Boasting pool views, Casa Piedra offers accommodation with a patio and a coffee machine, around 16 km from Kissamos / Kasteli Port. This villa has a private pool, a garden, barbecue facilities, free WiFi and free private parking.
The villa is fitted with 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, bed linen, towels, a flat-screen TV with streaming services, a dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, and a terrace with mountain views.
Platanias Square is 19 km from the villa, while Agios Dimitrios Church is 20 km from the property. The nearest airport is Chania International Airport, 43 km from Casa Piedra.
from
€144
/night
Set in Kissamos, 15 km from Kissamos / Kasteli Port and 21 km from Platanias Square, Villa Eftychia offers air conditioning. It has a garden, garden views and free WiFithroughout the property.
The villa is fitted with 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, bed linen, towels, a flat-screen TV with streaming services, a fully equipped kitchen, and a terrace with mountain views.
The villa offers a picnic area. If you would like to discover the area, hiking is possible in the surroundings.
Agios Dimitrios Church is 22 km from Villa Eftychia, while Ancient Falassarna is 27 km from the property. The nearest airport is Chania International Airport, 45 km from the accommodation.
from
€83
/night
Boasting air-conditioned accommodation with a balcony, Villa Romantic Sevi by PosarelliVillas is set in Káto Vení. This villa features a private pool, a garden, barbecue facilities, free WiFi and free private parking.
The villa with a terrace and garden views has 1 bedroom, a living room, a flat-screen TV, an equipped kitchen with a dishwasher and an oven, and 1 bathroom with a shower.
Kissamos / Kasteli Port is 14 km from the villa, while Platanias Square is 17 km from the property. The nearest airport is Chania International Airport, 41 km from Villa Romantic Sevi by PosarelliVillas.
from
€194
/night
Nestled in a green plain amongst citrus orchards and olives groves, Spilia Village combines traditional stone-built rooms with modern facilities.
A swimming pool, a peaceful garden and a pool bar are located within the orange orchard. There is also an area for receptions up to 250 persons and a large parking area.
The main building of the hotel, which consists of the reception and the breakfast restaurant is housed in a former factory. The traditional Tavern Halara serves carefully prepared Cretan cuisine in beautiful setting.
Spreading over 4,000 square metres, all rooms at Spilia Village bear unique names and are charmingly decorated boasting their original Venetian arches and exposed wooden ceiling beams. Some bathrooms include hot tubs or aero-massage bathtubs.
Spilia village is situated 3 km from the beach in Kolimbari, 25 km west of the town of Chania and 23 from the lagoon of Balos. The Port of Souda is at 30 km and the Chania International Airport is within 37 km.
Boasting air-conditioned accommodation with a private pool, Villa Spilia Homeleader is situated in Spiliá. This property offers access to a balcony, free private parking and free WiFi.
The holiday home with a terrace and mountain views has 3 bedrooms, a living room, a flat-screen TV, an equipped kitchen with a dishwasher and an oven, and 3 bathrooms with a hot tub. Towels and bed linen are available in the holiday home.
A car rental service is available at the holiday home.
Agios Dimitrios Church is 15 km from Villa Spilia Homeleader, while Platanias Square is 15 km from the property. The nearest airport is Chania International Airport, 38 km from the accommodation.
from
€146
/night
Set in a historic, castle-like building, the Palazzo Loupassi is surrounded by olive groves, vineyards and Byzantine churches. It features , a wine cellar and pool. It offers romantic-style suites with spa bath, free high speed Wi-Fi and views over the Cretan countryside.
Featuring arched walls, medieval-style décor touches and luxurious fabrics, all the spacious suites at the Palazzo Loupassi Boutique Hotel, all the air-conditioned suites have a fully equipped kitchen with dining area, fridge and stove. Each includes Cocomat mattresses, flat-screen TV and hand-crafted furnishings. Some have a fireplace and color therapy facilities in the bathroom.
The lounge bar Barazzo serves fresh juices, coffee and drinks. A sheltered BBQ area is also available. A mini market for daily essentials is featured.
A children’s pool is provided for younger guests. Entertainment options include billiards facilities and a games room.
Kolimvari and Kastelli villages are within a 10-minute drive. The scenic town of Chania is 30 km away while Chania Airport is within a 25-minute drive. Free private parking is possible on site. Staff at the 24-hour front desk can arrange mini cruises or chef services upon request.
from
€189
/night
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.
On this 1-hour tour you’ll enjoy a total olive oil experience at Terra Creta, located in the heart of the Kolymvari region. Visit the innovative, state-of-the-art facility and learn about the process from harvesting to production.
The mill operates only from October to February. Information and tips about best use and storage are provided by the highly skilled personnel.
Enjoy a guided tasting of 3 different olive oils and sample a variety of appetizers. Afterwards, browse the store and purchase high-quality Terra Creta olive oils of different labels, as well as balsamic vinegar and Greek olives in travel-safe packaging.
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!
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.
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.
Nopigia Beach is a long, low-key stretch on the eastern side of Kissamos Bay, 6km east of Kissamos and 30km west of the city of Chania. Nopigia works best if you want calm, shallow water and open space rather than a busy organised resort. The western section is sandy, the eastern side turns pebbly and rocky, and umbrellas, showers, restaurants and accommodation sit close to the sand. This guide covers what the beach is like, how to get there, the amenities on site, swimming conditions, who it suits, and a short set of practical tips.
Nopigia Beach is a long shoreline that stretches westward toward Kissamos and grows more rugged as you move east. The beach belongs to the coastal village of Nopigia, which sits on the eastern side of Kissamos Bay, right where the land rises into the base of Rodopos Cape. This position gives the shore two distinct characters along its length.
The western part is sandy and open, with clear, shallow water that suits long, easy swims. The eastern part is rockier and more secluded, and it hides several pebbly and rocky coves for anyone who prefers a quieter spot away from the main sand. Because the surroundings stay green and peaceful, the beach keeps a relaxed, uncommercial feel even in high season.
The village setting adds a layer of history to the visit. Local tradition holds that Agamemnon landed here on his return from Troy to make offerings to the gods, a story that ties this quiet corner of Kissamos to some of the oldest myths in the Aegean. That same stretch of coast opens toward the wider Gramvousa peninsula, home to the island’s most photographed shores at Balos beach.
Reach Nopigia Beach by car, since it lies 6km east of Kissamos and 30km west of Chania on the Kissamos Bay coast. Drive west from Chania along the national road toward Kissamos, then follow the local road that runs out to Nopigia village and the shore below it. The route is straightforward and signposted as you approach the bay.
Set your navigation to the coordinates 35.50612, 23.71474 to arrive directly at the beach. A car gives you the freedom to combine Nopigia with the harder-to-reach corners of the peninsula in a single day, which is difficult to manage on public transport. Compare rates and pick up a vehicle in the region through the car rental service for Crete.
Nopigia Beach offers a small, practical set of amenities set in a peaceful environment. The facilities cluster near the sandy western section, close to the village.
The beach is classified for its pebbles and rocks in places rather than as a fully sandy resort strip, so the eastern coves stay natural and undeveloped. Keep your expectations set to a low-key village beach, not a heavily serviced one, and bring water and any extras you want for the day.
Nopigia Beach has clear, shallow water that makes for gentle, comfortable swimming along the sandy western section. The shallow entry suits families and less confident swimmers who want a soft, gradual slope into the sea.
The eastern side is a different swim. Here the shore turns rocky and pebbly, so water shoes help and the footing needs more care, while the trade-off is quieter coves and clearer views over the rocks. Choose your spot along the beach to match the swim you want, sandy and easy to the west, rugged and secluded to the east. For a wilder shore on the other side of the same cape, the springs and pebbles of Menies Beach sit on the Rodopos peninsula nearby.
Nopigia rewards a short walk with churches, ruins and a cave close to the village. Several sites lie within an easy stroll or a short drive of the beach.
These small landmarks turn a beach day into a half-day of low-key exploring. If you would rather chase more coastline, the long golden sand and sunsets of Falassarna sit further west along the same coast.
Nopigia Beach suits travellers who value calm and space over facilities and crowds. The profile of the beach points clearly to a few types of visitor.
Anyone chasing a lively beach-bar scene or a fully organised strip is better served elsewhere on the island. For that busier feel with the town close by, the sandy town beach of Mavros Molos sits right beside Kissamos.
Plan your day around the beach’s two faces and its village-scale services. A little preparation makes the visit smoother.
Use Nopigia as one stop on a longer Kissamos itinerary that can take in Gramvousa and, further east along the north coast, the pebbly bays around Ravdoucha.
Nopigia Beach lies on the eastern side of Kissamos Bay, 6km east of Kissamos and 30km west of the city of Chania, at the base of Rodopos Cape.
Nopigia Beach is sandy in its western section and turns pebbly and rocky in its more secluded eastern coves.
The water is clear and shallow, which makes the sandy western section comfortable for families, while the rocky eastern side is quieter and rewards water shoes.
Nopigia Beach has umbrellas, showers, restaurants and accommodation set in a peaceful environment near the village.
Drive to Nopigia from Chania or Kissamos and follow the road down to the village, or set navigation to the coordinates 35.50612, 23.71474 to reach the shore directly.
Near the beach you can visit the Church of Panagia and the beaches of Choni, the ancient ruins of Mythimna, the churches of St. Panteleimon and Saint George, a seaside theatre from 1992, and the Rizospilios cave with its underground river.
Nopigia is one of many quiet corners worth mapping before a trip, and you can plan more of them from the full guide to the region’s beaches and the wider area around Chania.
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.
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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