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Kissamos Crete

Kissamos Crete Κίσσαμος - this large village or small seaside town in the north-west of Crete sits on the Bay of Kissamos surrounded by beaches and protected by peninsulas, just 40 km from Chania Old Town.

Experience the real Crete here, absorb the rhythms of a typical small Greek town and take in some of the most dramatic scenery of Crete all around the region of Chania, within easy driving distance or take the local buses.

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Beaches

There is a wonderful selection of beaches within both walking and driving distance from Kissamos Crete. Within the Kissamos Gulf are the beaches from west to east of Meri Pigadi, Kaliviani, Viglia, Damialis, Mavros Molos, Livadia, Korfalonas, Drapanias, Nopigi, Choni, Ravdoucha and Agios Pavlos.

Close by are the extraordinary beaches of Balos Lagoon, Gramvousa Islet and Falasarna.

A day's bus ride or easy car trip of 40 km to the south is the magnificent Elafonisi Beach, set in a protected natural space.

At one of the local town beaches, Mavros Molos, you can happily relax for the day and settle down on the beach, then walk a few metres to the wonderful Maria Beach Bar or Restaurant for an evening drink and meal. We love this location because we just love dining close to the water, especially for seafood.

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Kissamos Crete
Gorges

South of Kissamos the Gorge of Topolia just 13 km drive, is worth visiting for its dramatic scenery and 3 km walk from the village of Topolia to Koutsomatados and return, which includes the cave and church of Agia Sophia. There are tavernas near the road and near the one lane tunnel through the mountainside, from where you can enjoy a drink or a meal looking out over the gorge.

Try Spiliaraki Cafe for a cool drink and an amazing view of the gorge, or Oasis Taverna also with a good view and full traditional menu and lovely fresh tasty local food.

Agia Irini Gorge runs from the village of Agia Irini south to the seaside village of Sougia, the complete walk is 12 km. To get to Agia Irini from Kissamos is a 60 km drive through hilly and mountainous countryside.

Gorge Sarakina Meskla can be reached by a 42 km drive from Kissamos, a drive which can include many other sights along the way including various beaches on the north coast and villages or historic sites. This is a green lush gorge with a short walk of easy hiking, not difficult and close to many local tavernas.

Samaria Gorge can be reached by day tour or by driving 64 km to Omalos Plateau. It is easier logistically to take a Samaria day tour as it is a one-way walk 16 km which ends at the seaside village of Agia Roumeli.

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Cruise to Balos Lagoon

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Kissamos Crete
Ancient Olive Trees

Visit a working olive oil farm at Kolymbari just 19 km from Kissamos. Terra Kreta hosts farm tours and tasting tours, where you can follow your extra virgin local olive oil from tree to table.

Combine this visit with a drive 5 km to the small village of Ano Vouves, home to some of the oldest olive trees in the world. These trees are so old that they have been declared 'natural monuments' and are now protected by the government. At Ano Vouves is the Olive Museum. Get under the skin of the history of the olive culture in Crete, with many different exhibitions. including olive farming equipment, olive storage jars and wood-working tools.

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Kissamos Crete
Accommodation

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Kissamos Crete
Cooking Local Food

Cretan Traditional Cooking Lessons at Metochi Farmhouse - Chrisoula and her daughter Eleni are ready to help you prepare some rich tasty dishes made with authentic Cretan ingredients. Combine extra-virgin olive oil, fresh vegetables, local meats, local cheeses, aromatic herbs and local wine. Learn about the herbs of the island, including the therapeutic properties of olive oil and other tips about commonly used ingredients in the local cuisine.

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On the Map

See the location of the town of Kissamos on the map below

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Kissamos Crete
Getting Here

Kissamos is in the north-west of Crete in Chania region close to Chania town. The nearest international airport is at Chania Airport with code CHQ. Flights arrive from all over Europe. Flights from Athens are scheduled frequently and the travel time is 1 hour.

Ferries arrive from Pireaus Port of Athens into Chania Port at Souda Bay regularly, they depart from Athens in the evening for a night crossing which takes 9 hours.

Local buses are available from Chania to Kissamos, the trip takes 1 hour and cost is less than 10 Euro.

See more details below of transport options to arrive into Kissamos.

Car hire in Crete is a really good idea as it is a large island 60 km by 260 km. There is so much to explore.

When you book with our car rental partners - Rental Centre Crete - you are supporting a local company with excellent service and easy online booking. We are sure you will be well looked after by the team. Choose from hybrid, electric or regular vehicles.

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About the Team

Yiásas!
Anastasi, Apostoli & Katia are the
We Love Crete team
We just love sharing our passion for Crete, Greece and travel
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