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All About Gournes
The ideal place to begin your exploration of the island by bus, car or on one of the many excellent fun excursions and history programs.
Gournes name comes from the old "gourna" meaning “basin”, throughout the area river basins evidence still exists. During the summer months, however, it is quite dry, but in the
winter rainy season, and during the spring thaw, water rushes through
here from the surrounding mountains to the sea below.
Gournes is a coastal village is home for some 1500 permanent residents.
Gournes name dates from around 1280 later it was abandoned because of the numerous invaders to the
eastern Crete. Excavations 1945 unearthed tombs of the Minoan period, with archaeological artifacts. The old chapel of Saint John Bezetis is famous for the fine preserved frescoes.
Gournes host many family run apartments and hotels that can be booked through tour operators and booked direct. Crete main airport of Heraklion hosts many European flights and international flights via Athens making this island one of the most popular destinations in Greece. Not only has Crete the highest bed nights in Greece it is one of the warmest through the year, making our the resort popular for all year round tourism.
Gournes population has increased dramatically in the past couple of
years due to its popularity and its close proximity to the islands capital Heraklion. and overseas persons moving into the village to enjoy the friendly atmosphere of village life.
Gournes falls within the municipality of Heraklion the capital of the island. A metropolitan city 15 minutes away on the bus. The capital is the main shopping location for the day market. close to the national museum, history museum and the fortress of Heraklion.
       
Gournes
The spirit of Cretan life overflows during the tourist seasons where the Cretans are famous for their hospitality, especially in Gournes we welcome visitors hosting the true feeling of Cretan village life.
We are known for our family hospitality and in resort we have the famous
Creta Aquarium that hosts all the marina life that can be found all
around the costal waters of Crete. An enjoyable not only for the children but for adults alike.
Our resort is mostly flat terrain making this the ideal place of persons with walking disabilities. We offer many
beach tavernas, restaurants, and bars right on the beach road close to
all the apartments and hotels.
Old Gournes
The
old village of Gournes is still a traditional Greek village with
narrow roads. At the end of the old village
sandy paths begin, which will take you up to the olive and grape fields.
Gournes old village, is a quaint sleepy village a step back into time. The village Church dominated the centre of the village. The villagers are extremely
friendly and are only to please to serve you with a welcoming smile.
       
Food
Many of the locals still tend the land, the surrounding olive groves host some the best recognised olive oil in the world, the essential ingredient in Greek cooking.
Fresh food is in abundance with many of the local taverna owners selecting the best village growers that produce quality local originally grown fresh fruit and vegetables giving the Greek dishes their distinctive flavour.
Families
Gournes is a family orientated resort but still has plenty of varied entertainments to cater for all ages from quite beach tavernas, to lively bars in resort. The resort hosts many bars, tavernas and shops. All within walking distance for the main hotels and apartments.
       
Beach's
The promenade beach-front tourists can find sandy beach coves, the local taverna and hotel owners provide beach sunbeds and parasols and provide food and drinks service right on the breach. The long sandy beach of the old base is particularly inviting, that also hosts the Municipality beach, which has a catering service and beach lift guard.
Note in Gournes
the largest beach fronted Hotel Xenia, the Government hotel management school. This is the only beach, which is supported with a life-guard service.
Wines
The local wines grape vines that date back 5000 years, that produce a light crispy earthy tasting wine both in white and red wines. These wines are distinctive to the island complimenting all types of meals. Most Cretans make their own village wines.
       
Medical Centres
The doctors and dentist in the village provide medical coverage under tourists travel or other
insurances. Many tour operators provide holidays in Gournes or book independently online, with travel insurance.
Thing to do in Gournes
Hotels and apartments on the beach offer a relaxing time, then during the summertime.
Creta Aquarium provides a morning walk along the beach to enjoy the local aquarium.
Water Park only a short coach ride away the perfect day out for the family in Anoplios.
The famous Cretan night at the old village of Anoplios 15 minutes away.
The hotel and apartments offer car
rental collection from the airport, ferry port
of Heraklion
Gournes offers a full excursions program for you enjoy when visiting Crete. Short history tours
to Knossos to boat trips to
Spinalonga, there are many types of excursion on offer all around the resort.
Book a holiday to GOURNES
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