About Georgioupolis
Georgioupolis is a large resort well placed approx 35 kms east of Chania and 20 west of Rethymnon that is popular with holidaymakers from many countries; it is best suited to families and couples. Georgioupolis has everything to offer the holidaymaker looking for plenty to do whilst not forsaking its Cretan charm. The smaller villages of Kournas, Kefalas, Xirosterni and Litsarda, where some of our villas are located, are close by together with the larger, working village of Vamos.
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 (Kalyvaki) 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.
Lake Kournas just 3 kms inland from Georgioupolis is a popular tourist destination as it is one of only a few freshwater lakes on the island. The lake reportedly used to be full of eels but now is better known for its terrapins and tourism. There are shops and tavernas at the entrance to the lake and a couple more on the hillside overlooking it from where you can enjoy magnificent views. Pedaloes can be hired to explore more of the lake. Despite this influx of tourism, the lake retains its beauty with The White Mountains reflected in the waters.
Kavros
The village and separately, the coastal area of Kavros are a few kms east of Georgioupolis and approximately 4 kms from our villa Aloni House which is situated slightly inland in the village of Kournas. The coastal part of Kavros has lots of tourist amenities but just behind lies the village of Kavros which is still very Greek. You will find several tavernas including the recommended Pelagias Yard, two supermarkets, a couple of butchers, a bakery, a pharmacy and several ATM's in Kavros. It is also the place where you will find the town hall of Georgioupolis. The beach at Kavros is long, mainly sandy and rarely busy.
Kournas
In the small traditional village of Kournas, it seems as if time has stood still. The village centre is 5 kms from the beach at Kavros and 4 kms from the lake of the same name. It is a working village where you can experience "real" Crete, visit the pottery with its shop, sip a coffee or a cooling drink at one of the kafenions and sample good food in one of the tavernas. There is also a souvenir shop "Mandali", a bakery and a mini market. Grapes are squeezed in September and October and distillation of the local tsikoudia (raki) will begin. Olive pressing starts in November at the olive oil factory in the village. Kournas has played a significant role on the island throughout history and, as recently as 1897, the village was the seat of The Cretan General Assembly.
Following the bank holiday on August 15th to celebrate the Feast of the Assumption of Mary, the community holds its annual party on the 16th. Later in the month, on August 29, the village celebrates the feast of St. John the Baptist and there is live music and dancing at two tavernas, Babis and Kali Kardia.
The area around Kournas is good for both short ( 30 minutes to one hour) and longer ( up to 2 hours) walks. Walking maps are available from the souvenir shop "Mandali" or you can follow the yellow arrows which start at Agios Ioannis church.
Vamos
Vamos is another perfect choice for 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 (8 kms), Kalives (6kms) and Georgioupolis (10 kms) and the motorway to Chania and Rethymnon. As well as the Health Centre, Vamos boasts petrol stations, a bank with ATM, a Post Office, 2 bakeries, 2 small well stocked supermarkets, a pharmacy, a dentist, 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 email us at if you would like more details.
Kefalas
Kefalas is a large village with a traditional atmosphere, approx 4 kms to the east of Vamos (5 minutes by car) with good access to all the beaches of the Apokoronas area including Georgioupolis. The views from Kefalas towards Georgioupolis are spectacular and on a clear day Rethymnon can be seen. There is a pretty square (plateia) with a museum just off the square which houses old artefacts donated by the villagers to show a typical village house from the last century. You will also find a small INKA supermarket, a couple of kafenions and a very good taverna.
"Thank you, we had a fabulous time and fell in love with this area of Crete" - testimonial from guests who stayed at Villa Almyros - August 2018
Xirosterni
Tucked away, midway between Vamos and Kefalas, Xirosterni is a small traditional village with a kafenion which serves simple food and a few groceries. It is perfectly situated to offer peace, relaxation and a traditional environment whilst being close to beaches, shopping and good tavernas.
Litsarda
Another tucked away village; Litsarda is the next village to Xirosterni but the village "centre" is on the opposite side of the Vamos to Kefalas road; it is well known for the excellent pizza taverna in the village which attracts people from miles around.
