Location

Kato Gouves (or simply known as Gouves) is a popular holiday resort located 18km east of Heraklion, in the foothills of mount Ederi.

In the past, the valley of Kato Gouves was cultivated by the residents of the village Ano Gouves with vegetables, olives and cereals; today harvests have given their place to hotels and tourism.

In contrary to the neighboring crowded resorts Malia and Hersonissos, Gouves offers peaceful holidays, ideal for families with children and elderly people. Here you will find mostly families that enjoy the beautiful sandy beaches, close to all necessary facilities.

A place worth visiting is the church of St. Constantine, which is built within a small pine forest, just next to the sea. It is situated in a very scenic seascape and this is why hundreds of couples from Heraklion choose to get married here. If it's Saturday, it is almost certain that you will come across a Greek wedding or baptism.

Moreover, 2km north of the shore there is the village of Ano Gouves with its traditional narrow streets, churches and coffee shops. Further north, you can visit the Cave of Agia Paraskevi, located near the village of Skotino.

Finally, on the east, rises the mountain of Ederi, where the radars used by the Americans, for the operation of the former US air base is Gournes, were installed.

Source: cretanbeaches.com