Located 18km east of Heraklion, Crete is home to the popular holiday resort of Kato Gouves (or simply known as Gouves). Formerly cultivated by the residents of the nearby village Ano Gouves for vegetables, olives, and cereals, this tranquil retreat is perfect for families with children or elderly people seeking peace and quiet. Here, visitors will find well-equipped sandy beaches with umbrellas, sunbeds, lifeguards, diving centers, water sports, showers, and changing rooms – as well as several marinas and small piers hidden from the frequent north winds.
The coastal road of Gouves offers an array of eateries and cafes with stunning sea views, and shops, supermarkets, pharmacies, and ATMs to meet all your needs. Not to be missed is the church of St. Constantine, located in a small pine forest near the sea, and the traditional village of Ano Gouves with its narrow alleys and churches. Further north is the Cave of Agia Paraskevi, and on the east is the mountain of Ederi, where the radars from the former US air base of Gournes were installed.