About west of chania
West of Chania is the main tourist area of the north western part of the island with well known resorts such as Stalos, Agia Marina, Platanias, Gerani and out further to Kolimbari 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.
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 "blue flag" 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
The Rodopos Peninsula is 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. Afrata has tavernas and a delightful little cove with a cantina on the pebble beach. 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.
Further to the west - 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.
Maleme
Maleme is where the Germans attacked Crete in 1941 and is home to the German war cemetery in the hills above Maleme.
Tavronitis
Tavrontis is a small seaside resort between Maleme and 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.
Limnoupolis Water Park
This waterpark 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.
Crete Escapes offer luxury villas in Chania, Crete. Our holiday homes, combined with the amazing sights and sounds of Chania itself, make for a dream combination and a dream holiday.
