top of page

Visitor Guide

Western Crete is a beautiful, relaxed holiday destination filled with a wide range of attractions to suit everyone’s tastes and desires.

 

We have curated for you our own personal selection of beaches, things to see and do, as well as places to dine and have coffee.

IMG_5584.jpg

Beaches

Grapevines

Places of Interest

_Mediterranean outdoor dining scene overlooking the sea._A rustic wooden table set with wi

Eat and Drink

Beaches

Tavronitis Beach

Nearby

Tavronitis Beach is a small part of a longer beach that stretches from Kolymbari to Stalos. It is never crowded and although mostly an unorganized beach, there are some sunbeds, a shower, changing cabin, and 2 taverns right on the waterfront. It is a pebbly beach with some sand. There are also beaches in front of the villages of Skoutelonas, Minothiana, and Rapaniana.

Afrata Beach

Nearby

Afrata Beach is 3,5 km from Kolymbari. Go through the village of Kolymbari, past the Gonia Monastery and you will find it inside a well-protected, calm bay on the Rodopos Peninsula. There are some umbrellas and tamarisk trees affording shade and a small canteen for basic food and drinks.

Kolymbari Village Beach

Nearby

Kolymbari Village Beach is also quite close. It is the main beach of the village with small pebbles. All the taverns and restaurants are behind the beach with a boardwalk. There are some change cabins and showers as well as sun-beds that belong to the various eateries.

Agii Apostoli Beach

Further Afield

Agii Apostoli Beach is located between Platanias and Chania. It is actually 3 beaches divided by one small peninsula: one long strip of sandy beach and two naturally formed bays with clean, shallow waters. It is an organized beach with all facilities (sports, sunbeds and places to eat.)

Maleme Beach

Further Afield

Maleme Beach is peaceful, with a relaxed atmosphere, featuring primarily pebbles but sandier toward the eastern end as it merges with Gerani. While it is primarily unorganized, there are areas with sun loungers available and during high season it is supervised by lifeguards. The area has a selection of restaurants with views of the beach.

Balos Beach

Further Afield

Balos Beach is one of the most uniquely beautiful, iconic beaches in Crete with its pinkish-white sands, and because the lagoon is relatively shallow, the colors of the sea are variations of blue and turquoise. Many people arrive by boat (the preferable option), but it can be accessed by car. After the settlement of Kaliviani, the paved road ends at a toll gate and from there the next 8 km is a bumpy, dirt road (which is hard on people and cars.) From the parking lot, there is still a 1,5 km hike along a rocky path.

Falasarna Beach

Further Afield

Falasarna Beach Just less than 30 km west of Kolymbari lies one of the most famous and beautiful beaches in Greece. With its long stretches of pristine white sand, Falasarna has justifiably been awarded not only one of the best beaches in Crete, but also one of the top ten beaches in Europe in recent years. The main beach has snack bars and cafés, but north of this is a quieter, more private area with less facilities. The area can be quite windy, so it is great for windsurfers.

Ravdoucha Beach

Further Afield

Ravdoucha Beach can be found 8 km from Kolymbari on the west coast of the Rodopos Peninsula. There are no umbrellas, but you can find some shade under the trees. The landscape of the area is quite stunning with steep rocks, wild mountains and olive groves. There are several small bays with pebbles and beautiful rock formations.

Menies Beach

Further Afield

Menies Beach is a hidden gem located on the Rodopos Peninsula some 26 km from Kolymbari by car via a bumpy dirt road. It is a gorgeous, peaceful bay with blue-green waters and small marble stones lining the beach. You can also get here using private boat charters from Kolymbari. There are NO facilities for food/drink and very little shade.

Elafonissi Beach

Further Afield

Elafonissi with one of THE most beatiful beaches in the world with its pink sand and turquoise waters. Distance is 55 km from Kolymbari.

Gerani Beach

Further Afield

Gerani Beach is 2,5 km of sand and clear waters nestled between Maleme and Platanias. It is an organized beach with many tourist amenities including water sport services. Good beach for active families but certainly NOT secluded. Visitors should be mindful of the fact that it is nesting ground for the Caretta caretta turtles.

The beaches of Platanias and Agia Marina are highly organized, long sandy beaches with all the amenities, including every kind of water sport activity.

Places Of Interest

Ancient Olive Tree of Vouves

Nearby

Ancient Olive Tree of Vouves (Ano Vouves) is one of the oldest olive trees in the world still producing olives. Visit the tree and the adjacent museum. Take the road to Darmarochori/ Vouves from the main road for 5 km.

Patriotis Winery

Nearby

Patriotis is a boutique winery located 5 km inland. Take the road to Darmarochori/Vouves from the main road (5 km). Tasting room and shop are open Mon-Fri 10:00-15:00. Tel: 28240-83031

Ravdoucha Village

Nearby

Ravdoucha Village is a tiny, traditional village of 140 residents on the Rodopos Peninsula, ideally situated on a hill overlooking the Gulf of Kissamos. Have a Greek coffee in the kafeneion while enjoying the surrounding landscape of steep mountains and terraced olive groves. From Kolymbari it is 8 km.

Cretan Brewery (Harma)

Nearby

Cretan Brewery (Harma) can be found in the village of Zounaki, 6,5 km inland from Tavronitis on the road to Voukolies.(Turn left at Sirili and continue to Zounaki). Guided tours of the brewery are available with or without tastings and tastings can be accompanied by beer meze or a full meal. Open daily 11:00-sunset

The Monastery of Gonia Odigitria

Nearby

The Monastery of Gonia Odigitria, a Venetian-style fortress monastery on the edge of the village of Kolymbari is one of the best preserved monasteries in Crete. Walk around the beautiful buildings and grounds, including a back terrace with stunning views to the sea and mountains. Don’t miss the museum, which houses an important collection of ICONS, among other religious relics.

Market Day in Kolymbari

Nearby

Market Day in Kolymbari is every Friday. You can get everything from olives, cheese, and the freshest fruits and vegetables, in addition to a great selection of linen clothes from Italy and other assorted clothing items, all for a good price.

Terra Creta Olive Mill

Nearby

Terra Creta Olive Mill is very close-by and you can book a basic one-hour guided tour for 10€. Take the road to Darmarochori/Vouves from the main road (1 km). Tel: 28240-83340/41

Biolea Astrikas

Nearby

Biolea Astrikas is a family-owned Estate specializing in the artisinal production of organic olive oil. Various tours are available and best to book in advance. The menu in the restaurant is extremely creative and each item is accompanied by a story. Restaurant is open Tues-Sun 10:00-17:00. Tel: +30 695 100 0100. Distance is 12 km from Kolymbari.

Anoskeli Winery Olive Mill

Nearby

Anoskeli Winery Olive Mill has combined olive oil and wine tasting in their indoor-outdoor tasting facilities. Take the road to Voukolies from Tavronitis 12 km. Open Mon-Fri 10:00-18:00 (advance booking recommended). Tel: 28240-83126

Chrispy Water Park

Nearby

Chrispy Water Park in Rapaniana (1 km east of Kolymbari) is part of a resort, but visitors can buy day passes to the Park only with prices ranging from €22-43 for adults and €12-25 for kids aged 4-12 years.

Karavitakis Winery

Nearby

Karavitakis is quite a large winery in the village of Pontikiana with 2 wine-tasting areas for visitors. Take the road toward Vouves 5 km. They accept visitors with or without an advance booking. Tel: 28240-23381

The old Venetian Harbor

Nearby

The old Venetian Harbor area of Chania town must be experienced. Enjoy a waterfront stroll with scenic views of the lighthouse, and behind the port you will find a maze of narrow streets with interesting shops for browsing.

Falasarna Sailing

Nearby

Falasarna Sailing: Private Sailing Cruises are available from Kissamos port to Gramvousa/Balos or Falasarna/Elafonissi. Longer, multi-day trips to Kythira, Milos and Santorini are also on offer. Tel: +30 693 7151933

Ancient City of Falassarna

Nearby

Ancient City of Falassarna including the harbour, the acropolis and the ancient cemeteries of the city as well as a long sandy beach that stretches several km. Distance is 35 km from Kolymbari.

Botanical Garden of Crete

Nearby

For nature-lovers, the 20-hectare Botanical Garden of Crete offers a unique opportunity to become acquainted with the flora (fruit trees, herbs, spices, medicinal and ornamental plants) and the fauna from many parts of the world. The farm-to-table restaurant is an authentic, must-try experience. Gardens are open daily from 9:00 until sunset (restaurant until 18:00). From Tavronitis, the distance is 21,5 km.

Aqua Crete Limnopoulos

Nearby

Aqua Crete Limnopoulos is an enormous (65,000m2) water park just 7 km outside of Chania with 11 unique water slides, a separate children’s pool and complete dining facilities. Perfect for a fun, family day. Full-day prices range from €18 (off season) to 27,50 (July/August).

The Archaeological Museum of Chania

Nearby

The Archaeological Museum of Chania in the historic suburb of Chalepa, houses a permanent collection in 3 main halls on the ground floor plus one more on the 1st floor, presenting the archaeological finds from Chania and the surrounding area. Open from 8:00 until 20:00. Closed Tuesdays. 15 Skra St. Chalepa, Chania.

Chania Summer Festival

Nearby

Chania Summer Festival is a compilation of activities in many different venues throughout Chania from July to the end of September. This cultural festival presents a rotating program of classical music concerets, theatrical productions, art exhibitions and outdoor film screenings, both Greek and international.

Milia Mountain Retreat

Nearby

Milia Mountain Retreat is an eco-friendly hotel and exceptional restaurant located in a mountainous area here in Western Crete, but worth the drive to experience how they seamlessly blend traditional Cretan cuisine with the trends of today. All ingredients are from their farms, gardens and the surrounding lands. Wednesday afternoons they hold cooking workshops with lunch and wine tasting. For reservations: +30 697 317 0580. The distance from Kolymbari is 26,5 km but will take 45 minutes.

Private Motor Boat Cruises

Nearby

Private Motor Boat Cruises are available from the port at Kolymbari. This family-run business specializes in cruises to the Balos Lagoon and Gramvousa Island, Elafonisi, Falassarna, and Menies Beach on the ancient site of Diktynna. Tel: +30 698 4482623

Manousakis Winery

Nearby

Manousakis Winery is a 100% organic winery in the village of Vlatokkalos, about 15 minutes from Chania. Combine a tasting with lunch or dinner among their olives trees and orange groves. Tastings must be pre-booked. About 20 km from Tavronitis.

Eat and Drink

To Kyma (The Wave)

Nearby

To Kyma (The Wave) is an institution on the Maleme beach road.  You can splurge on their Black Angus steaks or the French cut lamb chops, but everything is done well. Seaside Restaurant in Maleme Chania | The Wave Restaurant

Frosini’s Garden

Nearby

Frosini’s Garden is in an enchanted setting, nestled among olive and orange groves, specializing in authentic foods prepared in the traditional wood-fired oven. Great for families since there is plenty of space for children to run around and explore.

Mylos Café

Nearby

Mylos Café is great for coffee of all kinds, desserts, brunch, cocktails, and snacks. Perfect location at the port of Kolymbari overlooking the sea and harbor.

Traditional Kafenieon (Café) Platanos

Nearby

Traditional Kafenieon (Café) Platanos, with good coffees both hot and cold variety, freshly-squeezed orange juice and a variety of local hand-pies (Kalitsounia) daily. They also serve breakfast from 8:00-13:00. Open daily from 6 am.

Dagounakis Patisserie

Nearby

Dagounakis Patisserie with Greek and International sweets, cakes, and cakes to order.

Taverna Anemomylos

Nearby

Taverna Anemomylos, located on the beach in Tavronitis has something for everyone, including fresh fish, a good assortment of meze, grilled meats and some cooked foods. Every night a fabulous sunset is also on the menu!

Eleas Thea

Nearby

Eleasthea as the name suggests, has majestic views of the surrounding olive groves and a comitment to tradition and local sourcing of all their products. There are plenty of slow-cooked specialties from the wood-fired oven like rabbit stew with chestnuts or lamb with green beans. Open Tues-Sun from 13:00.

Argentina Fish Tavern

Nearby

Argentina Fish Tavern is the best in town for fresh fish and seafood. One of the widest selections from their own fish market.

Seliniotakis Bakery & Café

Nearby

Seliniotakis Bakery & Café on the road between Tavronitis and Kolymbari has breads from the wood-fired oven, savory and sweet pastries, and good coffees.

En Elladi

Nearby

En Elladi is another good choice along the Kolymbari waterfront with a wide array of dishes, including a couple of Cretan versions of Paella and several pasta seafood dishes. 

Almyrikia

Nearby

Almyrikia is one of two beachfront taverns in Tavronitis. They specialize in fish and seafood, but all the traditional tavern favorites are available. Open daily from 9 am.

Palio Arhontiko

Nearby

Palio Arhontiko serves creative Cretan cuisine in a seaside setting. Try one of the lamb dishes cooked slowly in the oven with orzo or bulghur. 

Tavronitis Bakery

Nearby

Tavronitis Bakery with fresh breads, rusks, pitas, sandwiches and some sweets. Go early.

KANEBA Grill House

Nearby

KANEBA Grill House, open from morning till late at night serving breakfast, gyros, souvlaki, grilled meats and meze. In addition, they have 7-8 types of cooked foods daily like Giouvetsi (veal with orzo), Moussaka, Stuffed Zucchini Blossoms and more.

Bossa Nova Restaurant and Beer Bar

Nearby

Bossa Nova Restaurant and Beer Bar is a trendy spot with a more modern take on Greek dishes as well as from other nations, and boasts the biggest selection of beers in Crete. 

Dounias Restaurant

Nearby

Dounias Restaurant in the village of Drakona is one of the best examples of farm-to-table dining since it actually is a working farm. Slow food honoring timeless traditions such as all wood-fired cooking, using primarily their own vegetables and free-range eggs, meat and dairy. Open daily (except Tuesdays) from 11:00-19:00. It is about 40 km from Tavronitis.

Mylos tou Kerata

Nearby

Mylos tou Kerata is housed in a beautiful old former Venetian Mill, serving traditional and innovative Cretan dishes and Mediterranean cuisine in a serene setting under the old Plane trees. Service is excellent. 

Kanelis Cretan Restaurant

Nearby

Kanelis Cretan Restaurant on the promenade of Platanias, does the traditional lamb roasted slowly in a wood oven (antikristo).

Gramvousa Restaurant

Nearby

Gramvousa Restaurant in Kalyviani is a must stop on the way home from Balos. It has been around 20 years serving inventive dishes with all the vegetables from their own gardens. Try anything from the wood oven, such as Lamb with honey wrapped in a pie crust or Roast Suckling pig knuckle with artichoke and lemon.

Kyano Beach Restaurant

Nearby

Kyano Beach Restaurant has perfected fine dining by the beach over the last 15 years.

Pork to Beef Wild

Nearby

PorktoBeef Wild (Street Food for great sandwiches) Daskalogianni 68

Monogram Roasters

Nearby

Monogram Roasters


The new location at 1866 Square features a coffee menu with 8 single-origin options alongside the original Manolikakis coffee, whose roots date back to late 1800s.

Riza Restaurant

Nearby

Riza Restaurant up in the old village of Platanias is a modern take on Cretan with clean, minimalist furniture. Try the delicious orange and avocado salad or the graviera saganaki with sweet & sour orange jam.

Black-Eyed Kate

Nearby

Black-Eyed Kate A cake and pastry shop brought to life by a former psychologist turned pastry chef.

Kross Coffee Roasters

Nearby

Kross Coffee Roasters 

This is the only Greek café/roaster that is featured on the World’s best coffee shops list and as such, it delivers consistently high-quality coffees of all types. You will also find sandwiches from (the above-mentioned) Red Jane, and pastries from Black-Eyed Kate.

Red Jane

Nearby

Red Jane A former 1930s foundry was transformed into a trendy, designer bakery with delectable sourdough breads, fabulous croissants, cruffins, and other pastries, and very original signature sandwiches, as well as light-roasted coffees.

bottom of page