Gazi: Nature and Culture Nearby

Gazi is the seat of the Municipality of Malevizi and its main urban center. The town lies west of the Gazanos River, from which it takes its name. The river thus shapes both the town’s geographical setting and its name. Nearby, you’ll also find forests, a gorge, churches and beaches. If you’re looking for a hotel in Gazi, you can first consider whether you’re mainly interested in Gazi as an urban center or in the natural and cultural sites nearby.

Forest, gorge and surroundings

The nearby Keri Forest has a shelter and benches, and is also suitable for hiking and cycling. Hiking and cycling appeal to different travel interests; the shelter and benches offer a place to pause in the forest. The nearby Almyros Gorge runs between the heights of Keri Forest and Kastrokephala Hill. An ancient city stands on the hilltop. The gorge meets Ellinoperamata Beach, also known as Linoperamata. If you associate the forest primarily with hiking and cycling, these are two activities specifically mentioned; the gorge is notable for its course and its connection to the ancient city on Kastrokephala.

Churches and archaeological finds

At the exit of Almyros Gorge, visitors can see the small church of Agia Marina by walking against the flow of the stream. It formerly served as the cemetery for the Monastery of Agios Ioannis tou Farangiti. The church is thus defined both by its location at the gorge’s exit and by its former use as a cemetery. A few meters uphill, in the gorge, is the two-aisled church of Agios Antonios and Agia Paraskevi, with significant frescoes. The two churches can be distinguished by their different features: Agia Marina is associated with the monastery’s former cemetery, while the other is notable for its two-aisled design and frescoes.

Archaeological finds also establish a historical connection with the area around Gazi. Excavations by archaeologist Marinatos uncovered part of a building with cult vessels, as well as three Late Minoan figurines of the goddess of snakes and doves.

Nearby beaches

Nearby Ellinoperamata Beach, also known as Linoperamata, has sun loungers, umbrellas and showers. If these facilities are important to you, check before your visit whether they are in service. The nearby Ammoudara Beach is sandy. The two places offer different points of reference when choosing a beach: Ellinoperamata is noted for its listed facilities, while Ammoudara is noted for its sandy terrain.

Discover more destinations: Kato Kalesia, Avdou, Karteros, Pitsidia, Agios Myron, Kalamaki, Elea, Lygaria

For the broader travel overview: Heraklion.