History of the town

The first records of settlement date back to the time of Turkish rule, when several Turkish families built stone houses and founded the village of "Svourou Metochi". After the Turks left, the dwellings were used during the winter months by the inhabitants of the Lasithi Plateau, who migrated towards the coast with their cattle. The Lasithi Plateau is a flat area in the middle of the Dikti Mountains in the eastern part of the interior of the island, very fertile and fruitful in summer, but inhospitable and hidden under piles of snow in winter.

As the population of the town grew, so did its culture. A small church was built and above its door, "Analipsi" (translated as "ascension") was carved in stone. However, the original name 'Svourou Metochi' was used until the 1970s, when the development of tourism in Crete led to the town adopting a new name - 'Analipsi'.

Resort Analipsi - characteristics and facilities

Analipsi forms part of the popular tourist area of Kato Gouves - Analipsi - Anissaras, which stretches along the northern coast of Crete in a strip about 6 km long. The three towns are very similar in type.

Analipsi is a lively and well-touristed resort. If you choose it as your holiday destination, you can be sure that you will be well taken care of - apartments and hotels of various levels are available, you can enjoy a great meal in the pleasant tavernas and restaurants, and you can have fun at the beautiful beach and after sunset in the local bars and discos.

The resort isn't too noisy though, if you're after a real nightlife, head to the nearby resorts of Malia and Hersonissos. Further and more varied shopping and entertainment options can be found in the nearby capital Heraklion.

Analipsi - beaches

When you reach the coast of the resort, the first thing that catches your eye is the beautiful little church standing right by the seashore. To the east of this church is the beautiful and popular Analipsi beach.

The long, sandy beach of Analipsi attracts both adults and children, as its gently sloping entrance to the sea makes it ideal for various water games. The beach is organised and boasts the EU Blue Flag, but during the peak summer season it can be quite crowded and even windy in strong northerly winds. Along the beach there is a long promenade full of typical Greek tavernas and coffee shops, bars and shops selling all kinds of goods.

The western part of the coast is more rocky and the entrance to the sea is more difficult (watch out for sea urchins), but on the other hand you can enjoy more peace and privacy than on the main beach of Analipsi. This part of the coast with its smaller beaches is also popular with divers who dive under the sea to explore the diverse underwater life here.

Excursions and sights nearby

The resort of Analipsi is located in the immediate vicinity of the main road connecting the town of Heraklion with the resort of Agios Nikolaos, so you can go wherever you want on the island. There are several car and motorbike rental companies in the resort and there is also a regular bus service to Analipsi.

Popular tourist destinations include the archaeological site of Knossos and of course the nearby historic town of Heraklion, the capital of Crete. Heraklion is dominated by a massive Venetian fortress with an old harbour, and is also home to several beautiful churches and the extensive collection of the Kretikon Museion archaeological museum.

Natural attractions include the Lasithi Plateau, the largest mountain plateau on the island, located about 30 km inland and formerly irrigated by a number of small windmills. The remains of the mills can still be seen here today, and in close proximity to the plateau we can also find other interesting and beautiful sights, such as the Moni Vidianis Monastery or the Dikteo Andro stalactite cave, where, according to one of the legends of Greek mythology, the god Zeus was born.

Above the town of Analipsi there is a small gorge with very nice surrounding nature. It is not as big and famous as the Samaria Gorge, but it still offers beautiful natural scenery.

A great attraction for all water elements is undoubtedly the extensive Star Beach Water Park (about 5 km from Analipsi). And lovers of exuberant dancing and nightlife head to nearby Hersonissos (sometimes referred to as "Analipsi Hersonissos" after this resort).

For whom the centre is suitable

Most typical holiday visitors will be satisfied in Analipsi, as the resort offers quality tourist facilities and a variety of activities. The resort is lively but not overly noisy and boasts a beautiful sandy beach.

More touristic destinations of Crete

Close resorts: Anissaras, Gouves, Kato Gouves

Most favourite resorts of Crete: Adelianos Kampos, Agia Marina, Agios Nikolaos, Heraklion (Iraklion), Hersonissos, Chania, Ierapetra, Kalamaki (Matala), Malia, Platanias (Chania), Rethymno, Stalis

Resorts, beaches, sights or trips - clearly listed on the map of Crete.