Gouves

There is Kato (“lower”) Gouves, which is the magnificent coastline, and then also the quiet village called “Pano” (upper) Gouves. Pano Gouves is on the slopes of Mt. Ederi and has lovely views. The name Gouves is derived from "gouva," which means a hollow in the earth. When people just say “Gouves”, they generally mean the beachfront region, as we do here throughout this text. Find a brief travel guide for everything need to know about Gouves.

Where is Gouves located on Crete?

Gouves is just a few minutes from Heraklion airport. Between Gournes from the west side and Analipsi from the east side. The region features a great selection of beaches, plus a wide range of accommodations. This area, so popular with tourists, has everything you might need- restaurants, cafes, markets, and shopping, plus a medical centre.

There are a lot of options for fun at the beach in Kato Gouves: there are paddle boats and jet skis for rent, scuba lessons to be taken, snorkelling to be done, paragliding or waterskiing to learn, and just splashing around in the azure waters.

That makes Gouves Crete a convenient home base from which to explore the region by rented car. Beaches, mountains, and various cultural and recreational activities are nearby.

How to go to Gouves

To get to Gouves from Heraklion airport, drive east along the National Road to Agios Nikolaos. It is a straight route and very easy to get to. About 17 kilometres outside Heraklion you will see the exit to Gouves. Turn off the National Road and about 1 kilometre further on, you will see the sign to seaside Gouves (Kato Gouves) on your left, and the sign to the village of Pano Gouves on your right.

You can rent a car from our rental agency at the airport. It’s always a good idea to reserve your car in advance by booking online, especially if you’re coming in a busy season.

You can use the public bus to go to Gouves. Outside of the Heraklion airport (HER) there is the bus station and there are regular busses connecting Heraklio and Gouves.

Another possibility is to catch a taxi to Gouves, there are a lot of taxis outside of the airport. If you would like you can organise your transportation to Gouves here :

Gouves activities & must-see places

A variety of activities are waiting for you in Gouves or nearby Watersports, There are paddle boats and jet skis for rent, scuba lessons to be taken, snorkelling to be done, paragliding or waterskiing to learn, Waterparks, Anopolis and Aqua plus

Aposelemis gorge, Hikers will love the Aposelemis Gorge. This dramatic canyon has walls sometimes 200 meters high. This 6-kilometre gorge is rated as an easy hike, with an altitude difference of just 100m. The hike takes about two and a half hours and the scenery is wonderful. There is a great variety of trees- plane, oak, and carob, among others, and the ecosystem is home to raptors and waterfowl.

Cave of Ag.Paraskevi in Skotino, which is among the largest in Crete. It has a depth of 160 meters, and it is on four levels.

Visiting the traditional village of Pano Gouves with its amazing square, you will find traditional kafeneia and a taverna, while in the narrow alleys you will discover many old houses, some restored and others ruined. Driving to mountain Ederi and enjoy Wonderful Panorama from

Gouves beaches

Gouves means Beach life. The sea, all along Gouves coast is sandy and shallow and is ideal for family holidays as it is particularly safe for children to enjoy themselves. The flat sandy beaches are fully developed, with umbrellas and sun loungers. There are many small ports marinas and piers along the beach that protect from the north winds, allowing for a safe swim.

Gouves is a great place to try out a variety of watersports.

Explore the area to find other excellent beaches in Gournes, Kokkini Hani, and Analipsi.

Kokkini Hani is a family-friendly beach with full facilities and services and a very popular choice.

Gouves beach is sandy, has watersports facilities, and is also family-friendly

Analipsi, just 4 km east of Gouves, is also a fully organized, family-friendly sandy beach with water sports facilities.

Gouves with kids

Are you travelling to Gouves with children? Then you might want to treat them to a fun day at a waterpark. There is the Water city Waterpark in Anopoli, Crete, and Acqua Plus in Lasithi. Both of them at 10 km from Gouves.

Another activity that both -children and parents – will enjoy is a boat excursion.

A great idea is a visit to Creta aquarium, Planetario and Dinosauria, you don't have to book it n advance. You will book direct at the entrance. Only 2 km. from Gouves. A perfect idea for a long beachfront walk.

Getting married in Gouves

Crete is an idyllic place to get married. Book your wedding ceremony and enjoy your big day in Gouves Crete. A world of style and Cretan warmth.

The church of St. Constantine and Helena is a unique wedding venue where the couple can seal their union with the protection of these saints.

Advice

Renting a cheap car is not only the easiest way to get to Gouves, it’s also the best way to explore the region and visit the must-see-places. Crete is full of stunning drives. Having a car gives you plenty of flexibility. Rent your cheap car in Kato-Gouves

01/14/2021