Anidri Eco-cottages

Activities

• Walk to Anidri (or Gialiskari) beach (1.5-2 hours along a rocky valley), or drive via Paleochora (15 mins): this gorgeous sandy horseshoe enclosed within rocky spits, is one of our favourite swimming spots in southern Crete. There's a canteen and parasols in season, plus a superb German masseuse offering Ayurvedic, shiatsu and "energising" massages in an open-sided shack
  
  
• The laid-back resort of Paleochora (5km away) has no shortage of outdoor tavernas and bars, a beach disco and decent shopping (jewellery, beach stuff); there's also a daily ferry to Souyia, Ayia Roumeli and Loutro
  
  
• Walk from your door up to the monastery of St John at Azogires (2 hours; key to the museum from Alpha taverna), returning the same way
  
  
• Or follow the ‘E4’ footpath along the south coast to the magical valley of Lissos, with its ancient temple and healing spring, catching a ferry back from Souyia (6 hours)
  
  
• Using the ferry, hike the famous Samaria gorge (from Ayia Roumeli) or the quieter Ayia Irini gorge (from Souyia)
  
  
• Catch the weekly ferry to Gavdos, a remote, marijuana-friendly islet of sand dunes and low cedar trees, which is also Europe’s southernmost point
  
  
• Drive to the lagoon-like beach at Elafonissi - early, to beat the crowds; and stop off at Chrysoskalitissa monastery on your return
  
  
• Hire a mountain bike or trail bike in Paleochora and explore the mountain tracks
  
  
• Go birdwatching – lots of raptors (including lammergeier) and songbirds
  
  
• Or admire the spring flowers – dozens of orchid species, dragon arum, peonies…
  
  
• There are occasional yoga courses, or if you are looking for a place to run your own, the seminar room is ideal
  
  
• Selino Travel runs three-hour dolphin-spotting trips from Paleohora every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday, departing at 5pm