Ravdoucha is a village beside a pebble beach of the same name on the western side of the Rodopos peninsula, 8.8 km north-east of Kissamos in the Chania region. Our page on that beach puts it about 21 km west of Chania, reached by a paved road off the Chania to Kissamos highway.
Chania airport is the nearest terminal. Ravdoucha suits people who want rocky coves, clear water and walking rather than an organised resort. The coast between the village and Nopigia is a run of hidden coves with pebbles and rocky seabeds.
6 things to do around Ravdoucha lie within about 8 km of the village, listed below from nearest to furthest.
Ravdoucha sits on a stretch of coast that has stayed undeveloped. From the village to Nopigia the shoreline is a series of hidden coves with small pebble beaches and rocky seabeds, and the road from Nopigia runs beside the sea only as far as the church of Panagia Myrtidiotissa at Choni before it gives out.
Industry left one mark here. The trail south of the village passes the ruined iron ore transhipment works that operated in the early twentieth century, and a small settlement called Skotini once stood beside them, lived in by the mining workers. Kissamos, 8.8 km away and also called Kasteli, is the nearest town of any size; it has about 3,000 residents and an economy built on wine, oil, raki and farming rather than mass tourism, as the Kissamos town page sets out.
5 beaches lie within 5 km of Ravdoucha, and only the furthest of them is organised.
Eating near Ravdoucha means a run of 3 km to 5 km, apart from the fish tavernas by the beach itself.
Leave the Chania to Kissamos highway and take the paved road that drops to Ravdoucha beach. Kissamos lies 8.8 km south-west of the village, Chania is further east along the north coast, and Chania airport is the nearest terminal.
A car is needed for most of this, and walking shoes for the rest. Skotini and Agios Vasilios are reached on foot down rough tracks and steep descents, the road east from Nopigia turns unpaved before Choni, and the Museum of Cretan Herbs sits 4.1 km away.
Ravdoucha lies on the western side of the Rodopos peninsula, 8.8 km north-east of Kissamos, in the Chania region. Its beach is given as about 21 km west of Chania.
Ravdoucha has a quiet pebble beach 700 m from the village. The water is clear and blue but often wavy from the western winds, and there are fish tavernas and basic facilities nearby without organised sunbeds or umbrellas.
Chania airport is the closest airport to Ravdoucha. The village lies west of Chania city on the road towards Kissamos.
To reach Skotini, walk the trail from Saint Marina in Ravdoucha towards Nopigia. After 20 to 25 minutes, past the rock above Ravdoucha beach, leave the path and descend past the ruined iron ore works to the shore.
Yes, the Roka gorge, 7.5 km away, is the nearest walkable one. It runs 2 km from Deliana to Roka in about two hours, and the narrow sections can be hard to pass dry-footed when water is flowing. The Chalase gorge, 12.4 km out, is a four-hour route made awkward by a landslide and the lack of a clear path, as the Chalase Gorge page explains.
This cruise sails from Kolymbari around the Rodopou peninsula to two beaches you cannot drive to: Menies, on the site of the ancient sanctuary of Diktynna, and Chironisia bay, reachable only from the sea. Smile Cruises runs it for 4 hours with snorkelling gear and a guide included, from €40, departing at 10:15 and 14:30. The tour holds a 4.51 rating across 663 reviews.
The boat rounds the Rodopou peninsula, the northernmost finger of Crete, and stops twice. Both stops are for swimming, and both reward a snorkel.
First is Menies beach, which sits on the site of ancient Diktynna, where the most important temple to the goddess Britomartis once stood. Remains of the Roman temple are visible on land, along with an abandoned 9th-century monastery of St George. In the water sits the sunken base of a gun carriage from the Second World War, shallow enough to snorkel down to. Second is Chironisia bay, a small hidden inlet with deep blue water and small caves you can swim into with the gear provided.
The boat anchors about 6 metres offshore at Menies, so reaching the sand means a short swim in shallow water.
The route covers the Rodopou peninsula west of Chania, and two of its points have their own page here.
The fare covers the boat, the guiding and the snorkelling kit, and food and drink are sold on board rather than included.
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We recommend this cruise because it reaches two places a hire car cannot. Menies is at the end of a rough track that eats rental tyres, and Chironisia has no land access at all, so the boat is not a convenience here, it is the only sensible way in. That is a genuinely different proposition from the beaches you can park at.
What reviewers consistently praise is the time in the water. Guests describe plenty of swimming and snorkelling at both stops, and several say the trip length is exactly right, long enough to feel like an outing, short enough to leave the rest of the day free. One family travelling with children aged 8 and 10 reported the snorkelling as the highlight of their trip. Another group went ashore at Menies and found goats on the beach.
The archaeology is a real bonus rather than a marketing line. A Roman temple site and a 9th-century monastery sitting behind an empty beach is unusual, and no other boat trip out of Chania puts you there.
Three caveats worth knowing.
The boat gets crowded. GetYourGuide’s own summary of the verified reviews says travellers find the boat busy and would prefer fewer people on board, and that is the single most repeated criticism. It scores 4.4 out of 5 on guiding, its weakest dimension.
The commentary is hard to hear. Multiple reviewers mention a poor speaker system on deck, and one French guest noted nobody spoke French. If the history is your reason for coming, read about Diktynna before you board.
The snorkelling is variable. One reviewer rated the underwater life as less spectacular than expected, with few fish at the first spot. The clear water is reliable; the fish are not.
Take the morning boat, bring water shoes, and read up on Diktynna before the guide starts talking.
Look for the Smile Cruises boat at the port of Kolymbari. Departures leave at 10:15 and 14:30, and hotel pick-up runs from between 1 hour and 10 minutes before departure depending on where you are staying, the exact time comes by email.
Bring comfortable shoes, swimwear, a towel, sunscreen and beachwear. The tour does not run in poor weather, and the boat anchors 6 metres off the shore at Menies, so you need to be comfortable swimming in shallow water.
The cruise runs 4 hours, split between the sail around Rodopou and two swim stops.
The boat leaves from the port of Kolymbari, west of Chania, where the Smile Cruises vessel is moored.
Menies is reachable overland only by a rough track, and Chironisia bay has no land access at all, which is why both are visited by boat.
Snorkelling equipment is included, and the sunken WWII gun carriage at Menies is the main thing to look for with it.
No food or drink is included, though both are available to buy on board.
Children snorkel happily on this trip, with reviewers reporting 8 and 10-year-olds enjoying it, though everyone needs to swim the short distance from the anchorage to the beach.
Check dates and prices for the Menies beach and Chironisia bay cruise.
Terra Creta is a working olive mill in the Kolymbari region west of Chania, and this one-hour tour walks you through production from harvest to bottling, ending with a guided tasting of three oils. The estate sits in the heart of Kolymbari’s groves, one of the recognised olive-growing areas of western Crete. Tickets start at €10, and the tour holds a 4.73 rating across 446 reviews.
The hour moves from grove to press to glass. Three parts make it up.
First is the facility itself, a modern mill where you see the equipment and the guide explains the sequence from harvesting through extraction to bottling, along with what actually separates extra virgin from the rest. Second is the storage and handling advice, which the staff give as practical guidance rather than sales patter. Third is the tasting: three different Terra Creta oils, served with finger foods and water, with bread for dipping.
The shop afterwards stocks the oils, balsamic vinegar and Greek olives in travel-safe packaging, and takes cards as well as cash.
The estate sits inland from the north coast, between Kolymbari and the olive villages behind it.
The €10 covers the tour and the tasting.
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We recommend this as the cheapest hour of real education available in Crete. Ten euros buys a guided walk through a working mill and a three-oil tasting, and 446 reviewers averaging 4.73 agree it delivers. A New Zealand visitor called it educational and good value in the same breath; an American couple said they learned exactly what they wanted to about the process.
What the reviews keep coming back to is the guides’ enthusiasm. An Estonian reviewer wrote that their guide was extremely passionate about olive oil and it was a joy to see. A Polish guest praised the way they talked about the place and the production, noting you rarely get to see a real factory. Americans who cook with olive oil said the tour changed how they use it.
The tasting is generous rather than token. One Polish reviewer described unlimited opportunity to try different oils with bread, and a Finnish guest mentioned plenty of oil and olives to take home.
Three things to know before you go, and the first one decides which month you should book.
The mill only runs from October to February. Outside those months the machinery stands still, so a summer visit is a tour of the facility and the process rather than a working press. That is not hidden, but it changes what you see.
Parts of the site may be closed in summer. The operator states that some areas inside and outside the mill may be inaccessible between April and September for building expansion and machinery upgrades.
The pace can feel quick. GetYourGuide’s own review summary says some travellers find the delivery rushed with little time for questions, and asks for slower explanation. At one hour with a full tasting, that is the trade-off.
Visit in autumn if you can, arrange your own transport, and ask your questions early.
The meeting point is Epar.Od. Rapaniana-Vouves, Kolymbari 730 06. You reach it by taxi in about 25 minutes from Chania or Kissamos; no hotel pick-up is provided.
The mill operates only from October to February, and some areas may be inaccessible between April and September because of building work. The shop takes cash and cards.
The tour takes one hour, covering the facility, the production process and a three-oil tasting.
The mill presses only from October to February. Outside that window you tour the facility rather than watching production.
The tasting covers three different olive oils served with finger foods, water and bread for dipping.
No transport is included. The estate is about 25 minutes by taxi from Chania or Kissamos.
Wheelchair access is provided, though some areas may be closed between April and September for building work.
The shop sells oils, balsamic vinegar and olives in travel-safe packaging, and accepts both cash and cards.
Check dates and prices for the Terra Creta olive oil experience tour.
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!
This package handles the whole Balos day from your hotel door: minibus transfer from Chania or Rethymno to Kissamos port, boat tickets collected by your guide rather than queued for, then roughly 2.5 hours at Balos lagoon and 2 hours on Gramvousa island. Quality Travel runs it over 9 hours from €40.15, with a 4.30 rating across 2,888 reviews, and it ranks 15th among all GetYourGuide experiences in Greece.
The day is a transfer, a ferry and two long stops. Four stages fill the 9 hours.
First is the pick-up in an air-conditioned car or minivan from a point near your hotel and the drive west to Kissamos port. Second, your guide meets you at the Cretan Daily Cruises office and hands over the tickets, so you board without queueing. Third is Gramvousa: a 20-minute climb to the Venetian castle on its 137-metre rock, a swim by the chapel of Agioi Apostoloi, and the pirate-cove history the island is known for. Fourth is Balos, reached about 20 minutes further on, where white and in places pink sand meets the turquoise lagoon.
The order of the two stops depends on the day’s itinerary.
The route crosses the north-west of the island from the Chania coast.
The fare covers the transfer, the guiding and the boat, with extras sold separately at the port.
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We recommend this version over buying the ferry ticket alone for one reason: the stop times are stated and they are long. Two and a half hours at Balos and two on Gramvousa is more than most Balos packages give you, and time at the stops is the single most common complaint about every other operator on this route. Here it is written into the listing.
The second reason is the ticket handover. Your guide meets you at the Cretan Daily Cruises office and gives you the tickets directly, which removes the port queue on the busiest boat departure in western Crete.
Reviewers consistently praise the guides by name, Dania and Donia both appear, described as attentive, organised and informative throughout the drive. A British reviewer called the coach and ferry transport well organised and the whole trip excellent. A Romanian guest praised the guide’s organisation in every way.
Three things to know, because this scores 4.30 and the complaints cluster tightly.
The morning wait at the port is the recurring problem. Three separate French reviewers raised it: a 90-minute wait with no explanation, arriving at 09:10 for a boat that leaves at 10:55, and a 90-minute wait described as simply too long. Pick-ups run early to cover the whole coast, and the boat leaves when it leaves.
Seating on the boat is tight. A Polish reviewer found it a bit short on seats though still possible to find a place, and another warned about crowds when disembarking. The boat is the large Kissamos ferry, shared with everyone else on that sailing.
Group timekeeping varies. One British reviewer wished the guide had stayed with the group to manage people who were late back to the boat.
If you have your own car and would rather not pay for the transfer, the boat ticket alone from Kissamos port costs about the same as this whole package.
Be early at the pick-up point, bring the €1 coin, and plan for the port wait.
Personalised pick-up information arrives by separate email from Quality Travel around 20:00 the day before, check your spam folder. The bus waits a maximum of 5 minutes at the pick-up point.
Bring comfortable and hiking shoes, sunglasses, a hat, swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, water, beachwear, cash and a credit card. Pets are not permitted.
You get about 2.5 hours at Balos and 2 hours on Gramvousa, which is longer than most packages on this route.
Pick-up and drop-off are included by air-conditioned car or minivan, from a point near your hotel in the Chania or Rethymno area.
No, your guide hands over the tickets at the Cretan Daily Cruises office, so you board without the port queue.
Reviewers report waits of up to 90 minutes. Pick-ups run early to cover the coast, and the boat departs at its fixed time of 10:35 or 10:55.
Lunch is an optional extra, offering a choice of main with a small Greek salad and a bottle of water.
The Kissamos municipality environmental fee, payable in cash by every visitor to Balos and Gramvousa.
Check dates and prices for the Balos and Gramvousa cruise with transfer.
Ravdoucha is a quiet pebble beach on the western side of the Rodopos peninsula, about 21 km west of Chania and next to Ravdoucha village. You reach it by a paved road off the Chania to Kissamos highway. The water is clear and blue but often wavy from the western winds, and the rocky coves make it one of the best snorkelling spots in the area. There are fish tavernas and basic facilities nearby, but no organised sunbeds or umbrellas, so shade comes from the trees and the rocks.
Ravdoucha sits on the western coast of the Rodopos peninsula, roughly 21 km west of Chania and close to the village of the same name. The scenery is the main draw: towering mountains, rugged rocks and olive groves frame a coast broken into small bays, each with its own rock formations and pebbly shore. The sea shows a clear blue, though it is regularly stirred by the western winds, so the surface is often wavy rather than glassy. This is a quiet, undeveloped stretch rather than an organised resort beach, and it usually stays calm even in summer.
You reach Ravdoucha by car on a well-maintained paved road that turns off the Chania to Kissamos highway. The village is built on a height with a clear overlook of the sea, so the final approach drops from the village down toward the water, and it pays to take the bends slowly and watch for oncoming cars on the narrower stretches. On the way down you pass the cave-like chapels of St Marina and St Onoufrios, both worth a short stop and a photo. There is a parking area near the beach. If you would rather not tackle the coastal roads in a standard car, it is worth arranging a suitable vehicle in advance through a local car hire service.
Facilities here are basic and low-key. Ravdoucha has several well-known fish tavernas nearby and the essentials for a day by the sea, including food and water and showers, but there are no rows of sunbeds or umbrellas on the sand. For shade you rely on the trees and on the rock overhangs along the coves. Accommodation sits within walking distance of the shore, so an overnight stay is easy to arrange, and you can see what is open near the beach on the local accomodation listings.
The water is clear and the seabed is pebbles with rocks in places, which gives good visibility and, on calm days, comfortable swimming. Because the western winds funnel along this coast, the surface is often wavy and the currents can be strong, so swim close to shore when the sea is up and keep a close eye on children. The rocky bays and clear water make Ravdoucha one of the better local spots for snorkelling and spearfishing. There are no water sports operators or rentals on site, so bring your own mask and fins.
The northernmost beach in the area is called Neratzia, after a small tavern of the same name, and it is a quieter, sandy cove rather than pebbles. A small pier on one side serves as a modest harbour for local boats. It is a good option if you prefer sand underfoot or a more sheltered corner on a windy day.
Ravdoucha works best for travellers who want a quiet swim, a snorkel and a fish lunch away from the crowds, rather than sunbed service and beach bars. It suits families as long as an adult watches the children near the water, given the currents. Walkers and beach-hunters are well placed here too, with several remote coves within reach. The cove of Skotini lies south along a steep gorge trail, and the same route links on to Agios Vasilios.
East of Ravdoucha the coast opens into more hidden coves. The long sandy Nopigia beach has shallow water and village facilities, while the wild rock formations of Choni reward anyone happy to walk a little for clear blue-green water. Ravdoucha also has a well-known sea cave and the ruins of an early 20th-century iron ore mine offshore, and both are best seen from the water. For the full picture of this coastline, browse all the Crete beaches in one place.
Ravdoucha is on the western coast of Crete, about 21 km west of Chania, on the western side of the Rodopos peninsula next to Ravdoucha village.
Yes, it is suitable for swimming, but the western winds can make the sea wavy and the currents strong, so take care and stay near the shore when the sea is up.
The main beach is pebbles with rocks in places, while the northern Neratzia cove is sandy.
There are fish tavernas, food and water and showers nearby, plus accommodation within walking distance, but no organised sunbeds, umbrellas or water sports.
Yes, there is a parking area near the beach.
Yes, families visit Ravdoucha, but keep a close eye on children in the water because of the currents.
Drive there on a paved road that turns off the Chania to Kissamos highway. The beach sits below the village, which is built on a height overlooking the sea.
Skotini, a stunning beach, is nestled between Ravdoucha and Agios Vasilios at Cape Sideris, near Panagia Myrtidiotissa at Choni. It is found at the end of a narrow, steep gorge. The beach is reachable via a striking trail that begins at Saint Marina (Agia Marina) in Ravdoucha and extends to Nopigia. Approximately 20-25 minutes into the hike, after passing the rock above Ravdoucha beach, you divert from the path and descend towards the dilapidated iron ore transhipment facilities that were operational in the early 20th century. Historically, there existed a small settlement, Skotini, inhabited by mining workers.
Before arriving at the rugged coastline, you’ll discover a sizable cave that provides refuge for the local goats. After cautiously navigating through the mine and natural saltpans, you will reach Skotini beach, noted for its rocks and cavities, and also referred to as Metalio (mine). The beach features pebbles and crystal blue waters. However, it is significantly impacted by the west winds that carry litter across the Kissamos bay. The beach provides an idyllic relaxation spot during the south winds, when the waters are clear.
Within the region spanning from Ravdoucha to Nopigia, numerous hidden coves with petite beaches emerge, primarily featuring pebbles and a rocky seabed. The road from Nopigia runs parallel to the coastline, offering breathtaking sea views until it reaches the church of Panagia Myrtidiotissa at Choni location, and it continues only a short distance further. From this point, a walk will lead us to the renovated chapel of Saint Basil situated on the beach. To get there, we first hike up a rather rough dirt road and then descend towards the beach where the chapel is roughly in the center. This beach is adorned with large pebbles and an eye-catching rocky seabed.
To the north of Agios Vasilios, a minor stream forms that can be accessed on foot from the Ravdoucha region. Where this stream meets the sea, the small pebbled beach of Skotini takes shape, counted amongst the most stunning hidden beaches in Western Crete. A few meters further north, at the edge of a peninsula, remnants of an early 20th-century iron ore mine can be found. The base of the loading platform still stands in the sea. In the past, a small community of mine workers resided here, but it is now abandoned.
Heading 2km east from Nopigia, you’ll encounter the rugged coastline of Choni. To reach it, take the coastal road heading east from Nopigia. After passing the quaint square theatre of the Orthodox Academy, continue along the unpaved road towards Choni and the Panagia church, also known as Santa Maria. The stunning rock formations lend an extraordinary, untamed charm to the area. In certain spots, there are petite rocky coves suitable for swimming.
The water here is clear as crystal, displaying vivid hues of blue and green, making it an excellent spot for swimming on calm days. Sparse trees offer some natural shade to visitors in this untouched oasis where there’s no sign of modern civilization. Despite its remote feel, Nopigia is just a short walk away.
The ancient city ruins of Polirinia can be found on a steep hill overlooking the North Cretan Sea. It is believed that the city was founded by the Achaeans around 1100 BC and thrived during the Roman period, becoming the most important town in West Crete. Polirinia’s ports were Phalassarna and Kissamos, and the city had close trade relations with Sparta, Milos, Rhodes, Thiva, the coasts of Ionia (Asia Minor), and Egypt. Besides trade, the town was also known for its livestock, as its name is derived from the words “polla rinia,” meaning many lambs.
Polirinia reacted positively to the Roman invasion, and as a result, it was not destroyed like other cities in Crete. Instead, it formed an alliance and managed to defeat the most powerful city in western Crete, Kydonia, and gained control of the sanctuary of Diktynna at the Spatha peninsula.
The city’s coins depict a bull’s head (voukranio) and Jupiter. On top of the hill, there once stood another temple dedicated to the goddess Artemis or Diktinna, which was demolished in 1894 to build the temple of the Holy Fathers (using materials from the original sanctuary). Today, visitors can see parts of the strong city walls from the Byzantine period, a Hellenistic tower, an aqueduct, and a temple.
The phrase “Cretan Sacrifices” is still used by Greeks today when referring to unfulfilled desires or purposes. This phrase originated from the story of Agamemnon and Polirinia: When Agamemnon, the victor of the Trojan War, returned home, he anchored on Nopigia beach to offer a sacrifice to the gods of Polirinia. However, the prisoners on board started fires, and he had to leave in a hurry without completing the sacrifice.
Above the stunning Menies beach in the Spatha peninsula was the location of ancient Diktynna. Diktynna was the most significant temple of the goddess Vritomartis, who is thought to have been the Cretan version of the goddess Artemis. Thousands would come to the area from all over the island, making Diktynna one of the most important pilgrimages in Crete. Vritomartis was worshiped here during the Hellenistic and Roman times. Even the name Diktynna is a name for Vritomartis, who once fell into the sea from Mount Dikti to save herself from King Minos.
The possession of Diktynna has been a conflict between the towns Kydonia and Polirinia, with the latter having possession for most of the time. The few remains of today belong to a temple dating back from the era of Adrianos rule, that was built on the site of an older temple dating back from the rule of August. The findings that have been discovered are a statue of Artemis, a head of Adrianos, and another statue; these are exhibited in the Archaeological Museum in Chania.
It is fascinating to note that there was a long ancient paved road that connected the sanctuary with Polirinia. Today, we can still see some remnants of the road in the area between the temple and the village Rodopou. The distance of the road was 11 Roman miles, or 16,291 meters.
The impressive Late Minoan vaulted tomb of Maleme can be found in close proximity to the German military cemetery and the historic airport of Maleme, situated on Kafkala hill amidst olive groves and overlooking the North Cretan Sea. The tomb had been looted since the early 20th century and suffered significant damage from a bomb during the Battle of Crete, causing its roof to collapse. In 1966, archaeologist Kostas Tzavaras conducted excavations at the site.
Visitors today will be struck by the tomb’s large size and the extensive 13-meter-long entrance corridor leading to the entrance gate. The entrance gate itself is the most remarkable aspect of the construction, standing 3 meters tall and 1.60 meters wide. What truly inspires awe, however, is the enormous carved limestone rock used as a lintel, which is noticeably larger than any other building material found in the tomb. A road takes visitors to the area, where a sign at one point directs them to the tomb via a brief path weaving through the surrounding olive groves.
The coastal Monastery of Panagia Odigitria can be found at the base of the Spatha peninsula, approximately 26km west of Chania and 2.5km north of Kolimbari. It is also referred to as the Lady of the Angels Monastery of Gonia (Gonia = Corner) due to its position on the western edge-corner of Chania Bay.
Established in the 17th century, the monastery soon thrived as a rich monastic tradition developed in Spatha, and the monks congregated in Gonia. The Gonia Monastery has played a significant role in local history, often serving as a refuge for Cretan rebels and consequently being destroyed numerous times by various conquerors. Evidence of this can be seen in a cannonball embedded in the east wall.
The original 14th-century church is situated in the current cemetery, close to the existing monastery complex. The complex is encircled by a high wall, reminiscent of a Venetian castle. The temple is dedicated to the Virgin Hodhegetria (celebrated on August 15th). Surrounding the temple are numerous other monastery buildings, including monk cells, an abbey, dining room, stores, cellars, and more. The Orthodox Academy of Crete, gym, pool, schools, county court, and other facilities are also housed within the monastery. In the monastery’s museum, visitors can view ancient icons, such as those by Constantine Palaiokapas.
Several notable individuals have served as abbots of the monastery, including Misael Apostolidis, who taught the Greek language to the Greek King Otto and was the first rector of the University of Athens. Others include Joachim Tzagarolos, Parthenios Kelaidis, and Parthenios Pieridis.
Parthenos Monastery, a contemporary convent devoted to the Life Giving Spring (Zoodochos Pigi), can be found atop a small hill in the town of Kissamos. Established in 1905, it underwent renovations in 1962. The monastery was once home to the Urban School of Girls and Crete’s first Deaf School.
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The Archaeological Museum of Kissamos, established in 2005, is located in the historic Diikitirio (“Headquarters”) of Kissamos, a Venetian-Turkish monument.
The museum’s exhibits offer a comprehensive overview of the region’s history, spanning from prehistory to early Christian times. The exhibition is divided into sections, covering the ground and first floor.
The ground floor showcases Minoan findings from Nopigia, highlighting the historical development of Polyrrhenia and Falassarna in the Hellenistic period. It also presents pottery, inscriptions, and sculptures from the Kissamos area, mainly from the Roman period.
The first floor focuses on Kissamos, featuring mosaic floors, amphorae, coins, workshop artifacts, and objects from local tombs, including those from Falassarna and Polirinia.
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 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 Deliana – Mesavlia Gorge, a point of contention between the villages of Mesavlia and Deliana, is situated 37km to the west of Chania. This disagreement is even evident in the area’s signage. The gorge begins in Mesavlia and stretches 5km to Deliana. A dirt road that runs alongside the riverbed makes the walk quite straightforward, taking approximately an hour. Originating from Mount Anavos, the river flows through the Mesavlia – Deliana Gorge, then the Roka Gorge, before finally reaching Nopigia beach.
The gorge is renowned for its lush vegetation, which is most vibrant in spring when water is plentiful. Not far from Mesavlia, you’ll find the cavernous chapel of Saint Paraskevi (Agia Paraskevi), which hosts an annual feast. Closer to Deliana, you’ll come across the chapel of Saint Photios (Agios Fotios).
The quickest way to reach the gorge from Chania is via Deliana, while the fastest route from Paleochora is through Mesavlia. From Deliana, you can hike (uphill) to Mesavlia and back, unless you’ve arranged for a pick-up from Mesavlia (2 hours round trip). Deliana and the nearby village of Panethimos offer several quaint, traditional taverns. Also worth a visit is the ruined monastery of Theotokos in the neighbouring village of Gra Kera.
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.
Boasting garden views, Arismari House features accommodation with a patio and a coffee machine, around 1.2 km from Ravdoucha Beach. This property offers access to a balcony, free private parking and free WiFi.
The apartment with a terrace and mountain views has 1 bedroom, a living room, a flat-screen TV, an equipped kitchen with an oven and a microwave, and 1 bathroom with a shower. Towels and bed linen are available in the apartment.
A car rental service is available at the apartment.
Kissamos / Kasteli Port is 17 km from Arismari House, while Platanias Square is 20 km from the property. The nearest airport is Chania International, 43 km from the accommodation, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.
from
€57
/night
Boasting a sauna, Ravdoucha Epavlis Eleni Villa is situated in Chania Town. This property offers access to a balcony, free private parking and free WiFi.
Providing access to a terrace with garden views, the air-conditioned villa consists of 2 bedrooms and a fully equipped kitchen. A flat-screen TV is available.
Ravdoucha Beach is 700 metres from the villa, while Kissamos / Kasteli Port is 18 km from the property. The nearest airport is Chania International Airport, 44 km from Ravdoucha Epavlis Eleni Villa.
from
€54
/night
Featuring mountain views, Michalis Holiday Home provides accommodation with a patio and a coffee machine, around 700 metres from Ravdoucha Beach. This beachfront 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 sea views.
Guests can relax in the garden at the property.
Kissamos / Kasteli Port is 18 km from the holiday home, while Platanias Square is 20 km away. The nearest airport is Chania International Airport, 44 km from Michalis Holiday Home.
Boasting air-conditioned accommodation with a private pool, sea view and a balcony, YaChara Villa is located in Kissamos. This beachfront property offers access to a terrace, free private parking and free WiFi.
Featuring a DVD player, the villa has a kitchen with a dishwasher, an oven and a microwave, a living room with a seating area and a dining area, 3 bedrooms, and 3 bathrooms with a bath and a shower. Towels and bed linen are featured in the villa.
The villa offers a children’s playground. If you would like to discover the area, snorkelling, windsurfing and cycling are possible in the surroundings and YaChara Villa can arrange a car rental service.
Ravdoucha Beach is 2.1 km from the accommodation, while Kissamos / Kasteli Port is 17 km away. The nearest airport is Chania International, 43 km from YaChara Villa, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.
from
€143
/night
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