GOUVES
Area: Crete
Country: Greece


Location:
On N coast, 12 miles E of Heraklion and the airport.

Telephone code from UK:
30 28970

Position:
On coast, just off national highway. Surrounded by scrubland with impressive mountains climbing up behind.

Description:
A friendly, relaxed town with little going on, Gouves was developed _ and is still developing _ purely for tourism so there is no older "village" area. It mainly comprises various groups of accommodation with rugged farmland in between. The holiday action is mostly centred along one main street full of friendly bar and taverna owners trying to reel you in. If you're looking for culture, you won't find it here, although there are some pleasant walks in open farmland just two minutes' walk from the main strip.

Suitability:
Couples and families of all ages and most budgets. Nightlife isn't as lively as neighbouring resorts so head elsewhere if you want to party into the wee hours.

Accommodation:
Good mixture of most classes of hotel as well as economy self catering.

Shopping:
Hotel shops, small supermarkets, some boutiques and many souvenir establishments. Hersonissos offers greater variety; Heraklion for the serious shopper.

Beach:
Good stretches of coarse sand with some rocky areas. Most water-sports facilities available at hotels, along with sunbeds and sun umbrellas for hire.

Entertainments:
Daytime: lazing by the pool or on the beach; water sports. Nightlife: a number of local tavernas and bars; hotel entertainment.

Eating:
Selection of tavernas and restaurants offering local cuisine; hotels for international menus.

Public-transport:
Frequent buses to Heraklion and Aghios Nikolaos. Local taxis. Car and bike hire available throughout resort.

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; Aghios Nikolaos; Chania with its magnificent Venetian architecture; Ottoman-influenced Rethymnon. One/two days: Samaria Gorge.