Places to visit in West Crete MIKE
HOTEL & APARTMENTS
Old City -
Venetian Harbour (in Chania)
with its Venetian, Turkish and Neoclassical buildings has been scheduled
for preservation, although a large part of it has already fallen into
decay. Along the whole length of the warerfront there are fish-sellers,
tavernas, ouzo, "tsikoudia " (raki) and drinks bars. There
are also streets of knife-sellers,
"stivanadika" (Cretan boot and shoemakers) and every type
of traditional small trader. All around the Venetian harbour with numerous
picturesque narrow streets and architecture showing the influence of
decades of foreign domination. The pretty Venetian
Harbour and the Venetian lighthouse
at the entrance of the Harbor are very interesting sights to visit.The
Venetian Harbour comes into its own at night, when
the lights from bars and restaurants eflect in the water and the animated
crowds - locals as much as tourists - parade in a ritualistic volta
of apparently perpetual motion.
The
modern City (Chania). Which is where the day to day business of
the Chania goes on, with its shops, offices, the post offices and the
Street Markets every Thursdays and Saturdays. Inside the town, there are
Venetian, Turkish and neoclassic buildings. The public market (Agora)
holds a master place in the center of the city, a brilliant cross-shaped
building that was completed in 1913, and in proportion with the one in
Marseilles. Near the city center the Public Garden awaits you next to
the "Peace and Friendship of the people" park. The gardens are
the prettiest in Crete.
Therisos:
(16 kms from Chania) is a historical mountain village in a rugged but
verdant landscape at the foot of the White Mountains. It is a point of
departure for the ascent of the highest peak in the range, Pances (2,452m).
Aptera - Ayioi Apostoli: (2.5 kms West from
Chania): A seaside community where the bathing is wonderful and there
are caves which have been used as refuges during successive wars.
Kato
Daratsos - Glaros - Kalamaki: They are among the most frequented
beaches in the summer and are modern centres of tourism comprehensive
facilities.
Thodorou:
is the little island opposite the shore. The island today has been designated
a natural reserve and Cretan wild goats (Agrimi or Kri-Kri) are taken
there to breed.
Platanias:
(10.5 kms West from Chania) Is a beautiful holiday resort where you can
find a lot of pleasant bars, clubs, Restaurants, Shops and above all the
most attractive 4 kilometres long sandy beach. Across Platanias there
is a small island (Thodorou) that is a protected area and where the famous
wild ibexes "KRI - KRI" live on.is a picturesque seaside village
and tourist center. The sandy beach, 3 kms in length, is clear and organized.
Maleme:
(16 kms West from Chania): is a seaside village in the district of Kidonia.
The beaches with their sand, pebbles and clean - clear water are inviting
places for a swim. Famous also for the heroic battle fight there against
the German paratroopers in May 1941(Battle of Crete). There is a German
Cemetery up on the hill side facing the plain of Maleme where 4464 German
soldiers who died during the battle of Crete and the years of occupation
are buried here. North of the village, at a place called Kafkalos, a vaulted
late Minoan tomb, which had been plundered and only contained some potsherds
and two seal-stones, was discovered. Also in the village you will find
a Byzantine Church.
Palaiohora:
(73.5 kms WestSouth from Chania): This is a very picturesque large seaside
village on the Libyan Sea. It is situated on the plain and the houses
descend to the water's edge. Also known as Kastelli Selinou - from the
Venetian fort - it is considerd to be the second " nymph of the Libyan
Sea " after Ierapetra. The geographical location of the area, the
climate, the excellenet nature of the beaches, the sunshine and also
the wealth of Greek, Roman, medieval and Byzantine monuments in its hinterland have resultedin its rapid development into a tourist resort. The sand and pebble beaches around it, whether crowed or empty, offer an opurtunity to relax, even the most demanding.
the wealth of Greek, Roman, medieval and Byzantine monuments in its hinterland have resultedin its rapid development into a tourist resort. The sand and pebble beaches around it, whether crowed or empty, offer an opurtunity to relax, even the most demanding.
Sougia:
(67.10 kms South from Chania): is a modern coastal fishing village with
a protected harbour and pine-covered slopes around it.
There is a pebble beach in front of the village, 1.5 kms in length, with deep crystal water. For those visitors who enjoy rambling, nature and antiquities, there is a surprise.
There is a pebble beach in front of the village, 1.5 kms in length, with deep crystal water. For those visitors who enjoy rambling, nature and antiquities, there is a surprise.
Kolimbari:
(23.7 kms West from Chania) is a seaside fishing village. To the
the right from the crossroads at Kolimvari, and 1 km down the road is
the Stavropygic Monastery of Gonia, an important national and religious
center.
Kastelli
- Kissamos: (42 kms West from Chania) is the capital of the district
of Kissamos and takes its name from the old Venetian castle there. Its
fine beaches are of sand or pebbles, and the climate and sunshine make
the area suitable for tourism.
Falasarna:
(58 kms West from Chania) is an area of superb natural beauty and an archaeological
site where many people gather during the summer.
Sfinari:
(61 kms West from Chania) with a rocky though not precipitous coastline
and very clean sea . Also you 'll find many fish restaurants.
Mony
Chrisoskalitisa: (72 kms South West from Chania). A white church
and a number of cells lenddiversification to the scenic beauty of this
quite, aesthetic area of Crete. According to tradition, the name owes
itself to the fact that one of the 90 steps which lead to the nunnery
is made of gold but cannot be seen by sinners.
Elafonisi:
(78.5 kms South West from Chania). Far away from the crowds and the reality
of today, amidst the unsurpassed azure blue of the Mediterranean. The
island with its fine reddish sand is connected to the shore by a shallow
channel 0.50 - 0.80 m. deep and 800 m. long.
Gramvousa
- Balos lagoon: Gramvoussa with its wonderful sandy beaches, shallowwater,
tamarisks and springs with drinking water. Above the island there are
the ruins of a Venetian castle, which was build in 1597. Out on the is
horizon the little island of Agria Gramvousa, inaccessible at times of
rough seas. Opposite is the little harbour of Cape Gramvousa, Balos Lagoon,
with a small café and a wonderful beaches.
Omalos:
(39 kms from Chania) is the high plateau of the White Mountains (Lefka
Ori), 1080 metres. From there begins the Samaria Gorge.
Samaria
Gorge: one of the most beautiful places in Europe, it is 18 kms
long and betwin 3 and 300 metres in width. It was proclaimed a nature
reserve in 962 in order to protect the vegetation, birds and animals there,
in particular the Cretan wild goat (Kri-Kri).
In 1980 it was awarded a prize by the Council of Europe as one of the most beautiful places on the continent .Passage through the gorge is permitted from the beginning of May to the End of October.
The route through to the exit - the Gates - takes 6 - 8 hours.
In 1980 it was awarded a prize by the Council of Europe as one of the most beautiful places on the continent .Passage through the gorge is permitted from the beginning of May to the End of October.
The route through to the exit - the Gates - takes 6 - 8 hours.
Loutro:
a beautiful seaside village with particular colour. One of few places
on Crete where you won't see vehicles.
Hora
Sfakion - Sfakia: (72 kms South from Chania) is a histiric village
built like an amphitheatre by the beach. Sfakia is a wild, mountainous
area, dominated by the mountain massif of the White Mountains. Full of
Gorges, ravines, wild mountain peaks and difficult passes. The people
of Sfakia never allowed the Turks to get near their wild mountain are.
Frangokastello:
(80 kms South East from Chania) the beach of Frangokastello is one of
the best spots in Crete, with fine sand, crystal - clear water (with good
snorkelling oppurtunities). Next to the beach is the Castle.
Imbros
Gorge: The road climbs upwards, narrow and full of bends and then
runs parallel with the Imbros Gorge. One of the narrowest, deepest and
most imposing gorges on Crete, it is 7 kms long, 2-3 metres wide and 300
metres deep.
Akrotiri
Peninsula: (6 kms North East of Chania) interposes it self between
the Gulf of Chania and the Gulf of Souda. There you will find also ( in
Profitis Ilias ) the tomps of Elefterios Venizelos, A simple memorial
recalls the first revolutionary movement which took place in 1897. You
have to visit this place because the View out over Chania Gulf and towards
the White Mountains is unique. 16 kms from Chania you will find
the monastery of Agia Triada. One of the few onasteries in Crete where
monastic life is practised. In a another 4 km from Agia Triada you will
find the monastery of Gouverneto, which has beautiful embossed decorations
in Venetian style. The liturgies of Holy Week are atmospheric. Older than
the monastery of Agia Triada, with old murals, it gives a feeling of seclusion
and isolation.
Stavros:
(16.1 kms from Chania) a picturesque little harbour on Akrotiri
with its sandy beach, ideal for swimming. Famous from the film "Zorba
The Greek".
Kalathas:
is a small natural bay on the edge of a ravine, with a quiet, sandy beach.
Also visitors can swim to the islet which is very close by. The beach
can be crowded in summer and at weekends. Very shallow and ideal for children.
Marathi:
discovered a few years ago by the inhabitants of Chania. It gets very
crowded at weekends. Nice sandy beach with quite warm shallow water.
Souda:
(7 kms from Chania) is the natural harbour of the prefecture in one of
the largest and safest bays of the Mediterranean. There also you will
find the British War Cemetery ("From The Battle of Crete").
Kalami:
(14 kms from Chania) is a small village opposite the island of Souda.
Kalives:
(17.5 kms east of Chania) is a seaside and riveside village smothered
in greenery and extending along a sandy beach.
Almirida:
(22 kms east from Chania) is a seaside fishing village.
Vamos:
(25.1 kms east from Chania) is a picturesque place with traditional houses.
Yeoryioupolis:
(38.5 kms east from Chania) is a coastal village with moderate tourist
facilities, built on the mouth of the river Almirou which flows down from
Lake Kournas.
Lake
Kournas: Lake Kournas (48 kms East from Chania). This is the village
and the Lake Kournas. This is the Only lake on Crete, which collect water
from the mountains around it.
Rethymnon:
(66 kms East from Chania), rich in history and well worth a visit, is the smaller of the four historic
prefectures of Crete. The little Venetian harbour is the jewel of Rethymnon.
Plakias:
(36 kms South of Rethymnon) is a seaside
settlement and much-frequentedtourist resort, built
along the gulf of the same name which is enclosed
by Cape Krios and Cape Kako Mouri.
Knossos
Palace: The archeological site of Knossos. By far the Largest of
the Minoan Palaces, it thrived over three-and-a-half thousands years ago
at the heart of a highly sophisticatedisland-wide civilization. Here it
was in legend that King Minos ruled and that his wife Pasiphae bore the
Minotaur-half-bull and half-man.
