Compare prices from several sites before booking

Always bestprice Travel
Guide to Viannos
VIANNOS · ITINERARY

Viannos (Iraklio, Kriti, Greece) in 3 days – Complete Itinerary

3 days / 2 nights · Memory, villages, trekking, coast

This itinerary combines the inland villages and memorial sites with the southern coast of Viannos, arranging the visits across three consecutive areas. The first day is dedicated to Ano Viannos, Amiras and Portela Gorge; the second follows the coastline between Keratokampos and Kastri; the third reaches Arvi and its monastery. A rental car makes the connections convenient, while the hike through the gorge should be planned according to the season, trail conditions and your own experience.

Stops
3 · 3 with location
Mode
Walking
Route
22.0 km · 275 min
Source
Mapbox · walking

Stops on the map

  1. 7.0 km · 87 min
  2. 15.0 km · 189 min

Day 1 – Inland villages and the memory of Viannos

09:30–18:30 Cultural and active

Get to know the old town of Ano Viannos and the region’s memory before spending the afternoon at Portela Gorge.

09:30

Ano Viannos and the ancient plane tree

Spend about 1 hour and 30 minutes in the center of Ano Viannos, exploring the narrow streets on foot and admiring the ancient plane tree in the setting of the village square. Parking can be found in public areas in the center; from there, the visits are done on foot, with no entrance fees expected for the walk. Allow about €3–8 for a coffee or a drink.

Wear comfortable shoes: the village streets can be steep.

12:00

Viannos Massacre Memorial (Amiras)

Drive to Amiras, usually in about 15–20 minutes, and set aside 45–60 minutes at the memorial to read the testimonies and reflect on the historical context of the 1943 massacre. The outdoor visit is generally free; consider €0–5 for any informational materials or voluntary contributions. Bring water and plan lunch in a village taverna or along the way, with an estimated cost of €12–20.

Behave respectfully: this is a memorial site.

14:00

Portela Gorge

From the Amiras area, drive to the agreed access point for the gorge, allowing about 20–30 minutes and checking the road and starting point in advance. For a full hike, plan roughly 3–4 hours: the terrain can be rough and the route may require a return transfer, so consider a local guide, roughly €25–60 per person, plus any transport costs. Without a guide or proper experience, limit the visit to a short, safe section; no tickets are required for the trail, but conditions and accessibility should be checked on site.

Do not enter in case of rain, flood risk, or unfavorable local advice; bring hiking shoes, water, and a charged phone.

Day 2 – Between the church of Agia Pelagia and the beaches

09:30–19:00 Relaxed, with stops by the sea

Exploring the coast of Keratokampos and Kastri, alternating a short cultural visit, a swim, and a stroll along the seafront.

09:30

Church of Agia Pelagia

Reach the church by car from the coastal accommodation or from Ano Viannos, allowing for variable travel times depending on the road and your starting point; from the parking area, continue on foot for the visit. Set aside about 30–45 minutes to take in the building and the surrounding landscape, respecting any religious services. Exterior access usually has no cost; for a voluntary offering, consider €1–3 and check the official website or locally for information on any openings and interior visits.

Dress respectfully and do not enter if the church is closed.

11:00

Keratokampos Beach

Drive to Keratokampos Beach, with a short ride from the church area, and choose a stretch of coast suited to sea conditions. Allow 2–3 hours to swim, relax, and stroll along the seafront; beach access is free, while renting an umbrella and sun loungers may cost around €8–15. For a simple lunch nearby, budget about €12–22 per person.

Bring water and sunscreen: shade and facilities can vary along the beach.

16:00

Kastri Harbor

Reach Kastri by car in about 5–10 minutes from Keratokampos, then explore the harbor and waterfront on foot for about 1–2 hours. Admire the boats and the outline of the coastline; the walk is free, while stopping for coffee or ice cream may cost around €3–8. If you are planning a boat trip, ask local operators directly about availability, duration, and prices, which can change with the season and sea conditions.

In the evening it is a good time for a walk, but check on site for any seasonal services.

Day 3 – Arvi and the Monastery of Agios Antonios

10:00–16:30 Peaceful and scenic

Discover Arvi’s seaside character and end the trip with a respectful visit to the area’s monastery.

10:00

Arvi coastal village

Drive to Arvi, estimating the time from your overnight stay based on the location you choose, and leave the vehicle where permitted before exploring the village on foot. Spend about 1 hour and 30 minutes along the seafront and the streets in the center, taking in the coastal scenery and the town’s everyday life; the walk is free. For coffee or a snack, allow €4–10, while a taverna lunch may cost around €12–22.

Distances and available services may vary: ask for directions locally before continuing to the monastery.

13:00

Monastery of Agios Antonios

Drive from Arvi to the monastery, checking locally for the most suitable route and road conditions; the final stretch may require walking. Allow 45–90 minutes for the visit and observe the architecture and landscape discreetly, respecting the religious community. Any entrance fee or contribution should be checked on the official website or directly on site; budget €0–5 for a possible donation, without assuming the interiors are accessible.

Check accessibility and driving directions in advance; bring clothing suitable for a place of worship.

Estimated budget

2-night stay, double room (per person share)€50–120
Car rental for 3 days (per person share if shared)€45–100
Fuel and parking€25–50
Meals and drinks for 3 days€75–135
Possible guide or transfer for Portela Gorge€25–60
Entrance fees, donations, and small expenses€0–20

The local currency is the euro (EUR). Amounts are indicative ranges per person unless otherwise stated, and may vary depending on the season, availability, car-sharing arrangements and chosen services; they do not include flights or personal expenses. Check fares, trail conditions and information on opening hours and tickets on official websites or directly with the operators.

Practical tips

  • For getting around between the interior and the coast, a car is practical; check insurance coverage, rental terms, and parking availability.
  • Before tackling Portela Gorge, check the weather, trail conditions, and return options; for a full excursion, consider hiring a local guide.
  • Bring water, a hat, sun protection, and suitable shoes: services may be limited outside built-up areas.
  • In churches, monasteries, and memorials, respect local guidelines; check official websites or on-site for opening hours, access, and tickets.