Destination

location

Look no further for the perfect base for exploring Crete. Xamoudochori (pronounced “ksa-mou-tho-hori”) is located in northwestern Crete, about 40 minutes drive from the Chania International Airport, accessed through the local road network and the National Road.

The location allows you to escape the hustle and bustle of the busy coastline, yet is conveniently situated just a stone’s throw from the unspoiled beaches of northwestern Crete and the picturesque harbor of Chania, Crete’s second-largest city.  

A five-minute amble brings you to picturesque Xamoudochori village with its domed church of St. Ioannis Chrisostomos, whitewashed farmhouses, and the local kafenion (coffee shop), a Greek institution where the locals gather to discuss farming and politics over coffee, a glass of raki, or a game of tavli (backgammon).

Less than two miles below Xamoudochori is the coastal village of Maleme, fringed by an unspoiled beach of pebbles and sand which never gets too crowded. There is also a good selection of tavernas along the seashore to enjoy a traditional Greek meal as well as a supermarket if you need to pick up any snacks or drinks.

The historical Venetia town of Chania is less than 13 miles from us, approximately a 30-minute drive,

exploring crete

Crete, the most southerly of all the Greek islands and the fifth largest island in the Mediterranean, is a year-round destination offering a wide range of landscapes and stunning scenery. From its charming villages, historical sites and museums to the endless coastline with its pristine beaches with a backdrop of the dramatic mountain ranges- Crete’s most distinctive feature, the island offers something for everyone.   A perfect well-rounded destination in a laid-back atmosphere where the proud and generous Cretan spirit will win you over.

chania

Arguably Crete’s most picturesque town, Chania (pronounced HaniA, with the stress on the second “a”), is a lovely little town. Picture a maze of cobbled streets, neoclassical mansions, Venetian constructions and the famous landmark, the lighthouse. Leisurely stroll along the Venetian harbor with its winding alleys dotted with shops, restaurants and bars and take in its historic and architectural charm,

beaches and islands

Spanning 600 miles of coastline, there are countless beautiful beaches and seaside towns to explore, some more touristy than others. Below are the postcard-perfect beaches worth a visit while exploring western Crete. Balos Lagoon - This much-vaunted beach with turquoise water and wild natural beauty attracts hordes of beachgoers. It is among the world’s top 20 natural-wonder beaches. Falasarna is among Europe’s top ten beaches Falasarna bay is made up of five beaches- 2 wide open areas to play and swim along with smaller, more protected coves to explore. This is a pristine beach that is an unspoiled natural preserve. At the northern end of the beach you’ll find an archeological site- an ancient city that flourished in the 4 th and 3 rd centuries BC. Plan to stay late to enjoy the breathtaking sunsets Elafonisi-This amazing beach is an oblong peninsula that looks like a separate island because of the water surrounding it. It also has exotic pink sand formed by millions of crushed shells and really shallow water. For a comprehensive list of beaches, check out this link: Cretan Beaches

Spinalonga Island is found to the east of Crete, next to Elounda, one of the most popular destinations in Crete.  The island, with an impressive Venetian fortress, is known for being a leper community from 1904-1957.

If you are a runner and are visiting Crete in October, why not do a half-marathon and really get to know parts of the island! Check out the link here: www.cretehm.com

local events

To experience the local culture, find a Panagiri or “Feast”- traditional celebrations that take place all over Greece and involve a lot of eating, drinking wine and dancing to traditional tunes. a traditional celebration/festival where you can expect plenty of raki, Cretan food and live music.

Traditionally, a panigiri takes place in a village in order to celebrate the name day of its patron saint. Today however, many panigiria are not related to a religious cause. Instead they celebrate a type of food or drink. Some examples are The Raisin Festival in Xamoudochori, or the Orange Feast in Schines,