The most famous villages in Chania prefecture extend to the west and the east of the city of Chania. There are also a few seaside villages to the south of Chania and some traditional villages in the inland that worth visiting. The suggested seaside villages provide all the necessary everyday facilities; supermarkets, shops, pharmacies, restaurants, tavernas and a few bars in some cases. They usually have long, sandy beaches, beach-bars or pool-bars with snacks and beers whereas they provide sport facilities.
Depending on your preferences you could either stay in a more hustle and bustle resort, such as the seaside villages of Platanias and Agia Marina (to the west) or in another more quiet, although more far away, beach resort such as Kalathas, Tersanas, Stavros, Megala Chorafia, Almirida and Kalives (to the east).
There are also many waterfront villages which are located in a short distance from Chania city and they still offer calm and unwind holidays. Stalos, Maleme, Agioi Apostoloi and Gerani are some of them - these villages have the benefit to be near crowded villages too (Platanias, Agia Marina are very close and it is a good idea to visit them during the night).
The waterfront villages that are located in a distance more than 20 km away from the city of Chania are a fine destination for peaceful and quiet holidays. Kolymbari, Kastelli, Falassarna, Paleochora (with remarkable nightlife), Sougia and Sfakia belong to this category.
Also, some of the purest and most natural beaches of Crete can be found in the villages located in the far south of Chania (Elafonissi) or in the far west (Falassarna), nearby the Gramvousa peninsula.
South Crete has ideal destinations for those who want to explore the remaining natural beauty of Crete and stay away from the modern civilisation. Paleochora, Elafonissi, Sougia, Sfakia, and Loutro are some very well-known unique destinations.
In the inland of Chania prefecture a few traditional villages can be found such as Vamos, Provarma, Douliana, Lakkoi, Gavalochori. These villages are built in the countryside, among trees and green and they are ideal if you want to stay in a less crowded place, in the nature. Most of these traditional villages are in short driving distance from the waterfront areas and the villages of Chania. |
