Looking at the Kremasti monastery, one can easily see how it got its name. Imposing and impressive, it really seems to be hanging off the rock. The view you will have from here is amazing.

The monastery was founded in 1700, when shepherds of the area found an icon of the Virgin Mary hanging in a cave, high up in the mountain. They couldn’t explain the presence of the icon there, so it was considered to be a sign from God that a monastery should be founded here. The first monks settled near the cave and build a small chapel.

In 1930 the monastery was converted into a nunnery. Many people visit this monastery for the miraculous icon it possesses. It is said that the wicks of the oil lamp burning in front of the icon help couples who have fertility problems.

If you decide to visit this nunnery make sure to be dressed appropriately. If not, there are a few (not so fashionable and worn at least a hundred times by all kinds of people) skirts and trousers at the entrance.

The forest of Pholoe is of crucial importance for the forestal resources of Elia and of Greece, from a more general point of view. This wonderful self-sown forest of huge oaks and beeches covers an area of 40,000m²; 5.000.000 trees have been counted. Its name is connected with Centaur Pholos, who turns up in one of the labors of Hercules. Centaur Pholos was proud, as all Centaurs were, and was a friend of god Pan, who was the first in ancient times to discover the beauty of the forest and the joys of a life which respects the laws of nature. On his way to Mount Erymanthos, in order to rid the area of the disastrous Erymanthean boar, Hercules was put up by Centaur Pholos and was offered delicious meat and excellent wine, a gift of Dionysus, the god of wine and of easy life. The aroma of the wine was so strong, that Centaurs living nearby got upset and went at the two men with rocks and uprooted trees. Hercules rose from the table to face them and managed to wipe out some of the Centaurs who raved against him. Unfortunately, he wounded by mistake Centaur Pholos with his arrows. Hercules felt very sad, but he found the courage to bury Pholos and then set out for Mount Erymanthos, to track down and kill the Erymanthean boar his fourth labor.

In the villages near the forest of Pholoe, such as old Persaina, Pholoe, Coumani, visitors can dine in very good tavernas, enjoying delicious meat from home-grown animals, as well as the aromatic wines of the area. In the village Neraida, ecotourism already pays, because natives have taken initiatives in accommodating and feeding the tourists with special care.

There is something unusual about the forest of Pholoe: The Forest Inspection has permitted the limited grazing of sheep all the year round. So, apart from the chirps of birds, one can hear the ringing of the big bells hanging from the necks of the sheep, and the cheerful barks of the sheepdogs, which, living in such a peaceful environment, are very friendly to visitors.

In the wonderful forest of Pholoe, the cycle of the seasons is clearly perceptible. The best moment is when the snowflakes fall down the bare tree trunks on to the earth and cover it all over in total silence (this happens especially in February and March).

Important note: The forest is vast and a flat green prevails there are no signs to help you come out of it, so you had better ask natives to make a rough sketch to you, marking some basic points of entrance and exit, to help you find your way in any case.

Katakolon is a seaside town in the municipality of Pyrgos in western Elis, Greece. It is situated on a headland overlooking the Ionian Sea and separating the Gulf of Kyparissia from the rest of the Ionian. It is 11 km west of downtown Pyrgos and 3 km south of Korakochori. The small village Agios Andreas lies northwest of Katakolo. A railway connects Katakolo with Pyrgos and Olympia.

The port of Katakolo is a popular stop for cruise ships, offering an opportunity for passengers to visit the site of Ancient Olympia. There is a Museum of Ancient Greek Technology in Katakolo. Low hills with forests surround Katakolo. The lighthouse of Katakolo was built in 1865.

History

Katakolo of ancient times was the second port of Elis after Kyllini. In the Homeric years it was a fort near the river Iardano, while during the Peloponnesian War (second half of the fifth century BC) was a starting point for Athenians to attack Ilia. The port was lost in the sea during the earthquake of the 6th century AD, while the islets Tigani and Crow are still visible from the bay of St Andreas. Shells of all time have been found, from the Neolithic to the Roman period.

The area had an important strategic role during the Byzantine and Medieval period, as on the remnants of the ancient citadel the Villehardouin built the magnificent Pontikokastro. After liberation from the Turkish yoke, Katakolo's centre relocated where it is today and took its current name. It was at that time one of the major ports of the country for export of grapes, the main export product of Greece. Today the port still plays an important role but mostly tourist.

According to tradition, in the modern history Katakolon was an exile in some way of people unacceptable by the societies of Zakynthos and Kefalonia. So they sent these people here using the phrase "άι κατά κώλου" with obvious derogatory tone. So gradually the area was named Katakolo.

Of great historical significance and worth mentioning is the railway line Pyrgos-Katakolon. The operation began in November 1882 and was the second line was constructed in the country after the line Athens-Piraeus. The cause was raisin exports, which rose sharply after the destruction of French culture by phylloxera. The line had a length of 12.5 km and built by engineer A. Straight. The project was funded by the General Credit Bank Act after the government of Koumoundourou. The crisis in the production of raisins in 1896 affected the rail creating problems. The "Railway Pyrgos-Katakolon" (SPK) but continued to operate and in 1951 went to the administration of SPAP (Railway Piraeus-Athens-Peloponnese). The line was closed in August 1998 to reboot after upgrading the network in 2007, now passengers can travel directly to Olympia, passing through Pyrgos.

Sightseeing

One of the most fascinating pieces of Katakolon, that you should definitely visit is the castle known as Pontikokastro due to its shape. The castle, for the construction of which were used parts of the wall of the citadel of the ancient ruins of offices and buildings, was built during the Byzantine period from Villehardouin and rebuilt by the Franks in the 13th century, who called it "Bo Vouar" or "Bell Venter". Only parts of the fortifications still stand, as previously the castle saw many disasters, particularly during the Ottoman period. A single visit to the castle can justify fully the medieval name, as the view is unique. On one hand you have Kyparissiakos Bay and the other the Ionian Sea, with the eye travelling to Zakynthos and Kefalonnia! Also unique experience is the sunset that can captivate everyone!

Another important piece of Katakolon is the lighthouse. It is located in Cape Katakolon, in the southwest side. Constructed in 1865, with the height of the stone tower reaching 9 meters and a focal height of 45 meters. Its origin is French and its scope reaches 18 to 19 nautical miles. The interior is divided by four rooms that the lighthouse keepers used for bedrooms and in the tower is mounted the operation device. Nowadays with the technology improvements the lighthouse keepers and the old ways of operating have been replaced by new automatic systems.

If you are in Katakolon, you should definitely take a stroll on the village's mountain. The landscape will surely amaze you, the combination of colors, the blue sky and sea with the green of nature is something unique! Walk the trails and enjoy breathtaking views. You will surely be fascinated by the colors of the images that create the sunrise and sunset!

Chlemoutsi ranks among the most impressive and well-preserved castles. It stands on the site of Chelonata and dominates the Ionian Sea and the fertile plains of Elia. The heptagonal stone castle, one of the first built by the Franks in Peloponnese (after the Crusade of 1190) dates back to 1220-1223. Built 2 miles away from the sea, to the east, it impressed by its size. From the land it is visible from a five-days' distance and from the sea from a hundred miles away", writes the Turk traveler Ebliya Tselebi, who rambled in subjugated Greece during the period 1668-1671, recording his rich impressions.

In the beginning of the Frankish domination, two knights from Campany, J. de Champlitte and G. I de Villeardouin, were appointed princes of Achaia by pope Innocentius III. Therefore, they carried with them the western way of life, which revolved round the castles, symbols of power and, at the same time, means of defense.

Their successor G. II de Villeardouin chose a strategic site to build the castle on and was so determined to finish his work, that he did not hesitate to clash with the Catholic clergy of the Principality of Achaia, who did not offer any military services, because they wished to contribute more substantially to this significant undertaking.

The clergy complained to pope Honorius III, who excommunicated De Villeardouin II. But the prince went on constructing the castle undeterred. When the work was completed, he convinced the pope that the castle protected the vital interests of the Roman-Catholic church against the "schismatic" Greeks. Thus, the pope reversed the anathema. Andravida was the capital of the Principality. There was a port of great importance in the area, the port of Glarenza (Clarence) which is identified with the port of ancient Kyllini. The city of Glarenza had its own glorious castle, because in the Middle Ages It was considered so important, that her governors took the title of the "dukes of Clarence".

The castle of Chlemoutsi was at the height of its glory in the days of De Villeardouin II, and the noble French youths visited the palace to spend their holidays, enjoying the splendid view of the Ionian Sea.

Chlemoutsi became even more glorious when it was widely rumored that the room to the right of the colonnade was the mint where, by concession of the King of France Louis IX, the "tornesian" coins were minted. Those coins had on the one side the church of St Martin in the French city of Tours that's why they were called "tornesian" and circulated allover Morea during the period of the Frankish domination.

After the death of the third De Villeardouin, the castle came to his wife, Anna the Greek, daughter of Michael II Comnenus of Epirus. Since then, a turbulent period started. One of the two grand-daughters of the founder of the castle, Marguerite, baroness of Acoba, let her daughter marry one of the leaders of the Catalans, who had defeated the Franks in the battle of Kefissos, in 1311. Marguerite's son-in-law demanded Peloponnese in the name of his wife. The Franks counteracted his plans. They arrested Marguerite and imprisoned her in Chlemoutsi, where she died in 1315.

In 1427, Constantine Paleologus, the last Byzantine emperor, chose Chlemoutsi as the seat of the Domain of Morea, before beginning for the fatal journey to Constantinople and to history.

In 1465 the castle was seized by the Turks, in 1471 by the Venetians, then it fell into Turkish hands again, until in 1687 the Venetians occupied it again. During the period 1715-1821 it was seized by the Turks and in 1826 it suffered severe damages, when Ibrahim, during his pullout, bombarded it It still remains magnificent, though. Sauntering in its internal and external yard, in the ruins of the majestic rooms, where there is a fireplace in each of them, one travels in the past and gets the impression that he will hear the rustle of the silk dresses of princess Marguerite and her escort from inside the dark prison or that he will hear whispers and stories about fairies and princes.

5 h. tour (Private tour)

(transportation from Heraklion and back + visit the Fodele village + visit and explore Rethymnon)

Crete is a very large island and is divided in four provinces. Heraklion is the largest city and doesn't really give you that much of a feeling that you are on an island. Driving a few kilometers, either east or west, of it, you get a totally different feeling. Rethymnon is one of the prettiest cities in Greece and it's worth a visit if you are not interested in visiting Knossos. Therefore we can arrange for you this exclusive expedition of Crete, off the beaten track.

You will be met by your private vehicle and licensed tour guide once you get off the ship in Heraklion and start driving along the northern coastal road to the charming village of Fodele, located in a pretty valley full of orange groves. The village is the birthplace of the famous painter El Greco who was born there in 1541. You can take a short walk through the village before continuing to Rethymnon with its aristocratic XVI century buildings and fascinating mix of Byzantine and Hellenic-Roman remains.

When in Rethymnon you will be fascinated by the beauty of the mixture of different architecture from the Venetian and Turkish times and see the medieval Venetian fortress and town. You will have time to wander the narrow streets, admire the architecture and browse the local shops as well as eat at any of the small restaurants in the old city, many of which have received several awards from taste academies.

At the end of the tour you will return back to Heraklion and the port on time for your ship’s departure.

6 h. tour (Private tour)

(transportation from Heraklion and back + guided tour of Kera Monastery + optional climb and visit of the Lassithi's cave)

Depart on a scenic drive from the Venetian fortress-dominated harbor of Heraklion and climb from the coast to the Lassithi Plateau located approximately 2700 feet above sea level. Surrounded by mountains, the Plateau is home to ancient monasteries, traditional small villages and over 10,000 magnificent, self-driven windmills, which dot the landscape.

Visit the historical monastery of Kera Kardiotissa that is dedicated to the Virgin Mary and is renowned for its Byzantine icons, 14th century frescoes and carved altar screens. The Monastery offers sweeping views of Mount Dikte, the Pediada Valley and the sea.

For those of you really interested in the Greek mythology that won’t mind hiking a bit, a stop by the cave of Lassithi can be made where according to the Greek mythology Zeus was hidden by his mother in order for Cronos not to swallow him and goat Amalthea was nursing him and was providing him with all delicacies he desired. There is approximately 30 minutes hiking involved to get into the cave where you will be fascinated by the stalactites and stalagmites there are but make sure that you are in a good physical condition if you choose this tour.

At the end of your tour, you will return back to Heraklion port.

4.5 h. tour (Private tour)

(transportation from Heraklion and back + guided tour of Knossos + tour and wine tasting of the Lirarakis winery)

Crete is famous not only for being the birthplace of the Minoan civilization, but also for its agricultural and dairy products, that still stand on the shelves of many delicatessen stores all around the world. Among them is also the local wine and olive oil. This tour will not only allow you to explore the majestic prehistoric site of Knossos, but also some of the nearby traditional villages and the famous winery of Lirarakis.

Your tour will begin as soon as you get off your cruise ship. Your tour guide will wait for you at the port with a sign with your name on it and you will board your private vehicle. The drive from Heraklion to Knossos is approximately 20 minutes.

Once you arrive to the archaeological site of Knossos, the capital of the Minoan Crete, you will enjoy a private guided tour. There you will be able to experience the majesty of a palace grander, more complex and more flamboyant than any of the other Ancient Greek palaces known to us.

Leaving Knossos, you will drive for aproximately 30 minutes through several traditional Cretan villages and finally reach the Lirarakis winery, one of the most famous in Greece and Crete. There you will be welcomed and offered a guided tour through the vineyards and all the buildings where the processing and bottling of the wine takes place. At the end you will be able to ascend your senses by tasting some of the different wines they produce and if your time and mood allows it, you shouldn’t leave without enjoying some of the home cooked delicacies they can serve you after request.

Leaving the winery you will be driven back to the port to board your cruise ship.

6 h. tour (Private tour)

(transportation from Heraklion and back + guided tour of Knossos + guided tour of Heraklion Museum + city tour of Heraklion + free time)

For those of you with more time at their disposal, this is the ideal tour to explore not only Knossos, the center of the Minoan civilization, but also Heraklion, one of the largest cities of Greece, with one of the most important archaeological museums, which was recently totally renovated. Your tour will begin as soon as you get off your cruise ship. Your tour guide will wait for you at the port with a sign with your name on it and you will board your private vehicle. The drive from Heraklion to Knossos is approximately 20 minutes.

You will visit the archaeological site of Knossos, the capital of the Minoan Crete, where you will enjoy a private guided tour. There you will be able to experience the majesty of a palace grander, more complex and more flamboyant than any of the other Ancient Greek palaces known to us.

Leaving Knossos you will drive to the center of the city of Heraklion, where you will visit the Archaeological Museum. There you will enjoy a private guided tour and you will be able to see among other exhibits the famous Phaistos Disc, the Snake Goddess, the Bull Leaper, frescoes from the Palace of Knossos and a collection of Minoan pottery, jewelry and weapons.

After the visit of the archaeological museum, you will board your private vehicle and enjoy an approximately 30 minute city tour during which your guide will be able to present in more detail the of the city of Heraklion and will be pointing out points of interest such as the Venetian city walls and the fort. Your city tour will continue getting off the vehicle and enjoying an approximately 20 to 30 minutes walking tour in order to see the Venetian fountain of Morozinis, the Cathedral of St. Titus that St. Paul mentions, the Venetian Lodga that now houses the city hall etc. If your time allows it, you can also have a quick walk through the open market that is consisted by grocery stores and fresh fish and meat stores. Next to it are also located many traditional small tavernas that are really worth a quick stop for a bite.

After the end of the tour you will return to the port on time to get on board your ship.

5 h. tour (Private tour)

(transportation from Heraklion and back + guided tour of Knossos + guided tour of Heraklion Museum + free time)

As soon as you arrive on the largest island of Greece and one of the largest cities of Greece, you will be met by your tour guide who will be waiting for you at the port with a sign with your name on it and you will board your private vehicle to start your tour. The drive from Heraklion to Knossos is approximately 20 minutes.

You will visit the archaeological site of Knossos, the capital of the Minoan Crete, where you will enjoy a private guided tour. There you will be able to experience the majesty of a palace grander, more complex and more flamboyant than any of the other Ancient Greek palaces known to us.

Leaving Knossos you will drive to the center of the city of Heraklion, where you will visit the Archaeological Museum, one of the most important museums in Greece, recently totally renovated. There you will enjoy a private guided tour and you will be able to see among other exhibits the famous Phaestos Disc, the Snake Goddess, the Bull Leaper, frescoes from the Palace of Knossos and a collection of Minoan pottery, jewelry and weapons. You will also be able to have some free time to photograph the exhibits of the museum, or walk around it on your own as well, or alternatively, to have a quick snack or coffee in the city, if there is time available.

At the end of the tour you will return to the port on time to get on board your ship.

3 h. tour (Private tour)

(transportation from Heraklion and back + guided tour of Knossos + free time)

Your tour will begin as soon as you get off your cruise ship. Your tour guide will wait for you at the port with a sign with your name on it and you will board your private vehicle. The drive from Heraklion to Knossos is approximately 20 minutes.

You will visit the archaeological site of Knossos, the capital of the Minoan Crete, where you will enjoy a private guided tour. There you will be able to experience the majesty of a palace grander, more complex and more flamboyant than any of the other Ancient Greek palaces known to us.

Leaving Knossos you will drive to the port on time to get on board your ship or you can be dropped off back in Herakleion, where you can spend more time on your own and then walk back to the ship. The walk is approximately 20 minutes from the center of Heraklion to the port.