A Trip to Tylissos

Starting from Heraklion, we head west, passing through Gazi village. At the 10th km, we reach a junction and, taking the left fork, arrive at Tylissos (14 km west of Heraklion) in a plain lush with vineyards and olive groves.

Individual visitors or small groups of people who, while loving the sea, also seek to spend their precious holidays in peace, in an environment with trees and greenery, will find what they are looking for in the Tylissos area. Here, you won't need to make any compromises that would diminish the quality of your so very important holiday. Everything you might need is relatively close by, yet far enough away not to cause any disturbance.

Farmers may offer a clean room and their pure products, and visitors can enjoy a holiday with relatively low expenses and experience true Greek hospitality.

Visitors looking for simple and inexpensive accommodation with breakfast can ask at the local cafes when in the area. Someone will surely be found who can host you for a reasonable fee. Here you will experience genuine hospitality first-hand and can taste pure Cretan products straight from the farmer!

In Tylissos village, visitors will find not only cafes but also a few simple tavernas (grill houses) with delicious meat and 'Greek' prices. If you ask at the cafes, a coffee shop owner will surely arrange to offer you a home-cooked meal, by arrangement, at a reasonable price.

In addition, countless fish tavernas, restaurants, etc. are available on the beautiful beaches of Amoudara, Ligaria, and Agia Pelagia, as well as in Heraklion city, all just 12-15 minutes away by car.

Book cheap flights to Crete and visit Tylissos!

 

Hiking, Cycling and Mountaineering in the area

Hiking in Tylissos is a must. The unique abundance and variety of flora and fauna demand it. The hoot of the (white) owl is often heard at night, and if you are on the road at that time, you might even encounter it or photograph it on a fence. There are countless paths free of cars and motorbikes that lead you through a uniquely wonderful natural environment to various picturesque villages in the area, visible from afar as if planted in nature. The olive groves with thousands of ancient trees, as well as cypresses, fruit trees, fig trees, almond trees, shrubs, and aromatic plants create a unique landscape even for an experienced botanist.

But even if you prefer mountain biking or mountaineering, Tylissos is still an ideal choice. The mountains of Ida (Psiloritis) are visible from here.

 

Sea: Sandy Beaches, Beaches and Coves in the area

Staying in Tylissos doesn't mean you'll miss out on the joys of the sea. The enchanting coves in Ligaria and Agia Pelagia are only 15 minutes away by car, and the vast sandy beach in Amoudara is just 10 minutes away. Longer journeys can also easily be made as day trips. The national road connecting eastern with western Crete is only a few minutes from Tylissos. And when you return here, the cool shade of the trees, the tranquillity of nature, and the hospitable people will be waiting for you.

 

Nightlife and Entertainment

For the restless visitor: Within 12-20 minutes you can be in the heart of the nightlife of Amoudara, Agia Pelagia, Heraklion, etc. Here, cafes, discos, clubs, and all kinds of restaurants and tavernas await you. And when you're tired and your ears start to ring, then return to Tylissos. Here, the air of tranquillity reigns again, and you'll surely be able to enjoy your sleep.

 

History - Archaeological Sites

Tylissos has retained its name for over 4,000 years.

The oldest traces of habitation date back to the third millennium (Early Minoan period).

From 1909 to 1913, excavations by Joseph Hatzidakis brought to light parts of the Minoan settlement, dominated by 3 large buildings (villas).

They are characterised by all that distinguishes high-level Minoan Palatial Architecture (bronze talents, storerooms with cauldrons, lustral basins, bronze figurines, frescoes, coins depicting on one side a woman with a palm wreath (possibly Hera) and on the other side Apollo with the word Tylision).

On the figurine, we read the word Nava (according to Hesychius, nauein = to supplicate). Consequently, we have a depiction of a suppliant.

At the top of the Tower, the Peak Sanctuary will impress you.

In Keramoutsi, we will see the ruins of the Venetian castle Malvicino, from which the province of Malevizi took its name.

On the Heraklion – Anogeia provincial road, you will find the Goniano Gorge. An impressive geological formation with wonderful caves.

 

Caves

Near Marathos village is Doxa Cave with its unique quartzites

and astonishing lithomatic decoration. 2 km further is Agrospeilio.

The Hainospilio (in the settlement of Kamaraki of Astiraki) is full of unique stalagmites.

 

Churches

Monastery of Agios Panteleimon.

Church of Agios Georgios, with the Kallergis coat of arms depicting the Lion (Venetian emblem).

The chapel of Panagia and Agios Antonios, with its magnificent frescoes, is about 4 centuries old.

In Moni village, you will find the chapel of Cheimeftou amidst incredible natural beauty.

Agritourism and sports tourism have begun and are developing with great success in the Municipality of Tylissos.

The geomorphological designs, the limestone rocks, the countless churches, the archaeological monuments, the unique hospitality of the locals, the treat of raki, the spirited places where the lyra is played, and the authentic 'mantinades' (Cretan rhyming couplets) truly leave visitors speechless.

Don't waste time, book cheap flights or ferry tickets and explore the beautiful Crete!