Boasting a private pool and mountain views, Chania Village Villa Charoupia & Villa Dapnhe is located in Afráta. Guests may go for a swim in the outdoor pool.
The holiday home has a flat-screen TV, a well-equipped kitchen with an oven and 1 bathroom with a shower.
Chania Village Villa Charoupia & Villa Dapnhe offers a terrace.
The lively Platanias Village is 18 km away, while Afrata Beach is just 1 km away. Chania Town is 31 km from the accommodation. The nearest airport is Chania International Airport, 45 km from Chania Village Villa Charoupia & Villa Dapnhe.
from
€145
/night
Located in Chania Town and only 1.2 km from Afrata Beach, La Casa de Alexandros provides accommodation with mountain views, free WiFi and free private parking. This apartment features air-conditioned accommodation with a balcony.
The apartment with a terrace and sea views features 2 bedrooms, 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 featured in the apartment.
The apartment offers a barbecue. A car rental service is available at La Casa de Alexandros.
Platanias Square is 18 km from the accommodation, while Agios Dimitrios Church is 19 km away. The nearest airport is Chania International, 42 km from La Casa de Alexandros, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.
from
€128
/night
Built among olive trees, Villa Georgia Heated Pool & Jet-Tub offers a private swimming pool with hydromassage jets and children’s section. It is located in Afrata Village, 34 km from Souda Port.
The air-conditioned villa consists of 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms and an open-plan kitchen with living room. Facilities include free WiFi, a spa bath, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels and a PS3.
At Villa Georgia Heated Pool & Jet-Tub you will find a garden and BBQ facilities. An outdoor dining area is suitable for al fresco meals.
Chania International Airport is 40 km away. The property offers free private parking.
from
€414
/night
Set in Afráta, 1.5 km from Afrata Beach and 18 km from Platanias Square, Villa Rosemari, Anatoli Apartment offers air-conditioned accommodation with a balcony and free WiFi. With mountain views, this accommodation features a patio.
The apartment with a terrace and sea views features 2 bedrooms, a living room, a flat-screen TV, an equipped kitchen with an oven and a toaster, and 1 bathroom with a shower. Towels and bed linen are featured in the apartment.
Guests at the apartment can enjoy cycling nearby, or make the most of the garden.
Agios Dimitrios Church is 19 km from Villa Rosemari, Anatoli Apartment, while Kissamos / Kasteli Port is 20 km away. The nearest airport is Chania International Airport, 42 km from the accommodation.
from
€228
/night
Located in Rodhopós, 19 km from Kissamos / Kasteli Port and 19 km from Platanias Square, Christine Countryside House – Fully renovated with all modern comforts offers barbecue facilities and air conditioning. 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 dishwasher and an oven, and 2 bathrooms with a shower. Towels and bed linen are featured in the holiday home.
Agios Dimitrios Church is 20 km from the holiday home, while Municipal Garden is 28 km away. The nearest airport is Chania International Airport, 43 km from Christine Countryside House – Fully renovated with all modern comforts.
Situated in Astratigos Village, near Kolymvari, Achilleas Apartments with Sea View features free WiFi and units fitted with a kitchen. The accommodation is air conditioned and has a spa bath.
Fitted with a terrace, the units feature a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with hot tub. Some units have a balcony and/or patio.
The holiday home offers an outdoor pool.
Guests can also relax in the garden.
Chania Town is 24 km from Achilleas Apartments with Sea View, while Elafonisi is 37 km away. The nearest airport is Chania International Airport, 34 km from the property.
from
€141
/night
Explore the wild natural beauty and the crystal-clear waters of two majestic hidden beaches on this guided cruise from Kolymbari to Menies and Chironisia. Use the provided snorkeling gear to uncover the remains of a sunken gun and carriage from WWII.
Choose from a tour that meets on the boat in the harbor of Kolymbari or that includes convenient hotel pickup and drop-off from select locations in north Chania. Set off a comfortable and spacious boat.
Feel the wind in your hair as you glide to Menies beach which is on the site of ancient Diktynna, where the most important temple of the goddess Vritomartis was located. See the remains of the ancient Roman temple as well as a 9th century abandoned monastery of St. George.
Put on your snorkel gear to explore some underwater items from WWII before heading to Chironisia Bay, a small hidden bay that is only accessible by the sea. Plunge into the deep blue waters where you can venture into small caves with the snorkel gear.
On our Kayak Sunset Tour, you will have the opportunity to paddle in a stunning sea gulf, visit the shipwreck that rests in middle of Kissamos bay, the old Ravdoucha metal mine ruins, a very interesting sea cave and reach out to a small private beach for rest and snorkel!
The Kayak Sunset Tour starts in the afternoon, on a beach very close to Kissamos city. After the reservation, a small form is sent to you with extra details that we will need in order for us to have the kayaks adjusted and ready for our small kayak adventure.
We start by meeting all together in our starting point, fitting the safety equipment and taking instructions on how to kayak and being safe in the sea!
When all the participants take place in their kayaks, we start our tour by heading for our first point of interest, which is a shipwreck (Manassa Rose) in the middle of Kissamos Bay!
You will hear the story of this shipwreck and after that we will take the course heading to the next point of interest that is some metal mine ruins from 1905!
On the way, we will paddle through a beautiful coast line and hear some interesting facts about the area!
Distant small chapels are along our way and very nice rocky natural formations!
Reaching the mine ruins, we will hear the small story of them and straight after we will head for a small private beach accessible only by sea!
There we have a stop for rest, swim and snorkel its amazing underwater formations.
Right after we leave the small beach, we will have the opportunity to explore the sea cave of Ravdoucha.
When we are ready and the sunset light is getting ready to lay down its colors, we start paddling back to the starting point in the lights of the Sunset.
A total paddling time is around 3 hours and the total tour is around 4,5 hours!
No kayaking experience is required since all our equipment is beginner friendly and instructions are provided before our tour!
On our Kayak Morning Tour, you will have the opportunity to paddle in a stunning sea gulf, visit a shipwreck and some other very interesting spots and reach out to a small private beach for rest and snorkel!
Our Kayak Morning Tour starts from a beach very close to Kissamos city.
After the reservation, a small form is sent to you with extra details that we will need in order to have the kayaks adjusted and ready for our small kayak adventure.
We start by meeting all together in our starting point, fitting the safety equipment and taking instructions on how to kayak and being safe in the sea!
When all the participants take place in their kayaks, we will start our tour by heading for our first point of interest, which is a shipwreck (Manassa Rose) in the middle of Kissamos Bay!
You will hear the story of this shipwreck and after that we will take our course heading to the next point of interest that is some metal mine ruins from 1905!
On the way, we will paddle through a beautiful coast line and hear some interesting facts about the area!
Distant small chapels are along our way and very nice rocky natural formations!
Reaching the mine ruins, we will hear the small story of them and straight after we will head for a small private beach accessible only by sea!
There we have a stop for rest, drink some beverages, swim and snorkel its amazing underwater formations.
Right after we leave the small beach, we will have the opportunity to explore the sea cave of Ravdoucha.
Exploring the Olive Treasures: Begin your day with a visit to an olive mill in Kolymbary, where you’ll witness the olive oil-making process and engage in a flavorful olive oil tasting. Journey to Ano Vouves to encounter a 3000-year-old ancient olive tree, delving into the rich history and significance of olives in Cretan culture.
Wine Tasting and Longevity Secrets: At Karavitakis winery, savor the finest wines while uncovering the secrets of longevity associated with Cretan living. Enjoy an informative wine tasting session amidst stunning vineyard landscapes, immersing yourself in the cultural significance of winemaking in Crete.
Off-Road Adventure and Scenic Beauty: Embark on an exhilarating off-road adventure towards Sebronas village, navigating through picturesque gorges, lush vegetation, and panoramic vistas. Capture the essence of Cretan countryside life with photo opportunities of chapels, livestock, vineyards, and olive groves.
Cretan Gastronomy and Hospitality: Satisfy your appetite at a quaint tavern in Nea Roumata, experiencing the true essence of Cretan hospitality through local platters and authentic cuisine. Immerse yourself in the flavors and warmth of Cretan culture while enjoying a memorable dining experience.
Embark on a unique wine and olive escape, immersing yourself in the famed Greek hospitality and embracing the sights, flavors, and warmth of Cretan culture. Enjoy a professionally guided journey through ancient landscapes and indulge in authentic culinary delights, making this safari tour an unforgettable experience.
Explore the World War II history of Crete and learn about its wider impact in southeast Europe and Greece. Explore the story of the Greek-Italian War of 1940 and the circumstances that lead to Hitler’s Operation Mercury.
Hear how the Battle of Crete and the resistance to the invasion helped revive the morale of the Allied troops around the world. Visit key location sites such as the pretty village of Maleme, where the German paratroopers first landed. Discover remnants of the war at Tavronitis and Galatas, and visit the war cemeteries of the German and Allied troops.
Be amazed as your guide brings history to life and tells you about secret shelters and other monuments from the war. Hear untold stories that take you behind the scenes and explore the role the partisans played as they helped the British, Australian and New Zealand armies change the course of history.
Find your rigid inflatable boat (RIB) vessel at Chania’s old port to begin a memorable half-day boat trip. Your experienced skipper will sail you to the first stop, Menies Beach. Anchor here for one hour and enjoy turquoise waters and ancient ruins as you swim or sunbathe.
Afterward, continue towards the northwestern part of the Chania prefecture, at the end of the land. Arrive at the island of Gramvousa and see its Venetian fortress and a sunken ship. Take memorable photos while your skipper anchors. Have approximately one hour on the island so that you explore on your own and perhaps even take a 40-minute roundtrip hike to the fortress.
Finally, continue on for 15 minutes to the famous Balos Beach. Have another two hours to enjoy the breathtaking view of the coast and the sea. Your skipper will call you for the return trip back to Chania’s old port. Depending on the weather conditions, the skipper will let you visit one or two secluded bays and beaches on the way back to Chania.
Afrata is a quaint village nestled 3.5km north of Kolymbari and 28km west of Chania, situated at Cape Rodopos. Just 1km east of the village, within a serene bay, you’ll find the charming beach of Afrata.
The beach, with its pebbly terrain and appealing water hues, is a popular spot among locals, as it remains untouched by the area’s winds. The raw beauty of Rodopos Cape, coupled with the tranquil sea and the picturesque village, makes Afrata an ideal destination for a peaceful getaway. The beach features a small canteen for food and water purchases, and shade is provided by umbrellas and tamarisk trees.
The road to Afrata from Kolimbari is paved with asphalt, but caution is advised due to its narrowness. After passing through the village, the road leads to the beach via a stunning gorge. Along the way, just below Odigitria Gonia monastery, you’ll encounter the quiet, rocky coves of Odigitria.
The route from Kolymvari to Afrata also takes you past the historic Panagia Odigitria Gonia Monastery and the Orthodox Academy. The Monastery is a significant part of the island’s history. The Turkish occupation of Crete began here in 1645, and in 1897, it was the landing point of the Greek army, triggering the Greek-Turkish war. Located near Kolymbari port, the Monastery comprises the main temple, an inner courtyard, monks’ cells, and walls that served to protect against pirates, Turks, and other invaders. On the northeast side, within the walls, you can still see the damage caused by the Turkish gunfire against the Monastery.
Additionally, north of Afrata is the Ellinospilios cave, an archaeological treasure trove. However, the path to the cave, due to the region’s rocky landscape, is rather challenging and recommended for experienced walkers only. Specialized knowledge and equipment are necessary for cave entry. The cave’s entrance is positioned just above sea level and the path continues northeast.
Kolimbari, a quaint seaside town housing over 5000 residents, is situated 24km west of Chania, on the eastern edge of the Rodopos Peninsula. This picturesque town is quite developed, primarily due to its stunning, lengthy beach that extends from the village to Tavronitis in the east. The sandy beach at Kolimbari is occasionally dotted with small pebbles, and while the waters are shallow, they tend to be wavy, a typical characteristic of northern Crete’s open beaches. The area adjacent to the beach offers ample choices for accommodation, dining, and entertainment.
For those seeking a more serene beach experience, the tiny coves near the Gonia Monastery, just 1km northwest of Kolimbari, are worth visiting. Boats frequently depart from the Kolimbari port to the Rodopos Cape, renowned for its majestic cliffs and tranquil beaches, with Menzies being the most popular.
The historic Gonia Monastery, reminiscent of a fortress, is located 1km northwest of the town. It’s dedicated to the Virgin Mary Odigitria, also known as the Guide, and houses a notable collection of Byzantine icons. The Orthodox Academy of Crete, a venue for nationwide and global conferences on theological and general topics, is also located near Gonia.
Rapaniana Beach is a calm, mixed sand-and-pebble beach on the northwest coast of Chania, 20 km west of Chania town and 4 km east of Kolymvari. Rapaniana Beach forms part of one long, open shoreline that runs from the Rodopos Peninsula toward Chania, so it stays uncrowded and feels local even in summer. The bay suits travelers who want a wide, unhurried stretch of coast with everyday village services close at hand, rather than a busy organized resort beach.
Rapaniana Beach mixes sandy patches with pebbly ground, and the seabed is made up of fine pebbles and pebbles. The shore is part of a much longer coastal stretch that reaches from the Rodopos Peninsula all the way to Chania, taking in the beaches beside the villages of Skoutelonas, Minothiana, and Rapaniana. Because the coast here is open and continuous, you can usually find your own space along the sand and shingle. The beach is kept notably clean, which adds to its relaxed, low-key character.
This part of the coast also carries real ecological value. Rapaniana and its neighboring beaches serve as nesting grounds for the loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta), a protected species that lays its eggs on quiet northern-Crete sands. Treat any marked nests with care and keep the beach free of litter so the turtles keep returning.
Reach Rapaniana Beach by driving the north-coast road west from Chania, roughly 20 km out of town, then continuing 4 km east past Kolymvari. The beach sits along the villages of Skoutelonas, Minothiana, and Rapaniana, so any of these makes a natural landmark as you approach. You can pin the exact spot and follow live directions using Google Maps or Waze.
A car gives you the most freedom here, since the beach spreads across several village access points and the wider northwest coast rewards day-tripping. Kolymvari, the Rodopos Peninsula, and Chania town all sit within an easy drive once you have your own wheels. Travelers who want that flexibility often sort out their car rental in Crete before arriving.
Rapaniana Beach offers the practical basics for a comfortable day by the water, including umbrellas, showers, and a lifeguard tower. The surrounding villages fill in everything else you might need during a stay on this coast.
The village provides a full set of everyday services:
Because these services sit right around the beach, Rapaniana works well as a base rather than only a passing stop.
Swim at Rapaniana Beach on calm days, when the water is at its clearest and most inviting. This is a north-facing shore, and the northern coastline sees frequent waves, so the sea can turn choppy when the wind picks up. The mixed sandy and pebbly bottom means water shoes are handy for a comfortable entry over the fine pebbles.
Check the forecast before you go and plan your swim around settled, wind-free weather. On a still day the long, clean shoreline gives you plenty of room to wade in and cool off.
Rapaniana Beach suits travelers who prefer a quiet, natural stretch of coast over a crowded resort beach. The open shoreline, everyday village services, and relaxed pace make it a good fit for several types of visitors.
Plan your visit around calm weather to get the best of the swimming and the views. A few practical pointers make the day smoother:
Rapaniana Beach lies on the northwest coast of Chania, 20 km west of Chania town and 4 km east of Kolymvari. It forms part of a long coastline running from the Rodopos Peninsula toward Chania.
Rapaniana Beach is a mix of sandy and pebbly areas, with a seabed of fine pebbles and pebbles. Water shoes make entry over the shingle more comfortable.
Rapaniana Beach has umbrellas, showers, and a lifeguard tower. The surrounding villages add mini markets, restaurants, accommodation, a health centre, pharmacy, dentist, post office, bank, telephone services, and car rental.
Rapaniana Beach is best for swimming on calm days, when the water is clear and settled. The northern coastline sees frequent waves, so choppy conditions are common when the wind rises.
Rapaniana Beach and its neighboring beaches serve as nesting grounds for the protected loggerhead sea turtle. Keep the sand clean and avoid disturbing any marked nests.
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 feature on the guided Kissamos kayak tour. 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.
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 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 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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