Enjoy a full day boat trip from Kissamos Port (departing daily during the summer) to visit some of the most stunning places in Greece. The boat takes you to Gramvousa Island, where you can visit the Venetian Castle perched atop the hill, then on to Balos Lagoon, where you can swim in the crystal-clear waters.
A gentle and unchallenging walk through beautiful unspoilt scenery is the perfect way to describe Deliana Gorge. Starting from the small village of Deliana, not far from Kissamos (approx. 20km), it takes approximately 2 hours to walk down to the bottom of the gorge, where a tiny church in a clearing provides a resting place. From here, follow the track back to the top. This gorge is ideal for nature lovers, since there is an abundance of herbs, flowers and griffon vultures, which nest in the immense limestone cliffs and can be seen soaring majestically in the skies above.
A small museum displaying lots of artefacts from the local area, the mosaic floors displays are particularly stunning, and the displays are given clear information for visitors. A great place to visit for a little while to learn about some local history and see ancient Roman pieces.
South of Kissamos is the village and gorge of Topiola, where, as you come out of a short tunnel just outside the village, you will see high above you the mouth of the cave, with a chapel, its cross glinting in the sunlight, built into the rock face at its opening. Considered an ideal ‘starter cave’, it is easily accessible up steps and along a path and is comfortable to wander through thanks to its almost cathedral like proportions and the fact that it is never totally dark, as the vast size of the opening allows light in to the cave. However, a torch will enable you to explore the deeper recesses.
Wild fig trees grow in some areas of the cave and flowers flourish in its shadows. If you visit in springtime look out for dragon lilies, foul smelling plants with dramatic blood red blossoms shaped like pitchers. In some areas the rocks are completely covered with algae, giving them the look of dark green velvet.
There is no admission fee to the Cave of Saint Sophia.
