The village of Gournes Pediados is situated about 17 kilometres East of Heraklion, between the villages Kokini Hani and Kato Gouves. It is a quiet village, that exists of three parts: the old village of Gournes, the main road of Gournes and the beach road of Gournes.

The distance to Kato Gouves and Kokini Hani are both approximately 3 kilometres from Gournes.

The old village of Gournes is still a traditional Greek village with lovely narrow roads. At the end of the old village you will find sandy paths, which will take you up to the olive and grape fields. Four kilometers outside the old village of Gournes, you will find an authentic traditional church with a chapel, completely unknown by other tourists.

On the main street of Gournes you will also find various bars, apartments and accommodation, which are open during the summer and winter. This road is the old road to Heraklion, Kokini Hani and Kato Gouves. Here you are able to find various shops, supermarkets and a Greek pastry shop where you can enjoy a Greek coffee with a typical Greek sweet pie; souvenirs are also sold. A little bit further down the road you will find the big church of Gournes Pediados. During the Greek Easter celebration there is always a big party at the church.

Gournes has a nice beach road, were you will find various taverns, restaurants and supermarkets with a beautiful view of the island Dia. During the weekend it can be busy on this beach road, as lots of Greeks spend their free time on the beaches of Gournes. The taverns and restaurants can be full of locals, which is a good sign, because the best Greek food you will find is where the local people eat! In Gournes you can enjoy the beautiful beaches of the North coast of Crete. From the beaches of Gournes you are able to walk to Kokini Hani. If you walk to the direction of Kokini Hani, you will find a beach where lots of watersports are available. 

There are several beautiful beaches in Gournes, Crete. You can rent a sun bed on the beach anaddition to experiencing the culture and nature of Gournes, it is also possible to enjoy a relaxing beach holiday in Gournes! Once you have had enough of sunbathing, you can enjoy a lovely meal or drink in one of the taverns on the beach road. Your drinks can also be served at the beach. On the beach just before Kokkini Hani there are plenty of watersport activities such as: parasailing behind a speedboat, a banana boat, windsurfing etc. It is possible to go windsurfing on spring boards or all road boards, but you must be experienced. There are several locations in Gournes to go snorkelling. 

If you have enjoyed your view of Dia island, why not visit the island yourself? We can organize a boat trip for you to Dia island, please click on: Zorbas boat trips. The island of Dia is a nature’s reserve for the Kri Kri goats. The Kri Kri goats originally come from the Samaria gorge in the West of Crete. If you arrive with your boat to Dia, you can spend your day snorkelling, swimming, sunbathing or exploring the island. You are able to find a little church, lots of rocks and of course the Kri Kri goats. There is also a tavern and bar with comfortable sun beds. A boat trip to Dia will be an excursion you will never forget.

On the old American army base you are able to visit the Cretan sea aquarium, built a few years ago. Here you will discover more about the under water world of Crete: beautiful water animals, from sea snakes to sharks! You can also see interesting computer animations about the sea life of Crete, Greece. It is a modern and spacious aquarium, a fun and interesting visit for the whole family! The Cretan sea aquarium is open every day, the whole year round.;-p:

Situated on this old army base is a small harbour where you are able to enjoy the view of fishing boats. If you would like to go fishing, this is the perfect spot for relaxed fishing, you can catch beautiful, large fish! We are more than happy to give you advise about what equipment to use, and a few kilometres distance away you will find a local fishing shop.

The area of Gournes is perfect for cycling. We would love to suggest different cycling tours in the area, we even have our own bicycle trailer! 

Anopoli: A beautiful village only six kilometers distance from Gournes and 3 kilometers distance from Kokini Hani. In Anopoli you will find beautiful churches and an monastery where miracles have been known to happen (as the old legends tell us…). The village of Anopoli is surrounded by olive fields. When you first arrive in the village it looks a little bit like a moon landscape, but the further South you go, the greener it gets. Just outside Anopoli you will find the water park: “Watercity”: a day of fun for everyone! You are able to buy tickets for a full or half-day to the water park at Zorbas apartments. The water park “Water city” is open during the summer season. If you like traditional Cretan dancing, you can visit the Greek traditional night at: “Greek village-festival Anopoli”. Anapoli is a village worth visiting. 

Nirou Hani is situated 1 kilometer before Kokini Hani. If you come from Heraklion, it will be on your right hand side. This was originally an old Minoan villa, dating from 1500 BC. 

Galipa is a beautiful village 8 kilometers from Gournes, and quite difficult to find. Here you will still find an old traditional raki factory. This village has three old kafenions and nice, narrow streets. 

Galifa is a small village only 12 kilometers distance from Gournes, a Greek village with nice, small streets and a few old shops. You will find hardly any tourists here, only those from our jeep safaris. 

The village of Skotino is not far from Pano Gouves, a lovely village, that you will drive through before you know it! Skotino has a beautiful cave; there are signs on the road directing you there. From the cave there is also a nice hiking tour back to Gournes. Inside the cave you will see a fantastic view into the depths of the cave. 

Episkopi is situated in the mountains, hidden by a lovely area. It offers you a real ostrich farm, which is always fun to visit with the whole family. From Episkopi you will have a fantastic view of Dia Island. Just outside Episkopi is a small museum about World War II. You will find Episkopi only 12 kilometer distance from Gournes.