
Candia Hills Wine Route Crete
Discover Crete's serene Candia Hills, a picturesque wine route with rolling vineyards, olive groves, and stunning sea views. Perfect for peaceful walk...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Mild weather, fewer crowds

Candia Hills Wine Route Crete
Best Time
Mild weather, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover Crete's serene Candia Hills, a picturesque wine route with rolling vineyards, olive groves, and stunning sea views. Perfect for peaceful walks and wine tasting.
"A beautiful walk among terraced vineyards and a panorama that ranges from the sea with its islands to the Apuan Alps."

🚶♀️ Perfect for Walks
Ideal for walking, running, or dog walking with minimal car traffic. Enjoy the serene landscape. :athletic_shoe:
🍷 Book Wine Tastings
Highly recommend booking winery visits in advance, especially for Terre Apuane. :wine_glass:

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Panoramic Views
Throughout the hills
Breathtaking vistas of rolling vineyards, olive groves, and the sea. A photographer's dream!

Terre Apuane Winery
Specific winery location
Highly recommended for wine tastings and experiencing local Cretan wines. A must-visit!

Via Francigena Trail
Ancient path through the hills
Walk or cycle this historic route, surrounded by nature and ancient charm. Peaceful and scenic.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Pace
Vineyard Visits
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Perfect for Walks
Ideal for walking, running, or dog walking with minimal car traffic. Enjoy the serene landscape. :athletic_shoe:
🍷 Book Wine Tastings
Highly recommend booking winery visits in advance, especially for Terre Apuane. :wine_glass:
📸 Capture the Views
The panoramic views are stunning, stretching from the sea to the mountains. Don't forget your camera! :camerawithflash:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Perfect for Walks
Ideal for walking, running, or dog walking with minimal car traffic. Enjoy the serene landscape. :athletic_shoe:
🍷 Book Wine Tastings
Highly recommend booking winery visits in advance, especially for Terre Apuane. :wine_glass:
📸 Capture the Views
The panoramic views are stunning, stretching from the sea to the mountains. Don't forget your camera! :camerawithflash:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the stunning panoramic views of vineyards and olive groves, stretching from the sea to the mountains. The peaceful atmosphere, ideal for walking and cycling with minimal traffic, is a major draw. Many recommend specific wineries like Terre Apuane for enjoyable tastings.
"super!"
silvia n.
"The rolling hills below Carrara offer a beautiful panoramic view, planted with vineyards and olive groves. You can also cross the ancient Via Francigena and enjoy tastings along the wine route. I recommend the Terre Apuane winery."
Maura Crudeli
"New calm ideal for running walking walking the dog with almost no one"
Paolo Brignoli
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Candia Hills are best accessed by car or scooter from Heraklion. Renting a vehicle gives you the most flexibility to explore the wineries and scenic spots at your own pace. Public transport is limited in this area.
The roads are generally well-maintained, but can be narrow and winding in places. Drive cautiously and enjoy the scenic routes. Parking is usually available at wineries and viewpoints.
Yes, cycling is a popular activity here, especially on weekdays when there are very few cars. The rolling hills offer a good workout with rewarding views. :athletic_shoe:
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There are no general admission tickets for the Candia Hills themselves. Entry to wineries for tastings or tours typically requires a fee or purchase.
Winery hours can vary. It's best to check the specific winery's website or call ahead. Many close mid-afternoon and may have limited hours on weekends or holidays.
It is highly recommended to book wine tastings in advance, especially for popular wineries like Terre Apuane, to ensure availability and a personalized experience.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The best way is to take your time. Enjoy leisurely walks, stop at viewpoints, and indulge in wine tastings. It's a place for relaxation and soaking in the scenery.
While there aren't many official guided tours for the hills themselves, many wineries offer guided tours of their vineyards and production facilities. You can also hire private guides or join wine-focused tours from Heraklion.
Expect stunning panoramic views encompassing rolling hills covered in vineyards and olive groves, with the sea and distant islands visible on clear days. The Apuan Alps also form a dramatic backdrop.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
While the focus is on wineries, you can find traditional tavernas and restaurants in nearby villages offering local Cretan cuisine. Some wineries may also offer light snacks or platters to accompany tastings.
Look for local specialties like dakos, kalitsounia (cheese pies), fresh seafood, and lamb dishes. Pair them with the local wines for an authentic Cretan experience.
📸 📸 Photography
Anywhere with an open vista! Look for elevated points overlooking the vineyards and olive groves, especially during golden hour. The contrast between the green landscape and blue sea is spectacular.
Early morning and late afternoon (golden hour) offer the most beautiful light for photography, creating long shadows and warm tones. Midday can be harsh, but still offers great views.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Couples
🚴 Cyclists
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Vineyards
Key grape varietals to look out for include Vidiano for whites and Liatiko for reds. Wineries like Terre Apuane are frequently mentioned for their quality and hospitality, offering tastings that showcase the best of the region. It's advisable to check their specific offerings and book in advance to avoid disappointment.
Beyond just tasting, many vineyards offer tours that delve into the winemaking process, from grape cultivation to bottling. This provides a deeper appreciation for the craft and the land. The experience is often enhanced by the stunning natural beauty surrounding the wineries, making it a holistic sensory journey.
Walking and Cycling Trails
These trails are ideal for those seeking a calm and natural setting. Whether you're looking for a light stroll or a more vigorous bike ride, the well-defined paths allow you to immerse yourself in the Cretan countryside. The panoramic views are a constant reward, stretching from the sparkling sea to the majestic Apuan Alps.
Remember to wear comfortable shoes and bring water, especially during warmer months. The tranquility of these trails makes them a highlight for many visitors who appreciate a more active and less crowded way to experience the region.





Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit