Arodamos Studios & Apartments is a small aparthotel that is run by a family that helps you during your stay to feel welcomed.
Arodamos is located amongst lush greenery just 80 metres from Mavros Molos Beach in Kastelli. It offers self-catered accommodation with free Wi-Fi and balcony or patio overlooking the garden and the mountains.
Cooking facilities, electric kettle and fridge are included in all the air-conditioned accommodation types at the Arodamos. Moreover, microwave and sandwich maker are provided in all rooms except the Double Studio – no Kitchen category. Each apartment and room has a flat-screen TV with satellite options and a seating area. Free toiletries are provided.
Homemade wine and organic olive oil from our family’s production are offered upon arrival to all of our guests.
Guests can also enjoy four types of breakfast, including one for children, all made with local organic products. They may enjoy their breakfast either in their room or in the garden.
BBQ facilities are provided.
The library is stocked with maps that guests can borrow, as well as books. Children can spend hours of fun at the on-site playground in the big garden.
The centre of Kissamos is at 1 km. The famous Falasarna Beach is 10 km away and Balos Beach is 15 km away. Elafonisi Beach is 45 km away and the scenic Old Town of Chania is within 43 km.
Staff can arrange car rental and taxi transfer (extra charges). Free private parking is available at the property.
Everyday house keeping is offered except on Sundays and on 15 of August every year.
After 15.00 check in is made on your own: the key will be in the entrance so you may check in on your own any time and you can communicate with us for any wish you may have.
Find below list of things to do near Arodamos Apts & Studios – Mavros Molos:
Come and experience a Greek Night with traditional cuisine, traditional Cretan dances and learn more about the history of Cretan food and culture. Our outdoor seating venue is located in the center of Kissamos in an old cobble stone road.
At night you will see an old church close by being lit up while we eat, laugh and dance!
Break a Plate with us while dancing like a local!
** Starting time: 18H00 / 6 PM
We will kick off the evening with local Cretan Beer & Wine tasting at 6pm
(Please be at the venue 10 minutes prior, to secure we start on time)
This Experience is held at The Greek Cook Out. The Venue was first an old Greek Prison and is now transformed into an experience to dance, enjoy Cretan cuisine, and make new friends.
Welcome to our table, the longest dinner table in Greece – 15,3m
We can’t wait to meet you!
On this 1-hour tour you’ll enjoy a total olive oil experience at Terra Creta, located in the heart of the Kolymvari region. Visit the innovative, state-of-the-art facility and learn about the process from harvesting to production.
The mill operates only from October to February. Information and tips about best use and storage are provided by the highly skilled personnel.
Enjoy a guided tasting of 3 different olive oils and sample a variety of appetizers. Afterwards, browse the store and purchase high-quality Terra Creta olive oils of different labels, as well as balsamic vinegar and Greek olives in travel-safe packaging.
Once in a lifetime experience where you become the chef for one night at our Cretan restaurant!
You’ll say hi to our chef & receive a master class on Mezze dishes, feed our customers and afterwards get to indulge in dishes you prepared yourself as well as others from our Cretan Buffet. While dancing the night away and breaking a few plates at the Greek Cook Out.
Welcome to our table
We will be waiting for you at the longest restaurant table in Crete – 15,3m
Start your day with pick-up from the nearest point to your hotel. Drive towards the west side of Crete in a bus to reach the port of Kissamos Kasteli. After your escort gives you all the necessary information about the cruise, arrive at the port to board the ferry boat to Gramvousa. Your escort will collect the money for the boat tickets from you so you can skip the lines at the ticket offices.
At about 10:30 AM, set off for the island of Gramvousa on the ferry, which has a restaurant with self-service meals and snacks. Sit back on a deck chair or in the lounge for the journey of approximately 45 minutes. During the cruise, marvel at the cliff edges of the wildest part of Crete and learn about the history of the island with the onboard commentary played through the speakers in various languages.
Upon arrival in Gramvousa, either have a swim or take a hike to the top of the island to the Venetian fortress. Enjoy 2.5 hours on Gramvousa before you continue to the lagoon of Balos, which is 20 minutes away.
As soon as you arrive at the lagoon, you’ll have a little less than 3 hours to enjoy the area. You may go back to the boat at any time for food or also hire umbrellas if the heat is too intense. In the early evening, board the boat to head back to the port of Kissamos, where a bus will be waiting to return you to your hotel area.
This day starts with a drive along the north coast. We leave Heeraklion 06:30 in the morning, pick up service near the hotel.
After 3 hour and 30 min. drive we get to Kastelli- Kissamos, where we take the boat from the port and sail around the peninsula of Gramvousa.
stop: Gramvousa Peninsula
The island of Gramvousa is associated with the struggle to liberate Crete from the Ottoman occupation. Three thousand revolutionaries used the island as their shelter for 3 years; to solve the problem of food scarcity, they took to piracy. Gramvousa nowadays is an important bird habitat in the Eastern Mediterranean region and is located along one of the bird migration ways in this part of the world. It is the habitat of over 100 bird species and 400 kinds of plants. Built 137m above sea level on this rocky island, it is one of the most impressive castles in Crete and worth the 15 minute hike up the footpath. Appropriate footwear is advisable & a hat in summer.
stop: Balos Lagoon
The other destination is the lagoon of Balos, there we will enjoy the paradise of the Island of Crete. This really is one of the best beaches on Crete.
After we take the boat back so we can start our return journey. Around 20:00 we will have returned to Heraklion.
Start with pickup from Heraklion or the surrounding area. Drive over to Kastelli by bus to board your boat. Balos are Gramvousa are located on the West part of the island. Depending on the area your hotel is located is around 4 hours by bus to the place where the boats depart.
Embark the boat from the village of Kasteli and head over to Balos Lagoon and enjoy plenty of time to swim in the quiet crystal clear waters, walk across the golden sand beach and soak in the sun as you relax.
Cruise across the western Cretan sea and arrive at the tranquil Gramvousa. Swim along the coast and stroll up to the castle on the hill to admire panoramic views of the natural landscape as you hike up to that point.
The drivers will be awaiting you at the port, in order to begin the drive back to Heraklion.
Find below list of beaches near Arodamos Apts & Studios – Mavros Molos:
Situated directly in front of the town of Kissamos, and 36km west of Chania, you’ll find Mavros Molos beach, also known as the ‘black jetty’. This long bay is historically significant, with remnants of the ancient port of Kissamos discovered here. As the primary beach of Kissamos town, it attracts the highest number of swimmers in the region. Its fine sand and shallow waters make it an ideal spot for families and children. Adjacent to the beach, a variety of cafes, restaurants and hotels can be found. Facilities such as umbrellas, sunbeds, lifeguard services and showers are available for beachgoers. Additionally, tamarisk trees offer natural shade.
To the west of the main beach, Mavros Molo’s features a smaller, pebbly and rocky cove. This secluded spot rarely gets crowded, making it perfect for snorkelling.
Telonio Beach, beginning east of Kissamos’ main pedestrian road and extending to the Kissamikos stadium approximately 1km east, is the most westerly section of a long stretch of beach that reaches from Kissamos to Nopigia. Telonio is situated adjacent to Kissamos’ most vibrant area, where the former Customs’ Office and the current bustling seaside pedestrian road with its numerous taverns and cafes can be found. The beach itself is a mix of pebbles and sand, often characterized by waves and shallow water. Despite being close to the town, it is typically unorganized. Telonio used to be the most frequented beach in the area decades ago, but now Mavlos Molos holds that title. Telonio remains an excellent choice for those who desire tranquility yet also want the convenience of nearby amenities.
Damialis beach, situated 37km west of Chania and a short 1.5km north of Kissamos, can be easily accessed via the main road that connects Kissamos to Falassarna. This petite cove boasts pristine deep waters, eye-catching rocks, and tiny pebbles, all while being well-shielded from strong winds. Though the beach is not equipped with facilities, visitors can seek shade under the tamarisk trees. A springboard on the rocks also adds to the charm of the beach.
The beach derives its name from the picturesque St. John Damialis church, nestled inside a cave above the beach. A brief path from the church crosses the road via a small tunnel, leading straight to the beautiful beach.
A mere 200m south of Damialis, one can discover the three to four small coves of Delfini, or Dolphin, named after a local hotel. These secluded beaches are tranquil, though occasionally, streams may deposit rubbish on the shores.
Located 3km northwest of Kissamos town and 38km west of Chania, you’ll find the beach of Vigglia on Crete island. This beach begins near the “Madonna of the Harbor” church (Panagia) by the port of Kissamos, stretching along a 2km coastline featuring many coves, all the way to Kaliviani to the west. Notably, Vigglia’s primary beach boasts a nearly semicircular shape, with its coarse sand and transparent water. There are areas where the sandy beach is replaced with pebbles and rocks.
Although Vigglia doesn’t provide extensive tourist services, there are a few hotels in its vicinity and some basic facilities. Despite not being highly organized, Vigglia attracts many admirers who appreciate the area’s tranquillity and pristine sea. If you’re seeking a family-friendly destination in western Crete, Vigglia would be an excellent recommendation.
Find below list of gorges near Arodamos Apts & Studios – Mavros Molos:
The Rocca, Roka, Rocka, or Rokka Gorge, situated 32km west of Chania in the Kolymbari region, stretches for 2km from the village of Deliana to the village of Roka. The settlement features Trouli hill, which is home to the remnants of a Byzantine fortress.
Despite the ease of hiking through the gorge (typically a 2-hour trek), it can be challenging to traverse without getting wet during periods of water flow in the narrower sections. The gorge is adorned with numerous plane trees that provide a cool respite from the sun. The gorge’s vertical sides are incredibly tall and impressive at certain points. The main path follows the dry riverbed during the summer.
Upon exiting Roka gorge, you’ll encounter the Mesonisi settlement. Following a dirt road will lead you to Roka village and Trouli hill. You can climb up to the castle ruins for a breathtaking view of the surrounding areas, or unwind in the local coffee shop.
The Sirikari gorge, situated 55km west of Chania and 17km south of Kissamos, is nestled in a verdant area filled with canyons and streams. The paved road leading to Sirikari weaves through lush vegetation, offering a glimpse of the area’s beauty from the get-go. The gorge splits into two parallel paths here – Tsichliano to the west and Kioliano or Sirikariano to the east, both culminating at the Polirinia settlement, the site of the ancient town of Polirinia. The town’s ancient walls, still in a decent state of preservation, stand tall in its citadel, atop a hill with a panoramic view of the Kissamos bay.
Close to Sirikari, an enchanting forest unfolds, home to towering chestnut trees, quaint waterfalls, and babbling brooks. Although it isn’t the only chestnut forest in the Chania prefecture, with several others dotting the slopes of the White Mountains, its beauty and vastness set it apart.
Adjacent to Sirikari, in Sineniana, stand two well-preserved old watermills. A visit to the Church of the Assumption is also recommended, particularly on August 15th, when a traditional feast is held. The church, nestled in the chestnut grove, is surrounded by other trees like holm oaks, cypresses, and plane trees. A little further along, you can explore an abandoned village set amidst a stunning oak wood. Additionally, the Sirikari village houses the 15th-century Byzantine church of the Holy Apostles (Agii Apostoli), which is definitely worth a visit.
The Gorge Chalase, also known as Porofarago, begins close to the Sassalos village and concludes just before reaching the Makronas village, after a four-hour journey through lush vegetation. The gorge is fed by two primary streams that converge south of Sassalos; the Mylonofarago ravine that originates from the Mylones village, and the Kalogirou stream.
Navigating through the gorge can be quite challenging due to a significant landslide (referred to as ‘chalase’ in the Cretan dialect) at a certain point, and the absence of a well-defined path. Near Malathyros, approximately halfway through the route, the trail transitions into a dirt road that follows the riverbed all the way to Makronas. Just before reaching Makronas, we come across a historical site where, on August 28, 1944, German forces executed 62 civilian men from Malathyros as retribution for the activities of local guerrilla groups. The German atrocities committed during this time have yet to be brought to justice.
The gorge of Topolia (Topoliano) is located in west Crete and it runs along the road leading to Elafonissi via Elos. The canyon actually starts near the village Strovles at an altitude of 450m, and exits near the village Topolia, at an altitude of 150m. However, the narrowest and most impressive hiking part of the gorge is located between Katsomatados and Topolia, where the side rocks are very high and steep. The canyon is crossed by the River Tyflos, which originates from Mount Dikeos. At the beginning of the narrow part, it is worth visiting the Cave of Agia Sofia, located just above the main road.
The canyon and the wider area host rare and endemic plants of Crete, while the Cave of St. Sophia houses a species of cave spider that lives only there (Pholcus creticus). According to local traditions, Topolia Gorge hosted fairies and the Minoan goddess Vritomartis. Here, the legendary Talos used to stop and enjoy the divine music of the fairies. When Talos arrived at the place, rested inside a big cave, drank water and fell asleep. Then, the fairies and elves of the river arrived, singing and dancing.
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