Agia Pelagia

Agia Pelagia has just about everything you'll need on your holiday: super markets for fresh bread and other local products and produce, pharmacy and a doctor's office, tourism and sightseeing offices, internet cafe and an ATM (automatic cash machine).

If you want to see more of Crete, having Agia Pelagia as base allows many possibilities.

The village of Rogdia, high above the bay, stands out for the unique view it affords of the cove below and the entire city of Heraklion in the distance. The taverns offer good food, along with the beautiful vistas, and they attract the residents of Heraklion along with the tourists. The village streets are narrow, dotted with traditional Cretan homes, and there is the Monastery of Savathiana, which is one of the most beautiful Cretan monasteries.

The area of Agia Pelagia is almost totally owned by people who came down from the high village of Achlada. Visit this quaint village situated on top of the mountain over Agia Pelagia, offering an incredible view of the Fodele bay and the sea beyond.

Heading west on the national road from Agia Pelagia, turn off at the sign for Fodele village. Fodele is known as the birthplace of painter Domenicos Theotokopoulos, better known as El Greco. The house where he was born is now a museum, featuring copies of his work.

Visit the Melidoni cave. Drive past Bali (west, 20 km) and then turn left to Melidoni.

If you like diving, Agia Pelagia is a good choice both for snorkeling and scuba diving.