East of Chania
The Apokoronas region to the east of Chania is where most of our holiday villas are situated, close to the sandy beaches at Almirida, Kalives and Georgioupolis. Apokoronas is one of the most picturesque areas of the province of Chania with attractive villages. The main village of the region is Vamos where you will find full facilities including a 24 hour health centre.
There is a great deal to interest walkers in this lush area. Extending about 10 kms or so inland it is rich in olive and citrus groves, pasture lands and tiny hamlets rarely visited by tourists. In the spring-time, the fields, groves and tracks abound in an endless variety of flora including many species which are endemic to Crete. Keen birdwatchers will find a large number of local as well as migratory birds to see, ranging from tiny warblers to large buzzards and even the odd kite!
Almirida and Kalives - The White Mountains dominate the area and provide a dramatic backdrop to the sandy beaches at Almirida and Kalives. In the last few years visitors from Northern Europe have become so enchanted with Apokoronas that many have bought homes here which has brought new life and tourist facilities to the area. This also means that there are now sophisticated and luxury villas available to rent in this part of Crete. Most of our properties are situated slightly inland, a little bit removed from the madding crowd, in the most sought after locations but with beaches and the sea close at hand.
The large bay that makes up the seaside resorts of Almirida and Kalives has many separate, safe, sandy beaches, usually with full facilities. Almirida, once a fishing village is now a thriving seaside resort with a windsurfing school and tavernas and bars lining the sea front. There are a couple of mini-markets, a bakery, patisserie, a wine shop and a newsagents. Mountain bikes can be hired and there is also a small taxi rank. The Almirida Beach Hotel is open to non residents and has internet facilities as well as a 10 pin bowling lane. There is a limited bus service to Kalives and Chania. At the entrance to Almirida archaeologists discovered an ancient Mosaic which belongs to the 5th century. Other archaeological finds have been unearthed about 10 minutes away at Aptera, between Kalives and Chania.
Kalives is a working village as well as being a tourist destination so in addition to the beaches, tavernas, bars and tourist shops you will find many local shops as well as a fairly big supermarket of the INKA chain. Banking, post office, pharmacy and petrol station facilities are available in Kalives. There is a bus service to Chania.
Plaka – approx 25 kms east of Chania and just above above Almirida; once a sleepy place of approx 250 inhabitants, Plaka has grown over the last few years as people have discovered its charms and moved into the area. You could come to Plaka for a holiday and never move out of the village because it has everything you need, a petrol station, well stocked mini markets, tavernas and a couple of bars that are popular with locals and tourists alike. The area around Plaka has so much to offer that it would be a shame not to explore the other local villages. There are many marked walks and pathways in the immediate area. Local transport and taxis are available in Almirida.
Kokkino Chorio - Just a few minutes drive up the hill from Plaka, Kokkino Chorio is famous for its part in the filming of Zorba The Greek; nearly all the village participated. Anthony Quinn is still talked about in the village kafenions!! There's a fine traditional taverna in the village square. The village boasts some of the most stunning views out to sea and has deservedly become a desirable location both for permanent residence and as a holiday destination. There is a glass blowing factory in the village with a shop and a café – don’t forget to re-cycle your bottles.
Gavalochori - The historical village of Gavalochori is situated just a few kms inland from Almirida, on the road to Vamos and was named after the Byzantine family Gavalodon who lived there about 1200AD. The village has many old buildings which are being lovingly restored and make this village much sought after. In the centre of the village is a shop exhibiting traditional arts and crafts of the local women. There is also a folklore museum. Kafenion and tavernas edge the village square inviting you to sit and to pass the time away.
Vamos - is a perfect choice for holiday visitors who prefer to be away from the main tourist areas but also close to excellent facilities. It is a working village where life goes on Greek pace all year around. Well situated at the centre of the Apokoronas peninsula giving easy access to all the surrounding villages, the beaches at Almirida, Kalives and Georgioupolis and the motorway to Chania and Rethymno. Vamos boasts a Health Clinic with 24 hour medical care, petrol stations, a bank with ATM, a Post Office, 2 bakeries, 2 small well stocked supermarkets, a pharmacy, a Greek cheese/deli shop, several kafenions, a kiosk for cigarettes, sweets etc., two hairdressers and a barber and last but not least, two excellent tavernas serving delicious Greek food with a modern twist that are open all year round. There is an increasing awareness of the conservation status of this area and many old houses are being restored to their former glory; part of this activity includes an art café from which you can enjoy wonderful views of the area and an organic shop selling local produce.
Georgioupolis is a large resort that is popular with holidaymakers from many countries; it is best suited to families and couples. There are plenty of bars to keep the younger ones entertained but no night clubs. The golden sandy beaches which spread 7 kms east of the village centre are well equipped with sun loungers, parasols, beach entertainment and tavernas; there is a smaller crescent shaped beach right in the village with sun loungers, parasols and a couple of beach bars. For those serious swimmers there is a large public swimming pool (open air) in the village. The lively square is lined with tavernas and bars, great for sitting and watching the world go by. With plenty of other tavernas to choose from, good shopping, particularly for jewellery, supermarkets, a chemist (and a doctors surgery), a bank and a weekly market, Georgioupolis has everything to offer the holidaymaker looking for plenty to do whilst not forsaking its Cretan charm.