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Travel Destination Guide - Gournes
Gournes (Crete, Greece) 
Gournes Information
Slideshow of Photos
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A small village, basically a continuation of neighbouring Hani Kokini, which the locals refer to as the resort centre. There's not much to look at: mainly areas of undeveloped, rugged land with apartments dotted throughout. However, it offers easier access to more peaceful beaches than are found in neighbouring resorts.
Good for budget-minded holidaymakers of any age, whether couples or families. Suits those who want a quiet lazing-by-the-beach holiday or use it as a handy touring base. Couple of hotels with several self-catering properties dotted around.
Gournes is situated on the north coast between Hani Kokini and Gouves (10 mls E of Heraklion, 8 mls E of the airport). Gournes is fronting coast on old Heraklion road, now bypassed by national highway. Usual olive trees and vineyards either side with low rugged mountains to rear.
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The beach here is a predominantly rocky shoreline with some sandy bays in between. There are some water sports but other facilities limited.
Number of local food stores and souvenir shops exist, although there is more choice in Hani Kokini. For serious shopping, head to Heraklion.
The daytime can be spent on the beach or by the pool. The nightlife here offers a small selection of bars and tavernas. Gouves and Hani Kokini can satisfy more demanding revellers.
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Population: 10.668.400
Languages: Greek 99% (official), English, French
Currency: euro
Currency code: EUR
Local Times:
Greece - Athens
Country Dialling Code: +30
Voltage: 220V 50Hz
Electrical plugs:
   
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Greece appeals to different types of tourist, and very few could fail to find somewhere to suit their taste. From bustling Athens to blindingly bright islands, ancient fragments abound - the belly button of the cosmos at Delphi, fallen columns galore on the sacred island of Delos, frescoed Minoan palaces on Crete and even, quite possibly, the remnants of Atlantis at Santorini. Greeks are fierce guardians of tradition, but that doesn't mean they don't know how to have fun. In addition, hot sun and limpid seas conspire to make Greece a perfect place to relax. Whether you're supping in a beachside taverna , sipping coffee in a shady plateia or disco-dancing till dawn.
The Olympic Games were spawned in ancient classical Greece, along with democracy and the fundamentals of philosophy, science and mathematics. Modern Greece is better known as a great place to vacation rather than a centre of learning and culture. Today the country attracts by offering simple pleasures: delicious food at reasonable prices, local wine, beautiful beaches, sunshine, quaint villages, a seemingly endless lacework of coastline and little islands full of scenic surprises.
The country exudes traditional charm, particularly on its ever-popular islands, which cling to their stereotypical architecture and way of life despite being often over-run by tourists. Black-clad women still deliver vegetables to island tavernas on panniered donkeys, while bronzed, lined fishermen sit in the sun, drink thick coffee, and play dominoes or dice. The tourist infrastructure has intruded in many respects, but the timeless aspect of whitewashed buildings clustered on hillsides around narrow pebbled alleys has been retained. The myriad islands in the Aegean Sea are easily accessible from Piraeus, the historic harbour of Greece's mainland capital, Athens, by ferry or hydrofoil, offering a unique chance for 'island-hopping'. Many of the larger islands also have airports with connections to Athens or seasonally with major European cities.
On the mainland the city of Athens in the south is sprawling, overcrowded and polluted but nevertheless enthralls visitors, while Thessaloniki in the north is vibrant and modern with a Byzantine flavour. Athens is dominated by its major landmark, the Parthenon: the remains of other wonders of the ancient Greek classical world are to be found mainly on the Peloponnese Peninsula, south of Corinth, the gateway to a veritable treasure trove of history.
Greece and Greeks welcome with open arms the thousands of visitors that flock to admire their national assets every year - no-one leaves without having been warmed, both by the sun and the hospitality. |
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Local Area Weather
Heraklion, GREECE |
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13°C
Feels like: 13°C |
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