GOURNES
Area: Crete
Country: Greece


Location:
On N coast between Hani Kokini and Gouves. 10 miles E of Heraklion, 8 miles E of the airport.

Telephone code from UK:
30 2810

Position:
Fronting coast on old Heraklion road, now bypassed by national highway. Usual olive trees and vineyards either side with low rugged mountains to rear.

Description:
A small village _ basically a continuation of neighbouring Hani Kokini, which the locals refer to as the resort centre. There's not much to look at: mainly areas of undeveloped, rugged land with apartments dotted throughout. However, it offers easier access to more peaceful beaches than is found in neighbouring resorts.

Suitability:
Good for budget-minded holidaymakers of any age, whether couples or families. Suits those who want a quiet lazing-by-the-beach holiday or use it as a handy touring base.

Accommodation:
Couple of hotels with several self-catering properties dotted around.

Shopping:
Number of local food stores and souvenir shops with more choice in Hani Kokini. For serious shopping, head to Heraklion.

Beach:
Predominantly rocky shoreline with some sandy bays in between. Some water sports; other facilities limited.

Entertainments:
Daytime: on the beach or by the pool. Nightlife: small selection of bars and tavernas. Gouves and Hani Kokini can satisfy more demanding revellers.

Eating:
Couple of good tavernas.

Public-transport:
Buses to Heraklion or points E run all day from village. Cheap taxis. Car and bike rental readily available.

Local-excursions:
Half day: archaeological museum in Heraklion and Minoan Palace of Knossos; Malia and its archaeological sites. Full day: boat trip to Santorini; Spinalonga island; Lassithi Plateau; Phaestos; Aghios Nikolaos; Chania with its magnificent Venetian architecture; Ottoman-influenced Rethymnon. One/two days: Samaria Gorge. Week-long trips to many of the Greek Islands can be made.