Paleochora

Paleochora is a delightful small town on the south coast of Crete just oozing with charm and character. It’s beauty, tranquility and laid-back feel has earned it the affectionate term of "The bride of the Libyan Sea".

Capturing your attention are Paleochora’s enchanting whitewashed houses draped in oleander and bougainvillea, pretty pathways and streets with cosy cafés sporting decorative facades, and a wonderful tree-lined ‘urban boardwalk’ lit by wrought iron street lanterns.

Paleochora has 2,000 permanent residents who held a town meeting many years ago in which, they unanimously decided it was their job to keep all tourists happy (that’s an ongoing joke). So successful are they at this, that tourists are treated like special guests attending the star bride’s wedding feast – and it’s a perpetual one!

The resort is ideal for outdoor activities such as swimming, windsurfing, fishing, scuba diving and hiking. There are also many restaurants and tavernas, bars and cafés that add to the vibe created by the hippies when they discovered Paleochora in the 60’s.

There is a daily ferry to the village of Agia Roumeli at the foot of Samaria Gorge and which is only accessible by boat. From here, it is possible to walk a few kilometers up the Gorge as far as the Iron Gates and is locally known as "Samaria - The Lazy Way"!

Getting there

The 1 hour journey by car from the north to south coast starting at Tavronitis, is the best way to get there as the winding road takes you through some breathtaking scenery on the edge of the White Mountains with plenty of opportunity to stop and take photos.

There are public buses (KTEL) from Chania to Paleochora 4-5 times a day over the summer months which take 90 minutes and cost 8€ one way. The last bus returning to Chania leaves Paleochora at 6pm.