The Chestnut Festival in Elos Village is a cherished autumn tradition on Crete, celebrated every year on the third Sunday of October. Located in the picturesque West part of Crete, near Kissamos, the village of Elos is surrounded by scenic chestnut trees that mark the harvest season.
This vibrant event offers visitors a taste of local culture and cuisine, with the spotlight on chestnut-inspired dishes. Along with indulging in these seasonal treats, festival-goers can enjoy live music, traditional folk dances, and the island’s famous spirit, tsikoudia. The festival also showcases traditional Greek costumes, hosts various competitions, and provides a lively atmosphere perfect for immersing yourself in Cretan culture. Whether you’re a local or a curious traveler, the Chestnut Festival is a delightful way to celebrate autumn in Crete.
Featuring a private pool with sun terrace and sun loungers, Arhontika Villas is in Elos Village. It offers a fully equipped unit with a fireplace. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout. The popular Elafonisi Beach is 10 km away.
Fitted with colourful walls and tastefully decorated, this air-conditioned villa at Arhontika opens to 2 balconies. It has a seating area with flat-screen TV and an open-plan kitchen with stove and dining area. A hairdryer is included.
A mini market for the general supplies as well as 3 restaurants and a traditional café bar can be found 200 metres away. At the same distance, guests can find a bakery, prarmacy and gas station. Kissamos Town is 25 km away and the scenic town of Chania is at a distance of 54 km. Ioannis Daskalogiannis International Airport is 80 km away.
Featuring garden views, Alexander’s cottage offers accommodation with a patio and a coffee machine, around 26 km from Kissamos / Kasteli Port. This property offers access to a balcony, free private parking and free WiFi.
The holiday home with a terrace and mountain views features 2 bedrooms, a living room, a flat-screen TV, an equipped kitchen with a microwave and a fridge, and 2 bathrooms with a walk-in shower.
Ancient Falassarna is 36 km from the holiday home, while Agios Dimitrios Church is 44 km away. The nearest airport is Chania International Airport, 67 km from Alexander’s cottage.
from
€81
/night
Featuring garden views, Horio House provides accommodation with a patio and a coffee machine, around 25 km from Kissamos / Kasteli Port. This property offers access to a balcony, free private parking and free WiFi.
The holiday home is equipped with 3 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, bed linen, towels, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, and a terrace with mountain views.
The holiday home offers a barbecue. A a baby safety gate is also available for guests at Horio House.
Ancient Falassarna is 35 km from the accommodation, while Agios Dimitrios Church is 42 km away. The nearest airport is Chania International Airport, 66 km from Horio House.
Traditional Apartments Elafos has mountain views, free WiFi and free private parking, situated in Loúkhiou, 28 km from Kissamos / Kasteli Port.
All units include a seating area, a flat-screen TV with streaming services, an equipped kitchen, a dining area, and a private bathroom fiitted with a hair dryer, while some rooms feature a terrace or a balcony. An oven, a fridge and stovetop are also offered, as well as a coffee machine and a kettle.
The apartment offers a continental or gluten-free breakfast.
Guests can swim in the pool with a view, relax in the garden, or go hiking.
Ancient Falassarna is 39 km from Traditional Apartments Elafos, while Agios Dimitrios Church is 46 km from the property. The nearest airport is Chania International Airport, 69 km from the accommodation.
from
€85
/night
The Traditional Strata is a music and dance event held by the Municipality of Chania on Tuesday evenings through the summer. The Traditional Strata gathers more than 1,500 dancers and musicians from over 20 traditional associations, from across Crete and other countries, who move through the narrow streets of Chania’s old town in traditional costume.
In 2026, the event runs on Tuesdays from June for several months, and August 11, 2026 is one of the listed dates. Each evening follows the same route through Chania Old Port and begins at 8:00 PM.
The Traditional Strata is a procession of music, dance, and song organized by the Municipality of Chania. The Traditional Strata represents the customs of Chania through costumes, instruments, and vocal performances from member associations, including groups from Crete and international regions.
The Strata takes place on Tuesday evenings from June for several months in 2026, and August 11, 2026 is one of the scheduled dates. The programme begins at 8:00 PM, so early evening is the time to arrive.
The procession follows one route through Chania Old Port each evening, in three stages. The main stages of the evening are listed below.
The harbour and squares of the old town fill with spectators on Strata evenings, and the surrounding tavernas make the event easy to combine with dinner. For more on the area and where to stay, see the guide to Chania.
The Traditional Strata is a traditional music and dance event organized by the Municipality of Chania. More than 1,500 performers from over 20 associations parade through the old town in costume.
The Strata runs on Tuesday evenings from June for several months in 2026, and August 11, 2026 is one of the listed dates. The evening programme starts at 8:00 PM.
The Strata takes place in Chania Old Port and the streets of the old town. It begins at the Neorio Moro Chania Sailing Club and ends at Cathedral Square by the Trimartiri Cathedral.
The Municipality of Chania organizes the Traditional Strata. Member associations from Crete and other countries take part.
More than 20 traditional associations take part, with over 1,500 dancers and musicians in total. The groups include performers from Crete and international regions.
The Feast of the Dormition of the Theotokos on August 15th is one of the most significant holidays in the Greek Orthodox calendar, celebrating the “falling asleep” and Assumption of the Virgin Mary. Neapoli hosts the largest festival in the prefecture, attracting thousands of visitors and Cretan musicians.
Celebrations begin on August 14th with a cycle race and a long-distance run ending in Neapoli’s central square. After the evening church service, young men race up and down the steep mountainside to the Timios Stavros summit. The square transforms into a lively party with traditional singing, dancing, live music, and a market offering toys, icons, and clothing, continuing into the early hours.
On August 15th, a lengthy church service is followed by a grand procession of the Virgin Mary’s icon through the town, accompanied by priests, dignitaries, and the Neapoli Town Band. The festivities, combining religious, sporting, and cultural events, make this a unique and vibrant two-day celebration.
Rethymno Rocks! #5 returns to Fortezza Castle from 27 to 30 August 2025 with four nights of live rock and metal. Fans created the festival for fans, bringing leading acts and diverse sounds to one of Greece’s main summer stages.
Tickets for Thursday, Friday and Saturday start at €20 (£17, $22) and are available online.
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