Kastelli Kissamos

Travellers may arrive in Kastelli Kissamos on the ferry from the mainland of Peloponnisos (travelling via the island of Kythira), or visit for a tour around exciting western Crete.

The wild beach of Falassarna and the spectacular Gramvousa Island and white sand and turquoise Balos Lagoon also invite beach goers and lovers of nature.

There are also the inland gorges of Topolia and Sirikari to explore, and the Samaria Gorge is to the south.

There is some debate about the name of the town. Perhaps the Greek name is Kissamos, and the Venetian name was Kastelli, so now it carries both. My Papou says it is in the nomos of Kissamos, so it is Kastelli of Kissamos Kastelli tou Kissamou. Do you have an answer?

This lovely Cretan town with a population around 5,000 retains its character and rhythms of daily Greek life, whilst providing hospitality for the visitor. The town is an agricultural centre for the region, the major activities being wine and olives. The brandy-like dry red wine is delicious.

The history of Kastelli Kissamos shares the colourful history of Crete. 7 km from the town are the ruins of the Dorian city of Polyrinia dating from the 6th century, one of the oldest Dorian towns.

The town was a port to ancient Polyrinia, the name Kissamos dates from before Hellenic times. It prospered during Roman and Byzantine periods, and being a trade centre, was always under attack from pirates, hence the protective Kastelli, the ruins of which can be seen in the town today.

There are plenty of hotels, domatia, rooms and accommodation in the town, and lovely tavernas along the seaside on a beautiful promenade, looking over the clear turquoise waters of the bay.

There are excellent affordable rooms at Argo Hotel right by the water; I had a view over the bay during the full moon on one of my very first nights in Crete. What serenity! I visited in October and found the town quiet and the waters still warm.

The E4 European Walking Path starts the Cretan leg of its journey here. Its length in Kriti is 320 km and it crosses over the mountains, plateau and gorges, taking in the spectacular scenery. A real hikers' path, there is the option of an alpine route or a coastal route.

Now for one of our tavernas right by the water’s edge…the Papadakis Taverna on the waterside is about as close to eating in the water as you can get! A terrific spot and great service.

Hire scooters are available on the main square. Buses leave from Kissamos to Samaria each day and boat trips leave each day to the beautiful Gramvoussa Island, its ruined kastelli and Balos Bay.

Kastelli Kissamos is as relaxed a Cretan town as you can find, whist still being a hubbub of activity and hospitality.