Daphnis Villas |

Paleochora, Chania, is the biggest village in southwest Crete. It is also a place where you can find some of the best beaches in south Chania region.

Paleochora is relatively more distant from Pyrgos Psilonerou and Daphnis Villas than the nearby destinations of Gerani, Maleme, Platanias etc. Its distance from Pyrgos Psilonerou is about 60 kilometers.

In order to get to Paleochora easily, you drive to the nearby village of Tavronitis, and you take the road heading south. This road, after about a kilometer, passes under the main national road and leads you straight ahead to Paleochora.

You can also use the Chania KTEL public buses, which have frequent routes to Paleochora, especially in summer. The road to Paleochora passes through numerous interesting villages, which seem to have been untouched by time, like the big historical village of Kandanos.

Paleochora, Chania – a big village and a known resort

Paleochora has been built on one of the best spots in south Chania region, on a peninsula overlooking two bays. On the edge of the peninsula you can find the new port of Paleochora.
Just behind the port, there are the remnants of a large Venetian castle. The castle was called Castel Selino and was built in the 13th century. During the Venetian era it was of great strategic importance. The castle possibly took its name after the Greek name “selino”, meaning celery, which grows in large quantities in the area.

In more modern years, the first visitors in Paleochora, Chania, were the hippies in the decade of 1960. As the locals were very hospitable, many of them stayed permanently in Paleochora, built their houses, made families and raised their children there. As with other beautiful destinations in South Crete, Paleochora gradually became more known to mainstream travelers, and now it is considered a must-see destination in the south of the Chania region.

Paleochora has changed during the last decades, from a remote agricultural and fishing village to a tourist center, but it has managed to keep much of its charm. It is a picturesque coastal village in South Crete, with traditional narrow streets, quality taverns, cafes and bars, and still one of these rare places where time passes by in a slow, pleasant manner.

Paleochora, Chania, and its magnificent beaches

In both sides of the peninsula where Paleochora is located, you can find superb beaches. Around Paleochora, there is a coastline of more than 15 kilometers.
The beaches of Paleochora come in many kinds: some are sandy, some pebbly, and some in between. Some of the most well known are Platia Ammos, Chalikia and Krios. Around Paleochora there are in total more than 10 excellent beaches.

If you don’t want to drive or hike around Paleochora, Chania, in order to discover the more distant beaches, the large sandy beach on the west end of the village is excellent. It is also organized, with sun beds, parasols and water sports facilities.

Paleochora, Chania, with its rare collection of great beaches, is possibly the No. 1 destination in Crete for beach lovers. Apart from the beaches, Paleochora is a very beautiful coastal Mediterranean village, a “gem” in the south Chania region, which you should not miss.

When on your holidays in Chania, staying in a villa in Platanias is one of the best ways for real relaxation in West Crete. Of course, an even better way is to stay in the nearby Daphnis Villas in Pyrgos Psilonerou, where you can experience all the advantages of Platanias without its hustle.

Platanias is one of the most known beach resorts in West Crete. It is also located very close to Chania city. Staying in a villa in Platanias is a guarantee that your holidays will be long remembered.

The advantages of staying in a villa in Platanias, Chania

West Crete, and especially Chania region, is for many visitors the most beautiful part of the island. The whole area is full of vegetation and olive groves, plane trees and orange trees.

Platanias is one of the best places to stay during your holidays in Chania. Apart from the excellent amenities in the village, there is a magnificent, 4 kilometers long beach. When staying in a villa in Platanias, you have the opportunity to combine the sweet water pool of the villa and the sandy organized beach of Platanias.

In addition, Platanias’ location is extremely handy, if you want to visit the best sights Chania region has to offer. First of all, it is very close to Chania city, the most interesting city in Crete, with its Old City, its Venetian Harbor and its outstanding history and architecture.

On the other hand, when staying in a villa in Platanias, Chania, you are also very close to the very interesting uncrowded villages and beaches of Gerani, Maleme, Tavronitis, Kolymbari and Kissamos or Kastelli. And that’s not all: Platanias is very close to the road that leads south to Paleochora, which is the center of holidays, beach culture and entertainment in southwest Crete.

Another advantage of Platanias is its old village, located upon a hill with splendid view, which is called Ano Platanias. When in Ano Platanias, although you are less than a kilometer from the center of Platanias village and the beach, you feel like you are in another place: there are cobbled streets, gardens with flowers near the houses, and the feeling of a traditional village in Crete. Indeed, Ano Platanias is not to be missed.

The disadvantages of staying in a villa in Platanias, Chania

Platanias is an excellent place for your holidays in Chania and West Crete, but staying in a villa into the village comes with some disadvantages, as well. Possibly the most significant disadvantage is the sheer number of visitors that flock to Platanias, especially during the high season.
This means that, although staying in a villa means tranquil, quiet holidays, the cosmopolitan nature of Platanias may make this tranquility difficult. When staying in a villa that is near – and not in – Platanias resort, you can better feel the raw charm of the Cretan countryside. Daphnis Villas in the nearby Pyrgos Psilonerou settlement are ideal to do exactly this.

The same goes for the beach: when staying in a villa in Platanias, the beach of the village, although excellent, is possibly the most crowded in Chania region. If you want to unwind in a quiet and secluded beach, it is better to stay outside of Platanias village. The magnificent, serene beaches of Gerani and Maleme, which are in a very short distance from Daphnis Villas, are practically never crowded.

Staying in a villa in Platanias, Chania, is a very good idea, for the many advantages Platanias village has to offer. However, staying in a villa near Platanias, like Daphnis Villas in Pyrgos Psilonerou, is an even better idea, if relaxed and quiet holidays are what you want.

There are many kinds of holiday villas in Chania, Crete, if what you want are special holidays. Chania is the greenest region in Crete, and arguably the one with the most scenic countryside, so staying in a villa in the Chania countryside is an excellent idea.

Daphnis Villas are holiday villas located about 15 kilometers west of Chania city, in the area of Pyrgos Psilonerou. Pyrgos Psilonerou has a perfect location: very close to the famous Platanias resort, and between Chania city to the east and the remote town of Kissamos, or Kastelli, to the west, it lies almost on the centre of an area in northwest Crete that is excellent for quiet, tranquil holidays, yet has lots of amenities.

Holiday villas in Chania – villas in the countryside of Crete

Daphnis villas are holiday villas in the Chania countryside. The area of Pyrgos Psilonerou, where the villas are located, is full of trees. In the morning, the villas are the perfect spot to cool down from the hot midday sun. And in the night, the crickets are putting you to sleep with their discreet song.
The holiday villas in the Chania countryside are also ideal to get acquainted with the traditional, rural side of Crete. Although Crete is famous for its splendid beaches, its inland is equally interesting: very picturesque and featuring a unique flora and fauna.

Holiday villas in Chania – villas on the Crete beaches

If looking at the endless sea is what you want in your holidays, then a holiday villa in Chania by the sea may be the best option. The cooling sea breeze of summer and the ability to get into the sea seconds after leaving your villa are of paramount importance for some visitors.

A beach holiday villa in Chania can be modern or traditional, with both types being popular in the island. Many times the villas that are too close to the beach have a smaller pool – or no pool at all – as the sea is a few meters away.

The critics of renting a beach holiday villa claim that the humidity is high or that there might be too windy on the beach. However, this is just a matter of taste. And in Chania region you can find a great selection of beach holiday villas to choose from.

Regarding Daphnis Villas, although they are not located right on the beach, their distance is a few minutes’ walk from one of the most serene and uncrowded beaches near Chania city – a large sandy beach more than 4 kilometers long that spans from the village of Gerani to the east up to the village of Maleme to the west. Like all the especial holiday villas, Daphnis Villas combine the best of two worlds: the scenic countryside of Crete and the magnificent beaches of Chania.

Holiday villas in Chania, Crete, is an exclusive kind of accommodation that in recent years has become far more affordable, especially for families or for groups of couples travelling together. When scheduling your holidays in Chania, it would be a good idea to consider staying in a holiday villa: Chania region is a “natural fit” to this type of accommodation.

Chania old Venetian Harbor is probably the most known sight in West Crete. The harbor was made in the 14th century, during the Venetian era of Crete. Its construction started in 1320 and lasted for decades.

Apart from its basic role as a commercial maritime hub, Chania old Venetian Harbor was also used as a base for the Venetian navy in order to protect their ships from the pirates, who frequented the area in those years.

Going around Chania old Venetian Harbor

Chania Venetian Harbor is located at the point where the very picturesque Old City of Chania meets the sea. Being an extension of the Old City, the Venetian Harbor is the historic open air promenade that you reach after strolling around the alleys and the small shops of the Old City.

The most prominent structure in the entrance to Chania Venetian Harbor is the Arabian Lighthouse. The old lighthouse, dating back to the Venetian era, was restored in the decade of 1830 by the Egyptians (hence their name “Arabian Lighthouse”). The lighthouse has recently been very well renovated, and for many people is the rightful landmark of Chania city.

From the lighthouse, there is a sea wall upon which you can walk and stroll around the wonderful Chania old Venetian Harbor. This sea wall was protecting the numerous ships of the harbor, but, according to the historians, was the main reason that the sand from the sea was trapped inside the harbor, making it a constant concern to periodically excavating the bottom of the harbor in order to keep it deep enough. On a part of the sea wall today lays a characteristic café-restaurant.

On the opposite side of the sea wall, we find the Neoria buildings, the biggest of which,Megalo (“Big”) Arsenali, today houses the Center of the Mediterranean Architecture. Neoria have a characteristic roof and it’s hard not to notice them. These buildings were used as shipyards, but when the Ottomans and the pirates besieged Chania city, they were used as large storehouses that contained huge quantities of food supplies, enough for the entire city.

Finally, at the corner of the Venetian harbor opposite the Arabian Lighthouse there is a building with a circular roof and distinctive design, the Kioutsouk Hasan mosque. The mosque was built in the 17th century, after the Ottoman Empire occupied Chania city and Crete.

Chania old Venetian Harbour and Firkas fortress

When walking towards the other edge of the Venetian Harbor to the west, there are numerous cafes and taverns all around, but a large building on the west part of the entrance of the harbor dominates the horizon: the famous Firkas fortress.

Firkas fortress was also built during the Venetian era, but after the Ottoman occupation of Crete it was mainly used as a prison – one of the worst prisons in Crete Island. Firkas fortress today houses the Maritime Museum of Chania, and is another very interesting place to visit in Chania old Venetian Harbour.

Firkas fortress today also contains an open air theatre, and is of particular historical importance for Cretans, as it was the first place where the Greek flag was raised again in 1913, when finally Crete was reunited with Greece after many centuries of foreign occupation.

Chania old Venetian Harbour is possibly the most interesting sample of the Venetian architecture in Crete, a real masterpiece of its era. Hundreds of thousands of visitors flock to the harbor every year, in order to admire one of the rare places that combine the Venetian, the Greek and the Ottoman architecture in such harmony: Chania old Venetian Harbour is a place unique all over the Mediterranean Sea.

Koum Kapi is an especial quarter of Chania city. It is located just to the east of Chania old Venetian Harbor.

Koum Kapi features the only beach inside Chania city, as it is located on a beautiful coastal zone. The name “Koum Kapi” originates from the Turkish word “Kum Kapisi”, which means Gate of Sand. The Gate of Sand, which was originally called “Sabionera” by the Venetians, took its name after a real gate on the old walls of Chania city that led to a marvellous sandy beach.

Koum Kapi, Chania – a place with a multicultural history

In the mid-19th century, Koum Kapi was home to about 2.500 poor people from North Africa (mainly from Benghazi), who had been brought to the place by the Ottomans in order to carry out all the harsh jobs of Chania harbor. They were collectively called “Halikoutes” by the locals.
These people, who were essentially living as slaves, used to live in tents, as most of them where Bedouins, or huts made from tin or other easy to find materials. The sanitary conditions in the area of Koum Kapi were terrible.

This situation lasted until 1913, the year of the reunion of Crete with Greece, when all these poverty stricken people managed to return from Koum Kapi and Chania to North Africa, after the agreements for population exchange between Greece and the former Ottoman empire.

After that, the authorities of Chania took great care to regenerate Koum Kapi, and turn it into a modern European neighborhood, like the rest of Chania city. These efforts started gradually to pay off.

After the great catastrophic wars in Asia Minor, which lead to horrible massacres and the massive dislodgement of millions of Greeks by the Turkish army, many Greek refugees from Asia Minor came to Chania in 1924 and afterwards, and many of them stayed in Koum Kapi. As many of these refugees where traders and generally people of high education, they largely contributed to the improvement of the living conditions in Koum Kapi, which gradually became one of the best neighborhoods in Chania city.

Koum Kapi in today’s Chania

Today, Koum Kapi is one of the best places in Chania to eat, drink, and entertain yourself. There are many quality cafes, bars and taverns in the area, all of them providing excellent view to the sea and the beach. Koum Kapi is for many people the “modern version” of Chania old Venetian Harbor.
Koum Kapi is the meeting place of the young people of Chania city, but people of every age are flocking here, especially during the weekends, when you can also find many families.

The view from Koum Kapi is really fantastic: On the left we see the Gate of Sand on the old walls of Chania, where the name of the quarter came from. In front of us, the vast sea and the beach of Koum Kapi make a marvelous spectacle. And on the right, we see the eastern suburbs of Chania city unfolding in the horizon.

Koum Kapi is rightfully one of the prettiest corners of Chania city, with plenty of options to have a good time and admire the breathtaking view. After visiting the Old City of Chania and the Venetian Harbor, don’t forget to also visit Koum Kapi: chances are you will be pleasantly surprised.

Halepa is an especial quarter of Chania city. It is full of old luxurious houses and villas, many of them built in the neoclassical style. Just by the old houses that were build many decades ago, there are modern houses and buildings, which form the contrast that makes Halepa such an interesting neighborhood.

Halepa has associated its name with the prominent Greek politician Eleftherios Venizelos, who was born in this part of Chania city.

A walk around Halepa, Chania

The most famous sight in Halepa quarter is the House of Eleftherios Venizelos. The famous politician, who was one of the main political figures that shaped modern Greece, was born here in 1864. Venizelos’ House is an aristocratic house, characteristic of the wealthy families of Chania at the time.
In Halepa we also find the Palace of Prince George. Prince George has gone down in history as a weak politician that was for many historians the exact opposite of Venizelos in their era. It is not strange that the two of them confronted one another in a number of occasions.

In Halepa there is also an impressive church built in the Russian architectural style: the church of Agia Magdalini will certainly impress you. Between the other known buildings in the area, possibly the most interesting are the old Greek Embassy and the old French Academy, which now houses the Cretan School of Architecture.

Halepa, Chania, is built on a hill and extends towards the sea. On top of the hill there is breathtaking view to the city of Chania and the surrounding area, and you can find a couple of cafes that are known to the locals.

The coastal part of Halepa is called Tabakaria. Tabakaria took their name after the factories that processed leather, which were built here in the mid-19th century and were operating for many decades. Today you can still see the remnants of these great buildings. In Tabakaria you can also find some of the best fish taverns in Chania city.

Halepa, Chania, in history

Halepa is a place of historic significance, not only for Chania, but also for Greece in general. In the end of the 19th century Halepa was a town, outside of the Old City of Chania, which was then surrounded by walls. In Halepa many wealthy people used to stay, mainly because of its healthy climate and its excellent view to Chania city.
As Chania city was at that time the capital of Crete, Halepa was the most aristocratic town in the island. In the town there were the consulates of many European countries, and the locals used to call the town the “European neighbourhood” of Chania city.

In 1878, the historical “Treaty of Halepa” was signed here between the Ottoman empire and several European countries. With the Halepa treaty, Crete won its autonomy from the Ottoman empire. The treaty defined that the capital of the autonomous state of Crete was the city of Chania.

Eleftherios Venizelos was the first prime minister of the autonomous state of Crete. After 1913, when Crete reunited with mainland Greece, Venizelos served as the prime minister of Greece for many years.

Halepa may not be in some tourist guides of Crete, but it is a neighborhood of Chania city full of history. If you have some time and you want to go further from the Old City of Chania and the magnificent Venetian Harbor, a walk to Halepa, Chania, may very well be a special, long remembered travel experience.

Gerani, Chania, is a beautiful coastal village located a couple of kilometers east of Pyrgos Psilonerou and Daphnis Villas, and between Pyrgos Psilonerou and Platanias resort. Gerani enjoys an excellent reputation for its agricultural products like olive oil, wine and, of course, oranges.

Gerani, although is not as much advertised as its neighboring Platanias in Crete tourist guides, has an equally wonderful beach. Gerani beach is sandy and has a length of about 2,5 kilometers, near which you can find plenty of trees and vegetation – after all, Gerani is a fertile agricultural village.

The beach of Gerani, Chania, is less crowded and quieter than the beach in Platanias, but in most of its great length it is organized, with sun beds, parasols, W.C., showers etc. Near the beach of Gerani there are plenty of cafés, bars, restaurants, taverns, shops and mini markets. In Gerani you can also find a doctor’s office.

Gerani historically is consisted of two settlements: Kato Gerani (“Lower Gerani”), and Ano or Palaio Gerani (“Upper or Old Gerani”) which have a distance of less than one kilometer.

Around Gerani, Chania

The area around Gerani and Pyrgos Psilonerou has numerous traditional villages, where you can meet the heart and soul of rural Chania and West Crete. All around the area there is rich vegetation of plane trees, orange trees, eucalyptus and cypresses.

Outside Palaio Gerani and close to the village there is an interesting cloister. Another interesting religious sight in the area is the small church of Panagia (“Virgin Mary”) located between Gerani and Manoliopoulo villages. At this church, an interesting traditional local feast is held on September 8th.

Very close to Palaio Gerani, and on the road from Gerani to Modi village lays a partly ruined house, where the famous Cretan writer Ioannis Kondilakis served as a teacher at the beginning of his career. There is a memorial plaque at the place reminding of the house’s history.

Finally, something you should not forget to do when visiting the traditional, picturesque small villages in the area is to also taste, apart from the local agricultural produce, the local spirit: “raki”, or “tsikoudia” is made here like it was made centuries ago. Or, if you want something lighter, go for a delicious Greek coffee!

The historic significance of Gerani, Chania

Gerani, Chania, historically is mentioned as a big village in the 16th century, during the Venetian era of Crete, but its history goes much deeper into the past.

As a verse from Homer suggests, and as some archaeologists believe, the place where Gerani is located used to be in ancient Minoan years the exact location of ancient Kidonia, one of the most powerful cities in Crete for centuries. In fact, the name Chania originates from the name Kydonia. Ancient Kydonia was famous for its gorgeous temple of Vritomartis, a well known local goddess.

Gerani is also the historic location where, in 1867, during the Cretan revolution, a fierce fight took place between the Ottoman and the Cretan forces. Gerani village is also the birthplace of one of the most known Cretan revolutionists (or “hainides” as they were called): Ioannis Papadogiorgakis was born in Gerani, Chania in 1798. His nickname was “Geraniotis”, after his birthplace.

The village of Gerani, has many things to offer to the visitor. Apart from its magnificent beach, the history and tradition in the area are kept alive.
In Gerani, Chania, you can come closer to the Cretan heartland without leaving the beach!

Tavronitis, Chania, is a very nice small village west of Maleme. It is located about 4 kilometers west of Pyrgos Psilonerou and Daphnis Villas.

Tavronitis is a quiet place that is at the same time a small travel destination and a year-round working Cretan village. Many visitors fall in love with the place.

Historically, Tavronitis village, along with the neighboring Maleme village, has associated its name with the Battle of Crete in World War II. It was in Tavronitis Bridge that the first wave of attacks took place in May of 1941, when thousands of German paratroopers landed in the area of Maleme in an overwhelming attempt of the Nazi forces to occupy Crete, something that they finally managed to do, after many losses from both sides.

Tavronitis, Chania – the village

Tavronitis village is built at the mouth of the homonymous Tavronitis River, which gets dry in summer. It is perfectly located between the wonderful beach and the White Mountains (“Lefka Ori”) of Crete. From the village there is breathtaking view to the scenery and the wilderness of Rodopou Peninsula.
Inside the village, you can find traditional cafes and taverns, bakers, mini-markets and doctor’s office. Around Tavronitis, Chania, there are plenty of olive groves, vineyards and orange trees.

Also, the location of Tavronitis is ideal if you want to explore South Crete. Here is the beginning of the road that leads to Paleochora, the most well known destination in the south of Chania prefecture. The road is very scenic and passes through many traditional villages of inland Crete, which have been mostly untouched by time.

Tavronitis, Chania – the beach

Tavronitis beach is possibly the most tranquil and quiet beach in the area. The pebbly beach features crystal clear waters and is a short stroll from the centre of Tavronitis village.
The uncrowded beach and the serene natural environment are ideal for relaxation. Tavronitis, Chania, draws many couples and families for these reasons. Near the beach you can find amenities like cafes and taverns.

Tavronitis is a small village with a distinct character that is more fit to the visitors that want quiet, relaxed holidays. If we add the advantage of easy reaching some of the best sights in the region, like Balos beach, Paleochora, Falassarna beach and Elafonissi beach,Tavronitis, Chania, is a very interesting place to visit during your holidays in Crete.

Maleme, Chania, is a small coastal village located just about one kilometer west of Pyrgos Psilonerou and Daphnis Villas. The village features a fine sandy beach.

Maleme is the perfect place to relax during your holidays, as it is more remote than the other known resorts in the area. It is ideal for couples and families.

The village and the beach of Maleme, Chania

Maleme is a nice traditional village. Inside the village, or on Maleme beach, you can find some taverns, cafes and bars. At the center of the village there is the known church of Agios Antonios (“St. Antonios”).

Maleme beach is long and sandy, and you can find sun beds and parasols in some parts of it. The more remote part of the beach is at its western edge, where the trees lie literally by the beach.

The area around Maleme, Chania, is very green with plenty of trees, especially olive groves and orange trees. The village is built on a hill between the small rivers of Tavronitis and Geranis.

Maleme, Chania, is a small coastal village located just about one kilometer west of Pyrgos Psilonerou and Daphnis Villas. The village features a fine sandy beach.

Maleme is the perfect place to relax during your holidays, as it is more remote than the other known resorts in the area. It is ideal for couples and families.

The village and the beach of Maleme, Chania

Maleme beach is long and sandy, and you can find sun beds and parasols in some parts of it. The more remote part of the beach is at its western edge, where the trees lie literally by the beach.

The area around Maleme, Chania, is very green with plenty of trees, especially olive groves and orange trees. The village is built on a hill between the small rivers of Tavronitis and Geranis.

Maleme, Chania – a village full of history

Maleme has associated its name with the adventures of Crete, and generally Greece, in World War II. At that time, there was strong resistance to the German forces in both mainland Greece and in Crete, which made Hitler use all the military he could send to the area.

Although the attack of the German forces during the so-called Battle of Crete was fierce, and used the state of the art military technology of those years and the dreaded German air forces, the brave resistance of the Cretan people made it very difficult for the German troops to land on the island. The Battle of Crete was one of the most violent and game-changing battles of World War II.

The most crucial fight of the Battle of Crete took place in the plain near Maleme, Chania. In 1941, one of the biggest airborne operations in World War II involved throwing thousands of German paratroopers from many airplanes in order to end the Battle of Crete sooner. The Cretan resistance and the locals encountered the occupational German forces with everything they could use, from old guns and tools to rocks and bare hands. Finally, the German forces managed to occupy the island of Crete, starting from Maleme, but the operation was slow and very costly to human lives in both sides.

Although at that time it was not so clear, the Battle of Crete and the specific fight in Maleme had seriously delayed the Nazi troops from entering the Soviet Union from the south. Many historians believe that this delay, which resulted to the German army entering the Soviet Union in winter, was one of the main reasons of the final defeat of Hitler in the Soviet Union.

In the area around Maleme there is today a local cemetery with a memorial for this fight, but also a German war cemetery (Deutscher Soldaten Friedhof), about 3 kilometers outside Maleme, Chania. About 5.000 German paratroopers, most of them young men, who lost their lives in the Maleme operation, have been laid to rest at this cemetery.

Kolymbari, Chania, is picturesque fishing village about 10 kilometers west of Pyrgos Psilonerou and Daphnis Villas. Kolymbari has not been so affected by tourism development, as other parts in West Crete, so it is one of the best places in Chania prefecture for real relaxation.

Kolymbari is located inside the homonymous Kolymbari Bay, at the eastern part of Rodopou Peninsula. Kolymbari Bay offers breathtaking view to the sea and the surrounding area and is considered one of the most picturesque bays in Crete.

The beauty and tranquility of Kolymbari bay comes in contrast with the fierce battles that took place in the area that had to do with the Ottoman occupation of Crete. It was at this particular bay that the Ottomans landed for first time on Crete in 1645, when they arrived to occupy the island. Rather ironically, this was the same location where the Greek army landed about 250 years later, in 1897, in order to liberate Crete from the Ottoman Empire. Many years have passed since these events have taken place, however, and today Kolymbari is one of the most tranquil places in Chania prefecture.

The many facets of Kolymbari, Chania

The area of Kolymbari, Chania, has been inhabited since the ancient Minoan years, as the remnants of Minoan settlements that have been found all around Kolymbari suggest.
The location of Kolymbari village is magnificent: Between the sea and the green hills, Kolymbari is the ideal place to enjoy calm mornings and evenings, and feel the lazy days of summer.

The beautiful Kolymbari beach is long and sandy. The water is crystal-clear and excellent for swimming. Near the beach, there are plenty of amenities: shops, taverns, restaurants, cafes and bars await you for relaxed eating out, drinking and chatting when not in the gorgeous beach.

The residents of Kolymbari, Chania, are mainly occupied with fishing, tourism and wine-making. In fact, the wines of Kolymbari are pretty well known in the area.

Kolymbari, Chania and Moni Gonias

Possibly the most known sight near Kolymbari, and one of the most known sights in Chania prefecture, is the so-called “Moni Gonias” (meaning “Cloister in the Corner”). The name comes from its location, at the southeast corner of Rodopou Peninsula. Moni Gonias is dedicated to Virgin Mary and is one of the sights you have to visit when you are in the area.
Moni Gonias was originally built in the 9th century AD in a location near its present location. The original cloister was severely destroyed in the 17th century AD and soon after rebuilt at its present location. Generally, the cloister has suffered many raids from the Ottoman occupation forces, which were in search of its hidden treasures. Today, one can hopefully find most of these treasures intact, including the Crucifixion, the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, St. Antonios and St. Nikolaos. In the cloister there are also centuries-old rare manuscripts and books. Finally, in Moni Gonias one of the most known local feasts in Chania prefecture is held in August 15th, the day that Virgin Mary is celebrated in Greece.

Kolymbari, Chania, is a village full of tranquility, with an excellent beach. If we also take under consideration the breathtaking landscape of Kolymbari bay, Kolymbari village is one of the best places in northwest Chania to unwind.