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Theriso Crete
In the White Mountains
By Katia Luz
Theriso is a small Cretan village 16 km from Chania town in the region of Chania. This village has a remarkable history, intrinsically interwoven with the freedom and independence of the Cretan people.
See the location of the village on the map below.
About Theriso
Θέρισο Village, with its dramatic mountain scenery and gorge, sits at 580 m at the foothills of the massive Lefka Ori or White Mountain range in the west of Crete.
The beautiful gorge with its dramatic scenery can be seen from the road as it runs
along the bed of the gorge for 6 km, accompanying the tree-lined river
and surrounded by the greenery of chestnuts and oaks. Of course the
gorge also makes a wonderful walk in the clean mountain air, and is
popular with rock climbers and hikers.
Climbers take the opportunity to start from the village to climb the high peak Pachnes, and experienced many sheer and breath-taking cliff climbs all around.
Those less active will enjoy a visit to the gorge, the forest and the nearby Sarakina Cave, 2 km north of the village, with historical finds from the Neolithic, Minoan and Geometric ages evidenced from archaeological explorations.
This gorge and village make a wonderful day trip from Chania, visitors can enjoy the many traditional tavernas in the small village serving both the famous Cretan lamb and meat dishes as well as plenty of local fresh vegetables.
In the village visit -
- Theriso National Resistance Museum
- Historical and Folklore Museum
- Statue of Eleftherios Venizelos
- Saint George Church
- Panagia Church
- Many local tavernas
Revolution
The famous politician and statesman, Eleftherios Venizelos (above), born in Mournies in Chaniá prefecture in 1864, started the revolution of 1905 in the village. The inaccessibility of the village, it is enclosed by mountains, made it difficult to capture.
This uprising of 1905 fought to unite the people of the island of Crete after 400 years of domination by the Ottomans, and subsequent outside rule by Prince George of Greece, sent by the Great Powers.
Finally in 1913 Crete became unified with Greece. Eleftherios Venizelos went on to become Prime Minister of Greece from 1910 to 1915.
Venizelos is one of the great heroes of Crete and Greece.
Venizelos no doubt chose this village as he was uniquely tied to the mountain people and this village, it being the village of his mother Stiliani Ploumidakis.
Today the house of his mother still stands in the village and has been preserved as a historical building.
Inside this small village also stands the Eleftherios Venizelos Centre for Independence and the Therisos National Resistance Museum, both of which accept visitors.
The National Research Foundation of Eleftherios Venizelos has its offices in Chania town, and held a 100 year anniversary celebrations of the Theriso uprising in 2005.
Θέρισο 100 Years was an event that gathered together visitors from all over the island and the world between 3rd and 6th March 2005. Proceedings were opened by Anna Psarouda Benaki, the President of the Hellenic Parliament. A congress was held with the support of the Hellenic Parliament, The Prefecture of Chaniá and the Thériso District Council. Contributions were made by universities, historians and research specialists.
Θέρισο holds a special place in the hearts of all Cretans.
Accommodation
Platanus House - located near the village of Meskla, just 12 km from Theriso, this home offers 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms and hosts 6 guests in comfort. Self-cater with a fully equipped kitchen. Enjoy terrace and balcony. Hike the Sarakina Meskla Gorge nearby.
"I cannot stress how amazing this place is. This was by far the best hotel we stayed in for our entire holiday! It has been renovated beautifully. Everything was modern and delightful. The house was big and so were the balconies. There was a gorgeous set of outdoor seats under the trees and beside the natural spring on the ground floor and there was also an absolutely huge terrace on the first floor. And the view was amazing! We loved being here so much. The host was spectacular. She was so accommodating and helpful. Really above and beyond. We were very appreciative. She left the house packed to the brim of goodies like wine and oranges (literally the best ones I’ve ever had!). That things were so stocked was very kind and helpful. This was the best place ever!"
Apirathes Residence - located in Zourva just 6 km from Theriso, these are three apartments offered in a beautiful mountain village home. Luxurious decor and fittings in this modern yet traditional home, with kitchenettes.
"Great view of the mountains and almost absolute silence. The house is located in a beautiful and quiet area, at the foot of the White Mountains. Very nice and helpful host. A great place to relax from the hustle and bustle of the city."
Villa Anthemida - situated at Kirtomados just 20 km from Theriso Village and only 12 km from Chania town, this large villa offers 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms and welcomes 4 guests in comfort.
Enjoy the pool and gardens, fully equipped kitchen, free parking and space for all the family.Here you will find peace and quiet in a rural setting close to the beautiful historic town of Chania. Relax on your private terraces. Cook a BBQ with the family. An oasis in a very handy location for exploring western Crete.
"A gem of a villa. For us the villa was a perfect little oasis. It had everything we needed in a peaceful location. Comfortable inside with all necessary amenities. Large comfortable bed with soft pillows. plus air conditioning. Beautiful garden, planted with exotic fruit trees, shrubs and perfumed flowers, with a plunge pool, loungers and breeze bar. Not to mention BBQ and wood oven.We felt secure within the electronic gates. We had the option of being able to relax, spending time at the villa, alternating with trips to the town or beaches or destinations further inland like the botanical Gardens or into the mountains. All were within easy access of the property."
Video of The Gorge
Here you will see the scenery as driving from north to south along the valley...
Map of the Villages of Crete
Below see the location of the village on the map of Crete.
Self-Drive with the Family
Limnoupolis Water Park just outside Chania, CreteBetween Chania and Theriso is the large Limnoupolis Water Park with many different pools and rides and fun for all the family. This visit can be combined with a drive up to Theriso to please all the family's tastes. The distance from the water park to Theriso is only 12 km. There are tavernas in Theriso which make it an ideal village to stop for lunch.
Or drive on to inland villages of Drakona or Zourva for lunch, continuing back to Chania by a different route. Perhaps visit the Sarakina Gorge or Kidoni Gorge for a walk.
Getting to Crete
Travellers arrive in Crete from Athens on one of the many daily flights with Olympic Air or Aegean Air, with a flight duration of 1 hour.
Travellers also arrive from many European hubs directly to Chania International Airport.
Ferries depart from Pireaus port of Athens and arrive into Souda port of Chania with a trip duration of 9 hours.
More information on flights and ferries below.
Car hire in Crete is a really good idea as it is a large island 60 km by 260 km. There is so much to explore.
When you book with our car rental partners - Rental Centre Crete - you are supporting a local company with excellent service and easy online booking. We are sure you will be well looked after by the team. Choose from hybrid, electric or regular vehicles.
We trust you have enjoyed these tips from the We Love Crete team. Evíva!
Yiásas!
Anastasi, Apostoli & Katia
are the We Love Crete team
We just love sharing our passion for Crete, Greece and travel
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About the Team
Yiásas!
Anastasi, Apostoli & Katia
are the
We Love Crete team
We just love sharing our passion for Crete, Greece and travel
About us
