All Day Excursion (Protagon 25)

Starting from Marathi Port, we will head towards the famous bay and the Seitan Limania beach. Along the way, we will stop to visit Kamares, a peaceful and beautiful location with crystal-clear waters, ideal for snorkeling. Continuing our journey, we reach Seitan Limania, an impressive natural spot consisting of a series of narrow, deep gorges that end in small coves with turquoise waters. The name “Seitan” comes from the Turkish word for the devil, due to the area’s steep and wild geological formations. We will dive into the turquoise crystal-clear waters, and you can also disembark on the Seitan Limania beach from the boat. The beach is small, with white sand and fine pebbles, surrounded by high, steep cliffs. It is worth noting that our Protagon 25 boat is equipped with four Sea Scooters for an unparalleled underwater experience and faster access to the beaches. Next, we continue to Katholiko, a small cove that, in ancient times, served the Katholiko Monastery, also known as the Monastery of Saint John the Hermit, which is located above it. It is considered the oldest monastery in Crete, as it was founded in the mid-11th century by Saint John the Stranger or the Hermit. The monastery is built near the exit of the Avlaki gorge, a short distance from the sea. Next destination is Ombrosgialos, where we cross to the opposite shore in the Apokoronas area, to a natural bay where you will be amazed by the beauty of nature and the crystal-clear waters. We stop for swimming and enjoy the natural scenery. Then we head to Cape Drepano, known for its caves, small coves, and lush green surroundings. The next stop is the beach of Koutalas, a small cove with pristine waters. We continue, passing on our left the beaches of Almyrida and Kalyves, two beautiful seaside villages, and arrive at Kalami Beach. After a short stop, we move slightly further to St. John Beach. The next destination is the Admiral’s Island, opposite the area where our journey began. The Admiral’s Island is also known as Souda Islet. It is a small but historically significant islet named after the Venetian fortress that dominates its peak. The fortress on the island was built by the Venetians in the 16th century to protect the Souda Bay, which was a strategic naval location. The fortifications of the fortress, along with other defensive structures of the time, such as the Itzedin Fortress on the shore, guarded the entrance to the bay against enemy attacks. During Venetian rule and later Ottoman rule, the island was used for military purposes. Today, the ruins of the fortress remain and are a point of archaeological and historical interest. The waters surrounding it are crystal-clear, ideal for swimming. Additionally, you can find natural clay on its shores, often used for natural skin treatments. A little further along the coastline, we visit Aspra with its stunning blue waters, take a short stop for swimming, and continue to Sosorides, concluding our journey at the Marathi harbor for disembarkation.