Explore Chania

Chania Prefecture covers the western side of the island, with spectacular nature. The Lefka Ori (the White Mountain) dominates the area, reaching down to the south coast and the Libyan Sea. The area has also a number of gorges, the Samaria Gorge being the most well known. The city of Chania o the north coast is a good place to start your exploration of the area.

Kalathas

Beach resort 10km north of Chania, a couple of nice beaches a quiet place to relax. A favourite of the locals, many have weekend retreats here.

Stavros

A spread out resort with a cove with a small beach, dwarfed by a massive rockshelf, it was here they filmed scenes for the movie Zorba the Greek, starring Anthony Quinn.

Lake Kournas

Crete’s only lake is 4km inland from the village Georgioupolis; here you hire canoes and pedalboats. The lake is a good place to swim and to relax, a number of eating places around the lake. Take walk up to the village of Kournas where there is a taverna, and a shop that sells nice ceramics.

Plaka

A small farming village, with is winding streets, a square shaded by trees. This Greek village is far removed from the hurly -burly of every day life. Also scenes from Zorba the Greek where shot here.

Moni Chrysoskalitssa

On a remote area near to the southwest of the island lies this white washed closter, once the home of about 200 nuns, now there is only one munk remaining. The name Moni Chrysoskalitssa, means the “monestry with the golden step” as there is a stairway with 90 steps going down to the sea, and according to legend one of the steps is made of gold. The only way you can see this golden step is if you are pure of heart and free from sin.

Elafonissi

Another highly rated beach, the beach is long and wide and there are a few semi-secluded coves that are popular with nudists. The beach is very popular with day trippers.

Loutro

To reach this small village you must come by boat or on foot, small white washed houses lay between the mountains and the sea. There are a few tavernas and a small hotel plus it is possible to rent a room in the village. The rocky beach is not ideal for swimming but you can swim frpm the rocks, also it is possible to rent canoe,s and explore the bays and other beaches near by. A boat can also be taken from the village to the beach at Mamara.

Paleohora

A former fishing village, now a popular destination for those seeking a relaxing break from the usual tourist spots.It has a fine beach to the west of the village, which is popular wth wind surfers.In the tavernas and cafes you can enjoy a good meal, and watch the fishermen land their catch on the quayside. From the village you can take a local boat and explore the surrounding villages and country.

Frangokastello

One of the best beaches in the region, the wide sandy beach sloping gently into the warm shallow waters is ideal for children. The fort behind the beach was erected by the Venetian to protect the area from pirates. The fortress has also seen many battles in over the years, in the fight for Cretan independence. The fortress is after legend reputed to be haunted, ghosts are said to appear on the anniversary of a bloody battle that occurred in May 1828.

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