Sandy Kalami beach is about 10 minutes’ drive away and Kalyves (Kalives) 15 minutes. Both offer shallow waters, clear sea and great facilities, along with beach bars and tavernas. A little further at 20 minutes’ drive is family friendly Almyrida beach, sandy and fairly small, with amenities and plenty of sunbeds/parasols along with water sports for those that want a break from sunbathing.
Take a 30 minute walk up to the edge of Aptera village where you will see the remains of ancient Aptera. There are massive walls nearly 4km long, large Roman cisterns and a classical Greek temple and theatre. North of here is the Turkish fort with views across Souda and from here you can see the Izzedin fortress, which was once a prison, at Kalami.
This award winning winery sits around 30 minutes away driving south-east from Megala Chorafia. Pre-book a tour and tasting experience, and perhaps buy some olive oil or locally harvested sea salt.
Just north of the airport, roughly 30 minutes from Megala Chorafia, the monastery of Agia Triada (also known as Tzagarolon Monastery) is one of the most beautiful monasteries in Crete. It hosts a small museum with various pictures and icons along with a small shop where you can purchase locally produced wines and oils.
Sit in the courtyard and savour the tranquillity and watch the resident cats! The monastery plays an important role in the religious and economic life of Crete.
