Kolymbari Crete

Kolymbari, Crete: Relaxation on a beautiful bay

Kolymbari, Crete, is a picturesque coastal village at the root of the
Rodopou peninsula in West Crete. Kolymbari is not as developed, regarding
tourism, as other destinations in Crete. Hence, it is ideal for the visitor who
wants quiet relaxation.

Kolymbari, Crete, is about 25 kilometers to the west of Chania city.
Getting there by car is easy, as the new national road is in very good
condition. The village is home to about 1.000 permanent residents.

Some of the
main occupations of the residents of Kolymbari, Crete, are fishing and tourism.
Also, the wines of Kolymbari are well-known in West Crete.

Kolymbari, Crete – the beach and the bay

The scenic
beach of Kolymbari, Crete is long, sandy, and ideal for swimming. By the beach,
you can find nice taverns, cafés, and various shops. Kolymbari beach is ideal
for leisurely sitting in a café in the evening, watching the sunset.

The bay of
Kolymbari, Crete is rather picturesque. The Kolymbari port has played a historical
role in the history of Crete Island. This particular port was used by the
Ottomans in 1645, when they arrived in Crete to occupy the island. In 1897,
Kolymbari port was also the port used by the Greek army for its landing
operation that finally led to the independence of Crete from the Ottoman Empire
and to the island’s reunion with Greece.

Sights in and around Kolymbari, Crete

The most interesting sight in
Kolymbari, Crete area is the Monastery of Panagia Odigitria, dedicated to
Virgin Mary, which in Greek is known as “Moni Gonias”, or Monastery in the
Corner, as it is situated at the western end of Kolymbari bay. Moni Gonias was
built in the 9th century and has taken an active part in the struggle of Crete
for independence during the Ottoman occupation. For this reason, the monastery
has been destroyed several times by the Ottomans. Nowadays, one can still find
many centuries old manuscripts and books in the library of the Monastery, although
a large part of these priceless books was unfortunately burned during a fire in
1867.

About 20 kilometers north of Kolymbari, Crete, and in the
Rodopou peninsula, lies the archaeological site of Diktina, a sacred ancient
location, dedicated to the goddess Artemis Vritomartis, who was worshiped here
from the 2nd Century BC until the Roman years. The road leading from Kolymbari
to Diktina is unpaved and not in good condition, so you will need to have a
4-wheel drive vehicle or a motorbike.

In the summer, the municipality of Kolymbari, Crete
organizes a series of local activities and feasts. A known local feast takes place in Moni Gonias, in the
15th of August, the day of the Virgin Mary in Greece. Another known local feast
is celebrated on the 6th and 7th of October, in honor of the Saint Agios
Ioannis Erimitis, at the homonymous cave close to the nearby village of
Marathokefala.

Kolymbari, Crete is
a place combining relaxation with a scenic landscape, and surroundings that are
mostly untouched by tourism development. It’s certainly worth a
visit.

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