Paleochora Crete

Paleochora, Crete: A great destination with an authentic village
atmosphere and numerous magnificent beaches

Paleochora, Crete, is the biggest village in southwest Crete. It is a
well known destination all over Europe.

Paleochora, Crete, is about 75 kilometers southwest of Chania city. The
road is in excellent condition. First you take the national road from Chania
city to Kissamos, and then you take the road to Paleochora, which is new and
wide.

There is a
regular and frequent bus service from Chania city to Paleochora, Crete. The bus
route is very interesting, passing through many small traditional villages,
including the historical villages of Floria and Kandanos.

Paleochora,
Crete, is built on a strategic spot, on the edge of a peninsula overlooking two
large bays. In 1279 the Venetians built a large castle, Castel Selino, exactly
on the edge of the Paleochora peninsula. This castle was conquered and
destroyed by the famous pirate Hayreddin Barbarossa in 1539. Today, Castel
Selino has been renovated, and visitors to Paleochora have the opportunity to
experience the feeling of the Venetian era in this strategic, fortified
location.

Paleochora, Crete – a village with a unique, superb atmosphere

What draws most
visitors to Paleochora, Crete, is the superb atmosphere of a beautiful coastal
village in South Crete.

The village
of Paleochora, Crete, was first “discovered” by the hippies in the ‘60s. Many
of them stayed permanently here, built their one houses and raised their
families in Paleochora. These first travellers were followed by others, and year
after year Paleochora became well known all over Europe.

However,
although Paleochora, Crete, is now a renowned destination, its atmosphere of a
small beautiful coastal village of the Mediterranean has remained unchanged.
Many first time visitors are impressed by its unique, warm feeling. The small,
cobbled streets, the discreet but smart stores, the fine taverns and cafés, all
add up to Paleochora’s unique atmosphere.

In summer
evenings, the centre of Paleochora, Crete, is closed for vehicles, and it
becomes the absolute meeting point. It’s like a large village square, with open
air tables from the taverns and the cafés, and the traditional village stores
nearby.

The amazing beaches of Paleochora, Crete

Paleochora,
Crete, is well known all over Crete for its numerous fine beaches. On the two coastal
zones to the east and to the west of the village, there is a total coastline of
about 18 kilometers, most of which is easily accessible.

From the
select collection of the more than 10 beaches of Paleochora, Crete, some of
which are sandy, and some of which have pebbles, the most known are Platia
Ammos, Chalikia, Psilos Volakas and Krios.

All the
beaches of Paleochora, Crete, have crystal clear waters, and are ideal for snorkelling.
In the organized beaches, like the one inside Paleochora village, you can find
sun beds and parasols. You can also find water sport facilities.

Regarding
small trips to the surrounding area, Paleochora, Crete, with its considerably
large port, is the ideal place for getting by ferry to some of the best coastal
destinations in South Crete. These include Sougia, Agia Roumeli, Loutro, Chora
Sfakion and Gavdos Island, which is the southernmost part of Greece.

Furthermore,
there are many hiking opportunities around Paleochora, Crete, some of them in
superb gorges like Agia Irini Gorge and, of course, the famous Samaria Gorge,
the longest gorge in Europe.

Paleochora, Crete,
is a marvellous place, possibly the most
interesting village in southwest Crete. With its unique, authentic atmosphere,
its numerous fine beaches and its very good amenities, Paleochora, Crete, should be at the schedule of every visitor to
Crete.

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