Villa Aphaia enjoys a superb tranquil location with phenomenal sea views near the village of Kokkino Chorio. It is a small village situated in Apokoronas on the Drapano Cape, overlooking the magnificent Souda Bay. It got the name Red Village after the Ottoman Army massacred one hundred and fifty women and children there in 1821. Kokkino Chorio is a very traditional Cretan village with three churches, the main church being St Haralambos which is always in use and the churches of St George and St Catherine which are used on the Saints Days. If you think this beautiful village looks familiar that is because it is a film star! Kokkino Chorio was the setting for Zorba the Greek, the classic 1964 film (starring Anthony Quinn, Alan Bates, Irene Papas and many locals) that laid the foundations for the tourist wave that swept onto Crete’s sun-soaked beaches.
The coastline northwest of the village is an extremely interesting place for a stroll due to the ground formation and the caves, such as the cave of Petsi. Another cave called Katalimata, located at the centre of the village is also an interesting site.
Plaka is a pretty traditional village which sits slightly closer to Chania. Along with its neighbouring villages Alymyrida and Kalyves, it belongs to the Vamos Municipality. It enjoys traditional character and charm with cafes and tavernas sprinkled over its beautiful main square. The local residents are busy with their farms and the production of olive oil, wine and raki. The nearest beach is Almyrida where you will enjoy the most spectacular sunsets. Plaka hosts a wonderful Cretan music festival called Plakiana at the end of July. In Plaka you enjoy spectacular scenery, amazing sea views and a vibrant holiday life.
There are plenty of beautiful beaches nearby including Kalyves and Georgioupolis. Kiani Akti or the Blue Beach sits just 1km after Kalyves, a long peaceful beach connected to the River Kiliaris which sends cool water from the top of the White Mountains. Kera is a delightful sandy beach between Kalyves and Almyrida. A little further away on the Akrotiri peninsula, Tersana Beach enjoys tavernas, loungers, parasols and lovely fine sand. At the top of the hill, you will find the village of Chorafakia with its shops, bars, restaurants and cafes. Next door, is the beautiful beach of Kalathas, another Cretan wonder sprinkled with palm trees, loungers and parasols. There are several tavernas serving delicious traditional Cretan specialities and lots of seafood. A wonderful array of watersports are available.
Opposite Kalathas is a small island which you can easily reach by swimming. Marathi boasts two beaches, separated by a small pier. They are well protected from the winds and boast impressive views of the Drapanos Cape and the White Mountains. Again there is a small island which can be reached by swimming with a small pine wood. The western coast of it is popular with scuba divers. Seitan Limania Beach, on the east coast of the Akrotiri peninsula, is one of Crete’s most gorgeous hidden secrets. It is nestled in a canyon leading out to sea with cliffs on either side and the finest white sand reaching out to turquoise waters that turn to the deepest blue as it joins the sea. It is stunning!
Chania Old Town is absolutely gorgeous. It is brimming with charming narrow lanes lined with unique shops and wonderful restaurants. It boasts a brilliant dining scene, trendy bars serving delicious cocktails and its famous harbour. The old Venetian harbour offers an atmospheric location for romantic strolls and dinners. It was originally built by the Venetians between 1320 and 1356 and is now a vibrant, cosmopolitan spot. The Egyptian lighthouse is much photographed, especially at sunset. You can take a slow meander to the lighthouse to take in the stunning views of the harbour, Old Town with the majestic White Mountains in the background. On the waterfront, the Giali Tzamisi is the oldest Muslim building in Crete. The Turkish name is translated to ‘The Seaside Mosque’. It plays host to various cultural events and exhibitions. Be sure to book beforehand if you want a dinner table at the most prestigious restaurants.
You may also like to explore the mountain villages of Vamos and Gavalochori with its 18th-century vaulted mill and unique folklore museum. If you are heading to Vamos, you can take the road to Xerosterni village and Litsarda village to visit the beautiful cave ‘Daphne’ which is of great archaeological interest. The Elephant Cave is also close by.
The famous beaches of Balos, Elafonisi, Falasarna and Preveli are all worth the trip. Preveli Beach lies on the south coast of the island. Its name stands for a unique beach and a wild canyon. There are hundreds of palm trees lining the shore of this tumultuous mountain brook.
After the Minoan Palace of Knossos, the second most visited tourist attraction in Crete is the dramatic Samaria Gorge. It is the longest gorge in Europe and is definitely worth the drive. Within the White Mountain’s National Park, it rises to an altitude of 1,230m, is 150m at its widest point and 3m at its narrowest and continues down to Agia Roumeli on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea. The park and gorge offer protection to over four hundred and fifty species of plant and animal, of which seventy are endemic to Crete.
