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Palaiochora Crete

In South-West of Chania, Greece

By Katia Luz

From the point looking back to the mainland

Palaiochora Crete

Beaches

Dolphin & Whale Watching

Palaiochora Crete or Paleochora or Παλαιόχωρα, on the rugged south-west coast of Crete, is 75 km from Chania. Looking over the Libyan sea on a natural peninsula, the view to the east of the White Mountains coming down to the sea is sublime.

Παλαιόχωρα is a very Cretan village with a population of around 2,200 people. Although it has terrific beaches, windsurfing and walking and plenty of visitors in the summer, it retains its Greek rhythms.

View from PalaiochoraCrete across to the White Mountains

The history of this village shares the colourful history of Crete. The old name was Selino Kastelli from the castle built in 1279 by the Venetians. In 1539 the Pirate Barbarossa conquered the castle and destroyed it. It still survives in ruins, it is interesting to explore and visit the narrow Venetian streets.

Beaches

About Palaiochora beaches. Pebble Beach to the east has a long promenade with lamps and benches, leading to Oriental Bay Beach with its line of tamarisk trees. Sandy Beach to the west is the most famous and popular for windsurfing.

Windsurfing conditions are excellent on the bay and many visitors come for a windsurfing holiday.

At the Old Harbour Quay, ferries leave for Sougia, Loutro, Agia Roumeli, Elafonisi and Chora Sfakion in summer. Boats also leave for the small island of Gavdos, to the south.

Take a boat trip to Elafonisi Beach and some of the smaller and quieter beaches in between.

See more about Gavdos Island below

Diving, Dolphin & Whale Watching

Diving courses and trips are available for beginners and experienced divers, exploring the untouched waters of the south coast. Also on offer are day tours to nearby beaches and Gavdos island.

Sperm whales and Cuvier's Beaked whales are found in these waters. Some years ago the Pelagos Cetacean Research Institute did a research program based in Palaiochora to study the local whales and dolphins. The findings of this study can be found on their website www.pelagosinstitute.gr.

The beautiful Mediterranean Striped Dolphins Stenella coeruleoalba also swim here (above). Dolphin and whale watching trips leave daily from Palaiochora in season. For more about Cretan nature and how you can support conservation programs, see our nature pages.

See the Sperm Whales Physeter macrocephalus off the coast of Palaiochora here on video:

Cafes and Tavernas in Palaiochora Crete

Outdoor dining on the courtyard, pizza taverna

Cafés, bakeries, tavernas and nightclubs are busy in Palaiochora Crete during the summer. The sweet shop is called zacharoplasteio and is a central part of any Greek town. Here in Palaiochora is no exception, with a wide range of yummy treats. Try one of the Cretan favourites, bougatsa, for breakfast.

Seafood is fresh here, try the local specialty, swordfish xiphias, or one of the many fresh fish of the day. There are so many fine tavernas to choose from, along the promenade and in the main street and even a short distance out of town.

More restaurants and tavernas here

Photography, Botany & Walking Tours

Spring flower tours - Nigella damascena (image by Andreas Loukakis)

Nigella damascena, Love-in-a-Mist by photographer Andreas Loukakis

Spring flower tours in April and May are based in Palaiochora with daily excursions. Jenny Neal is a local wildflower botanist who leads tours at various times, especially in spring.

Julia Jones of Flowers of Crete also leads art workshops based on local flora. Walks take in the beautiful Gianiskari beaches, Anidri Gorge and walkers can also take the E4 European Walking Path.

Accommodation in Palaiochora

We have selected a simple small family-run hotel in Palaiochora, within walking distance of the beaches - Aris Boutique Hotel.

"Staff extremely welcoming and friendly. A fabulous hotel and excellent location. We will definitely return."

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This is the budget symbol on We Love Crete

Another small place to stay is Haris Studios, with the Water's Edge cafe adjacent to the rooms, it sits facing the ocean on the southern tip of the peninsular - Haris Studios.

"Location close to 'center' but away from the noise, lovely terrace overlooking the sea, cafe nearby where to have breakfast, nice staff, comfy beds. Would have stayed longer and would come back any time!"

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Athinais Villa is by itself at the end of the peninsula by the small fishing port. Stunning views of the ocean in a beautifully traditional villa yet totally modern and full of comfort. Welcoming 5 guests in 2 bedrooms with 2 bathrooms and free private parking. A real find in this location.

"The villa was absolutely stunning with a very high standard of finish throughout. The location in the town is absolutely perfect as it is midway for both beaches and sides of town. This means it is very quiet and peaceful with the most stunning views from every room. The outside space is perfect for enjoying the Greek heat as you can be in the shaded areas, the beautiful infinity pool or out in the sun. The terrace outside bedroom is stunning and a great place to watch the sunset. We would definitely book this villa again as it was outstanding and the host Tony could not have been more helpful before and during our visit. He personally showed us around the villa, left wine and water for us and organised our taxi to the airport. Fabulous service."

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More accommodation here

Around Palaiochora Crete

Agriculture is the main activity around Palaiochora

The region is rich in agriculture, surrounded by olive groves, tomatoes in greenhouses, vineyards for wine-making and sultanas, and vegetable gardens. It is a treat to visit the small villages around Selinou province and meet the locals, perhaps to stop for a picnic.

Palaiochora Crete makes a great base for exploring the west of the island. Hiking and walking are popular, as are tours for nature lovers, climbers and cavers. Beach hopping and historical explorations are wonderful. Palaiohora is close to Elafonisi, the Lefka Ori, Agia Irini Gorge, Omalos Plateau and Samaria Gorge. By boat you can visit Agia Roumeli, Loutro and Sougia.

Nearby passes the E4 European walking path, excellent hiking in the area with wonderful scenic paths along the south coast.

Gavdos Island

Gavdos Island (above) is the most southerly point of Europe, a small rocky island ringed with beaches and cliffs, with pine and cedar forests, located 65 km from Paleohora town. Its inaccessibility and isolation attracts those really looking to get away from it all; campers, naturists and backpackers. There are three small villages virtually in ruins, with a permanent population of 55, whose main activities are fishing and in summer, looking after the travellers.

The small port of Karave is on the east coast, the village of Kastri in the centre of the island is the capital. There are a few domatia and tavernas. If you are planning to stay on the island, book ahead or be prepared to camp.

Take a boat with local ferry company Anendyk from Palaiochora to Gavdos Island, which takes about 4 hours, on set days of the week only. Check timetables prior to arriving in Palaiochora, and make sure you check the return times as accommodation is sparse on the island.

The island can also be accessed from Agia Roumeli and Chora Sfakion on the south coast of Crete, at certain times of the year.

More about Gavdos Island here

Take the time to visit the real Crete in Palaiochora Crete.