The village Sfentili belonged to its older community. There are two considerable region monuments. The first is the ancient domed, wall-painted monastery of Panagia Gouverniotissa, a symbol of the village, dedicated to the Dormition of the Holy Mother, with its exquisite, well-preserved hagiographies. The second is the old Church of the Transfiguration, which lies within the vineyards. The visitors can attend the celebration of Virgin Mary’s Assumption on 14th and 15th of August, with live traditional music and dances.