CHANIA is the most picturesque city of Crete. To walk through its streets gives you a great sense of its past as well as the thrill of the hustle and bustle of a lively modern town. The old Venetian part of town attracts visitors and locals to its waterfront, narrow streets and its wide choice of entertainment for all tastes and demands.
Chania's Old Town is considered the most beautiful urban district on Crete, especially the crumbling Venetian harbour. The central part of the old town is named Kastelli and has been inhabited since Neolithic times. It is located on a small hill right next to the seafront and has always been the ideal place for a settlement due to its secure position, its location next to the harbour and its proximity to the fertile valley in the south..
It is generally very picturesque, with many narrow alleys and old charming buildings, some of which have been restored as hotels, restaurants, shops and bars. This makes it a lively and colourful place especially during the warm period (April-October). In the winter, it still remains a center of activities (especially for nightlife) but in a more quiet and atmospheric way.

KIDONIA along the coast West of Chania is one sandy beach after another almost all the way to the peninsula of Rodopou. The coast line here has developed into one of the most famous tourist areas of West Crete, but there is still a very interesting mix of luxury hotels and private houses.
The villages of Daratso, Galatas, Pano Stalos and Agia Marina are all located a little inland overlooking groves of olives, oranges, lemons, avocadoes and vineyards and of course the sea.

PLATANIAS is a cosmopolitan tourist resort with all necessary facilities not to mention the 4 km of sandy beach. The Old Village, situated on top of a craggy outlook, was where the inhabitants found refuge from pirates and other invaders over the centuries. Here are many local tavernas with fantastic views over the sea and surrounding landscape. Just a few kilometers away from Platanias you find yourself in a rugged area with rare fauna and flora. Here, are the villages of Modi, Gerani, Maleme, Kontomari, Tavronitis, Kamisiana, Polemarchi, Metochi and Xamoudochori.

MALEME is a beatiful sandy beach, located 20 Km from Chania on the road to Kissamos. Maleme is also famous for historical reasons as it is here that the most important part of the famous battle of Crete in the second world war took place. Inland from Maleme are the villages of Metochi, Vlaheronitisa and Xamoudohori

KOLYMBARI where you can find the real Cretan lifestyle quiet but still very close to all facilities. Kolymbari is a waterfront village located 23 km west of Chania, at the base of the Rodopou Peninsula with a long, pebble beach; it is appealing if you are looking for a quiet, natural, holiday destination. 2km inland is the village of Spilia with exceptional views of the olives groves, the sea and of the White Mountains in a traditional Cretan village. West of Kolymbari is where you find the village of Ravdoucha which lies approximately 100 m above the sea and has a small harbour.

KASTELLI is located in the Kissamos gulf on the north west part of Crete about 40 Km from Chania. It is the capital of Kissamos. Ancient Kastelli was a harbour of ancient Polirhenia. Kastelli has a beautiful beach with tavernas in front of it.

AKROTIRI is situated immediately East of Chania. Favoured by locals for its open countryside, great views and availability of building land, Akrotiri is still only 10 minutes drive from the city of Chania.
Tucked into its dramatic coastline are several glorious sandy beaches at the villages of Kalathas, Stavros, Tersanas, Agious Onoufrious and Marathi, which are largely undiscovered by the tourist industry. These beaches are popular at weekends with locals but fairly quiet during the week and all offer fantastic tavernas and water sports. Tersanas and Marathi are particular good for families with small children as the beach slopes gently. Chania airport is located in the centre of the Akrotiri peninsula among olive and orange groves. Two of the most interesting monasteries on the island are also located here. The inland village of Kounoupidiana is the largest village with a wide range of all year round facilities, food shops, supermarkets, chemists, a post office, ATM, hairdresser and tavernas to suit all tastes.
A few kilometers away are the newly developed villages of Kampani and Argoulides with their fantastic views over the land and sea. Here life is quieter and yet very close to the beach, the airport and all facilities.

APOKORONAS is famous for its fantastic views either over the sea, the countryside or the White mountains. The most popular sandy beaches are located in the area of Kalyves and Almyrida and during the summer these villages are very lively as they are also very attractive to holidaymakers.

With peaceful fields and olive groves, Apokoronas comprises some of the most attractive villages on Crete such as Kokkino Horio, Plaka, Drapanos, Xirosterni, Gavalohori , Vamos and Kefalas, all of which are old traditional villages with stone houses and beautifully blended new developments.
In the south of the Apokoronas region, at the foot of The White Mountains, the villages of Fres, Vrises, Stilos, Neo Chorio and Armeni are located in the most verdant area of Apokoronas, with its rivers, tall trees, olives groves and hundreds of different flowers. These villages are less developed, largely undiscovered by tourism and are excellent locations for those seeking tranquillity and the Cretan way of life.

Further east, Georgioupoli, with its location at the beginning of a long stretch of sandy beach and a river running into the sea is today a very popular holiday resort. It offers a wide range of tavernas, shops, cafes and boutiques. Just a few kilometers away are the villages of Kournas, Crete's only freshwater lake, set in beautiful countryside and within easy reach of both Chania and Rethymnon.

EAST CRETE
AGIOS NIKOLAOS or Saint Nicholas is a town of nearly 20,000 inhabitants which has been attracting tourists for over 30 years due to a combination of its picturesque harbour, famous lake and town beaches. It has all the amenities you would expect of a modern chic town as well as regular ferry connections to Athens.
Kalo Chorio /Istron is in the south of the Bay of Mirabello,12 km from Agios Nikolaos, with award winning blue flag beaches.
Lakonia, inland from Agios Nikolaos and reminiscent of Tuscany in Italy, with its green rolling hills, scattered with many small traditional villages. Agriculture and in particular olive groves dominate and life here goes on very much at its own pace.
Neapolis, is a small town, located 12 km from Agios Nikolaos . It is surrounded by olive trees and mountains. There is a beautiful large square which is the central meeting point, with neoclassical buildings.

ELOUNDA is located 10km north of Agios Nikolaos. World famous, this St. Tropez of Greece is no longer the sleepy fishing village of old but rather a 5 star laden resort with stunning views out over Spinalonga Island.
Plaka was a tiny fishing village and until a few years ago was visited only by a few travellers. This has now changed but it is still a really nice and quiet place, with views of Spinalonga Island. Milatos has lovely, clean beaches and nice landscapes without mass tourism. Sissi offers relaxation in its picturesque surroundings with clear blue waters and friendly locals.
Further East and approx an hour's drive from Agios Nikolaos is the town of Sitia, the last major town of Crete. It’s a relaxed town built around the harbour where one can stroll along the promenade or dine in one of its many tavernas. Like Agios Nikolaos, it has links with the mainland via ferry and even a domestic airport.