Kounoupidiana - Chania Property Guide
There’s something unpretentiously artistic in the way the landscape in Chania unfolds, from the sun-drenched beaches and rocky slopes in the Apokoronas peninsula to the rugged canyons and spectacular olive groves spilling out at the cove-carved southern coast...
Chania is a fascinating tapestry of splendid beaches, historical treasures, and landscapes encompassing vibrant sea-side resorts and picturesque villages, where locals share their culture, delightful cuisine and generous spirit of hospitality.
About Akrotiri and Chania
Akrotiri with is charming villages is one of the most popular places for a summer escape in Crete. The most northern point of Crete, the large island is surrounded by stunning blue waters and no end of gorgeous beaches. However, what people sometimes forget is that Chania has just as much to offer travelers inland.
Akrotiri, Chania is home to some of the most beautiful sites in Crete, with cultural history, dramatic landscapes and a plethora of charming towns and villages scattered all over the island.
Some of Akrotiri’s locations are well known, such as the stunning beaches of Tersanas, Marathi, Loutraki and the charming villages of Chorafakia, Stavros and Pithari. However, this area holds plenty of hidden gems, quiet communities that are perfect for experiencing the authentic Crete.
Experience the Authentic Cretan Way of Life
There is a unique culture in the area of Akrotiri that sets it apart from anywhere else in Crete. From the cuisine to how they spend their time with family and their hospitality. There are many ways to discover this way of life, but exploring the lesser-travelled but equally stunning locations on the island is one of the best!
Here at ARENCORES, we’ve listed just some of our favourite towns and villages in Akrotiri that provide the perfect day trip full of things to see and do, to help you have the holiday of a lifetime or identify a property that could be your home in Crete.
Kounoupidiana: Close to Everything
Kounoupidiana is a small town located at Akrotiri Peninsula just 7 km from the charming and picturesque city of Chania. This is a side of Chania prefecture that eludes most, but captures the imagination and the hearts of all who travel and explore this magnificent peninsula.
Around Kounoupidiana there are vibrant landscapes and storybook villages, with a rich cultural heritage and culture that stems from the days when Ottoman and Venetian traders passed through on their way from Chania.
Kounoupidiana is located only 4 km away from Kalathas beach, 10 km away from Stavros and Tersanas beach and approximately 3 km from Agios Onoufrios Beach.
There are many interesting sites around Kounipidiana, including the beautiful park with Venizelos’ graves at Prophet Elijah (Profitis Ilias), three monasteries (Holy Trinity – Agia Triada- of the 17th century, Gouverneto of the 16th century and St. John the Hermit – Agios Ioannis o Erimitis – of the 18th century) and several beautiful beaches for swimming, sunbathing and watersport activities, awarded with the Blue Flag by the European Union. The international airport of Chania is 8km away and the port of Souda is 7.0 km away.
Preservation of Flora and Fauna Park
Furthermore, one of the most prestigious universities of Greece, the Technical University of Crete is located in Kounoupidiana in a modern building especially designed to meet the growing needs of the university.
Kounoupidiana also hosts the Park for the Preservation of Flora and Fauna of the Technical University of Crete, which extends to 30 hectares. The Park constitutes a small but important area where native plants and co-existing animals are protected and can develop without human intervention.
The fundamental scope of the Park is to raise public awareness of the native plants of Crete with particular emphasis on threatened and endemic species, as well as species with economic and cultural value such as medicinal, aromatic, dye plants, plants used for handicrafts and construction, for environmental protection, etc.
The Peninsula of Akrotiri
A land of incredible natural beauty, fascinating history, and colorful folklore, Akrotiri arguably has something for everyone. From quaint coastal villages to magnificent gorges, historical monasteries and spectacular beaches accompanied by the ever impressive background of the White Mountains Akrotiri is a spectacular place to live. Akrotiri is yet another area in Chania that has to be seen in its entirety to realize its true beauty.
The Akrotiri Peninsula, to the northeast of Chania, is a barren, mountainous stretch of rock covered with scrub. It has a few coastal yet, beautiful sea-side resorts, Chania’s International Airport, a NATO naval base on Souda Bay and three fascinating monasteries: the Monastery of Agia Triada (Trinity) built in 17thcentury, the Monastery of Gouverneto of 16th century and of course, the Monastery of Agios Ioannis (Saint John) of 7th century, which is the oldest in Crete.
Spectacular Beaches and Villages
The beach settlement of Kalathas, 10km north of Chania, has two sandy beaches lined by pine trees. It is the preferred weekend haunt both for locals and visitors, many of whom own summer and weekend houses nearby.
Three kilometres north of Kalathas is the small beach settlement of Tersanas. Stavros, 6km north of Kalathas, is little more than a dilapidated scattering of houses and an array of restaurants and hotels, plus a famous cove.
Akrotiri is a great destination for both action and relaxation so everyone could find suitable activities to join. Each season has something special to offer like wonderful sunsets, hiking trails in the dramatic landscape, bird watching etc. Spend the day on the beach, try the local Cretan dishes and enjoy the stunning nature all year around!
You can visit the charming, traditional villages close to Akrotiri, among which is the picturesque village Stavros, the beautiful villages Sternes, Kounoupidiana, Korakies, Pithari, Aroni and the magnificent beaches of Loutraki and Marathi-the seaport of the ancient city Aptera.
About Chania
With its world famous cuisine, fabulous history that dates back to the Minoan times, and unbeatable charm shared between the dramatic mountain peaks of the White Mountains, magnificent gorges, and miles of stunning coastline, Chania could easily be considered one of the most attractive, yet of exceptionally beauty regions in the world.
A stroll in the Old City with its pretty Venetian quarter and criss-crossed by narrow lanes is a like book on the history of architecture. Romans, Saracen Arabs, Byzantines, Venetians, Ottomans and Egyptians ruled and influenced the area from the 13th until the 19th century.
One of the best ways to soak up the essence of this beautiful corner in the Mediterranean Sea is to explore the charming, historic villages scattered along its coast or inside its enchanting, unspoilt countryside.
Trek through Europe’s longest gorge, cycle among orchards on Apokoronas peninsula or enjoy swimming to exceptional Blue Flag beaches.
Chania is certainly the most picturesque seaside town in Crete. With its exceptionally well preserved historic and architectural features, making the city unique and attractive for all visitors all year around.
However, step into the “inner Crete” – is a fascinating way to discover Crete’s authenticity, cultural traditions and the natural beauty of this magnificent location.
Chania’s Villages
Why not explore some of the exceptionally beautiful villages in Akrotiri and Chania?
Looking for a property to buy in Akrotiri area?
Finding a property for sale in Akrotiri, Chania isn’t hard. However, finding the right property is. Looking for your dream home in Akrotiri? A detached house or terraced villa?
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Chania Real Estate and Property Market News
Discover the key steps to buying or selling a property in Chania. ARENCORES Magazine is is the only real estate magazine in Crete devoted exclusively to Chania Real estate investors. The magazine is distributed to several countries such as Denmark, the United Kingdom, Norway, Sweden, Germany and the USA. To request a complimentary copy, please contact us.
Kounoupidiana – Chania Property Guide Disclaimer: Feedback about living in Akrotiri, Chania has been submitted directly by the public and may not necessarily reflect the views of ARENCORES. The description of ARENCORES was modified from Wikipedia and Lonely Planet and is available under the Creative Commons license.
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