Gavalochori Travel Guide
The village is said to have been named after the Gavalas family, i.e. the ‘village of Gavalas’. It is believed that it was established when Alexios Komnenos, the Byzantine emperor in Constantinople, sent 12 noble men to Crete at the turn of the 12th century. They were accompanied by settlers and soldiers with the aim to suppress an uprising by the native Cretans against the emperor.
Gavalochori has been designated by the Ministry of Culture as a ‘historically preserved place with a landscape of particular natural beauty’. As you walk through the cobbled streets, admiring the quaint 500 year old stone buildings and the beautiful bougainvillea, make sure to also visit the Historical & Folklore Museum of Gavalochori.
This interesting ethnographic museum, set in a charming traditional Cretan house, will take you on a journey through time and teach you about the local craftsmanship, art, culture and traditions. Amongst other treasures, there are historical weapons, such as swords and guns, on display, as well as embroidered dresses, handmade furniture and old icons. An English guide is usually available to take you around the house and treat you to lots of detailed information about the exhibits.
The village also boasts no fewer than 12 churches within a short walk from the main square, all of which are still in use and often host local festivals, – but for another dose of local history, why not check out the Pre-industrial Olive Mill, built in the 17th century. Carefully restored since, it provides information, in both Greek and English, detailing the history of the mill and olive oil production in the area.
Other places to visit in the area:
In the small hamlet of Tsivaras you will find the Mellisakis Olive Mill, set amongst sprawling olive groves. The family business, which has been active since the 1890s, now offers free tours. One can explore the plant, learn the oil making process and try the different flavours of olive oil. During the harvesting season, one can also watch the entire extraction process.
- Xirosterni – Distillery and Farm
The tiny village of Xirosterni is a peaceful hidden gem and still untouched by tourism. There are a couple of interesting places to visit, such as the Peroulakis Distillery, where you can take a guided tour of the factory and discover how Raki (Crete’s version of ‘grappa’) is produced, watching the entire process from preparation to bottling, even enjoying some samples of the final product. In Xirosterni you will also find Cretan Gea, a beautiful farmhouse surrounded by olive groves – including an over 1000 years old tree – where cooking, cheese making and pottery workshops are held and olive oil, wine tours and a Cretan honey experience are offered.
The experience includes a visit of the apiary, honey tasting and a beeswax candle making workshop.
For a delightful day out, why not take a trip to the idyllic Lake Kournas around 30 min drive away, – the only natural freshwater lake in Crete, surrounded by mountains and lush greenery. This is a true oasis in the middle of the Apokoronas region, where you can take a relaxing dip in the calm, crystal clear water, spot fish and turtles while snorkeling, hire a pedalo (you can even get the ones with slides for the kids), hydrobike or small electric boat or just take a walk around the lake. There are several waterside tavernas serving traditional Greek food and refreshing drinks with lovely views over the lake.
Just a 15 minute drive from our villas is the Omoprogialos beach, a breathtaking quiet bay set off the beaten track, perfect for diving and exploring the local marine life, or just for a refreshing dip in these spectacularly clear waters. This is a real undiscovered gem and although there isn’t a designated beach area, there is plenty of space on the rocks to relax and sunbathe. If you fancy a bite to eat or a bit of shade, there is a traditional taverna next door, which is known for its fresh seafood and scenic beach views.
The nearby village of Georgioupolis is definitely worth a visit, only a 25 minutes drive away. This charming yet lively village boasts an incredible sandy beach, stretching for over 10 km to the east, lined with traditional sea view tavernas and bars, with sunbeds and umbrellas available to hire.
One of the places to visit close to the town itself is Saint Nicholas Chapel, named after and dedicated to the patron saint of sailors. It is set on a tiny island off Georgioupolis, connected by a small rocky footpath.
Next to the quaint harbour, from where you can take a variety of boat tours such as dolphin spotting, island hopping etc, is the famous ‘Turtle River’. You can hire a canoe or a pedalo to watch the turtles in the clear blue water and enjoy the surrounding flora.
In the charming village of Vrysses the river Boutakas runs through the centre, flowing under the Kamara Bridge, which dates back to the Hellenistic period. There are tavernas and cafes near the river where one can indulge in the famous local yoghurt and cheese.
and then