
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.

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.
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.
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
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.
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
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
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
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
Monogram Roasters
Nearby
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.
Kross Coffee Roasters
Nearby
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.



