Local interest.
Megala Chorafia
Seven and a half miles along the coast fromChania, the road winds gently up to Megala Chorafia, a Cretan village set in the foothills of the white mountains.
The villages hilltop setting makes for breathtaking views, over Souda bay to the north, and of the white mountains, rising over 7,000ft to the south.
Megala Chorafia, which literally means 'big field', is a scatter of farms and houses with an ornate orthodox church as its centrepiece. The Metoche area on the eastern side is on a ridge which extends towards the ancient town of Aptera. Zacharias is the cluster of houses on the hilltop to the west. Wild flowers bloom along narrow roads on which the shepherds move their flocks between fields. There are three small tavernas and a village store. The archaeological remains of Aptera are within walking distance of the village.
A daily bus service links the village to Chania, but car hire is strongly recommended to fully appreciate this unique island..
When the sun goes down.!.
You can be sure of a warm welcome, traditional entertainment and good food in the village tavernas and bars, not to mention stunning the stunning sunset views over the Lefka Ori.
Ancient Aptera
The site of Aptera is approximately 1.5 km uphill from the village square in Megala Chorafia and signposted. Founded by the Mycenaens and developed by the Dorians, Aptera was an important city in the classical and Roman periods,and settled up to the Byzantine era. The remains of a temple, Roman cisterns, theatre and assorted buildings lie scattered among the vegetation. The marvellous three chambered well to the north of the monastery is more gratifying. The monastery of St John of Patmos has a small chapel and ruined houses remaining within the walls. Excavations over the last two seasons have revealed a complex of private and public Roman baths clearly associated with the vaulted systems. All these buildings have been partially rebuilt.At the western entrance along the ancient road leading to the city, tombs and the bases of statues have been found.
Beaches
Kalami
The blue flag beaches of Kalami are a mere 5 minutes drive from the property (2½.miles) Facilities on the beach include a couple of choice tavernas and unlimited space.
Kalives.
Kalives has two beaches. The main town beach is an arc of golden sand sweeping around the bay and backed by tamarind trees and tavernas and slopes gently into a shallow sea, making it ideal for children.
The eastern end houses a small harbour beneath the cliffs.At the opposite end, a small river runs between buildings of the Kalives beach hotel, where can be seen plenty of ducks and fish. The western beach is narrower and much quieter than the main beach and backed by a sea wall with a few choice tavernas
Almirida
Three beaches are strung together around the bay, one of stones, one small but sheltered strip of sand, and the main beach which is very sandy and somewhat larger. Taverna tables sit directly over the beach along one stretch. The remaining beach enjoys modern facilities which include sunbeds, showers and a toilet block. At the far end of the main beach is a small harbour recently rebuilt. Here is to be found the best sand and the safest bathing.
Georgeopolis
Three rivers run into the sea at Georgoupolis. The main river is salty and its mouth creates a small harbour. Another river cuts through the very long sandy beach, and the third reaches the seaat a small cove to the west of the village.
The neigbouring flats are a haven for bird life and turtles. Georgoupolis has grown from a small fishing village to a popular moderately sized tourist resort. The beaches however rarely become crowded as the sands to the east of the village stretch for almost 7 kilometers.
Kalathas
A 25 minute drive onto the Akrotiri peninsula brings us to the lovely beach at Kalathas, with its shallow waters and bucket and spade sand, it is an ideal beach for children. Facilities on the beach include a taverna, bar, toilets showers and changing cubicle.
Elafonissi
Further afield, the stunning islet of elafonissi - a beachlovers paradise - the islet is separated from the shore by a shallow stretch of sea approx 100M in width and no deeper than 0.8M and therefore great for children. However in high season it can become very busy.
