A large portion of the land that makes up the municipality of Innahorion has been inducted into the environmental protection program of the European Union, Natura 2000 Life.

The countryside is characterized by wild beauty, offering an incredible variety of landscapes, combining the rawness of the mountain range, with its luscious green riverbeds of plane trees and oleander, crossing over small brooks with clear water, together with the endless blue of the sea beyond the other side of the road, a scene that unfolds itself beautifully in front of the very eyes of the area’s visitors.

Elafonisi

Elafonisi is one of the most beautiful and magical beaches in Crete, and is protected by an EU environmental program. When visiting the beach you should make your way toward the right side, which is under the guise of the municipality of Innahorion. The fact that the beach is run by the municipal authorities results in the best of services and cleanliness at the lowest prices. Make sure to cross over to the small islet — it’s the most beautiful place in the area, as is the old lighthouse at the edge. When you visit the municipal snack bar, ask for Iakovos, who will give you information on the area and will treat you to a shot of chilled tsikoudia spirits.

Hrysoskalitissa Monastery

The monastery of Hrysoskalitissa is located in the village just before Elafonisi, and is perched on a rock with a glorious view of the sea. Its name comes from the Byzantine era, when its last step to the monastery was made of gold (“hryso” in Greek meaning “gold,” and “skala” meaning “stairs”). The saint’s day of the monastery falls on August 15, which is celebrated the previous day with a feast, when all the tavernas of the area feature local Cretan music.

Agios Dikeos Mountain

At the top of Agios Dikeos mountain, the observation post of the endangered species gypaetus, a type of vulture, is a worthwhile one-and-only experience. One of only two pairs of this rare bird species lives in the municipality of Innahorion, and being endangered, they are protected under the Life program of the European Union.

The road leading to the observation post begins from the village of Elos, just past its square, taking the first road to the right. Before beginning your journey, you may choose to enjoy a coffee or drink at one of the square’s many cafes, while obtaining some material to familiarize yourself with the gypaetus. From the observation post, the vast view of the surrounding countryside is breathtaking.

Archaeological Sites and Monuments of the Area

A visit to the archaeological sites and monuments of the area, which is full of Byzantine churches with well-preserved frescos, can be combined together with an exploration of the surrounding villages, walking through their narrow streets as you discover the architecture and enjoy the landscape and magic of Crete’s nature.

When visiting the village of Kefali, you may see the church of Agios Christos and Agios Athanasios (the black Mary). At the village of Vathi, don’t miss the church of Agios Georgios (1300) and Agios Michail (1380). Discover the church of Agia Paraskevi in village of Kambos, on Afratolakos beach. This journey can also be made by taking your car down the beach road if you are in a hurry.

Beaches of the Area

There are several secluded beaches featuring the wild beauty of the area:

The beach at Keramoti bay, below the villas of Neptune and Calypso, can be reached by walking to the edge of the cluster of bamboo, where almost all year round water falls from the natural mountain springs into the sea, offering a wonderful experience of sight and sound.

Discover the magic of the secluded and wild Cretan landscape at the beach of Xotikospilio, on the road toward .It’s best not to take it down to the beach, but to leave it on the plateau before the shore).

Visit the beach of Afratolakos

If you like adventure, and have the right car (4x4), visit the beach of Platanakia at the red cliffs, beyond the village of Kambos. Crossing the fences put up at points by goat and sheepherders so their flock won’t escape, you will reach a wonderful undiscovered setting. Leave your car at the last plateau you reach after the church, taking the path down to the magical beach directly below. You will surely be alone!

After the village of Livadia, on the road toward Elafonisi, the entire seashore is peppered with small, protected coves with sand and pebbles.

Visit the shore at the village of Livadia, below the villas Ostria and Nautilus, passing the port to reach the last large sculptured rock, characterized as a monument of nature, behind which can be found a cluster of small lakes with green waters. Enjoy a refreshing swim in this area, which can also be reached from a wonderful little path starting from villa Ostria across from the kafenion of Andreas, and followed down to the port. Those who are staying at villa Ostria may begin from the gate at the plane tree after the pool.