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Vori Crete
By Katia Luz
Vori Crete - Βώροι - is a rural village with a true Cretan character, located in the southern region of Heraklion, just 60 km from Heraklion Town and 64 km from Heraklion International Airport.
In the Village
Vori village street in Crete
Vori village house
If you are looking for quiet and peaceful surroundings, as well as an insight into the real Crete behind the beaches and towns, you will love spending time in a small village.
Vori is just such a village, which is proud of its heritage and rural way of life, and locals are happy to welcome travellers to its unadulterated small lanes and simple kafenions, of which there are two in the village.
The entrance sign to Vori village in southern Crete
Vori is surrounded by olive groves and farms in the fertile Messara Valley. This fertility was one of the reasons that the Minoan Palace of Phaistos was located here, the ruins of which are just 2 km from Vori village.
Olive oil, citrus fruits, raisins, wine and spirits are all made here in the village, as well as other crops and vegetables from both agricultural and private gardens.
Records of settlement in this village date back to the Minoan period, which means people have been living here in one way or another since 1800 BC.
The layers of history here are waiting to be discovered, you will see evidence of Minoan, Venetian and Turkish cultures as well as neoclassical Cretan architecture and simple modern village homes.
The significance of the collection of historical buildings, churches, homes and the way of life in the old zone of the village led to it being honoured by the Greek Ministry of Culture as a 'traditional protected village' as long ago as 1978.
You will see a vibrant, healthy, traditional village when you come to visit here.
Historical Significance
Vori Crete - explore the features of historical significance in the village and surrounds including:
- Museum of Cretan Ethnology
- Church of the Virgin Mary
- Church of Agia Pelagia
- Temple of Agios Ioannis
- Old Turkish Baths
- Old Towers
- Phaistos Archaeological Site
- Agia Triada Archaeological Site
- Monastery of Panagia Kardiotissa
Mosaic of the Virgin Mary, VoriBeaches Nearby
Matala Beach - here the bay can be seen framed by the walls of one of the ancient burial caves on the peninsula
Vori Crete - when you are staying in Vori village you will discover that the area has many beaches to visit with a car:
- Kalamaki Beach - a long sandy beach just 8 km from the village
- Matala Beach - a sandy beach with ancient caves
- Kokkinos Pirgos Beach - a sand and pebble beach with tavernas
- Keratokambos Beach - a quiet and remote beach
- Agiofarago Beach and gorge - a remote beach
- Red Beach and Kommos Beach - natural beaches near Matala
Matala Beach is 16 km south-west
The Red Castle fish taverna on the beach at Kokkinos Pirgos
Agiofarago BeachVori Accommodation
Vori Crete - there are choices of accommodation around Vori Village, in the village. We have chosen a variety that are locally run, where you will experience the real Cretan hospitality.
Avli House - live like a local with 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and a fully equipped kitchen. Enjoy relaxing on the terrace and the 'avli' or courtyard.
"Excellent holiday in a lovely little village with shops, taverna and bakery within walking distance. The location was in a quiet cul-de-sac in a traditional village. Our host was very responsive to any request. The location was not touristy, but within easy reach of good beaches and places of interest."
Vintage House Vori - this small and affordable village house in the centre of Vori will give you an experience of living like a local. A typical village house. Available are a double room and a three-person room, with shared bathrooms.
“The local atmosphere is unique, the hospitality was excellent!!! Highly recommended!!”
Petra Vori House - this stone traditional house gives you an experience of living like a Cretan, with an exceptionally friendly host. 2 bedrooms and 1 bathroom, live in self-catering relaxing style here.
"All round Greek pleasure, GREAT!!! The host is an exceptionally friendly, helpful, dedicated and attentive man. It was a great pleasure to experience the lively little village of Vori. The very tastefully and sensibly furnished historic house is simply a great pleasure with its furnishings and the very pleasant courtyard."
Heraklion Town
The Venetian ruin and old Turkish coffee house in Kournaros Square, Heraklion
If you do fly into Crete via Heraklion Airport, you may want to stay a while to enjoy the highlights of Heraklion town, which include:
- Liondaria Fountain
- Heraklion Archaeological Museum
- Old Venetian Harbour and Koules Fortress
- Agios Titos Church and Square
- Pedestrian Shopping Streets
- 1866 Local Market
- Koraii Cafes and Bars
- Memorial to Eleftherios Venizelos
- Kournarou Square
Visit the Old Port of Heraklion, see the Venetian Fortress, the fishing fleet and the Venetian Arsenal, have coffee down by the bayTavernas
Scala Taverna on Matala Beach
Vori Crete - there are several tavernas, cafes, a bakery and shops in Vori Village. You will receive the freshest ingredients and authentic local food.
Within driving distance you can also visit these seafood tavernas:
- Scala Taverna in Matala
- Red Castle Taverna in Kokkinos Pirgos
Seafood tavernas to try in Heraklion Town:
- Paralia near the Old Harbour
- Kastella near the Old Harbour
Exploring Heraklion Crete
Gortyna Roman ruins have a story to tell
In the region of Heraklion, there is just so much to explore:
Getting Here
Old wooden doors of VoriVori Crete - take a 1 hour flight from Athens to Heraklion with Aegean Airlines or Olympic Airlines, with many flights available per day.
Or take a 9.5 hour overnight ferry from Pireaus port of Athens to Heraklion port.
If you arrive into the airport or port of Heraklion, it is a journey of 60 km to Vori Village.
If you pick up your hire car from Heraklion Airport, it is a very interesting drive to Knossos Palace and then through the vine regions of Archanes and then south to Dafnes, Agia Varvara, Agioi Deka and Mires.
When you get to the signposts for Phaistos Archaeological site, you will continue 2 km to the south and west to the village of Vori.
To get to Vori by bus take the Agia Galini or Timbaki bus from Heraklion Bus Station A at the port. The journey duration is around 1 and a half hours and the cost is under €8.00, see bus info here.
Getting here by flights, ferries and hire car 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.
Vori Crete on the Map
Vori Crete - see the location of the village in the central southern Heraklion region on the map below:
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
