Kolymbari
Kolymbari is a charming waterfront village located at the base of the Rodopou Peninsula. It boasts a long pebble beach and was once a rural village with olive groves and vineyards. Today, Kolymbari is a serene natural holiday resort with a growing tourism industry.
Kolymbari has several high-quality tavernas serving traditional and seafood dishes. You can enjoy these delicacies at one of the fish tavernas in the town center or at the waterfront next to the beach. There are also a few cafes and bars where you can enjoy a coffee or a drink. The village has a Post Office, the Bank of Chania, and several ATMs for your convenience.
A short walk from downtown Kolymbari takes you to the Gonia Monastery, a 17th-century fortress located 1 km north of the village. The monastery offers stunning views of the bay and is surrounded by lush greenery. It was a center of resistance during the revolution of 1821 and today houses an impressive collection of rare religious treasures, including precious post-Byzantine icons and relics.
A short boat ride from Kolymbari takes you to the northeastern edge of the Rodopou Peninsula, where you can explore the ruins of the ancient town of Diktynna, visit the Gramvousa Island with its impressive castle, and relax on the pristine Balos Beach. Balos Beach can also be reached on foot from Kolymbari. The nearby beaches of Falasarna and Elafonissi, which are considered two of the purest beaches in Crete, are also within driving distance from Kolymbari.
Attractions and events in the region
Crete is a beautiful Greek island with a lot to offer for tourists. Below provide a list of places you might want to visit.
Samaria Gorge: This is a popular whole-day hike in the Samaria Gorge, which is a natural wonder of Crete. To get to the gorge, take the bus from Chania to Omalos (the entrance of the Gorge). It's recommended to arrive at Omalos by 8:00 am at the latest. The hike through the gorge takes around 6-8 hours at a leisurely pace. You'll end up at the Village of Aghia Roumeli where you have to take the boat (the last one around 4:00 pm, so be sure to check the schedule) to Sfakia, and then the bus back to Chania. It's a full-day trip, but well worth it for the stunning natural scenery.
Palaiochora: This is an interesting area in the southwest with scenic mountain landscapes.
Loutro: This is a charming little village by the sea on the south coast between Aghia Roumeli and Sfakia. It's only accessible by boat or by taking a difficult path.
Falassarna: This is the closest super-beach to Kolymbari, only a 30-minute drive to the west. It's also the site of an ancient Dorian city. Don't miss the little restaurant of Capitan Nikolas in the Falassarna port!
"Tigani" or "Balos": This is considered one of the best beaches in Crete (along with Falassarna and Elafonissos). It's located at the bottom of the Gramvoussa peninsula, the westernmost of the Cretan peninsulas. From the village of Kaliviani, it's a 7 km drive on a dirt road, followed by a 2 km hike to the beach. Alternatively, you can take a boat day trip from Kastelli or Chania.
Chryssoskalitissa - Elafonisos: Chisoskalitisa is a nice little monastery worth a stop on the way to Elafonissos, which is one of the two best beaches in Crete. Its specialty is the rose hue of its sand.
Chania: This is the main city in the west of Crete, and it has a beautifully restored old town and port. It's about 30 km east of Kolymbari. The city of Chania offers a great number of cultural sightseeing, including 17th-century buildings and museums: http://www.chaniatourism.com/. It's definitely worth a visit, as it's considered the best city in Crete.
Rethymnon: A little city west of Chania and east of Heraklion is the second nicest city in Crete, with a nice old city and a small Venetian port.
Kissamos: A small town located about 20 km west of Kolymvari that has a nice beach, some interesting historical sites, and a small port from which you can take a boat trip to the nearby island of Gramvousa and the stunning Balos lagoon.
Ancient Aptera: Located about 35 km east of Kolymvari, this archaeological site contains the ruins of a Greco-Roman city, including a Roman theater, a temple, and several cisterns.
Polirinia: An ancient city located about 30 km southwest of Kolymvari that was once a major center of power in western Crete. Today, visitors can explore the remains of the city walls, the acropolis, and several temples.
Agia Sofia Cave: Located about 15 km east of Kolymvari, this cave contains stunning stalactites and stalagmites, as well as a small chapel.
Monasteries of Gouvernetou and Aghia Triada: Two nice old monasteries in the Souda peninsula, meriting a visit. From the Gouvernetou Monastery, a path leads to the sea, making a nice two-hour hike (one way). Aghia Triada produces top-quality olive oil.
Local Wineries: The local winery offers tours and tastings of their award-winning wines, made from the local grape varieties of Crete.
The 17th-century Gonia Monastery: Located within 5 minutes walking distance from OAC. Christian Orthodox service every day at approximately 5:30-6:30 am.
