Chania is the most picturesque city of Crete. Walking through its ancient streets gives
a wonderful sense of its past as well as the thrill of the hustle
and bustle of a lively modern town. The old Venetian part of the city draws visitors and locals
alike, especially to the waterfront, with its narrow streets and wide choice of
restaurants and cafes. Meanwhile the main part of town is
quite modern and has excellent shopping facilities.
All along the coast to the west of Chania there is one sandy beach after another,
reaching almost all the way to the peninsula of Rodopou. The coastline has
developed into one of the most famous tourist areas on the island, but manages
to remain a very interesting mix of luxury hotels and small, traditional Cretan
private houses.
Inland Villages
The Cretan villages of Daratso, Galatas, Pano Stalos and Agia Marina are all
located a little inland, overlooking groves of olives, oranges, lemons and avocadoes,
vineyards and of course the sea.
Today Platanias is a cosmopolitan
tourist resort with all the necessary facilities, not to mention over four kilometers
of sandy beaches. The Old Village, situated on top of a craggy outlook, was where
the inhabitants found refuge from pirates and other invaders over the centuries.
Here you will find many local tavernas with fantastic views over the sea and
surrounding landscape.
Just a few kilometers away from Platanias you will find
yourself in a rugged environment with rare fauna and flora. In the villages of
Modi, Gerani, Maleme, Kontomari, Tavronitis, Kolimbari and Spilia it is still
possible to find
the traditional Cretan way of life, and the area is perfect for a residence
either as a holiday or permanent home, quiet but still very close to all
facilities.
Further to the west, in the region of Kissamos, the central town is Kastelli; it
is often said that Kastelli is the last town of west Crete to remain
undeveloped. The beach, in the beautiful bay between the two peninsulas of
Rodopou and Gramvoussa, is a mix of small stones and sand. The rocky west coast
and its fertile hinterland to the south is world famous for its olive trees producing,
we believe, the best oil in the world!
Just 15 minutes' drive towards the foothills of The White Mountains will bring
you to the villages of Alikianos, Skines, Vatolakos, Koufos and Fournes
located on a huge plateau between acres of orange trees and small streams fed in
Spring with melting snow from the mountain tops.
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