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Situated 600 metres from Glaros Beach and 600 metres from Iguana Beach, Cretan Queen Residences in Aghii Apostoli features air-conditioned accommodation with views of the garden and free WiFi.
Each unit features a balcony offering pool views, a satellite flat-screen TV, a dining area, a well-fitted kitchen and a private bathroom with bath, a hair dryer and free toiletries. A dishwasher, an oven and microwave are also available, as well as a coffee machine.
The villa offers a year-round outdoor pool.
Both a bicycle rental service and a car rental service are available at Cretan Queen Residences, while snorkelling can be enjoyed nearby.
Popular points of interest near the accommodation include Yannis Beach, Municipal Garden and Fransiscan Monastery of Agios Fragkiskos. The nearest airport is Chania International, 17 km from Cretan Queen Residences, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.
Find below list of things to do near Cretan Queen Residences:
Enjoy a boat cruise from the old port of Chania Town to the islands of Thodorou and Lazaretta. Captain Nestor will take care of you, especially the children, fetching starfish and octopus, and helping you explore the world underwater.
At the natural reserve of Thodorou island, also known as “Goat Island”, Nestor takes you around to spot the wild Kri Kri goat, stopping for a while at the decaying wreck of a World War II German airplane. From there you continue to the island of Lazaretta where you can relax and enjoy a picnic on the beach, swim or just chill out on the boat gazing through the window to the depths below. The boat will return later to the port of Chania.
The boat departs from the Old Venetian Harbor and heads out onto the Gulf of Chania. Pass by the island’s famous lighthouse, which was built by the Venetians in the 16th century and later modified by the Egyptians in 1839.
The boat continues to sail west towards Lazaretta Island, a small island close to Chania which provides the best views of the sunset across the Kissamos Mountains. The island has a vast history that predates the Venetian occupation. Listen to your guide share lively commentary about the history of the island and its former inhabitants as you watch the sunset and the sky change color.
Relax on deck as you marvel at the sunset against the Kissamos Mountains or take a short swim, then enjoy a traditional Greek raki. As the boat begins the return journey back to Chania, admire the harbor’s glistening lights reflecting against the water as evening turns to night.
Explore the Old Port of Chania on Agioi Theodoroi and Lazaretta Island on a history-lover’s boat cruise. Learn about the history of Venetian occupation, and see a German plane wreck from WWII. Take time to relax on the beach and swim.
This activity takes you to two islands connected with ancient mythology and the history of the Venetian occupation. Heading west from the Old Port of Chania, your first stop will be Agioi Theodoroi, an island that was used historically to defend the coast of Crete.
Nowadays, it’s a protected area and haven for kri-kri, an elegant and endangered Cretan goat. Your group will drop anchor close to a German airplane wreck (completely destroyed) dated from WWII, and give you the opportunity to dive into the water to see it for yourself.
After approximately 20 minutes, you’ll head on to the second stop on the same island, inside a small gulf with a nice view and a high possibility of seeing the kri-kri goats. The duration of this stop will be approximately 30 minutes.
Head on to Lazaretto (or Lazaretta) island, a small island opposite Nea Xora. Clear waters rich in marine life combined with two beautiful sandy beaches make this the best place to end your trip.
Enjoy options to swim or relax on the beach until the boat leaves back for Chania. On the way back, you’ll get panoramic views of the Old Venetian Harbour with its famous lighthouse and walled fortresses—an excellent view of what the city looks like from the sea.
Grab a paddleboard and journey to the secluded island of Lazareta on this SUP trip from Chania. Experience a water activity that is easy and suitable for everyone. An instructor will teach you the basics of stand-up paddle boarding so you’ll feel confident during the trip.
After learning the basics, follow your instructor to the picturesque oasis, the island of Lazareta, located in front of New Chora beach in the center of Chania. Discover the small beaches of the island and hear about the history that dates back to the Venetian period in the 16th century.
You’ll have time to take a dip in the crystal-clear waters and see a variety of fish. While you’re relaxing in the sun, you can enjoy the breathtaking view above the town, where the White Mountains open wide and big behind.
Enjoy an adventure on a semi-submersible boat, immersed in nearly 1.5 meters of water. This modern version of a glass-bottom boat can accommodate up to 12 passengers and 1 crew member. Enjoy views of the sea bottom while looking through large glass windows, safe and dry in your comfortable seat.
See marine life, such as the loggerhead sea turtle, bottom feeders, and a variety of fish. Take in panoramic views of the old harbor with its original Venetian structures and its lighthouse. Within the 35 minutes of the tour, you spend about 25 minutes going all around the old port, and 10 minutes more outside of it (until the rocky wave thruster).
Join this incredible journey on a semi-submarine vehicle for a closer look at the magical underwater world. Gain a better understanding of the significance of the sea environment.
Embark on a guided hike in the Samariá Gorge on a day trip from Rethymno or Chania. Get your daily dose of exercise, enjoy the panoramic views and take a swim.
Discover the longest gorge in Europe, an area of stunning natural beauty. See its many flowers and herbs and the crystal-clear spring waters that flow from the mountains.
Following an early morning pickup from the nearest point to your accommodation in Rethymno or Chania, travel through the mountains passing the plateau of Omalos.
Arrive at some wooden stairs at the start of Samariá Gorge. You can opt to start the walk straight away or get some breakfast at the taverna before you begin. Hike for approximately 6-7 hours and experience the magnificent landscape on a 16-kilometer walk.
Once you have finished the hike, there will be ample time for a swim and lunch at a taverna in Agia Roumeli.
Find below list of beaches near Cretan Queen Residences:
The Glaros beach, a coastal front for the village of Kato Daratsos in the Kidonia province, is situated 5 kilometres to the west of Chania city, within the Makris Tihos area. It’s flanked by Kalamaki on its western side and the Agii Apostoli beaches to its east. A narrow land strip, terminating at the cape home to the Holy Apostles’ church, separates it from the Agii Apostoli’s western beach.
Boasting of fine sand and abundant tamarisk trees for those seeking shade instead of renting umbrellas, Glaros beach is a popular destination due to its proximity to Chania city. It’s exposed to the northern winds, which means if the waves get too high, you can relocate to the sheltered bays of Agii Apostoli nearby.
The Agii Apostoli, also known as the Holy Apostles, is home to two breathtaking beaches situated merely 3km west of Chania. The first beach, nestled next to the eastern edge of Glaros beach, boasts soft sand, full amenities, and ample parking, making it easily accessible. The beach is shielded from winds by a small peninsula to its west, which also houses a picturesque park ideal for leisurely walks and the iconic chapel of the Holy Apostles, the namesake for the surrounding area.
A stone’s throw to the east, a second equally enchanting semicircular cove emerges, featuring stunning green-hued waters and fine sandy beaches. The awe-inspiring rock formations that flank the beach only add to its allure. Adjacent to the eastern end of this beach, a small pine grove stretches out towards Chrissi Akti.
Both coves can be accessed either by bus from Chania or by foot. Additionally, Agii Apostoli is perfect for cyclists and pedestrians alike, thanks to the expansive paved road. With an array of high-grade hotels nearby, accommodation options are plentiful in the area.
Situated 2.5km west of Chania city and just east of Agii Apostoli, you’ll find the glistening Golden Beach, or Hrissi Akti as it’s known in Greek. It’s essentially two sandy beaches separated by a rocky outcrop. The western cove is the primary Golden Beach, while the eastern one is the quieter Aptera beach. The west bay is the more popular of the two, boasting excellent facilities such as umbrellas, lifeguards, showers, cafes, water sports and more. Its fine golden sand and shallow waters are particularly appealing to families with young children, and there’s even a playground nearby.
Aptera beach, on the other side of the rocky divide, offers a more tranquil experience. It’s less developed and has the remnants of the Aptera Beach hotel which was abandoned in the late 90s due to financial difficulties. This beach is perfect for those looking for solitude and is conveniently close to Chania.
The entire Agii Apostoli area is dotted with small parks filled with pine and eucalyptus trees. Access to Golden Beach is easy, either by bus from Chania or by foot.
The coastal resort of Kalamaki, situated 6km west of Chania city, serves as the beachfront extension of Galatas village. Nestled within a rich, fertile plain adorned with citrus and olive groves, Galatas once relied heavily on agriculture; however, tourism now drives the region’s economy.
Kalamaki marks the western end of an extensive beach that begins 1km eastwards at Agii Apostoli. Its attractive shoreline features fine sand and gentle waters, offering a well-equipped and organized beach experience. Facilities include beach umbrellas, showers, lifeguard services, accommodation, dining, beach bars, and water sports. Additionally, a tiny, secluded cove exists next to the beach’s western edge, set apart from the main beach by a slim sand strip. Regular city bus services from Chania center provide easy access to Kalamaki.
Galatas is the birthplace of Mikis Theodorakis, a distinguished modern Greek composer and activist, who suffered poisoning under the military dictatorship that seized Greece in April 1967. He was also a nominee for the Nobel Peace Prize. During the Turkish Occupation, Galatas was a Christian-inhabited village, while the nearby Daratsos was occupied by Ottomans.
Glaros Beach
Glaros Beach, characterized by its spacious bay stretching from Holy Apostles to Kalamaki, boasts soft sand and crystal-clear, shallow waters. Tamarisk trees providing natural shade line the beach, contributing to its status as one of Chania’s most popular beaches. However, its northern exposure means it can get windy, making the sheltered coves of Holy Apostles a suitable alternative. Its excellent facilities, stunning beach, and convenient access to and from Chania make Glaros an ideal holiday destination.
Find below list of gorges near Cretan Queen Residences:
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.
In the mountainous region of Kydonia near Chania, nestled at the base of the White Mountains, you’ll find the picturesque Kydoni gorge. Named after the area, not the Greek word for “quince” which is also kydoni, this gorge is one of the most verdant in Crete, boasting lush vegetation with trees towering over twenty meters high. The journey begins in the village of Karanou, starting at the site of an ancient fountain. A downhill path takes you through a breathtaking centuries-old olive grove, past the church of Saint Demetrius (Agios Dimitrios) with its remnants of old frescoes, and finally to the stream bed. The greenery is abundant throughout the gorge, with sunlight only filtering through in a few places, making it a perfect spot for a cool walk on a hot, sunny day.
The trail that traverses the gorge is one of the most well-marked in Crete, with signs posted every 500 meters indicating the distance. The entire route is 2 km long, ending where the Kydoni stream meets the Platanias river tributary, Mavropiliotis, in the Mavra Pila area. The name Mavra Pila translates to “dark muddy soil” in the Cretan dialect, a fitting description for the blackish soil that turns into black mud when wet.
The trail continues from the end of the Kydoni gorge into the Boriano gorge, which runs parallel to Kydoni and originates from the Boriana neighborhood in Karanou. The Kydoni stream is typically dry throughout the year, only filling with water during the heavy rains of winter. Along the route, there are 2-3 small waterfalls, with the tallest one crossed by a charming wooden bridge that leads to a rock shelter adorned with small stalactites. The descent through Kydoni takes about an hour of hiking. Towards the bottom of the gorge, you’ll find two old trails leading to the nearby settlement of Skordalou.
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