Photo by Anton Darius on Unsplash
Who says only Chania Old Town is beautiful and alluring? Crete is full of really eye-catching and fascinating villages and the region of Apokoronas is famous for its small, yet of exceptional beauty settlements and villages.
They are located near the coastline or near the impressive White Mountains overlooking the Aegean Sea, medieval, historical, with narrow streets adorned with bougainvillea. The best summary of the Cretan essence is located in Apokoronas.
The major villages of Apokoronas are Vamos, Armenoi and Vryses, with police, municipal and utility offices as well as taverns and large churches; Kalyves, Almyrida and Georgioupoli are the largest beach resorts in this part of Crete.
The district capital Vamos, home to only 600 permanent residents, serves tourists exploring Crete’s northwestern coastline. Tourism and agriculture are the major local industries, with much construction and quarrying to satisfy the demands of many foreigners eager to buy or rent properties in what used to be beautiful and traditional villages.
At the present time, Gavalohori is among the more popular villages for foreign buyers, with a large amount of often low-quality building taking place. Many residents or workers in Chania also have homes in the area.
From cobblestone paths, to 19th century churches, and from Venetians remains to luscious green fields – these authentic Cretan villages in Apokoronas will surely charm you away.
Plaka village is located in the magnificent province of Apokoronas only 1 km away from the sandy beach of Almirida and 23 km away from the charming city of Chania. Striking, unspoiled topographic features of exceptionally beauty characterize Plaka’s landscape’s natural backdrop surrounded by a variety of wildflowers and herbs with natural healing powers, olive groves and vineyards.
Filled with both natural beauty and historic significance, the area around Plaka is one of the most wonderful paces in Crete. Hiking, biking, horse riding and stargazing are just the beginning of the activities that the province of Apokoronas has to offer.
Even during the cold winter months, the idea of pacing around Plaka will put off some, but adventurous ramblers will be rewarded with the sight of age-old olive groves, ancient wells, abandoned watermills, charming chapels, and welcoming locals, sometimes dressed in the traditional Cretan garb.
You’ll marvel at the rugged forests, gorges, foothills, sea views, monasteries and dramatic cliffs.
In the heart of the village is an attractive and pleasant main square, lined with traditional cafes (kafenion) and restaurants served as a leisure area and meeting point for locals and tourists. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself planning your return trip before you even leave from Plaka.
Nestled at an attitude of 70 meters on the northwestern slopes of the Mountain Drapanokefalas near the outskirts of the coastal village of Almirida, Plaka is a destination worth to visit.
The village has many traditional buildings and for the past few years many Europeans bought and renovated several old properties or purchased land in order to build their permanent residences or holiday homes. Consequently, from the 450 permanent inhabitants in the village, half of them are foreigners, mainly from the United Kingdom.
Plaka preserves its traditional character, although the locals will tell you that recent development acceleration has meant it is beginning to lose its authentic character.
With a spectacular scenery, good climate and extremely friendly people, Plaka is a wonderful and peaceful village to live in. Moreover, tourists may exploring the village wonderful neighboring settings such as, Aptera’s Fortress, Almirida Blue Flag beach, Kournas Lake and Gavalochori.
Moreover, Plaka is also well known for its vibrant cultural life. There are many annual events including the music festival “Plakiana”, dedicated to Michael Plakianos, a talented lyre from the area. This traditional festival takes place on the third weekend in July.
Almirida beach is located only 1 km from the village of Plaka. However, there is easy access to Kalives beach which is located 5.5 km away to the famous Georgioupoli beach (18 km). There are also said to be 250 sea caves around Plaka, making it the perfect place for underwater speleology and cave-diving.
The region of Apokoronas extends from the foothills of the White Mountains north to the coast, in a wide plain with rolling hills. To the east, Cape Drapanon rises above the plain and extends out into the Sea of Crete.
The area is very green and fertile. The Kiliaris river, known in antiquity as ‘Pyknos’, runs through the region. Robert Pashley suggested that the name ‘Apokoronas’ came from the ancient city of Ippokoronas or Ippokoronion, also cited by Strabo.
Specifically, he stated that the city may have been located near modern Nipos, or on the site of the Venetian fortress, Castel Apicorono, on an outcrop between Kalyves and Almyrida.
There is a unique culture in the area of Apokoronas that sets it apart from anywhere else in Crete. From the cuisine to how they spend their time with family and enjoy the present and cherish every moment of life.
There are many ways to discover this way of life, but exploring the lesser-travelled but equally stunning locations on these spectacular villages is one of the best!
Why not explore some of the magnificent Apokoronas villages?
Armeni | Kalives | Stilos | Kokinno Chorio | Nipos
Fres | Georgioupoli | Vamos | Gavalochori
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