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Laze on a white sandy beach
Explore ancient Crete ruins and monasteries
Take a walk off the beaten track
Get a taste for Greek food and drink
Head to Chania and the rest of Crete
Things to do in and around Stavros
Alexis Apartments are in the picturesque seaside village of Stavros. Here you can do as much or as little as you want. Hit the beach, soak up the sun, eat, drink, snorkel, fish, walk up mountains, hike down gorges, visit ancient ruins and magnificent monasteries, or take trip to Chania and beyond. Your Cretan adventure starts as soon as you arrive.
Laze on a white sandy beach
When it comes to white sandy beaches, you are spoilt for choice. Here are our favourites in the area.Stavros beach
With the exquisite Stavros beach right outside the apartments, you could easily spend your whole holiday splashing in the clear blue sea, snorkelling and sunbathing. This picturesque spot was the backdrop of the final dance scene in Zorba the Greek, and with its breathtaking beauty, it’s easy to understand why. Nature lovers should watch out for the eagles soaring over the coastal mountain.
Marathi beach
Another beautiful sandy beach, this time set against the backdrop of the white mountains and Souda bay. Marathi beach is about a 15-minute drive from Stavros on the south coast of the Akrotiri peninsula. The fish restaurant next to the beach is recommended. Just round the corner from Marathi is Loutraki beach, which is one of the few beaches in the area to offer sea sports.
Tersanas beach
Tersanas is just a few kilometres away from Stavros and offers another excellent sandy beach with a lovely bar overlooking the sea. Good for nights out as well as day trips.
Explore ancient Crete ruins and monasteries
Crete is seeped in history, myth and legend, and the area around Stavros has its fair share of all three.A monastery tour down a gorge
Just over four miles from Stavros in the northwest of Akrotiri is the Holy Monastery of Agia Triada, a beautiful Venetian monastery and museum. Directly next to the monastery is the start of a dramatic gorge down to the ocean. On the way down you’ll pass one of the oldest monasteries in Crete, the abandoned Katholiko monastery, which dates back to the 11th century. You will also pass the ‘Bear Cave’ - so called because of a stalagmite that resembles a big white bear. At the bottom of the gorge you can cool off with a dip in the sea before hiking back up to the top. The hike up and back can easily be done in an afternoon or take a picnic and go at a more leisurely pace.
The ancient city of Aptera
The ruins of the ancient city of Aptera overlook Souda Bay, just outside the Akrotiri peninsula. In Minoan times, Aptera was one of the biggest cities in Crete. Today, the ruins are well preserved, particularly the Roman theatre, Roman baths and public buildings. There is also a commanding Turkish fort from the Venetian period. Entry to the ruins is free.
Take a walk off the beaten track
Love walking but aren’t so keen on crowds? Stavros and the Akrotiri peninsula offer some stunning walks away from the tourist trail, both inland and on the coast.Coastal walks and a hike to a cave
There are some lovely walks right outside Alexis Apartments. You can traverse the coastline around the headland in either direction, or hike uphill to the cave that can be easily seen from Stavros beach. The walk up to the cave is fairly arduous but offers spectacular views of the coastline and white mountains. Take a camera and lots of water.
Walk through olive and orange groves
The Akrotiri peninsula is dotted with olive and orange groves, lemon trees, bee hives and fields flowers. Just stroll outside of Stavros village and you’ll soon be surrounded by nature, with the white mountains to one side and the coast to the other. Drive up to the mountains to enjoy more peaceful walks and dramatic scenery, and discover the traditional mountain villages and tavernas at the same time.
Get a taste for Greek food and drink
Stavros may be a small village but this is Crete, where you can find a taverna hidden round every corner. Stavros offers six tavernas and a beach cafe, with more tavernas just a short walk or drive away. The following are particularly recommended.
Elena’s Tavern
Elena’s Tavern is just opposite the seafront and has a wonderful charm that appeals to both young and old. Guests can choose between the shady, cool tables looking out to the sea or the tree-covered pavillion with children’s playground. The delicious menu offers a choice of traditional Greek food and drink.
Nikita’s Beach Shack
Sit back on your sun lounger and cool off an ouzo or beer on the beach. Set right on the beach, Nikita’s offers snacks, refreshments, cold drinks and ice cream to sun-seekers throughout the summer season.
Zorba’s Cafe
Named in honour of the film, Zorba the Greek, this taverna is just round the corner from Alexis Apartments. Nestled by trees and foliage, the taverna has a traditional look and feel. It’s a nice place to enjoy a meal or drink in the shade.
