Featuring garden views, Villa Recluso-3 bd luxury country villa, individual bbq & large yard, mountain view offers accommodation with a patio and a coffee machine, around 12 km from Conference Centre of MAICh. This property offers access to a balcony, free private parking and free WiFi.
The villa is fitted with 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, bed linen, towels, a flat-screen TV, a dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, and a terrace with mountain views.
Guests can relax in the garden at the property.
Municipal Art Gallery of Chania is 13 km from the villa, while Mitropoleos Square is 13 km away. The nearest airport is Chania International Airport, 23 km from Villa Recluso-3 bd luxury country villa, individual bbq & large yard, mountain view.
Set in Tsikalariá in the Crete region, KOEV slow living has a terrace. The accommodation is 3.3 km from the Conference Centre of MAICh and features free WiFithroughout the property.
The air-conditioned apartment consists of 1 bedroom, a living room, a fully equipped kitchen with an oven and a coffee machine, and 1 bathroom with a shower and slippers. Towels and bed linen are featured in the apartment.
A car rental service is available at the apartment.
Archaeological Museum of Chania is 6.8 km from KOEV slow living, while House-Museum of Eleftherios Venizelos is 6.8 km away. The nearest airport is Chania International Airport, 14 km from the accommodation.
from
€124
/night
Located in Souda, 3.2 km from Conference Centre of MAICh and 6.6 km from Archaeological Museum of Chania, Royal Legend Suite offers barbecue facilities and air conditioning. This property offers access to a balcony, free private parking and free WiFi.
The apartment with a terrace and mountain views features 2 bedrooms, a living room, a flat-screen TV, an equipped kitchen with a dishwasher and an oven, and 1 bathroom with a walk-in shower. Towels and bed linen are featured in the apartment.
The apartment offers a hot tub. Cycling and hiking can be enjoyed nearby.
House-Museum of Eleftherios Venizelos is 6.7 km from Royal Legend Suite, while Municipal Art Gallery of Chania is 6.9 km away. The nearest airport is Chania International Airport, 14 km from the accommodation.
Featuring mountain views, Michaela’s House provides accommodation with a patio and a kettle, around 3 km from Conference Centre of MAICh. This holiday home features a private pool, a garden, barbecue facilities, free WiFi and free private parking.
The holiday home comes with 3 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, bed linen, towels, a flat-screen TV with streaming services, a dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, and a terrace with sea views.
A car rental service is available at the holiday home.
Archaeological Museum of Chania is 6.5 km from Michaela’s House, while House-Museum of Eleftherios Venizelos is 6.5 km away. The nearest airport is Chania International, 14 km from the accommodation, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.
Located in Souda and only 3.1 km from Conference Centre of MAICh, Eliomylos Luxury Living provides accommodation with mountain views, free WiFi and free private parking. This villa features air-conditioned accommodation with a balcony.
The villa with a terrace and sea views features 2 bedrooms, a living room, a flat-screen TV, an equipped kitchen with an oven and a microwave, and 2 bathrooms with a shower. Towels and bed linen are provided in the villa.
Guests can relax in the garden at the property.
Archaeological Museum of Chania is 6.6 km from the villa, while House-Museum of Eleftherios Venizelos is 6.6 km away. The nearest airport is Chania International Airport, 13 km from Eliomylos Luxury Living.
from
€191
/night
Located 3.8 km from Conference Centre of MAICh, Sans Souci Home offers air-conditioned accommodation with a terrace.
Featuring free WiFi, the units have a safety deposit box, a washing machine and a flat-screen TV with streaming services. An oven, a toaster and fridge are also featured in the kitchen, as well as a coffee machine.
Guests can relax in the garden at the property.
House-Museum of Eleftherios Venizelos is 6.7 km from the holiday home, while Archaeological Museum of Chania is 7.1 km away. The nearest airport is Chania International Airport, 13 km from Sans Souci Home.
from
€75
/night
Pick-Up or Meet-Up: We’ll either pick you up or meet you at our dive center, where you’ll meet your instructor.
Briefing and Theory: Following the excitement of your first dive, we’ll gather for a quick session covering essential theories behind safe diving practices, equipment basics, and safety tips.
Choose Your Gear: Your instructor will guide you in selecting the gear that best suits you
Beach Prep: We’ll head to the beach together, assemble our gear, and get ready for our first dive for about 45minutes.
After a refreshing break: we’ll change cylinders and then get ready for the second dive at maximum depth of 12 meters.
After we finish, we’ll return back to the dive center where you will receive your Basic Diver Certification .
Finally: Let’s get ready for the drop-off or if you have your own transportation, you are more than welcome to use it.
Book your beginner scuba diving today and let the exploration begin!
Are you ready for an unforgettable journey beneath the surface?
-Pick-Up or Meet-Up: We’ll either pick you up or meet you at our dive center, where you’ll meet your instructor.
-Theory and Briefing: Get ready for a quick session to cover essential theories behind safe diving practices and equipment use basics and safety tips.
-Choose Your Gear: Your instructor will help you pick out gear that suits you best.
– Beach Prep: We’ll head to the beach together, gear up, and get ready for our dive.
– Dive Time: Let’s dive in and explore the stunning underwater world together, for about 45minutes
-After we finish, we’ll return back to the dive center to get ready for the drop-off or if you have your own transportation, you are more than welcome to use it.
Our experienced instructors will take you through step-by-step instruction, before diving, covering everything you need to know in order to make most of it!
Book your beginner scuba diving course today and let the exploration begin!
Before reaching Chania city and wander to the narrow streets of the old city, firstly stop at the peninsula of Akrotiri.
There it is the grave of the important politician Eleftherios Venizelos, where we can enjoy a fabulous view over Souda Bay.
Chania, the second largest city of the island of Crete will be next stop. After a city tour, your steps will leads you to the city port where you will enjoy some small Cretan specialties. Free time to explore the city on your own will be next. You can also visit the famous market hall here. We continue with the stop at the ruins of “Aptera” and spend some time for the sensational view over the north coast. Final stop is the freshwater lake “Kournas”, here you can end the day with a Greek coffee on a terrace from one of the numerous coffee shops.
This private tour unfolds the history behind the battle of Crete in Chania: A certified Historian/ Archaeologist specializing in Contemporary History is ready to guide you through the line of events that led to the Battle of Crete and the mysteries of the Archaeological remains of the battlefields.
We start our tour at the Airport of Maleme, a site that was of vital importance for the Axis forces, and played a crucial role during World War Two. A tour of hill 107 is being carried out, as well as a visit to the German War Cemetery. We stand in grief, due to the sheer size of human losses and afterwards we visit two different abandoned German lockouts in an undisclosed location.
A visit to a private war museum lets us understand how the battle was being carried out, and we learn about unknown facts about the battle of Crete due to our Historian Guide’s expertise and rare archive photos that were found after tedious research.
The British Commonwealth Nations (Such as Australia, New Zealand and Great Britain) played a vital role in the Battle of Crete, and we pay great respect to our allies, by visiting the British Commonwealth Allied Cemetery. We learn about the history of the allied cemetery in Souda Bay as we overlook the spectacular views of the bay on which “Lest We Forget”* is a common phrase.
A small coffee/ lunch break at a beautiful riverside with overgrown vegetation will help us to talk about questions and inquiries. Afterwards, we continue our tour to an undisclosed location to inspect battlefield Archeology and the untouched history of the Battle of Crete to an abandoned German Bunker. We learn about the daily war routine, as well as the military equipment, regimes and ammunition used by both the Axis Forces and the Allies during the second world war.
Discover the hidden gems and secret beaches of Souda Bay and Akrotiri, with the brand new 5.50 walkaround boats, built in 2023, with engines
YAMAHA 30/40 Hp.
Travel with your family or friends and enjoy the crystal blue-green waters and the sandy beaches that will encounter you on your way.
We provide you with snorkeling equipment and gear for fishing, waterproof cameras to take underwater pictures, and fridge to store your food and drinks.
You do not need a license to drive the boat.
The ANTONIS BOATS team will provide you with useful information and instructions to familiarize yourself with the areas and the boat so that you’ll be ready for your cruise.
We can also provide you with a captain upon request.
The boats have all the necessary safety equipment (according to the law) and meet all the requirements to have a safe trip. They also have satellite tracker for extra security and life vests.
Our boats have a maximum capacity of 6 people and are suitable for friends, couples and families with children.
You can charter the boat for a 4-hour or 7-hour cruise.
Send us a message and we hope to see you on board soon!
Sail with us from Kolimvari Port along the gorgeous north coast of Chania on our large and comfortable sailing yachts and discover the island of Agioi Theodoroi, home of the famous Kri-Kri goats.
Our journey begins from the port of Kolimvari.
As we start, after a short safety briefing, you can admire the beautiful coastline and enjoy the feel of sailing.
About 1 hour later we arrive to our swim stop in the beach of Agioi Theodoroi island where you can enjoy the crystal waters and our water activities such as snorkeling and stand-up paddle boarding. While at anchor in the bay our crew will be happy to offer you any piece of equipment for our water activities and serve you plentiful drinks so, please don’t hesitate to request it from them.
About 2 hours later our delicious Mediterranean menu is served and includes Greek salad and several appetizers, while the main course is shrimp pasta (we also offer vegetarian and gluten free versions of the menu upon request). You can also accompany your meal with the finest wine, beer, ice tea or soft drinks. For dessert you can taste our special fruit mixture of local and tropical fruits. About 1 hour later we will set sails to head back to the port after a day full of great memories.
You can choose between the morning or the afternoon cruise with the sunset view.
Vlites beach, a well-sheltered spot situated in the grand Souda bay, lies about 5 km to the east of Chania city and holds the title of the longest beach in the bay. This expansive beach takes shape north of the Moronis River’s mouth, extending northwards to the Souda Bay War Cemetery.
The sandy seashore is ideal for kids due to its typically tranquil state and shallow waters. Previously, its closeness to both the Souda Naval Base and Souda’s commercial port led many locals to avoid swimming in its waters. However, chemical analysis has confirmed the water’s cleanliness, assuring that swimming at Vlites beach is entirely safe.
The village of Kalami is situated 15km to the east of Chania city, nestled on the southern shore of Souda Bay and in close proximity to Megala Chorafia village. It boasts a breathtaking panorama of the bay and Souda fort. Moreover, it’s near the ancient city of Aptera and the Turkish forts of Intzedin and Aptera.
A mere 500m north of the village, a delightful beach adorned with rounded pebbles and deep water is found. At the beach’s east end, there’s a small harbour housing various boats. The beach is a favourite spot among the locals, although it’s yet to be fully organized. There are a handful of umbrellas and tamarisk trees scattered about. The village and the surrounding region offer a few accommodation and dining options.
Koum Kapi is a roughly 1km strip of sand and a cafe and bar district on the eastern edge of Chania’s old town, just beyond the Venetian port. It is best known for its long coastal street lined with cafes and nightclubs rather than for classic beach days, and it stays unorganized, with no sunbed or umbrella setup. People do swim on the sandy east side, though many locals still hold back after years when swimming here was banned. Come for a seafront coffee, a sunset drink, and an easy walk from the old town; treat the swim as a bonus rather than the reason to visit.
Koum Kapi sits at the eastern edge of the scenic port of Chania, directly in front of the historical Bedouin district. The area was once home to African economic migrants who lived in rush-made huts during the Ottoman period, having first arrived on the island as slaves. None of those huts remain today. The only visible structures now are the buildings along a long coastal street lined with cafes and nightclubs.
The name comes from the Turkish phrase Kum Kapisi, meaning the Gate of Sand. This was a gate on the Venetian Walls that stood next to the sandy beach, and the district still carries that name. Backed by the old town and open to the sea, Koum Kapi reads more as a lively urban waterfront than a resort beach.
The heart of Koum Kapi is its seafront promenade. A long coastal street runs beside the water, lined with cafes and nightclubs, and this is where most visitors spend their time. It works through the whole day, from morning coffee to late-night drinks, with the sea and the old-town backdrop in view.
The strip sits within easy reach of the Venetian harbour and the old town, so it pairs naturally with a wider evening out. Browse guided walks, tours, and other bookable options to build a full day around the waterfront on the Crete Locals list of things to do in Chania and across the island.
Koum Kapi stretches for about 1km to the east, running beneath a pedestrian road. To the west, the sea meets the road’s wall with no beach in between, so there is little room there. On the east side, a strip of sandy beach forms, and this is where most people swim. Further east, a beautiful cove takes shape, though locals still tend to avoid swimming in it.
The sand is soft, the water reads blue, and the shallows stay shallow close to shore, with a sea surface that is usually calm. In earlier years Koum Kapi was a popular swimming spot in Chania, but declining seawater quality led to a swimming ban. Recent upgrades to the city’s biological cleaning infrastructure have improved the water, and the city’s Water Supply and Sewerage Authority considers it safe for swimming again. Even so, the beach stays unorganized and is still not fully trusted by many locals, so it is sensible to check conditions on the day before you get in.
Koum Kapi lies within the city of Chania, on a paved road at the eastern edge of the old town, which makes it one of the easier spots to reach on foot from the centre. Bus services run to the area, and the paved-road access means you can also drive in.
There is a parking area near the beach, but it fills up and gets crowded in peak season, so arriving early helps. Compare rental options through Crete Locals car rental in Crete when you want the freedom to move between beaches and villages across the wider region.
Koum Kapi fits travellers staying in or near Chania old town who want a seafront base for coffee, food, and drinks without leaving the city. It is family friendly, with shallow, usually calm water on the east-side sand, and it suits anyone who values atmosphere and walkability over a fully organized beach.
It is a weaker choice if you want sunbeds, umbrellas, and beach services, or a long stretch of open sand. For a more conventional swim close to town, the sandy bays just west of the harbour are a better match than Koum Kapi.
A short way east, in the Halepa suburb of Chania beside the Agia Kyriaki chapel and beach, you will find Kouloura, a small rocky pond. It serves as a favoured natural pool among Halepa residents, many of whom have their own story about the place.
Koum Kapi also sits close to some of the city’s landmarks, including the Venetian Harbour, the Archaeological Museum of Chania, and the Municipal Market of Chania. When you are ready to swim somewhere more open, nearby options include Lazaretta islet, Vlites beach, Chrissi Akti beach, and the sandy Nea Chora beach just west of the port. You can plan a wider coastal route from the full Crete Locals guide to beaches in Crete.
Koum Kapi beach is in the city of Chania, on the island of Crete, Greece, at the eastern edge of the old town in front of the historical Bedouin district.
Yes, Koum Kapi beach is suitable for swimming, and the city’s Water Supply and Sewerage Authority considers the water safe after infrastructure upgrades. It is still recommended to check the water conditions before entering the sea.
The beach has sand, the water colour is blue, the water near shore is shallow, and the surface of the sea is usually calm.
Visitors can swim on the east-side sandy strip and enjoy the several cafes and restaurants along the coastal street.
Koum Kapi beach is unorganized, so it has no sunbeds or umbrellas, but there are accommodation options and food and water available nearby.
The beach is reached by bus services and by a paved road, and there is a parking area nearby that can get crowded in peak season, so it helps to arrive early.
Yes, nearby attractions include the Venetian Harbour, the Archaeological Museum of Chania, and the Municipal Market of Chania.
Nea Chora, a picturesque sandy beach, lies just a kilometer west of Chania city center along Akti Papanikoli Street, opposite the Lazaretta islet. A short 15-minute stroll from Chania’s old harbor, this beach boasts a well-maintained main area with several facilities at hand. While mostly sandy, Nea Chora also features rocky patches. It’s the perfect spot for those who prefer to stay nearby the city center. East of the beach, you can still spot the old soap factory’s towering chimney and the former sanatorium of Chania. Nea Chora is a favorite among locals for its seafood taverns, but there are also plenty of restaurants, snack bars, and cafes to choose from. Every summer, the beach hosts the “Sardine Festival”, complete with traditional music, dancing, and free fish for attendees.
Kladissos beach
Further along the river Kladisos, a second beach unfolds all the way up to Aptera beach. Kladisos beach is a lengthy sandy bay, interspersed with pebbly areas. Despite its proximity to Chania and its appealing beauty, the beach remains relatively secluded and unspoiled. The simplest way to access this beach is by crossing the Kladisos river via the pedestrian bridge.
The Diktamos Canyon, nestled within the White Mountains, commences 21km to the east of Chania, near the Katochori village at an elevation of 300m. It concludes 8km further east, at the Faragi village, situated at a height of 40m and in close proximity to the Stylos village in the Apokoronas province. Consequently, it is also referred to as the Katechori Gorge or Stylos Gorge. The canyon’s stream serves as the primary tributary of the Kiliaris River, gathering water from the northern slopes of the Mavri peak and discharging it onto the Kalives beach.
Navigating through the canyon can be challenging, with certain areas requiring extra caution and approximately 3 hours to traverse. The canyon is a stunning, verdant landscape filled with towering trees and steep inclines, home to dittany or diktamos, a herb endemic to Crete. In Stylos, you have the opportunity to explore the ancient church of Apostle John (Agios Ioannis Theologos), refresh yourself at the local springs, and replenish your energy at the village’s taverns.
The Cyclamen Gorge, also known as Agios Georgios Gorge or Gorge Vandes, is nestled on the northern slopes of the White Mountains. Its starting point is the Aletrouvari settlement, situated at an altitude of 300m, and it extends east of Agios Georgios village, ultimately ending at the village of Vandes, which is at an elevation of 50m. The stream that runs through this gorge gathers water from the Drakona area, resulting in the formation of quaint, small ponds at certain spots.
However, this route is not recommended for novice hikers as it requires approximately 2 hours to traverse from Aletrouvari or about 1 hour from Agios Georgios. As visitors journey through this route, they will encounter a diverse landscape that changes along the river, all under the cool shade of towering plane trees and cypresses.
Positioned near the city of Chania, the Therisso Gorge (also known as Eleftherios Venizelos) is an awe-inspiring sight. This six-kilometre-long canyon is adorned with impressive vertical cliffs and lush greenery, rivalling any other gorge in the Chania region. Accessible by car, it’s worth combining a trip to the gorge with a visit to the historic village of Therisso, nestled at the foot of the White Mountains, just 15 kilometres from Chania. This village, steeped in history, offers an unforgettable experience to any visitor.
With a population of just over 100, the valiant village of Therisso has held a significant role in Crete’s modern history, mainly due to the resilience of its inhabitants against Turkish invasions. In 1866, the village was burnt by Mustapha Pasha Naili, forcing many, including the mother of future Greek Prime Minister, Eleftherios Venizelos, to relocate to Kythera and the Peloponnese. Therisso gained further historical prominence in 1905 when Eleftherios Venizelos and his allies initiated a revolution against the autocratic rule of Prince George, imposed by the Great Powers, charting a course for Crete’s union with Greece. Notably, the heroic Halides brothers, key figures in the 1821 revolution, also hailed from Therisso.
Situated close to the village of Meskla, 20 km away from Chania town and nestled at the foot of the White Mountains, you’ll find the impressive yet compact Sarakina Gorge (be careful not to mix it up with the other well-known Sarakina Gorge in East Crete, near Mythi in the Province of Ierapetra). The gorge takes its name from local lore that suggests Saracenes once used it as a hiding place. The gorge’s somewhat elusive location keeps it off the beaten track for many locals, maintaining its status as an untouched, natural spectacle.
Hidden within a deep ravine, Sarakina is bordered by towering cypress and plane trees. In an effort to make this natural gem more accessible, local authorities have developed walking trails throughout the gorge. Starting and ending in Meskla, next to the Church of the Panagia, where you find the parking space. The circular trail offers an hour’s worth of easy hiking. The journey commences with a ten-minute walk on a dirt road which then leads to a path alongside the river.
The trail is interspersed with wooden and stone staircases and metal walkways crossing the river. After the first segment, the landscape transforms drastically, transitioning from a gravel bed to solid limestone boulders. The resulting view is an awe-inspiring natural artwork as the rock appears split down the middle, carving out a breathtaking sculpture.
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