Chania and surrounding area

Chania was the capital of Crete until 1972. Today, it is the second largest town in Crete, with its own airport serving Western Crete. Many believe Chania to be one of the most impressive towns in the whole of Greece. The old walled town with its magnificent harbour, and mediaeval quarters consisting of houses and churches from both the Venetian and Turkish periods. Walking through the maze of narrow streets is like a trip through the history of Crete. Around the crescent shaped harbour you will find many excellent restaurants, bars and little shops, as well as the famous cruciform shaped indoor market, with its fascinating array of provisions. The unique melting pot of history, which forms this town is part of its enduring charm. Scattered north and west from Chania, lie countless beautiful beaches along with many small villages and pretty coves. This is the perfect holiday area that caters for most tastes. There are water sports, ideal sunbathing spots and many worthwhile excursions through the western part of the island. Of further interest is the Akrotiri peninsula with its ancient atmospheric monasteries. The peninsula divides the Bay of Souda, with its beautiful natural harbour, and the Bay of Chania. 
Sougia, Chora Sfakion, and Paleochora in the south, as well as Kissamos and Phalassarna in the West, are all easily reached by bus. The region around Chania is also the best base from which to take the walk through the glorious wild natural beauty of the famous 18 km Samaria Gorge. In the wonderful region, in and around Chania, we have carefully chosen a selection of accommodation, in a wide choice of villages such as Kalathas, Chora Fakia, Stavros, Megala Chorafia, Daratso, Kalamaki, Agia Marina, Platanias, Tavronitis, Kastelli, Spilia and Milia, which are all between 5 and 45 km distance from the town of Chania.

Frangokastello  
On the south coast of Crete, a two hour drive over the mountains from Chania and 60 km from Rethymno, is the strange sight of a 14^th century fort near the beach, which gives the village of scattered houses its name. Frangokastello is strung out alongside long flat fine sandy beaches, wonderful for safe swimming and ideal for children. The village is on a narrow plain, beneath a mountain backdrop. There are a number of tavernas, cafes, shops catering for most needs, and some specialist fish restaurants, which are held in high regard by the locals.   The general area is noted for attractive gorges that delight keen walkers, and not far away is Chora Sfakion from where you can take a boat along the south coast to the west. 

Georgioupolis
The village of Georgioupolis with it’s particularly beautiful setting between sea and mountain, is situated between the towns of Rethymno, a 30 minute journey by car and Chania which is a 45 minute drive away. This charming village with its long stretch of sandy beach and river running into the sea, was until recent times a sleepy little fishing village in an out of the way place. Over the past 20 years it has slowly grown into a very popular little holiday resort, with a wide range of tavernas, shops, cafes, boutiques and other tourist amenities. The beautiful countryside surrounding the village is ideal for those keen on walking, while the splendid sandy shore and relaxed sea side atmosphere make it ideal for beach lovers. There is an excellent bus service in all directions and thus it is possible to go quite far afield, for example to Heraklion (90min journey) or the south coast perhaps to visit Phaistos or Matala. An outing to Frangokastello is also worthwhile. Closer to home there are interesting visits to be made to the old quarters of Chania and Rethymno. Lake Kournas, famed as the only fresh water lake on Crete and haven for wild life, is within walking distance from Georgioupolis. Some distance outside the village, a long row of hotels sits alongside the sweeping almost 10 km long pale fine sandy beach and crystal clear waters. However, a part of timeless old Georgioupolis remains very much in place. As in years gone by, the eucalyptus tree lined square remains the perfect place to sit and watch the villagers meet each other in the kafenions to exchange the news of the day over a coffee or ouzo.

Loutro
Loutro is the sort of fishing village that visitors seek but rarely find.  It is only accessible by boat or a long walk down from the village high above and along a cliffside path. The small village sits around the harbour and here you will find a few simple tavernas, which offer some of the best cooking on the island. You sit shaded by the harbourside trees watching the boats and beach activities.         There are no cars, no night live, just a sense of perfect idyllic peace. The village has a shingle beach and small coves with deep clear water which is ideal for snorkeling. The rocky hillside rising steeply up from the harbour is criss-crossed with paths that make it a walkers paradise and quite close by there are archeological remains to be explored. For energetic walkers there are challenging walks with stunning views of the mountains and out across the Libyan Sea.

Paleochora
Situated on the south western coast of Crete, the former fishing village of Paleochora, sits on a small peninsula jutting into the vast blue expanses of sea and behind is surrounded by a lush green landscape with oleanders and olive trees. The mountains of Sfakia form a dramatic rugged backdrop and to the west there is a wonderful sandy beach, which is several kilometers long.             The small seaside town has a large selection of tavernas, shops and cafes, and on a summer’s evening the bustling streets become a much loved strolling and meeting point. The area is ideal for beach lovers, or for walkers eager to explore the south-west coast and the surrounding mountains. From Paleochora, boats ply back and forth along the coast, stopping at a number of villages on the way to Chora Sfakion. It is also possible to take boat trips to see Dolphins as well as the remote island of Gavdos, which is the most southerly point of Europe.