Explore the area
Things to See & Do in Western Crete
Apokoronas is full of hidden gems, from beautiful sandy beaches and historic archaeological sites to traditional Greek tavernas and lively towns. There is so much to explore, and most places are only a short drive from the villa. Below are some of our favourite places to visit and things to do during your stay. We have been visiting the area for over 20 years, but we are always discovering new places — often thanks to recommendations from our guests!
Local Beaches
Kalyves Kalyves is another lovely sandy beach, situated in a larger traditional town about halfway between the villa and Chania. The water is deeper than at Almyrida, and the beach can get busy during the summer months. The town has plenty of shops, cafés and restaurants to explore too.
Almyrida Almyrida has a beautiful sandy beach with shallow, calm water, making it particularly popular with families and younger children. There are plenty of shops, cafés and traditional tavernas along the seafront, so it is easy to spend a relaxing day here without needing to go far.
Georgioupoli & Kavros Georgioupoli and Kavros have lovely sandy beaches, with plenty of shops, cafés and restaurants nearby. One of the highlights is the little white church of Agios Nikolaos, which sits just offshore. You can walk along the stone causeway through the shallow water to reach it. There are also watersports and horse riding available, or you can simply relax on the beach and enjoy the sunshine.
Loutro and Sfakia
For something a little different, take a day trip to Loutro, a beautiful fishing village on the south coast of Crete. Loutro is only accessible by boat, which gives it a wonderfully secluded feel. With its whitewashed buildings, turquoise water and pretty beaches, it is a lovely place to spend the day. There are also plenty of cafés, shops and restaurants to enjoy while you are there.
Stratis Restaurant Loutro
Notos Restaurant Loutro
Archaeological Sites Aptera Aptera is one of the most important archaeological sites in Western Crete and is well worth a visit. The site is spread across a beautiful hillside overlooking Souda Bay. You can explore the remains of Roman cisterns and baths, as well as the ancient theatre and other ruins. It is a fascinating place to visit and a great way to discover more about the history of Crete. Please check current opening times and admission prices before visiting, as these can change.
Aptera Human Settlement
Chania Old Town
Restaurants & Tavernas Crete is famous for its food, and there are plenty of wonderful places to eat around Apokoronas. Sterna tou Bloumosifi – Vamos This is one of our favourite restaurants in the area. It is a lovely place to enjoy traditional Cretan food in a beautiful setting. We particularly recommend the lamb pie and the rocket and Parma ham salad. Taverna Tzitzifia If you want to experience traditional Greek cooking, Taverna Tzitzifia is well worth a visit. There is no fixed menu — they simply cook whatever is fresh and available that day. The meat dishes are particularly good, and the family who run the taverna are always warm and welcoming. Psaros – Almyrida For something a little more upmarket, head to Psaros in Almyrida. It is a lovely fish restaurant right by the sea, making it a great choice for a relaxed lunch or dinner accompanied by a nice glass of wine.
Semiramis Restaurant Chania
Enjoy a meal at the villa If you would rather stay in and enjoy the peace and quiet of the villa, the kitchen is fully equipped for you to prepare your own meals. We recommend visiting the local butchers in Armeni and picking up some fresh meat to cook at home. Alternatively, why not let someone else do the cooking? Our local chef can prepare a traditional Greek meal and deliver it straight to the villa. Details are available at the villa.