Kaliviani village: Beaches, Stays, Things to do

Kaliviani is a picturesque village located in the north-west of Crete, with a population of around 300 people. The village is surrounded by olive groves and boasts a mix of old, restored and modern homes. Visitors can enjoy stunning views over the Bay of Kissamos and the wild and unspoilt sandy and pebbly coves just 10 minutes away. The village is also within easy reach of Balos Lagoon and other natural sites in western Crete. Kaliviani is a great place to experience traditional Greek culture and explore nature, with plenty of opportunities for walking, horse riding and outdoor dining. The village offers a unique blend of traditional Cretan hospitality and breathtaking scenery, making it an unforgettable holiday destination.

Things to do in Kaliviani

Things to do in Kaliviani sit either on the coves along the coast below the village or in Kissamos, 4.6 km away. The dirt road to the Balos lagoon starts in Kaliviani itself, which puts the village at the entrance to the Gramvousa peninsula. The list runs outwards from the village.

1. Swim at Kaliviani beach. The shore lies 1 km north of the village at the foot of the Gramvousa Peninsula, and 7 km northwest of Kissamos. It is a long stretch, rocky overall with sparse sandy patches, and it carries no tourist facilities. Windy days are worth avoiding, because large waves over a rocky seabed make swimming risky, as Kaliviani beach explains.
2. Follow the Balos road to Meri Pigadi. The bays lie 1.7 km from the village, 1.5 km along the dirt road that starts in Kaliviani and leads to the lagoon. Tou Meri to Pigadi means “Meri’s well”, and the shore breaks into three consecutive small protected bays of fine pebbles with clear deep water. The first, Mouri Lakkos, sits just behind the ticket kiosk for the Balos lagoon. There are no facilities and only a few small trees for shade, as set out on Meri Pigadi beach.
3. Walk the Vigglia coast. Vigglia is 1.9 km from Kaliviani and runs 2 km of coves, starting near the “Madonna of the Harbor” church by the port of Kissamos and ending at Kaliviani to the west. The main beach is close to semicircular, with coarse sand and transparent water, and pebbles and rocks take over in places. A few hotels stand nearby with basic facilities, and the coast is described on Vigglia beach.
4. Find Damialis. This small cove sits 2.7 km from the village, 1.5 km north of Kissamos on the main road to Falassarna. Deep water, rocks and tiny pebbles fill it, and it is well shielded from strong winds. There are no facilities, but tamarisk trees give shade and a springboard sits on the rocks. The name comes from the St. John Damialis church inside a cave above the beach, and a short path from the church crosses under the road through a small tunnel to reach Damialis beach.
5. Spend a day in Kissamos. The town is 4.6 km from Kaliviani, 42 km west of Chania, and the capital of Kissamos County, with a population of about 3,000. Its economy runs on wine, oil, raki and other agricultural products rather than mass tourism, so it stays uncrowded through the season. The main town beach lies on the western side, with fine sand, shallow water and a promenade of cafes and taverns, and the old port of Kastelli Kissamos and the ferry terminal sit just north, as covered on Kissamos town.
6. Go up to Platanos. The village stands 4.9 km from Kaliviani at 240 metres above sea level, and it takes its name from the platanos tree in its square. About 1,000 people live there, in what has traditionally been a farming community, and its page is Platanos village. Falassarna beach, a run of 5 consecutive beaches at the western end of the Gramvousa peninsula with whitish to golden sand and turquoise shallows, is 5 km from Platanos.

Eating and drinking sits inside the village. Kaliviani holds Kaliviani Fish & Meat Taverna, and within 300 m of the centre are Gramboussa Restaurant, Kampanari Taverna, Mama’s Dinner Restaurant and Canteen Balos. Erofili is 700 m out, and Captain’s Beach Restaurant and Bar 1.2 km, down towards the shore.