Kalyves is a picturesque coastal town situated on the Apokoronas Peninsula, just 17km east of Chania. Despite the influx of tourists, Kalyves has managed to preserve its traditional character, with old tiled stone houses blending seamlessly with modern buildings. One of the town’s unique features is the Xydás river that runs through it, providing a refreshing climate during the hot summer months. The town square is home to a traditional water mill that dates back to the early 20th century, making it one of the oldest in the area.
Kalyves is a popular tourist destination, thanks to its safe sandy beach and comprehensive amenities. Visitors can enjoy a range of activities, including swimming, sunbathing, exploring historic sites, and sampling local cuisine. The town boasts many shops, taverns, and kafeneion, as well as banking, post office, and petrol station facilities. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing beach holiday or an opportunity to immerse yourself in Greek culture, Kalyves is the perfect destination. Its unique character and welcoming atmosphere make it a favorite among visitors who return year after year.
Located in Kalyves, 100 metres from Hermans Beach and 500 metres from Kalives Beach, PLAYIA CENTRAL – KALYVES VACATIONS APARTMENT provides air-conditioned accommodation with a balcony and free WiFi. This apartment is less than 1 km from Kolatsos Beach and 42 km from Archaeological Museum of Rethymno.
The apartment with a terrace and sea views features 2 bedrooms, a living room, a flat-screen TV, an equipped kitchen with an oven and a fridge, and 2 bathrooms with a walk-in shower. Towels and bed linen are featured in the apartment.
Historical – Folklore Museum of Gavalochori is 6.8 km from the apartment, while Ancient City of Aptera is 8.8 km away. The nearest airport is Chania International Airport, 28 km from PLAYIA CENTRAL – KALYVES VACATIONS APARTMENT.
Set in Kalyves, 300 metres from Hermans Beach and 500 metres from Kalives Beach, Julia’s cottage offers air-conditioned accommodation with a balcony and free WiFi. It is located less than 1 km from Kolatsos Beach and provides a concierge service.
The holiday home with a terrace and inner courtyard views features 3 bedrooms, a living room, a flat-screen TV, an equipped kitchen with a dishwasher and an oven, and 2 bathrooms with a walk-in shower. Towels and bed linen are featured in the holiday home.
Archaeological Museum of Rethymno is 42 km from the holiday home, while Historical – Folklore Museum of Gavalochori is 6.9 km away. The nearest airport is Chania International Airport, 28 km from Julia’s cottage.
from
€113
/night
Situated in Kalyves, 200 metres from Kalives Beach and 200 metres from Hermans Beach, Callisto House in Kalyves offers air conditioning. This property offers access to a balcony, free private parking and free WiFi.
The apartment features 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 quiet street views.
Kera Beach is less than 1 km from the apartment, while Archaeological Museum of Rethymno is 42 km from the property. The nearest airport is Chania International Airport, 29 km from Callisto House in Kalyves.
from
€184
/night
Kalyves Maisonette Bougainvillea is located in Kalyves. The air-conditioned accommodation is 15 km from Chania Town. Guests will find a rooftop terrace with unobstructed views of the sea and the village.
The holiday home is composed of 2 separate bedrooms, a living room, a fully equipped kitchen with an oven and toaster, and 2 bathrooms. A flat-screen TV is provided, while a washing machine is also available.
Rethymno Town is 30 km from the holiday home, while Georgioupolis is 13 km away. The nearest airport is Chania International Airport, 16 km from Kalyves Maisonette Bougainvillea.
Featuring garden views, Jasmine Home by the Sea offers accommodation with a patio and a coffee machine, around 400 metres from Hermans Beach. This beachfront property offers access to a balcony and free WiFi.
The holiday home comes with 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom, bed linen, towels, a flat-screen TV, a fully equipped kitchenette, and a terrace with sea views.
A car rental service is available at the holiday home.
Kolatsos Beach is 600 metres from Jasmine Home by the Sea, while Kalives Beach is 800 metres away. The nearest airport is Chania International, 28 km from the accommodation, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.
from
€71
/night
Located 100 metres from Kalives Beach, Kalyves Pearl apartments by the sea offers accommodation with a balcony, as well as a garden. Free WiFi is providedthroughout the property.
All of the air-conditioned units feature a private bathroom, flat-screen TV, fully-equipped kitchen and terrace.
Hermans Beach is 200 metres from the holiday home, while Kera Beach is 600 metres away. The nearest airport is Chania International Airport, 29 km from Kalyves Pearl apartments by the sea.
from
€138
/night
Escape the ordinary and dive into an authentic 3-hour Cretan adventure! Join a local fisherman and discover secret fishing spots along Chania’s stunning coastline.
Choose your perfect timing – sunrise departure (8:00 AM) with traditional breakfast aboard, or magical sunset trip (5:30 PM) with wine and homemade delicacies.
What awaits you:
Don’t just visit Chania – LIVE it like a local! Book now for an exclusive maritime experience that combines adventure, relaxation, and authentic Greek hospitality. Limited spots available!
Discover what it feels like to breathe underwater in a safe environment with an introduction to scuba diving off a beach close to Chania. Following pick-up from your hotel in the city, head to the dive center in Almyrida to meet your PADI instructors for a pre-dive theory lesson.
Benefit from 1 instructor per 2 adult students and 1 instructor for every child for maximum attention. Your friendly instructor will be with you throughout for your comfort and safety. Once you feel confident, dive to a depth of 8 meters with your instructor to marvel at the marine life beneath the surface of the sea.
Choose from a morning or afternoon session to suit your schedule, and relax in the knowledge that all diving equipment will be provided, along with full insurance for your peace of mind. Photos and videos of your experience will be taken throughout, and sent to you free of charge as a fantastic souvenir of your time in Crete.
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.
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.
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!
The coastal resort of Kalives is situated 19km west of Chania, along the southern edge of Souda Bay. This charming village is nestled in a verdant valley where several rivers meander. Its name, which translates to “Huts” in Greek, is thought to have originated from the primitive structures erected by farmers for summer overnight stays. The rivers of Xidas and Mesopotamos flow near the village’s eastern boundary. The combination of these rivers with the sea’s many springs results in a cooler sea temperature.
Adjacent to the Xidas river, both east and west, are two sandy beaches with shallow waters, exposed to northern winds. Named Xidas and Maistrali respectively, these beaches are well-equipped with standard tourist amenities. A petite, picturesque bridge at Xidas river’s mouth connects these two beaches. The scenic harbor of Kalives neighbors Maistrali and is connected to Chania through regular bus services. The area also houses banks, post offices, clinics, shops, and more.
North of Kalives, at the mouth of the Kiliaris river, lies the serene beach of Kiani Akti or Glaros. The Kiliaris river, which carries water from the White Mountains, maintains a year-round flow, a rarity in Crete. This results in cooler seawater near the river.
Kalives’ geographical position and fertile soil have made it a place of habitation since ancient times. It is believed to be the location of the ancient city Amfimatrion. Notable historical events include the construction of the Castel Apicorno fortress in 1206 and the village’s destruction by the pirate Barbarossa in 1538. The village is also close to the ancient city of Aptera and the Ottoman forts of Intzedin and Aptera.
The harbor houses a German cannon concealed in a cave on the other side of a mountain. A small window at the tunnel’s end offers breathtaking views of the cliffs and sea. This is merely one example of the German defensive structures scattered across the broader Apokoronas and Akrotiri Cape area.
Visitors are encouraged to stroll through the village’s picturesque narrow streets, eventually reaching the village’s central square, home to a large plane tree and the Agia Paraskevi church. The church, adorned with frescoes, was constructed during the German Occupation in World War II.
An old Venetian mill, one of Crete’s most complex, is located along the Mesopotamos river. Built from stone and kourasani (a mixture of mortar and ground tile), it is renowned for its durability.
Situated approximately 20km east of the city of Chania, Kera beach can be found on the southern coastline of Souda Bay, near the scenic villages of Kalives and Plaka. This beach, adorned with soft sand and the occasional pebble, is nestled amidst a breathtaking landscape of towering cliffs. The sea at Kera is shallow and boasts crystal clear waters. Although it lacks organization, the surrounding area offers numerous choices for lodging and dining. Those preferring less crowded spots will find Kera an ideal choice. The beach offers a striking view of Karga island and features a unique elongated rock in the sea towards its west end. This rock, named Karavos (meaning ship) by the locals, resembles a boat.
Close to the beach is the 19th-century church of Panagia Kera (or Dame Virgin Mary), erected on the location of a former monastery. According to local legend, when pirates once tried to invade the area, the inhabitants sought divine intervention from the church of Panagia Kera. In response to their prayers, the Virgin Mary turned both the pirates and their boat to stone.
Almyrida beach is a tranquil resort offering basic facilities along with a magnificent seafront. Almyrida is situated 23km east of Chania city and nestled on the southern edge of Souda Bay near Cape Drapanos. The surrounding pristine countryside and verdant olive groves provide perfect opportunities for hiking and exploration.
A short distance of just 1km to the east lies the scenic village of Plaka, the largest in the area, renowned for its welcoming atmosphere and healthy climate. The coast stretching to Drapanos Cape is dotted with numerous sea caves, presenting a breathtaking natural spectacle. Plaka is also celebrated for its charming, narrow lanes and well-preserved, traditional houses.
Each July, the village hosts the Plakiana festival, a tribute to the renowned lyre musician Michael Papadakis, or Plakianos, showcasing the area’s rich cultural heritage. Among the unforgettable experiences here is the mesmerizing sunset, a truly memorable sight.
Declared a region of infinite beauty in 1977, Almyrida boasts two beautiful sandy beaches with shallow waters. On calm days, they’re safe for children to play in. These two beaches are separated by a small rocky peninsula featuring a quaint white chapel. Ideal for water sports and windsurfing, the area is also renowned for its seaside taverns serving fresh fish and delicious traditional Cretan cuisine. Regular bus and taxi services connect Almyrida and Plaka to Chania city.
Directly across from the beach is the small island of Karga, a haven for birdlife and a popular spot for excursions and fishing. The island still bears traces of ancient Phoenician walls and shelters constructed by the Germans during World War II.
Almyrida is thought to have been a Phoenician colony, hence the nearby location Finikia. Here, you can find ancient ruins and tombs. At the entrance to the village lie the remnants of a 6th-century triple-aisle Christian basilica with well-preserved mosaics. Almirida also played a role in Crete’s history as the site of the last battle against the Turks in 1896.
For those interested in sightseeing, just four kilometres east of Almirida is Kokkino Chorio or Red Village. A small village with intriguing fortifications built by the Germans during their occupation (1941-1945) to safeguard the military port of Souda. This was also a filming location for the famous movie “Zorba the Greek”. Today, it hosts a small factory producing handmade glass using traditional blowing techniques.
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.
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.
Located at the farthest point of Akrotiri Cape lies the Diplochachalo Gorge. This gorge is situated near the village of Chordaki, en route to the renowned Stefanou or Seitan Limania beach. The gorge is a compact, breathtaking, and purely technical canyon featuring six descents, two of which are quite tall. It begins just beneath the quarry that stands out in the area. The gorge’s brief route, apart from the descents, forms dramatic rock shelters and formations with steep slopes. At the centre of the tallest waterfall, which stands at 38m, resides a beautiful cave adorned with stalactites and stalagmites, stretching around 20 meters deep. The gorge’s exit leads directly to the sandy shores of Stefanou Beach.
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.
Avlaki Gorge is a 2 km hiking gorge in the Chania region of Crete, walked from Gouverneto Monastery down to Katholiko Bay about 16 km east of Chania city. The route rates 2 on a difficulty scale of 1 to 10, takes roughly 1 hour, drops 280 metres in altitude, and stays generally dry. Hikers reach the sea through a chain of caves, hermitages, and the abandoned Katholiko Monastery, which is why the canyon is also called Katholiko Gorge.
Avlaki Gorge is a short, steep monastic gorge that connects Gouverneto Monastery to the coast at Katholiko Bay. Avlaki Gorge sits in Arkoudovounia, a rugged pocket of the Akrotiri peninsula near Gouverneto Monastery, and it counts among Crete’s most significant canyons for its religious history. The secluded ravine gave refuge to numerous monks and hermits, who lived in its caves for centuries. The same gorge shelters the ancient, abandoned Katholiko Monastery, and that landmark gives the canyon its second name of Katholiko Gorge.
The gorge is not entirely accessible along its full length, so most visitors follow the marked trail rather than the raw riverbed. A signposted path from the monastery carries you on a scenic but steep descent toward Katholiko and the sea. The walk is dry underfoot in normal conditions, because Avlaki Gorge carries no permanent stream. You can preview other routes in the region on the wider Crete gorges guide.
Avlaki Gorge is an easy gorge to time but a steep one to walk. On a scale of 1 to 10, the route rates a difficulty level of 2, which suits reasonably fit walkers rather than technical canyoning. The one-way hike takes approximately 1 hour over its 2 km length, and it loses 280 metres of altitude between the monastery and the bay. The descent is the gentle part of the day; the same 280 metres must be climbed back on the return, so the uphill leg is where the effort concentrates.
Reach the trailhead by driving to Gouverneto Monastery, roughly 16 km east of Chania city on the Akrotiri peninsula. Follow these steps from Chania:
The monastery is the trailhead, so a hire car is the most direct way to reach it and to link Avlaki with other stops on Akrotiri. Renting a vehicle keeps the return climb on your own schedule rather than a tour timetable, which matters when you want to swim at the bay before heading back. Compare vehicles and pickup points through the Crete car rental directory.
The trail passes four monastic and coastal landmarks in sequence, each a short leg apart:
The bay guards one more curiosity worth the descent. A rock formation shaped like a boat stands near the water, and local legend calls it a pirate ship turned to stone by a monastery abbot’s curse. The deep blue water of the fjord makes the coastal finish a natural place to rest before the climb back.
Pack for a steep, dry, and shadeless walk with a coastal reward at the end. Sturdy shoes grip the rocky descent far better than sandals, and they protect ankles on the loose sections toward Katholiko. Water and sun protection matter because the gorge is dry and largely exposed, so carry enough for both legs of the hike. Swimwear is worth adding, since the deep blue fjord at Katholiko Bay invites a swim before the return climb.
What is Avlaki Gorge? Avlaki Gorge is a hiking gorge in the Chania region of Crete that runs from Gouverneto Monastery down to Katholiko Bay.
What type of gorge is Avlaki Gorge? Avlaki Gorge is a hiking gorge, walked on a marked trail rather than descended with ropes.
Is there water in Avlaki Gorge? Avlaki Gorge is generally dry, so the riverbed carries no permanent stream in normal conditions.
How can I access Avlaki Gorge? Access Avlaki Gorge on foot, following the marked trail that starts at Gouverneto Monastery.
How long is Avlaki Gorge? Avlaki Gorge is 2 km long from the monastery to the bay.
What is the difficulty level of Avlaki Gorge? On a scale of 1 to 10, Avlaki Gorge has a difficulty level of 2.
How many hours does it take to hike Avlaki Gorge? Hiking Avlaki Gorge takes approximately 1 hour one way.
What is the altitude difference in Avlaki Gorge? The altitude difference in Avlaki Gorge is 280 metres.
Where does Avlaki Gorge end? Avlaki Gorge ends at Katholiko Bay, a slender rocky fjord with deep blue water, a small Venetian well, and a tiny harbour once used by monks.
Several Chania canyons pair well with an Avlaki visit, each offering a different landscape and difficulty. Diplohahalo Gorge lies about 5.4 km away at the tip of Akrotiri, a technical route ending on the sands of Stefanou Beach. For a greener, car-accessible contrast further inland, the six-kilometre Therisso Gorge climbs toward the historic village of Therisso at the foot of the White Mountains.
The average temperature in Kalyves town ranges from 15°C to 30°C, depending on the season.
Kalyves town is located on the north coast of the island of Crete, Greece.
The nearest airport to Kalyves town is Chania International Airport (CHQ), which is approximately 25 km away.
Kalyves town is known for its beautiful beaches, including Kalyves Beach and Maistrali Beach. Other popular attractions include the Kalyves Folklore Museum, the Agios Ioannis Cave, and the Venetian Fortress of Aptera. Visitors can also enjoy hiking in the nearby White Mountains or exploring the nearby villages of Almyrida and Plaka.
Yes, Kalyves town is a great destination for families. The beaches are safe and clean, and there are plenty of activities for children, such as water sports, horse riding, and mini-golf. The town also has a variety of family-friendly restaurants and cafes.
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