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.