Best things to do in Paleochora in 2024: Activities and Attractions

Best Things to do in Paleochora from Crete Island
Paleochora

Paleochora, a quaint and picturesque village nestled on the southwestern coast of Crete, offers a multitude of captivating activities for visitors to enjoy. Among the many things to do in Paleochora, spending a day at the renowned Pachia Ammos sandy beach is an absolute must. Pachia Ammos, the longest and most popular beach in the area, is a perfect destination for families due to its wide expanse of golden sand and gently sloping coastline, making it ideal for relaxation and safe swimming. As the sun glistens on the crystal-clear waters of the Libyan Sea, you’ll find yourself immersed in the tranquil beauty of this coastal paradise.

For those seeking a taste of history and adventure, a climb up to the Selino Castle is a captivating experience. Although it has been destroyed, abandoned, and rebuilt several times throughout its history, the Selino Castle stands as an imposing silhouette on the local skyline. Positioned strategically at the highest and most central point of the peninsula, it once offered panoramic views of the Libyan Sea, serving as a crucial defense against pirate attacks. Another iconic landmark in Paleochora is the pristine Church of Evangelistria, located just before the ascent to the castle. Its unique bell tower has become a symbol of the village, and exploring the archaeological sites and gorges near Paleochora adds an extra layer of excitement to your visit. Discover all there is to do in and around Paleochora for a truly enriching experience.

Where Paleochora is

Best things to do in Paleochora in 2024 is located at Paleochora. The map below shows the exact spot; Google Maps and Waze give turn-by-turn directions.

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Top activities in Paleochora

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Crete’s Pink Wonder

Elafonisi · 14 km away

4.8 (5)rated 4.8 out of 5 from 5 reviews

On this day tour from Souda and Chania, discover the gem that is Elafonisi Beach. Soak…

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Day trip to Elafonisi beach

Elafonisi · 14 km away

4.1 (33)rated 4.1 out of 5 from 33 reviews

This day trip runs to Elafonisi, the pink-sand lagoon in the south-western corner of the Chania…

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From Heraklion

Elafonisi · 14 km away

4.4 (9)rated 4.4 out of 5 from 9 reviews

Join us for an unforgettable day tour departing from Heraklion Region, bound for the enchanting Elafonisi…

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From Rethymno

Elafonisi · 14 km away

4.3 (484)rated 4.3 out of 5 from 484 reviews

Following pick-up by bus, journey to the southwest corner of Crete to spend a relaxing day…

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From Heraklion

Elafonisi · 14 km away

4.6 (4)rated 4.6 out of 5 from 4 reviews

This day trip crosses Crete from the Heraklion coast to Elafonisi, the pink sand beach and…

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From Rethymno

Omalos · 24 km away

4.6 (1743)rated 4.6 out of 5 from 1743 reviews

This trek walks the 18 kilometres of Samaria Gorge from the Omalos plateau to the Libyan…

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Stay in Paleochora

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Margarita Studios

Palaiochora · 0.0 km away

4.5rated 4.5 out of 5

The family-run Margarita Studios is located in Paleochora, just 60 metres from the beach and 100…

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Gemma Apartments

Παλαιόχωρα · 0.1 km away

4.7rated 4.7 out of 5

Located within 300 metres of Pachia Ammos and 400 metres of Halikia Beach in Palaiochóra, Gemma…

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Blue Horizon

Παλαιόχωρα · 0.2 km away

4.7rated 4.7 out of 5

Featuring free WiFi and air conditioning, Blue Horizon is situated in Palaiochóra of Chania. The long…

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AnDi’s Apartment’s Paleochora

Eparchiaki Odos Strovlon-Paleochoras 28 · 0.3 km away

4.8rated 4.8 out of 5

Located 200 metres from Pachia Ammos, AnDi’s Apartment’s Paleochora offers a garden, and air-conditioned accommodation with…

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Studios George

Palaiochóra · 0.3 km away

4.6rated 4.6 out of 5

Featuring garden views, Studios George offers accommodation with a balcony and a kettle, around 300 metres…

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Ammos Paleochora Hotel

Sandy Beach Paleochora · 0.3 km away

4.7rated 4.7 out of 5

Set in Palaiochóra, a few steps from Pachia Ammos, Ammos Paleochora Hotel offers accommodation with free…

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Paleochora Apartments

Eparchiaki Odos Tavronitis-Paleochoras 31 · 0.4 km away

4.7rated 4.7 out of 5

Featuring free WiFi and air conditioning, Paleochora Apartments is situated in Palaiochóra. Chania Town is 44…

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Swim in Beaches near Paleochora

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Halikia beach

Halikia beach · 0.5 km away

Votsala or Halikia beaches are situated just beyond the western limit of Paleochora harbour, about 79km…

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Keratides beach

Keratides beach · 0.9 km away

Keratides beach, situated approximately 1km west of Paleochora harbour and 79km south of Chania city, is…

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Grammeno beaches, Paleohora

Grammeno beaches, Paleohora · 4.1 km away

The Grammeno peninsula is situated at the mouth of the Pelekaniotis river, 85km southward from Chania…

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Koundoura beach

Koundoura beach · 5.3 km away

Agia Kyriaki beach, also known as Koundoura, is situated 88km south of Chania, 7km west of…

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Astropelekita beach

Astropelekita beach · 6.0 km away

On the European E4 trail linking Sougia and Paleochora, you’ll come across the stunning small beach…

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Krios beach, Paleochora

Krios beach, Paleochora · 7.6 km away

Krios beach, situated approximately 10km west of Paleochora and 90km south of Chania city, lies on…

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Explore Archaeological Sites near Paleochora

Ancient Hyrtakina

Ancient Hyrtakina · 8.8 km away

The town of Hyrtakina was constructed on the steep hill Kastri near the village Temenia, Selino…

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Ancient Lissos

Ancient Lissos · 9.7 km away

Ancient Lissos is a ruined town in a small valley on the south coast of Crete,…

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Sougia Pyramid near Moni

Sougia Pyramid near Moni · 12 km away

Near the settlement Moni, Selino Province, we encounter a very mysterious monument, unique in Crete. It…

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Ancient Elyros

Ancient Elyros · 13 km away

Elyros is an archaeological site in the mountains behind the south coast of the Chania region,…

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Ancient Polirinia

Ancient Polirinia · 26 km away

Ancient Polirinia is a ruined city on a steep hill above the north Cretan sea, in…

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Ancient Tarra

Ancient Tarra · 26 km away

Tarra, an ancient autonomous city and seaport of Elyros, was located at the site of present-day…

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Ancient Falasarna

Ancient Falasarna · 33 km away

Ancient Falasarna is a Greek and Roman harbour town at the western base of the Gramvousa…

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Maleme Domed Tomb

Maleme Domed Tomb · 35 km away

The impressive Late Minoan vaulted tomb of Maleme can be found in close proximity to the…

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Visit the Monasteries near Paleochora

Parthenos Monastery at Kissamos

Parthenos Monastery at Kissamos · 29 km away

Parthenos Monastery, a contemporary convent devoted to the Life Giving Spring (Zoodochos Pigi), can be found…

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Monastery of Odigitria Gonia

Monastery of Odigitria Gonia · 37 km away

The coastal Monastery of Panagia Odigitria can be found at the base of the Spatha peninsula,…

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Sarakinas Monastery (Megisti Lavra)

Sarakinasmonastery (Megisti Lavra dependency) · 42 km away

The historical monument of Sarakinas Monastery Complex at Mournies, which is a dependency of the Megisti…

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Chrysopigi Monastery

Chrysopigi Monastery · 43 km away

The Chrysopigi Monastery can be found 3km south of Chania city. Its temple features Mount Athos…

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Go hiking to the nearby gorges

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Pelekaniotis Gorge

Pelekaniotis Gorge · 3.8 km away

In the overlooked area of Selino, South Chania, you’ll discover the hidden gem that is the…

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Anydri Gorge

Anydri Gorge · 4.2 km away

The relatively small yet stunning Anydri gorge is situated to the east of Paleochora, accumulating water…

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Lihnou Laki Gorge

Lihnou Laki Gorge · 9.3 km away

Located just half an hour above the Lissos archaeological site, in a concealed location known as…

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Lissos Gorge

Lissos Gorge · 11 km away

The trail linking Sougia to ancient Lissos runs through the grandeur of the Lissos or Skevroto…

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Kandanos Gorge

Kandanos Gorge · 15 km away

The Kandanos Gorge is a site of remarkable natural beauty and historical significance, currently threatened by…

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Keratida Gorge

Keratida Gorge · 15 km away

The petite Keratida gorge, filled with pine trees, begins just past the village of Koustogerako. After…

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Fygou Gorge

Fygou Gorge · 18 km away

Fygou Gorge, a small yet stunning sub-gorge of the renowned Agia Irini Gorge, is situated near…

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Dine at the Best Restaurants in Paleochora

Caravella

Epar.Od. Strovlon-Paleochoras 28, Paleochora 730 01, Greece · 0.1 km away

4.4rated 4.4 out of 5
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Have a Drink at Bars in Paleochora

Agios Bar

Ελευθερίου Βενιζέλου 1, Paleochora 730 01, Greece · 0.1 km away

4.8rated 4.8 out of 5
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Cape Crocodile

Epar.Od. Strovlon-Paleochoras 28, Paleochora 730 01, Greece · 0.1 km away

4.7rated 4.7 out of 5
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Have a Coffee and Breakfast at a Cafes in Paleochora

Cape Crocodile

Epar.Od. Strovlon-Paleochoras 28, Paleochora 730 01, Greece · 0.1 km away

4.7rated 4.7 out of 5
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Museums in Paleochora

Archaeological Museum Of Kissamos

Stratigou Tzanakaki Sq, Kissamos 734 00, Greece · 30 km away

4.4rated 4.4 out of 5

The Archaeological Museum of Kissamos, established in 2005, is located in the historic Diikitirio (“Headquarters”) of…

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