Odigitrias Monastery
Crete has numerous monasteries and well-known churches, some of which are extremely old and others which are abandoned. The monasteries of Preveli and Arkadi are better known, but Odigitrias Monastery is less than 25 kilometers from Chania and is less well-known to tourists. It is built on the Gulf of Chania and was a key gathering place for opponents to the Nazi occupation of Crete. The riches of the monastery are guarded by fortified walls, and the courtyard inside provides a peaceful escape from the buzz of Chania.
Islet of Gavdos
Gavdos is a triangular island that is the southernmost tip of Europe, being south of Crete and closer to Africa than to Athens. Gavdos is usually reached by boat from the ports of Paleochora or Sfakia. This is supposedly the island in Greek mythology where Calypso held Odysseus captive for 7 years. Nowadays, only 100 permanent residents live there. It is a haven for naturalists, migratory birds, and Caretta-Caretta turtles. The lighthouse, which also has a cafe and museum, is a popular site for tourists.
Vreiko Cave
Vreiko Cave is located close to the small town of Pefki in the southwest area of Crete. There are a number of caves on the island of Crete, and Vreiko Cave is one of the most unique. There is a set of steps at the entrance, which are marked by a fig tree. Once inside, you will see the impressive stalactites and stalagmites and can even swim in the small lake near the back of the cave. When leaving, you can watch the sunset as the sun goes down over the Libyan Sea.