at 22.7km (NE) from Geráki village
Near the beautiful village of Vrahasi there is the imposing gorge of Selinari, formed by the mountain of Anavlohos (625 m) to the north and the mountain Fonias o Detis (818 m) to the south. The symbol of Crete, the Cretan wild goat (Agrimi or kri-kri) and the Griffon Vulture are two rare species that used to reside in the gorge. The authorities in Vrahasi intend to establish a center of protection of the local fauna and flora at the gorge of Selinari and to develop a wildlife station, to provide observation of the Griffon Vulture colony at the east side of the gorge of Selinari. The hunting is forbidden in an area covering 10 sq.km. around the gorge.
at 22.8km (NE) from Geráki village
Small A' Class hotel by the sea near the village of Sissi. The hotel consists of 5 individual complexes. All rooms are equipped with individual bathroom, two telephones (room, bath- room), music, refrigerator, mahogany furniture, spacious balconies - most of them with a view to the sea. Very quiet, features swimming pool, restaurant - bar, reception, lovely gardens. H/B & B/B basis.
at 23km (NE) from Geráki village
The village of Sissi, a picturesque village 40 km east of Heraklion and 25 km west of Ag. Nikolaos. Sissi is a beautiful fishing village with strange nature. On one side of the village the nature is wild, with a small river flowing into the sea, a number of palm trees on its banks, ducks and geese swimming peacefully. On the other side there are sandy and gravel beaches, caverns in the rocks and deep clear water, full of many kinds of fish. A place that gathers the nature of different places of Crete.
at 23.1km (NE) from Geráki village
Situated in the fishing village of Sissi, Porto Sissi Hotel offers self-catering accommodation next to the sea. It has a swimming pool and offers free Wi-Fi access. Porto Sissi Hotel Apartments are tastefully decorated. They are equipped with satellite TV, refrigerator, hairdryer and iron. In the kitchenette, guests can prepare their meal and enjoy it in the privacy of their balcony. All units feature garden or sea views.
at 23.2km (NE) from Geráki village
A new boutique hotel, on the north cost of the island of Crete that combines an elegant contemporary architectural style with the blue colors of the Mediterranean sea. Interior design based on natural colors and classic materials create a relaxing atmosphere while distinctive luxury and personalized service provide an absolute lodging experience.
at 23.5km (S) from Geráki village
This house belongs to the New Palace Period (1700-1450 B.C.) and was functionally related to the Palace. In its restored part with two columns, there was a bench on which some object of worship had probably been set up. There was a paved hall in front with a double pier - and - door partition.
at 23.5km (S) from Geráki village
The south-east house belongs to the New Palace period (1700-1450 B.C.). It was well built and decorated with wall-paintings of lillies. It had a pier-and-door partition, a pillar room and storage rooms. A little behind it are other houses of the Old Palace period (1900-1700 B.C.) such as the house of the "Sacrificed Oxen", named after the remains of a sacrifice found there (horns of a bull and a tripod table of offerings) and the "House of the Fallen Blocks", after the blocks that had fallen from the facade of the palace due to an earthquake. Next to "South-East House" there are houses of the Old Palace period (1900-1700 B.C.), such as that of the "Monolithic Pillars" in front of the steps. Under the small roof is a Minoan, possibly smelting kiln.
at 23.5km (S) from Geráki village
The "Hall of the Double Axes" was so named by Evans due to the double axe signs engraved on the walls of the light-well at its rear. He also thought that it was the place of residence of the King of Knossos. The central area has openings on three sides and is therefore called a "polythyron" (system with multiple doorways). It has a slab floor and its walls were embellished with gypsum slabs and frescoes. The area between the "polythyron" and the light-well was used as a reception hall. Traces of a wooden construction were found here. Evans reconstructed a wooden throne at this spot. Pictures: 1, 2 According to the archaeological finds, the arrangement of the apartments on the upper floor was similar to those on the ground floor.
at 23.6km (NW) from Geráki village
The famous Palace of king Minos and the centre of the Minoan civilisation 5km south of Iraklion. The Great Palace covered an area of 20.000 sq. meters and had 1.400 rooms. Every section of the Palace had a specific use. In the west side of the Palace were the chambers of the ceremonies, of the administration and of the public storehouse...
at 23.6km (S) from Geráki village
The court is crossed by the so-called "Processional Causeways", which stand out from the rest of the paving and intersect each other. One idea is that processions paraded along them during ceremonies. The West Facade of the Palace rises up along one side. The facade is constructed of massive gypsum blocks (orthostats) set on a plinth. The facade is indented or protrudes corresponding to the interior arrangement of space. In front of the West Façade, two bases can be seen, thought to belong to stone-built altars. Settlement remains of the Neolithic (6700 - 3200 B.C.) and pre-palatial (3200 - 1900 B.C.) periods have been found beneath the level of the "West Court".
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