Fontana Leone · Spili, Crete

Explore Spili & Crete

Discover ancient fountains, scenic gorges, secret chapels & pristine beaches

In & Around Spili Village

Short walks and nearby gems right at your doorstep

Venetian Lion Fountains in Kefalovrysi Square Spili

Lion Fountains (Kefalovrysi Square)

3 min walk | 250 m

The iconic Venetian square featuring 25 stone lion heads pouring pure, crystal-clear mountain water year-round.

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Restored Venetian Watermills along the river stream in Spili

Restored Venetian Watermills by the River

3 min walk | 250 m

Historic twin watermills dating back to the Venetian era, beautifully restored along the village river stream.

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Red wild tulips blossoming on Gious Kampos Plateau near Spili

Wild Tulips of Gious Kampos Plateau

15 min drive | 8 km

A breathtaking botanical wonder: an entire high-altitude plateau blanketed with thousands of rare red wild tulips and native orchids every spring.

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E4 European hiking trail path leading to Agio Pnevma chapel

E4 European Hiking Trail to Agio Pnevma

3 min walk | 250 m

A legendary mountain trail leading through scenic pine slopes to the historic Agio Pnevma church and Mount Kedros peaks.

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Agia Fotia Gorge and stone arched watermill aqueduct near Spili

Agia Fotia Gorge & Historic Arched Watermill

2 min drive | 1.80 km

A lush, scenic ravine featuring a hidden stone aqueduct with 8 tall arches that once powered an early 20th-century watermill.

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Spili Folk Museum exhibiting traditional Cretan weaving and artifacts

Folk Museum & Holy Metropolis

2-5 min walk

Authentic cultural exhibits showcasing traditional Cretan weaving, historical artifacts, and rare Byzantine relics.

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Maravel Botanical Garden filled with medicinal herbs and native Cretan plants

Maravel Botanical Garden

2 min drive | 1.50 km

A peaceful sanctuary dedicated to Crete's healing herbs, native flora, and organic essential oils.

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Majestic Gorges & Natural Wonders

Explore dramatic canyons and river valleys

St Anthony Patsos Gorge with wooden walkways and cave chapel

St. Anthony Gorge (Patsos Gorge)

18 min drive | 12 km

A lush gorge with wooden walkways and the cave chapel of Saint Anthony carved into sheer cliffs.

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Narrow cliffs of Kotsifou Gorge leading toward Plakias

Kotsifou Gorge

16 min drive | 14 km

A dramatic narrow canyon with vertical cliffs leading toward Plakias, featuring a chapel built inside the rock.

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Towering canyon walls and freshwater waterfalls of Kourtaliotiko Gorge

Kourtaliotiko Gorge & Waterfalls

15 min drive | South Rethymno

Towering canyon walls echoing the wind, hiding secret freshwater springs and refreshing swimming cascades.

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South Coast Beaches & Holy Sites

Crystal waters and panoramic views over the Libyan Sea

Stone Chapel of Saint Paisios overlooking Damnoni and Ammoudi bays

Chapel of Saint Paisios (Above Damnoni)

25 min drive | 22 km

A peaceful stone chapel built high above Ammoudi & Damnoni bays, offering unmatched panoramic views of the South Coast.

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Preveli Palm Beach lagoon with turquoise waters and natural palm trees

Preveli Palm Beach & River Lagoon

25 min drive | South Coast

A tropical oasis where the Grand River meets the Libyan Sea through Europe's second-largest natural palm forest.

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Triopetra Beach rock formations and Agios Pavlos sand dunes

Triopetra & Agios Pavlos Sand Dunes

30 min drive | South Coast

Dramatic tri-rock geological formations and giant desert-like sand dunes plunging into deep blue waters.

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Agiofaraggo Gorge leading to a secluded turquoise pebble beach

Agiofaraggo Gorge & Secret Beach

1h 10m drive | South Heraklion

The sacred "Gorge of the Saints" leading through imposing cliffs to a tranquil pebble beach with turquoise waters.

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Matala Beach sandstone cliff caves overlooking the bay

Matala Beach & Roman Caves

50 min drive | South Heraklion

Famous for its carved sandstone cliff-caves inhabited by hippies in the 60s & 70s, paired with a vibrant seaside cove.

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Excursions & Island Landmarks

Must-see destinations across Crete

Fortezza Venetian Castle in Rethymno Crete

Fortezza Venetian Castle (Rethymno)

25 min drive | 27 km

The magnificent 16th-century Venetian citadel crowning Paleokastro hill, offering panoramic views of Rethymno town.

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Seitan Limania electric blue canyon cove in Chania

Seitan Limania (Stefanou Beach)

1h 15m drive | Akrotiri Chania

A jaw-dropping, narrow zigzagging canyon inlet cutting into the rocks with mesmerizing neon-electric blue waters.

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Elafonisi pink sand lagoon with crystal clear waters in Chania

Elafonisi Pink Sand Lagoon

Day Trip | Southwest Chania

An exotic paradise with shallow turquoise waters and shimmering pink sands created from millions of crushed seashells.

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Panoramic view of Balos Lagoon and Gramvousa island in Chania

Balos Lagoon & Gramvousa

Day Trip | Northwest Chania

One of the Mediterranean's most spectacular lagoons, featuring wild Caribbean-like waters and a Venetian island fortress.

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Samaria Gorge National Park canyon hike in White Mountains Crete

Samaria Gorge National Park

Full Day Excursion | White Mountains

Europe's longest and most majestic canyon hike (16 km), ending at the remote coastal village of Agia Roumeli.

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Vai exotic palm forest beach in Lasithi Crete

Vai Exotic Palm Forest Beach

Full Day Trip | East Lasithi

A unique coastal ecosystem featuring thousands of indigenous date palms fringing a golden sand beach and sapphire sea.

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Digital Guest Guide

Staying at Fontana Leone? Scan the QR code stand inside your apartment to access this guide anytime on your mobile phone during your trip!