Discover Crete this summer!
Are you looking for the perfect destination for your next vacation?
Here are five reasons why western Crete is the best choice for your Summer Holidays.
1. Lush Nature Western Crete will captivate you with its green landscapes, the impressive natural parks, and spectacular coastal views. It’s the ideal place to reconnect with nature and enjoy unforgettable hiking trails and beaches
2. Perfect Climate Forget about scorching summers: in Western Crete, you’ll enjoy mild temperatures and a refreshing breeze, perfect for spending your days outdoors, whether on the beach or exploring its charming villages.
3. Rich Local Gastronomy Delight in authentic Greek cuisine. From traditional Greek salad made from organic vegetables with extra virgin olive oil, to exquisite local cheeses and wines, every meal is a unique experience that connects you with the culture and flavor of the island.
4. Cultural and Traditional Charm Explore picturesque towns like Chania and Rethymno, where history, Venetian architecture, and local festivities create a magical, one-of-a-kind atmosphere. Discover artisanal markets, museums, and enchanting corners full of charm.
5. Opportunities for Adventure and Relaxation Whether you’re seeking thrills with outdoor activities such as hiking and water sports, or simply prefer to relax in a peaceful setting, Western Crete offers the perfect balance between adventure and rest.
– Chania Top 10 –
There are hundreds of reasons to visit Crete.
Find below ten suggestions for a greater taste of the western part of our island.
1. Take a boat tour to Balos Lagoon
Enjoy an 1½hours sail against a stunning backdrop of steep cliffs and rocks, incredible secluded beaches, and the infinite blue, before reaching this exotic beach-lagoon. Swim in the lukewarm, shallow, turquoise blue waters, relax on the pink sandy beach filled with shells, and admire the natural beauty, the rocks and the cliffs rising above you! Repeatedly awarded as top beach in Mediterranean.
2. Watch the sunset at Falasarna Beach
This small village is located on the west coast of Crete and is popular with day trippers. There is a large coastal zone with golden sand, which lies between hills and olive groves. Both the beach and the surrounding natural environment are stunning. Its fine beaches have crystal clear turquoise water and face the west which makes them a wonderful place to watch the sunset from.
3. Picture yourself at Elafonisi Beach
A drive to the southwest side of Crete is itself an experience, as you pass by a gorge with chestnut trees, an impressive cave, and through picturesque villages before reaching one of Europe’s closest points to Africa. Exploring the small island, surrounded by shallow lagoons with crystal blue waters and pinkish sands, will reveal strange rock formations and quiet coves, perfect to relax in.
4. Enjoy the fabulous Southern Beaches
The route to the south of the island is quite scenic through hilly landscape, traditional villages and varied vegetation. Paleohora is a pretty, small town with a ruined 13th century Venetian castle and sandy beaches, while Sougia is a fishing village by the Libyan Sea with a great beach and trekking opportunities. Both enjoy warm, sunny days and a relaxed atmosphere from April to October.
5. Ride a bike through the Olive Groves
Discover the original Crete beyond the shores and get in touch with the nature. Traditional mountain villages, fragrant orange gardens, endless olive groves and the aromatic bouquet of Cretan herbs will accompany you on a bike tour, which will always give you a true insight into the famous Cretan hospitality as well. It is certainly worth exploring!
6. Hike the impressive Samaria Gorge
If there is one thing you do when visiting Crete, you must hike Samaria Gorge. There are certain epic hikes throughout the world, and the hike through Samaria Gorge is one of them. What makes Samaria Gorge epic? At 16 kilometres, Samaria Gorge is one of the longest canyons in Europe, is located in Crete’s only national park and provides stunning views all day long.
7. Visit the magnificent Old Town
Walk through the pedestrian district to discover the historical and cultural hidden treasures of one of the oldest settlements in Europe with history over than 5000 years. On Saturdays 07:00-13:00 there is a farmers’ market with organic fruits & vegetables next to an extensive open-air market with cloths and household items on Minoos street by the far east end of the Venetian harbour.
8. Admire the view from Aptera Castle
Visit this ancient settlement with the Roman theatre and the monastery of Saint John, while enjoying the breathtaking view of Souda bay from the Ottoman fortress of Aptera. Admire the view from this high point before continue the route through olive groves and picturesque villages to the lake of Kournas and the sandy beaches of the east part of Chania region.
9. Walk along the beach & park of Agii Aposoli
Located on the western outskirts of the town, is one of the most popular areas of Chania. It consists of four outstanding bays with fine golden sand and a well looked after, pine-filled park with walking paths leading to awarded beaches. The whole area is considered as rare natural beauty and is ideal for swimming, water sports-beach games. Lots of shops and restaurants on site.
10. Taste a Local Beer or Wine
Complete your travel experiences while on Crete, with a visit to a local brewery or wine cellar, hidden among vineyards and olive groves. You’ll enjoy samplings while learning about key processes and ingredients of craft beer, or award winning wines in scenic village surroundings. The little fun train stops at the brewery while the off-road tours include a visit to a local winery.
Don’t think twice! This Summer treat yourself to an unforgettable experience in Western Crete. Discover the harmony between nature, culture, and well-being in a destination that has everything for your best vacation, whether you travel solo, or with friends.
Our organized tours at a glance
for further information or booking inquiries, please contact our reception
(A) Agia Marina and the neighbouring Stalos are two seaside villages in the heart of the tourist zone of western Crete, located 8 km east of Summer Lodge. Along the shore, you will find all the services offered in a well organized beach, such as water sport activities, music bars, local restaurants and a wide choice of shops. You certainly won’t be bored here.
Opposite the beach of Agia Marina can be seen the protected island of Thodorou, which has been declared as National Park. There is the largest colony of endangered Cretan wild goats (kri-kri) in Crete, moved here from the White Mountains. A closer view of the island can be enjoyed by taking one of the boat trips leaving from the nearby port of Platanias.
There is frequent public bus all day long from Summer Lodge to Agia Marina. Once arrived there, you may walk all the way along the sandy beach to Stalos (2 km) or even beyond to Agii Apostoli beach (4 km) where three peninsulas create four coves with sandy beaches and shallow waters. The area is quite green with plenty promenade space for sport and recreation. There are parks with groves of pines and eucalyptus trees that cast their shadow even over the sand.
Opposite the beach of Agia Marina can be seen the protected island of Thodorou, which has been declared as National Park. There is the largest colony of endangered Cretan wild goats (kri-kri) in Crete, moved here from the White Mountains.
A closer view of the island can be enjoyed by taking one of the boat trips leaving from the nearby port of Platanias.
(B) Kissamos or Kasteli is situated 43 km east of Summer Lodge. It is a small town of 3000 inhabitants, with an attractive central square with lots of shops, local fish restaurants mostly along the seafront, a long history and a lively atmosphere. There is a large beach of grey sand stretching out on the west end of the town, while 2 km east of the promenade and beyond the football playground, there is an endless golden sandy beach with shallow waters but limited facilities.
The town museum is housed in a Venetian – Turkish building and its exhibits provide a longitudinal picture of the region’s history from prehistory to late antiquity. Opposite the museum there is a travel agency specialized in walking tours.
There is public bus every 2 hours from Summer Lodge to Kissamos. Last bus back leaves at 21:30 to Hania through Maleme. On the way back you may stop at Kolymbari for sea food specialities at one of the seafront taverns of the village
The town museum is housed in a Venetian – Turkish building and its exhibits provide a longitudinal picture of the region’s history from prehistory to late antiquity. Opposite the museum there is a travel agency specialized in walking tours. There is public bus every 2 hours from Summer Lodge to Kissamos. Last bus back leaves at 21:30 to Hania through Maleme. On the way back you may stop at Kolymbari for sea food specialities at one of the seafront taverns of the village
(C) Paleochora is a traditional village located 65 kilometres south of Summer Lodge, built on a long narrow peninsula that stretches into the Libyan Sea on the south coast of the island. Paleochora’s beaches are some of the best in south-western Crete as a pristine coastline travels 18 kilometres along its shore. An awarded sandy beach is on the west end of the village, while 3 kms away to the east lays a group of little beaches called Gialiskari. Follow the smooth dirt road that runs east along the coast after the campsite to its end, or hire a bicycle from a local travel agency for the day to explore the whole area around.
Capturing your attention are Paleochora’s enchanting whitewashed houses draped in oleander and bougainvillea, its pretty pathways and central square with cosy cafés and little shops, and the promenade lined with local taverns.
There are daily two morning public buses to Paleochora, passing from Summer Lodge at 9:00 & 11:00 while the last bus back is at 21:00. The drive takes a bit over an hour and offers magnificent view thought olive groves, valleys and traditional villages.
(D) Georgioupolis is situated 55 km east of Summer Lodge. It is a traditional village of 1000 residents, which has an attractive central square with cafés & shops, local restaurants mostly along the seafront, the longest sandy beach in western Crete and a lively atmosphere all summer long.
There is hourly bus service from Chania bus station to Georgioupolis which also stops outside Vrisses. An easy walk along the old paved road from the centre of the village just after the bridge on your left, will lead you to Georgioupolis after an hour or so, passing through the valley along the river’s banks. Last bus back from Georgioupolis to Chania is around 23:00.