Zaros
Zaros is an attractive village famous for its spring water, which is now bottled and sold all over Greece. It is about 32 km away from Agia Galini. This spring water supplied the great Roman capital of Gortys as well. Starting with a visit to the beautiful Votamos Lake surrounded by rocky heights, you can enjoy your coffee while gazing at its blue green waters, feed the ducks and fish or walk around the lake and enjoy the beautiful scenery. For the more active lovers, the Agios Nikolaos Gorge is the ideal choice. The path starts at the Zaros Lake and passes by many interesting sights and places, starting with the Monastery of Agios Nikolaos, 900 meters further down. About 2,5 km down the path you will find the entrance to the canyon which leads to the amazing forest in Rouvas, one of the few oak forests in Greece.
Spili
Spili is a beautiful traditional village 26 km far from Irini Mare Hotel, direction Rethymno. The name Spili comes from the Greek word for cave (spilia) and the village is set between two cliff faces at the foot of Mount Kedros. The most famous sightseeing of Spili is the Venetian fountain of 'Kefalovrissi' with 19 lion heads and 6 other fountains, that brings crystal clear, drinking water from the Psiloritis mountain. Visit the Orthodox Church and the charming folklore museum of Cretan tradition.
Vori
Vori is a beautiful village 20km far from Irini Mare Hotel in the middle of Messara bay. Take a walk in the small alleys around the main square in the center of the village, to admire some traditional Cretan architecture. Due to its unique beauty and historical importance, it was characterized by the Ministry of Culture of Greece a traditional protected village in 1978. Visit the Museum of Cretan Ethnology which presents 2.500 objects from all over Crete, which reflect life in the Cretan Province during the second millennium AD. At the end of your walk enjoy the shade of the plane tree in the main square while drinking a Greek coffee or a raki in a traditional coffee shop – kafenio.
