IRIDA villa
is located on the outskirts of the famous tourist resort of Hersonissos in the north of Crete. Bordering the Mediterranean / Aegean Sea, Hersonissos is about 25 kilometers east of Heraklion and west of Agios Nikolaos. What is usually called Hersonissos is in fact its peninsula and harbor.
The lonely planet travel guide writes:
“Crete is more like a small country than any another Greek island. It’s not just Greece’s largest island, but arguably it’s most fascinating and diverse. Its remarkable history is evident across the island, from the ruins of the Minoan palace of Knossos to the Venetian fortresses of Rethymo; from old mosques and Byzantine monasteries to the cave that is the legendary birthplace of Zeus…
Crete is renowned for its natural beauty and diverse landscape. Spectacular mountain ranges dotted with caves are sliced by dramatic gorges that spill out to sea. The rugged interior is interspersed with vast plateaus and fertile plains. The east boasts Europe’s only palm-tree forest beach and the south coast has some of the most stunning beaches and isolated coves…
An abundance of fresh produce and the distinct Cretan cuisine – renowned for its life-prolonging qualities – adds an interesting culinary dimension.”
Once you arrive in Hersonissos, villa IRIDA will become your home away from home. Whether it’s for a week or a month, you can’t help but become immersed in the local culture, history and enjoy the warm, welcoming hospitality of the local Greek people.
Stay at IRIDA VILLA and immerse yourself in the captivating charm of the island…
Relax on the sandy beaches (http://www.hersonissos.gr/en/hersonisos/beach/beach-at-xersonissos.html) that are heavenly for children and sunbathers, and swim in the blue Aegean sea.
Enjoy the unique sunset at the port of Hersonissos.
Revel in the vivid nightlife of Hersonissos in the cafes, bars, traditional taverns, discos and night clubs, most of them located just a few meters far from the beach.
Walk to the three traditional villages Koutouloufari, Piskopiano and Old Hersonissos, next to the villa and feel the unique atmosphere. In their picturesque streets you can buy your souvenirs, drink your coffee and try the best Greek dishes. In Piscopiano, you will also find the Agricultural Folk Museum. (http://www.webcrete.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&catid=54:museums&id=1501:agricultural-folk&Itemid=53)
Visit the Aquaworld Aquarium (http://www.aquaworld-crete.com/indexen.html) , to see the local sea life and reptiles from everywhere.
Visit Lychnostatis Open Air Museum (http://www.lychnostatis.gr/index.php?page=home&hl=en_US) where you will find an Ethnographic Collection, with a presentation of Cretan traditional life.
Practice your skills at the Crete Golf Club (http://www.crete-golf.com/)
Get wet and discover the water attractions in the acquaplus water park (http://www.acquaplus.gr/index.php)
Spend a day at the famous seaside fun park Star Beach Water Park (http://www.star-beach.gr/index.php) , the kingdom of fun and entertainment. There you will find water sports, bungy jumping, spa centre, children activities, bars and restaurants, and many more. The entrance to the park is free.
Visit the Minoan Palace of Malia, the third-largest Minoan palace in Crete. (http://www.ancient-greece.org/archaeology/malia.html)
Within one hour travelling time by car, are the following well known attractions:
Visit Knossos (http://odysseus.culture.gr/h/3/eh351.jsp?obj_id=2369) , the famous Minoan palace in Heraklion (http://www.heraklion.gr/en) , and the archeological museum.(http://odysseus.culture.gr/h/1/eh151.jsp?obj_id=3327)
Visit Ideon Adron Cave (http://www.explorecrete.com/archaeology/ideon-andron-cave.html), the greatest cave sanctuaries in Crete and Zeus’ birthplace
Explore the Mediterranean Sea life in Cretaquarium. (http://www.cretaquarium.gr/indexen.php )
Feel the hippy era in Matala (http://www.visitmatala.com/aboutmatala.php?lang=en ), a safe natural harbor in the south of crete with many caves where the laid-back lifestyle of the hippies of the 60’s and 70′s lives on
Visit the city of Agios Nikolaos (http://www.agiosnikolaos.gr/) and walk around the beautiful lake.
Next to Agios Nikolaos is Elounda (http://www.explorecrete.com/crete-east/elounda.html) , a resort with the picturesque village of Plaka (http://www.east-crete.com/plaka.htm) and the island of Spinalonga (http://www.visitgreece.gr/en/greek_islands/crete/spinalonga) . The famous novelist Victoria Hislop refers to this historic island that used to be a leper colony in her best seller “The Island” (http://www.victoriahislop.com/the-island/)
