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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.
There are various activities available at Kalives beaches, including swimming, sunbathing, beach volleyball, and water sports such as jet skiing and paddleboarding.
Yes, there are several restaurants and cafes located near Kalives beaches, offering a variety of local and international cuisine.
Yes, it is generally safe to swim at Kalives beaches, but it is always important to be aware of any warning signs or flags indicating dangerous conditions.
Yes, there are several hiking trails located near Kalives beaches, offering scenic views of the surrounding landscape.
It depends on the specific beach and local regulations. Some beaches may allow dogs on a leash, while others may not allow dogs at all. It is best to check with the local authorities before bringing your dog to the Kalives beaches.
Yes, there are several cultural and historical sites located near Kalives beaches, including ancient ruins, museums, and traditional villages.
The water colour of the Kalives beaches is blue.
The Kalives beaches has sand.
The water at the Kalives beaches is shallow.
The sea surface at the Kalives beaches is usually calm.
The Kalives beaches has normal crowds.
The Kalives beaches has accommodation options, food/water nearby, umbrellas/beds, sports, lifeguard, showers, and a Blue Flag.
The Kalives beaches can be accessed by bus services, paved road, and is handicap friendly.
No, there is no other information available about the Kalives beaches.
Find below list of things to do near Kalives beaches:
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!
Find below the list of hotels near Kalives beaches:
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
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
Just 20 metres from the nearest beach, Apokoros Club Hotel is located at Kalyves Village. It offers self-catered accommodation with a furnished balcony featuring Cretan Sea, garden and mountain views. Free Wi-Fi is available in all areas.
All studios and apartments of Apokoros Club come with air conditioning. Each has a kitchenette with dining table and cooking rings. A hairdryer is provided in the private bathroom. Guests will find a welcome package upon arrival.
The property facilities include a children’s corner with activities such as painting and playing board games. A lush garden and a sun terrace are available. Private yoga courses as well as cooking courses are organised in the property’s premises. Massages, manicures and pedicures are provided upon request. A library is also available in the reception.
Several shops, restaurants and bakeries can be found 60 metres away. Souda Port is 12 km away, while the scenic Chania Town with its Venetian harbour is 20 km away. Ioannis Daskalogiannis International Airport is at a distance of 28 km.
from
€84
/night
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.
Ostria Apartments Kalives features garden views, free WiFi and free private parking, located in Kalyves, 200 metres from Kalives Beach.
Each unit comes with a sofa, a seating area, a flat-screen TV, a well-fitted kitchen, a safety deposit box and a private bathroom with a hair dryer. A microwave, a fridge and stovetop are also provided, as well as a coffee machine and a kettle.
The apartment offers a picnic area.
Ostria Apartments Kalives has a garden and sun terrace.
Popular points of interest near the accommodation include Kera Beach, Hermans Beach and Kolatsos Beach. The nearest airport is Chania International Airport, 29 km from Ostria Apartments Kalives.
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
Find below list of beaches near Kalives beaches:
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 coastal retreat of Loutraki can be found 16km to the east of the city of Chania, nestled near the American military base in Souda. Loutraki, along with the nearby Marathi, are the two primary tourist hotspots in the eastern region of Akrotiri.
Loutraki boasts a tranquil beach with fine, soft sand and crystal clear, shallow waters, making it an ideal spot for children. The beach is well-maintained and equipped with all the standard tourist facilities, all under the cool shade provided by the trees along the beach. Visitors can hire umbrellas, dine in local taverns, rent rooms for their stay, and partake in a variety of water sports.
Additionally, there is a large parking area available for visitors, which is shaded by tall eucalyptus trees.
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