at 30.7km (SW) from Battle of Crete Museum
The plateau is located in the center of the Ida mountain range at an altitude of 1400 m. It can be accessed from various sides but the only asphalt road is from the town of Anogeia. It has a roughly triangular shape and is almost flat. Visitors can enjoy the wild landscape, take a walk to the entrance of Idaion cave or to the freedom fighter sculpture, made with boulders from the mountain. An other interesting attraction is the various Mitata scattered all over the area. Those are circular domed buildings made with stones and used by shepherds for accommodation and storage of cheese. There is also a tavern with traditional food. The area of Nida, in earlier times, before the systematic farming and logging damage the flora of Psiloritis, was covered by forests in which mythological and traditional tales put different events. Here Dimitra fell in love with the mortal Iasion. http://www.anogialand.gr
at 31.4km (SW) from Battle of Crete Museum
Zaros (Greek: Ζαρός), at an altitude of 340 metres, is a town with a lake and gorge nearby. It has a couple of hotels and it is 44 km from Heraklion at the southern foothills of Mountain Psiloritis. The population of 3,400, produce olive oil, sultanas, vegetables and spring water. There are a couple of fish farms that serve both trout and salmon. In Zaros, there are cafes near Lake Votomos, as well as a tavern that serves fresh trout called I Limni (The Lake). Close by is Rouvas Gorge, which is part of the Psiloritis mountain range and is on the hiking route known as the E4 European Walking Path. Nearby Zaros are traditional water mills which have been working since the 16th century, as well as archaeological sites and monasteries. Zaros is also famous for its water "ZAROS" bottled by a company called Votomos SA.
at 31.5km (SW) from Battle of Crete Museum
At 1538m above sea level, 20 km. south of the traditional town of Anogia , on the plateau of Nida, of Mountain Psiloritis, lies this sacred cave, where according to mythology, Rhea, Zeus' mother, hid the new born Zeus in this cave in order to protect him from his father Kronos (Saturn), who was in the habit of swallowing his children because he feared they might deprive him of his power. Hidden in that cave Zeus grew up being fed with the milk of the goat Amalthia, while the 'Kourites" covered the child's crying through banging their copper shields.
at 31.8km (SW) from Battle of Crete Museum
15th June- The path up to the summit of Psiloritis is well-known and well-marked and does not need any further description from me. Fortunately for me, my pack was lighter by about 4 kg as I had handed over my camping equipment and extra food supplies to T who was going to catch the ferry back from Chania two days later and who could drop my gear at the flat en route. Distance:20.1 km Time: 8 hrs. Mov av 3.2 km/hr Height overnight: 427m. Max. height:2,454 m
at 31.9km (SW) from Battle of Crete Museum
This is one of Crete's most famous monasteries. It played an important role during the years of the Cretan Renaissance, both in the letters and the arts, and, during the last centuries of Venetian rule, it was known for its many scholars, artists and venerable monks.
at 32.1km (E) from Battle of Crete Museum
Krassi is a small village 47 Km's from Iraklion and 17 km from Malia at an altitude of 600 m.asl, on the way to Lassithi plateau, and is administratively part of the Municipality of Malia. The village is one of the prettiest in Crete, with a lot of springs. Due to the free running water , it is covered with walnut trees, plane trees and all kinds of vegetation. Next to the spring in the middle of the village is one of the oldest and biggest plane trees in Crete (its root has a circumference of 22 meters!).
at 32.4km (SE) from Battle of Crete Museum
It is the most significant group of windmills preserved on Crete. It occupies the northern entrance to the Lasithi plateau and is the landmark of the whole area. Today 24 windmills are preserved (out of the original 26), 7 of which extend to the south of the road that enters the plateau while the rest are built to the north of it. All the mills belong to the one-sided type of windmill, that grinds in a standard position, always on the same direction of the wind. Windmills of this type are preserved on Crete and on Carpathos but the Cretan ones are generally more carefully built and more elegant. The group of windmills has been declared a work of art since 1986. The mills belong to individuals and some of them have been restored while others still remain half-ruined.
Source: The Hellenic Ministry of Culture
at 32.5km (E) from Battle of Crete Museum
The Palace of Malia, which covered an area of 7,500 sq.m. , was the third- largest of the Minoan Palaces and is considered the most "provincial" from the architectural point of view. The first Palace was built in 1900 BC and destroyed in 1700 BC when a new Palace was built. Following the fate of the other palaces in Crete it was also destroyed in 1450 BC. and the present ruins are mainly those of the new palace.
at 32.9km (W) from Battle of Crete Museum
This village-style complex is situated in Bali, 700 metres from the beach. It offers self-catering apartments, 3 swimming pools and it has its own small raki distillery. Hotel Stone Village (Petrino Horio) apartments are traditionally decorated featuring dark wood furnishings and stone walls. They have a fireplace, a fully equipped kitchen and a dining area. They all come with air conditioning and TV, and offer Wi-Fi access. Their balconies enjoy views of Talaia Mountains. Free sun beds are available by the swimming pools of Stone Village Hotel Apartments. Next to one of the pools, a bar serves refreshing drinks and snacks. The restaurant prepares traditional Cretan dishes made with ingredients produced in Stone Village’s own farm. Inside the complex, there is also a small traditional winepress. Bali’s location in the centre of Crete is ideal for exploring the entire island. The town of Rethymno is 35 km from Stone Village Hotel Apartments. Free private on-site parking is available. Hotel Rooms: 44
at 33.2km (W) from Battle of Crete Museum
Ormos Atalia is located in Bali Village, only 100 metres away from the harbour and 150 metres from the beach. It features an outdoor pool, and offers free public Wi-Fi. All guest rooms offer a private balcony. Each room is equipped with satellite TV, minibar, and en suite bathroom with hairdryer. Guests of Ormos Atalia can relax in the green garden or by the pool area, and enjoy scenic views of the surrounding area. Hotel Ormos Atalia is situated half way between Heraklio and Rethymno in Northern Crete. Connection to the public transport network is available 2 km from the hotel, and Nikos Kazantzakis Airport is 50 km away. Free parking is possible at a nearby location. Hotel Rooms: 45
