About Crete - The North West  -  Around Chania

Crete lies at the point where the continents of Europe, Asia and Africa meet; it is the fifth largest island in the Mediterranean with an area of 8,300 square kilometres.

Crete, island of the Minoan civilisation, has everything to offer – mountains, crystal clear seas, blue flag beaches, historical towns, traditional villages and an abundance of locally grown produce. The climate is agreeable with over 300 days of sunshine a year and generally mild winters.

Crete is divided into four areas. From west to east they are: Chania, Rethymnon, Iraklio and Lassithi. All of our villas and houses are in the Chania area.

This impressive Venetian city is arguably the most beautiful and cosmopolitan on Crete with the White Mountains providing a picturesque and dramatic backdrop. With its Venetian harbour, museums, fascinating indoor market and an old quarter of narrow streets packed with interesting shops, tavernas and bars, Chania offers something for most visitors.

It is a vibrant place steeped in Byzantine, Venetian and Turkish history. The harbour area is a great place to sit and watch the world go by at one of the water front tavernas or you may like to try the park on Tzanakaki Street where there is a lovely cafe tucked away amongst the trees which is popular with the locals.

As in all large cities, you will find a full range of amenities here.

Chania is easily accessible from all of our properties either by bus, taxi or car.

Resorts and Villages West of Chania

Just to the west of Chania is the main tourist area of the western part of the island with well known resorts such as Stalos, Agia Marina, Platanias and Gerani that need little introduction. These resorts have everything you would associate with a typical beach holiday in the Mediterranean, beaches with facilities, tavernas, bars and plenty of shops. The further west you go the quieter and more traditional the resorts become.

Limnoupolis Water Park - This water paradise is situated in a green area of almost 100,000 m2; 6 kms west of Chania next to the village of Varipetro. There is a large pool measuring 1,500m2 with a pool bar, jacuzzi and a small island. With plenty of glides and rides for the whole family the park is open from 10 am to 7pm every day from May to September.

Samaria Gorge – the gorge is usually open from May to the end of October. Starting at Omalos, the gorge is the longest in Europe at 18kms and is very popular. The walk ends at Agia Roumeli on the south coast. If you don’t fancy doing the walk independently there are  travel agents in most of the tourist villages who offer all inclusive bus trips which can be very handy for the return journey from Ag. Roumeli.

Xirokambi  - slightly inland and heading for the foothills of the mountains; this is a peaceful area amidst stunning scenery yet only a few minutes drive to the coast between Maleme and Gerani and only 10 minutes drive to the lively resort of Platanias. To come on holiday here is to immerse yourself in peace and tranquillity and remind yourself that you are one of the lucky few to have found it as there is only a smattering of holiday accommodation available.

Maleme – is where the Germans attacked Crete in 1941 and is home to the German war cemetery in the hills above Maleme. This part of Crete is dominated by citrus groves behind a quiet sand and pebble beach. Maleme has a good choice of tavernas and a fairly large supermarket.

Tavronitis – a small seaside resort west of Maleme on the way to Kolimbari; tourism here is pretty low key but you will still find plenty of seaside amenities including mini-markets, a butcher’s, a bakery and a patisserie. A few tavernas line the quiet beach that stretches towards Kolimbari in the west and Maleme to the east. You can take the road south from here enjoying a spectacular drive over the mountains to Paleohora on the south coast.

Kolimbari – the up and coming resort of Kolimbari is 25 kms west of Chania. For years this was a sleepy fishing village which is now being transformed, it has a new marina, public gardens and popular tavernas serving excellent fresh fish and traditional Cretan dishes. There is a post office, banking facilities and a large supermarket. One or two sophisticated cafes, bars and shops are opening.  There is a long sand and pebble beach stretching all the way to Chania to the east. The 16th century Monastery of Gonias is a must for those visitors seeking out the historical. For fresh fruit and veg with lots of local atmosphere visit the Saturday market in Voukoulies, approx 7kms inland.

Rodopos Peninsula
Famous for its honey, it is wild and unspoiled with only a few villages. It is good for trekking and birdwatching. Most of the villages lie at its base not far from Kolimbari where you will find all amenities including good tavernas for local cuisine, a supermarket, a bank, petrol station and shops. Astratigos where our accommodation is situated is about 5 kms from Kolimbari and a couple of kms from Afrata and its delightful little cove where there is a simple cantina on the beach.

Astratigos is a quiet traditional village lying 900m above sea level. Whilst many people visit and would love to stay to enjoy the peace and tranquility it is only the lucky few who manage to do that. Tourist accommodation here is a rarity, there are no tavernas, no kafenions and no shops, in fact nothing to disturb the natural peace and harmony of this idyll. The nearest tavernas and shops of any variety are at Kolimbari although there are four tavernas at Afrata, a 15 minute walk from our accommodation. Taverna Roxannis at Afrata is renowned in the area as this is where Mr. Mitsotakis, when he was the Greek Prime Minister, entertained President Mitterand of France. There are also tavernas and kafenion in Rodopos. Far away from mass tourism, this is a delightful area to explore, particularly for nature lovers, for the flowers in the spring and for bird watching. It will suit walkers at most levels and those looking for quiet beaches.

Kastelli Kissamos - Kastelli (or Kissamos) is a small town located in the beautiful gulf of Kissamos, famed for its wine and olive oil, it has a true Cretan character. There are good restaurants frequented by the locals and some bars. A long beach of sand and pebble stretches around the bay which is generally very quiet. There is a public bus service to Chania and from the harbour, a regular ferryboat service to Gythion in the Peloponnese and to the island of Kythira. From here you can visit the west coast beaches, among them Falassarna which also boasts an archaeological site, the Gramvoussa isles (pirate isles), the beautiful George of Topolia and the lagoon at Balos.

The Akrotiri peninsula - We do not have any holiday villas to rent on the Akrotiri peninsula but it is well worth a visit for the magnificent sea and mountain views. There area several good beaches at Marathi, Kalathas and Stavros. The beach scenes in the film, Zorba the Greek, were filmed at Stavros. 
Akrotiri has a few monasteries including the impressive Agia Triada which was founded in the 17th Century, and the 16th Century Moni Gouverneto.

	Beach near Kalives

Resorts and Villages 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.

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.

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.

In Vamos you can join in local cookery classes  and learn to cook traditional Greek food - the cooking lessons take place every day except Monday and Sunday, on request. They start at 16:00 and last at least 4 hours. It costs 50 euro per person and the minimum number of persons required is 4. During the lesson the guests will prepare 4 starters, a salad and  one main dish with the assistance of a local chef Mrs. Koula. Dinner is served with the dishes you prepared with local white wine and bread, desert is a small surprise. Please ask us for more details.