The best running trails in the Crete

The Old Customs House (Palio Teloneio), built during Venetian rule in the 16th or 17th century, on the picturesque Venetian harbor of Rethymno in Crete, is a historic administrative building from the Venetian era. It stands directly at the harbor entrance and recalls the city's heyday as an important trading hub between Europe and the Orient.

The harbor was already in operation in Byzantine times after 961 AD and gained importance during Venetian rule from the 13th century onwards. The Venetians built the stone mole and repeatedly made efforts to keep the harbor basin free of deposits. After the Ottoman takeover in the 17th century, the new rulers added the lighthouse at the end of the mole, which still stands today. Quelle: https://de.aroundus.com/p/7350231-venezianischer-hafen

Lake Kournas is today the only large natural lake in Crete and is located in an enchanting landscape. Surrounded by high mountains and olive groves. It is located next to the village of Kournas, 2.5 km southeast of Georgioupolis beach, 43 km east of Chania and 20 km west of Rethymnon. Lake Kournas and its surroundings form a very important ecosystem for Greece. Kournas is one of the very few regions of Crete where vast amounts of fresh water have been accumulated over the years. Therefore, it is protected under the Natura 2000 program. On one side of the lake are cafes and restaurants with a view of the lake. Adjacent to the cafes, small white sandy beaches form in the summer when the water level drops. Visitors can swim on these beaches and rent sun umbrellas. Visitors can also rent pedal boats and kayaks here. It is an ideal choice for the afternoon when the water takes on a wonderful color and is calm. The lake was formed by the accumulation of groundwater coming from the mountains. The water bubbles up from a spring called Amati or Mati (it means "eye"), which is above the lake's water level in the summer, while it is hidden below the surface in the winter. A second spring is below the surface all year round. The lake is small, round, and covers an area of 570 "morgen" (approx. 2.3 km²), has a maximum depth of 22.5 meters, is 1080 meters long and 880 meters wide. In summer, there are 7.5 million cubic meters of water in the lake. The lake is fed by the Delfinas river. Source: cretanbeaches.com/de/str%C3%A4nde-in-kreta/str%C3%A4nde-auf-chania-west-kreta/kournas-see-chania

Lake Kournas is today the only large natural lake in Crete and is located in a magical landscape. Surrounded by high mountains and olive groves. It is located next to the village of Kournas, 2.5 km southeast of Georgioupolis beach, 43 km east of Chania and 20 km west of Rethymnon. Lake Kournas and its surroundings form a very important ecosystem for Greece. Kournas is one of the very few regions of Crete where vast amounts of fresh water have accumulated over the years. Therefore, it is under the protection of the Natura 2000 Program. On one side of the lake there are cafes and restaurants with a view of the lake. Adjacent to the cafes, in summer, when the water level drops, small beaches with white sand form. Visitors can swim on these beaches and rent sun umbrellas. Visitors can also go pedal boating and kayaking. It is an ideal choice for the afternoon, when the water takes on a wonderful color and is calm. The lake was formed by the accumulation of groundwater coming from the mountains. The water bubbles up from a spring called Amati or Mati (it means "eye"), which is above the lake's water level in summer, while in winter it is hidden below the surface. A second spring is below the surface all year round. The lake is small, round and covers an area of 570 acres, has a maximum depth of 22.5 meters, is 1080 meters long and 880 meters wide. In summer, there are 7.5 million cubic meters of water in the lake. The lake is fed by the Delfinas river. Source: https://www.cretanbeaches.com/de/str%C3%A4nde-in-kreta/str%C3%A4nde-auf-chania-west-kreta/kournas-see-chania

The Παλιό Τελωνείο Ρεθύμνου, in German the Old Customs House of Rethymno, was built during the Venetian period, when Rethymno was an important port for trade between Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa. It served as a customs station, where goods entering and leaving the port were controlled and taxed, thus being a historical testament to Venetian trade history.

The Venetian harbor of Rethymno (Λιμάνι Ρεθύμνου) ⚓🏛️ is one of the best-preserved symbols of Venetian rule in Crete and a vibrant center for locals and visitors alike. With its characteristic mole, old warehouses, and picturesque promenade, it is a must-see for any Rethymno visitor.

The beach 🏖️🌞 of Rethymno is one of the most beautiful and popular beaches in Crete. It stretches for several kilometers along the north coast and offers a perfect combination of fine sand, clear water, and a lively promenade. Ideal for families, sunbathers, water sports enthusiasts, and those who enjoy life.

From here, ships depart for the island of Spinalonga. We started with Nomos at 10 am. 1 1/2 hour stay on Spinalonga, swimming break in a secluded bay and delicious food on board. We were back at 3:30 pm. 30 Euros per person.