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West Crete

  • Crete West Crete
  • Crete West Crete
  • Crete West Crete
West Crete is famous for its green landscapes and peninsulas with a roughly hewn coastline like the Gramvousa, Rodhoupou and Akrotiri. In springtime the green inland and tablelands like Askifou and Omalos plateau become to a colourful floral carpets, while the white mountains are covered with snow. A perfect idyll and easily accessible. Lively towns where beauty meets history like Chania and Rethymnon, wonderful heritage. Explore the stunning nature reserves like the lagoon Balos, Elafonissi and Falassarna. Walk in the shadow of the gorges Agia Irini Gorge and pass through Crete´s largest National Park Samaria Gorge. You´ll see you get lost in the majestic mountains of the Askfifou-Tableland and its nature reserves in the biggest hiking area of Crete.

What is the best time to visit Crete? West Crete for all seasons
In the springtime you'll be delightful from the bright green flower-quilt laying across the hills and the snow-covered peaks. The bathing season of Crete starts from 15. of May even the mountains are covered with snow. The average temperature is 23 degree. Crete´s nature at its best.
In summertime you´ll will find your bliss in one of the awarded beaches of western Crete. You´ll get wet in the clear indigo water and its nature reserves Lagoon Balos, Lagoon Elafonissi or Falassarna. The average temperature is about 29 degree.
In autumn you must take some time out in one of our 2 cultural cities in West Crete. Chania and Rethymnon have really got all the elements for a memorable visit. As Crete is one of the southernmost island of Europe autumn time is the most popular period for travelling to Crete. The difference to the other islands is the milder temperatures at night and the pleasant water temperatures till the end of October. Average temperature September 27, October 23, November 21. The natural splendor of the inland slowly awakes in winter. From November it will be green again and from February the first orchids blooming. There is much endemic wildlife on Crete, over 2000 endemic species of orchids, for Hobby botanist a paradise to see.
The cheapest time for travelling around Crete is the wintertime. You are invited for harvesting. The inland in western Crete boasts many natural splendours. Are you a traveller who loves to wander off the beaten track and chatting with the locals? Western Crete is known for its olive oil of excellent quality. Enjoy your break in a traditional retreat and make your first experience with the traditional olive pricking.

Best Beaches of West Crete, the most popular beaches
Balos Lagoon Sandy Beach with dunes, nature reserve, excursion by boat, at western tip of the Gramvousa peninsula.
The Lagoon Elafonissi Sandy beach with dunes, nature reserve, by car, by excursion in Southwest of Chania
Falassarna Sandy Beach and nature reserve, 17 km westwards from the coastal town Kastelli - Kissamos
Kalives Sandy Beach, 19 km eastwards of Chania Town.
Almirida Sandy beach, 25 km westwards of Chania town,
Glaros Beach/Kato Daratso Sandy Beach 5 km westwards of Chania town.
Kalamaki Beach Sandy Beach, 6 km westwards of Chania town.
Glaros Beach Sandy Beach 4,5 km westwards of Chania town.
Marathi Beach sandy beach awarded with the blue flag, azure water, sheltered from the wind, perfect place for children.The beach is well organized with taverns offering best traditional Crete food, parasols, sunbeds and showers available. The beach includes infrastructure for disabled persons.
Golden Beach Sandy Beach 4 km westwards of Chaia town.

When you have booked your hotel in Chania town, the nearest beaches are:
Nea Chora Beach Sandy Beach 1,7 km westwards of Chania Centre. Koum Kapi Beach Sandy City-Beach 1 km eastwards of Chania Centre in direction to the district Halepa.

For spectacular views of Crete ’s most iconic landscapes, get away from the crowded beaches and head to the small pebble bays like Ravdoucha, Afrata, Menies ( only by boat, or wiht a Jeep), Nopigia or Drapanias, Choni Beach and Skotini Beach.
An ideal spot for a picnic is the Grotto of the Saint John the Baptist, place of pilgrimage, above the village Marathokefala. Tables and seating options infront of the small Grotto Church available. You´ll enjoy the spectacular views to the bay of Kolimbari.
The Gorge of Deliana( Gorge of the bearded vultures) is a small Gorge the walk takes about 1 1/2 hours, safe and practicable for walking with children.

Things to do, activities in Western Crete

Tandem Paragliding Enjoy Crete with bird's-eye view, feel the strong emotions of freedom over the spectacular beaches or white mountains.
Riding Centres in West Crete work during the whole year.
Mountaineering Climbing in West Crete the Crete Mountaineering Association was founded 28. September 1930. Hospitable shelters in Chania, climbed as nests of birds on the mountain tops, wait for climbers and tourists.
Cycling Planning on cycling in West Crete? There is not a lot of traffic on the asphalted rural agricultural roads but you must be careful some country lanes have deep potholes. Please watch out for wildlife and livestock! These roads through the olive groves, vineyards and orange groves will lead you to the heights of the gentle hills with spectacular views. West Crete is a green fertile countryside. Cycling through this landscape is a memorable experience.
Sailing in West Crete enjoy relaxing sailing with weak to moderate winds, enjoying the aquamarine waters of the West Crete and admire its enchanting natural places. Explore beautiful, cecluded beaches with crystal clear water and live an unforgettable sailing experience on a private boat trip with skippered sailing yacht.
Diving – Scuba diving Whether you’re just a newbie looking to get started or a veteran searching for new places to explore,the unique submarine environment of western Crete offers memorable diving experiences. Exploring the amazing wrecks in the crystal clear waters and the different cavern dive-sites like the caves cathedral, seal cave, the spotlights caverns.
Snorkeling is a popular recreational activity, particularly in West Crete as the waters are warm and clear making this activity really enjoyable for the entire family. A variety of dive centres offer guides boat Snorkeling Tours.

Things to see in Crete. Cultural Highlight in Western Crete:
The Monastery Arkadi is the best-known monastery on Crete due to the Holocaust of 1866. The Monastery Arkadi was designated by UNESCO as a European Freedom Monument due to its history.

The Monastery Agia Triada situated at Akrotiri peninsula
The Holy Trinity (Agia Triada) Monastery is probably the most impressive monastic complex of the final period of Venetian rule on Crete, due to both its scale and architectural form. The small museum displays relatively few heirlooms rescued from the continued historical adventures of the monastery, mainly icons, holy utensils, and official documents. There is a small Monastery-Shop where Monks offering their organic olive oil and wine. The olive oil of the Monastery Agia Triada has won many awards.

Moni Gonias Monastery in the Village Kolimbari
The Monastery was built 1618, it looks like a fort and has a three apse Catholicon church and two chapels.The museum of the monastery one can admires the wealth of its icons and manuscripts.

The Ancient Aptera located in the Souda Bay, 13 km eastwards from Chania in the village Megala Chorafia. Aptera was inhabited since Minoan in the 14th- 13th century BC. Aptera became a significant city around the 8th century BC. Aptera was destroyed in the great earthquake of 365 AD and only sparsely inhabited afterwards but a monastery dedicated to St. John the Theologian remained amidst the ruins. The visitor can see roman cisterns, ruins of roman public bath houses and a newly excavated theatre. The most impressive of the preserved ancient buildings are the groups of Roman reservoirs that served the needs of the city and supplied the facilities of the public and private baths.
The Church of Archagel Michael is an early Christian church dating from the second half of the 6th century, situated outside Kato Episkopi, 7 km southwards of the Coastal village Kolimbari. This Church is one of the most important and oldest monuments of Crete from the early Christian period.

Culinary delicacies, Cretan taste Don´t miss to taste this:
The Sfakiani Pita. This is a delicious thin sheet of pastry is filled with fresh sheep cheese and drizzled with honey. Traditional cheese-making still plays an important role in Western Crete. Cheese is even served drizzled with honey as a dessert. Well-known cheeses are Graviera, the cream cheese Ksinomizithra, Pichtogalo Anthotiro, Kefalotiri. Spread Cheese: Malaka, Staka and Tirozouli. You should also try the traditional smoked meat such as apaki and siglina pieces or the filled Kalitsounia dumplings. Your main course should be accompanied by tasty traditional season's "Chorta". These are steamed vegetables, mostly stamangathi, ruccola, wlita and purslane. Dressed with fresh lemon, olive oil and a little salt. In the wintertime you´ll see men and woman pick these wild vegetables in the fields and in the mountains.
The best take-home-gifts for family and friends from Crete
The best take-home-gifts is the Crete mountain - tea Malorira and Dictamus. You should taste them with wild thyme honey from the white mountains.
This is the real taste of Crete!


We´ve designed our website with you in mind.
The detailed descriptions of our accommodations and destinations should help you make the right choice. Take a look at our photos and videos available to get a taste.
Lean back and be relaxed, because now you´ll see the best ideas for your holidays on Crete made by the Crete-Experts Kreta.com Enter as strangers & leave as friends with memories that will last forever. With our self drive tours in Crete we ensure getting the most out of your holiday without worry.

Where to stay on Crete
Your summer holidays in Crete. Choosing where to stay on Crete is the hardest part of planning a vacation, especially if you're looking for a special place to stay.
Best holiday deals for West Crete. You’ll find all of our best bargains here from cheap family accommodation & holiday homes to the finest small Boutique Hotels small hideaways and Luxury 5-Star-Hotels Take your pick from Crete's variety of incredible destinations and attractions, find things to keep the kids entertained, or immerse yourself in Crete's past. Take a look at our photos and videos available to get a taste.

Travel with confidence, everything you need to know about travelling with us Kreta.com . We’re keeping you safe while you enjoy a well-deserved vacation.
We are a German Tour Operator specialised for Greece since 1989, financially protected by TOURVERS in Germany. For every booking you will be supplied with the TOURVERS - Certificate.
Your payments are protected. Payments: We use secure transmission, We protect your personal information: Credit-Card payment system Eurocard/Visa with the data-security-System of PCI DSS is vital to the implementation of information security and best practices in the credit card industry.

Expert travel guide West Crete

West Crete is famous for its green landscapes and peninsulas with a roughly hewn coastline like the Gramvousa, Rodhoupou and Akrotiri. In springtime the green inland and tablelands like Askifou and Omalos plateau become to a colourful floral carpets, while the white mountains are covered with snow. A perfect idyll and easily accessible. Lively towns where beauty meets history like Chania and Rethymnon, wonderful heritage. Explore the stunning nature reserves like the lagoon Balos, Elafonissi and Falassarna. Walk in the shadow of the gorges Agia Irini Gorge and pass through Crete´s largest National Park Samaria Gorge. You´ll see you get lost in the majestic mountains of the Askfifou-Tableland and its nature reserves in the biggest hiking area of Crete.

What is the best time to visit Crete? West Crete for all seasons
In the springtime you'll be delightful from the bright green flower-quilt laying across the hills and the snow-covered peaks. The bathing season of Crete starts from 15. of May even the mountains are covered with snow. The average temperature is 23 degree. Crete´s nature at its best.
In summertime you´ll will find your bliss in one of the awarded beaches of western Crete. You´ll get wet in the clear indigo water and its nature reserves Lagoon Balos, Lagoon Elafonissi or Falassarna. The average temperature is about 29 degree.
In autumn you must take some time out in one of our 2 cultural cities in West Crete. Chania and Rethymnon have really got all the elements for a memorable visit. As Crete is one of the southernmost island of Europe autumn time is the most popular period for travelling to Crete. The difference to the other islands is the milder temperatures at night and the pleasant water temperatures till the end of October. Average temperature September 27, October 23, November 21. The natural splendor of the inland slowly awakes in winter. From November it will be green again and from February the first orchids blooming. There is much endemic wildlife on Crete, over 2000 endemic species of orchids, for Hobby botanist a paradise to see.
The cheapest time for travelling around Crete is the wintertime. You are invited for harvesting. The inland in western Crete boasts many natural splendours. Are you a traveller who loves to wander off the beaten track and chatting with the locals? Western Crete is known for its olive oil of excellent quality. Enjoy your break in a traditional retreat and make your first experience with the traditional olive pricking.

Best Beaches of West Crete, the most popular beaches
Balos Lagoon Sandy Beach with dunes, nature reserve, excursion by boat, at western tip of the Gramvousa peninsula.
The Lagoon Elafonissi Sandy beach with dunes, nature reserve, by car, by excursion in Southwest of Chania
Falassarna Sandy Beach and nature reserve, 17 km westwards from the coastal town Kastelli - Kissamos
Kalives Sandy Beach, 19 km eastwards of Chania Town.
Almirida Sandy beach, 25 km westwards of Chania town,
Glaros Beach/Kato Daratso Sandy Beach 5 km westwards of Chania town.
Kalamaki Beach Sandy Beach, 6 km westwards of Chania town.
Glaros Beach Sandy Beach 4,5 km westwards of Chania town.
Marathi Beach sandy beach awarded with the blue flag, azure water, sheltered from the wind, perfect place for children.The beach is well organized with taverns offering best traditional Crete food, parasols, sunbeds and showers available. The beach includes infrastructure for disabled persons.
Golden Beach Sandy Beach 4 km westwards of Chaia town.

When you have booked your hotel in Chania town, the nearest beaches are:
Nea Chora Beach Sandy Beach 1,7 km westwards of Chania Centre. Koum Kapi Beach Sandy City-Beach 1 km eastwards of Chania Centre in direction to the district Halepa.

For spectacular views of Crete ’s most iconic landscapes, get away from the crowded beaches and head to the small pebble bays like Ravdoucha, Afrata, Menies ( only by boat, or wiht a Jeep), Nopigia or Drapanias, Choni Beach and Skotini Beach.
An ideal spot for a picnic is the Grotto of the Saint John the Baptist, place of pilgrimage, above the village Marathokefala. Tables and seating options infront of the small Grotto Church available. You´ll enjoy the spectacular views to the bay of Kolimbari.
The Gorge of Deliana( Gorge of the bearded vultures) is a small Gorge the walk takes about 1 1/2 hours, safe and practicable for walking with children.

Things to do, activities in Western Crete

Tandem Paragliding Enjoy Crete with bird's-eye view, feel the strong emotions of freedom over the spectacular beaches or white mountains.
Riding Centres in West Crete work during the whole year.
Mountaineering Climbing in West Crete the Crete Mountaineering Association was founded 28. September 1930. Hospitable shelters in Chania, climbed as nests of birds on the mountain tops, wait for climbers and tourists.
Cycling Planning on cycling in West Crete? There is not a lot of traffic on the asphalted rural agricultural roads but you must be careful some country lanes have deep potholes. Please watch out for wildlife and livestock! These roads through the olive groves, vineyards and orange groves will lead you to the heights of the gentle hills with spectacular views. West Crete is a green fertile countryside. Cycling through this landscape is a memorable experience.
Sailing in West Crete enjoy relaxing sailing with weak to moderate winds, enjoying the aquamarine waters of the West Crete and admire its enchanting natural places. Explore beautiful, cecluded beaches with crystal clear water and live an unforgettable sailing experience on a private boat trip with skippered sailing yacht.
Diving – Scuba diving Whether you’re just a newbie looking to get started or a veteran searching for new places to explore,the unique submarine environment of western Crete offers memorable diving experiences. Exploring the amazing wrecks in the crystal clear waters and the different cavern dive-sites like the caves cathedral, seal cave, the spotlights caverns.
Snorkeling is a popular recreational activity, particularly in West Crete as the waters are warm and clear making this activity really enjoyable for the entire family. A variety of dive centres offer guides boat Snorkeling Tours.

Things to see in Crete. Cultural Highlight in Western Crete:
The Monastery Arkadi is the best-known monastery on Crete due to the Holocaust of 1866. The Monastery Arkadi was designated by UNESCO as a European Freedom Monument due to its history.

The Monastery Agia Triada situated at Akrotiri peninsula
The Holy Trinity (Agia Triada) Monastery is probably the most impressive monastic complex of the final period of Venetian rule on Crete, due to both its scale and architectural form. The small museum displays relatively few heirlooms rescued from the continued historical adventures of the monastery, mainly icons, holy utensils, and official documents. There is a small Monastery-Shop where Monks offering their organic olive oil and wine. The olive oil of the Monastery Agia Triada has won many awards.

Moni Gonias Monastery in the Village Kolimbari
The Monastery was built 1618, it looks like a fort and has a three apse Catholicon church and two chapels.The museum of the monastery one can admires the wealth of its icons and manuscripts.

The Ancient Aptera located in the Souda Bay, 13 km eastwards from Chania in the village Megala Chorafia. Aptera was inhabited since Minoan in the 14th- 13th century BC. Aptera became a significant city around the 8th century BC. Aptera was destroyed in the great earthquake of 365 AD and only sparsely inhabited afterwards but a monastery dedicated to St. John the Theologian remained amidst the ruins. The visitor can see roman cisterns, ruins of roman public bath houses and a newly excavated theatre. The most impressive of the preserved ancient buildings are the groups of Roman reservoirs that served the needs of the city and supplied the facilities of the public and private baths.
The Church of Archagel Michael is an early Christian church dating from the second half of the 6th century, situated outside Kato Episkopi, 7 km southwards of the Coastal village Kolimbari. This Church is one of the most important and oldest monuments of Crete from the early Christian period.

Culinary delicacies, Cretan taste Don´t miss to taste this:
The Sfakiani Pita. This is a delicious thin sheet of pastry is filled with fresh sheep cheese and drizzled with honey. Traditional cheese-making still plays an important role in Western Crete. Cheese is even served drizzled with honey as a dessert. Well-known cheeses are Graviera, the cream cheese Ksinomizithra, Pichtogalo Anthotiro, Kefalotiri. Spread Cheese: Malaka, Staka and Tirozouli. You should also try the traditional smoked meat such as apaki and siglina pieces or the filled Kalitsounia dumplings. Your main course should be accompanied by tasty traditional season's "Chorta". These are steamed vegetables, mostly stamangathi, ruccola, wlita and purslane. Dressed with fresh lemon, olive oil and a little salt. In the wintertime you´ll see men and woman pick these wild vegetables in the fields and in the mountains.
The best take-home-gifts for family and friends from Crete
The best take-home-gifts is the Crete mountain - tea Malorira and Dictamus. You should taste them with wild thyme honey from the white mountains.
This is the real taste of Crete!


We´ve designed our website with you in mind.
The detailed descriptions of our accommodations and destinations should help you make the right choice. Take a look at our photos and videos available to get a taste.
Lean back and be relaxed, because now you´ll see the best ideas for your holidays on Crete made by the Crete-Experts Kreta.com Enter as strangers & leave as friends with memories that will last forever. With our self drive tours in Crete we ensure getting the most out of your holiday without worry.

Where to stay on Crete
Your summer holidays in Crete. Choosing where to stay on Crete is the hardest part of planning a vacation, especially if you're looking for a special place to stay.
Best holiday deals for West Crete. You’ll find all of our best bargains here from cheap family accommodation & holiday homes to the finest small Boutique Hotels small hideaways and Luxury 5-Star-Hotels Take your pick from Crete's variety of incredible destinations and attractions, find things to keep the kids entertained, or immerse yourself in Crete's past. Take a look at our photos and videos available to get a taste.

Travel with confidence, everything you need to know about travelling with us Kreta.com . We’re keeping you safe while you enjoy a well-deserved vacation.
We are a German Tour Operator specialised for Greece since 1989, financially protected by TOURVERS in Germany. For every booking you will be supplied with the TOURVERS - Certificate.
Your payments are protected. Payments: We use secure transmission, We protect your personal information: Credit-Card payment system Eurocard/Visa with the data-security-System of PCI DSS is vital to the implementation of information security and best practices in the credit card industry.
... continue

Videos, images, hotel-recommendations with best hotel deals in West Crete

Afrata Video!
The Mountain Village Afrata is located in western Crete at the Rodhopou-Peninsula. It is a small traditional mountain village with a tavern. Approximately 7 km from the larger coastal town kolimbari. To Chania Town 30.4 Km approximately 38 minutes’ drive. Below the village is a path that leads to the pebble beach.This rocky inlet is popular with the locals. Because this is the most beautiful adventure for fishing and snorkeling!
Diving Clubs come from Chania town to dive here, it is also a good area for snorkeling. Afrata is still completely untapped from tourism. This makes the charm for many individuals. At this bay there is a small tavern, which also gives a few deck chairs. From the Village kolimbari You can walk to Afrata.
The trail (not on the coast road) to Afrata over the village Astratigos is an exciting trail on the Rodhopou Peninsula. It is not so easy to find the way to Astratigos from kolimbari.
You have to ask the locals because it is hard to find and is not signed. Our young individualists love this hiking tour from kolimbari-to Afrata. It is not too heavy, just 2 hours (round trip 4 hours) great vantage points and not known at all. You can walk back through the same path or as a circular walk along the coastal road back. The coastal road is a very quiet road and offers over the whole length, unrestricted panoramic views of the spectacular collection of massive cliffs ! Snorkelers and scuba divers are rewarded with a fantastic under water world.


Crete: West Crete
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