Town of Gouves vs. seaside resort of Kato Gouves

A few kilometres inland from the northern coast of Crete lies the original, typically Greek town of Gouves. It gave its name to the popular seaside resort of Kato Gouves, which is visited by crowds of enthusiastic tourists every year. Czech tour operators often confuse the two names and use both "Kato Gouves" and "Gouves" for the popular tourist resort on the Cretan coast.

While Kato Gouves is one of the lively holiday resorts, well equipped with tourist facilities and lined with beautiful beaches, Gouves is a picturesque and quiet village that lives its own peaceful life. If you go on a trip here, you can buy fresh bread at the local bakery or have a tasty meal at one of the local taverns. For swimming, the locals head to nearby Kato Gouves, which boasts beautiful sandy beaches, including the eponymous Kato Gouves (or just Gouves) beach.

Excursions and sights around Gouves

A great attraction for all water lovers is undoubtedly the extensive Star Beach Water Park, located on the coast of Hersonissos Resort (about 9 km from Gouves). Lovers of exuberant dancing and nightlife also head to nearby Hersonissos. On the other hand, to the north-west, near the seaside resort of Gournes, you will find the Dinosauria theme park and the Thalassokosmos aquarium. These attractions can ensure an interesting trip if you're holidaying here with children. If you head further inland through the village of Gouves, you will reach the Skotino Cave.

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 there are also several beautiful churches to admire, as well as the extensive collection of the  archaeological museum Kretikon Museion.

From the natural attractions, the Lasithi Plateau is to be mentioned, the largest mountain plateau in the interior of the island, which was once irrigated by a number of small windmills. The remains of the mills can still be seen 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.

More touristic destinations of Crete

Close resorts: Analipsi, Gournes, 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.