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Alikianos Village - Platanias 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.
The Spectacular Villages of Platanias
Platanias area has a few hidden gems besides its wonderful beaches and perennial monuments, and one of them is the villages – each one with its own beauty and distinctive character.
Perhaps more rewarding for the discerning traveler are those smaller corners of exceptional beauty, many reachable only by car or boat. On world maps these beautiful villages and settlements are marked only by the smallest pinhole, assuming they appear at all.
Hidden across the territory towards the magnificent White Mountains, they have something exceptional and special where it seems time came to a standstill.
Whether it is their architecture, historical aspect or simply their attractiveness, the villages of Platanias are definitely worth a visit.
From cobblestone paths, to 19th century churches, and from Venetians remains to luscious green fields – these authentic Cretan villages in Platanias will surely charm you away.
Experience the Authentic Cretan Way of Life
There is a unique culture in the area of Platanias 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!
Alikianos Village: Peaceful and Charming
Alikianos is a beautiful mountain village located approximately 12.5 km southwest of Chania. Although not at a very high altitude, the village is surrounded by wild, impressive landscapes and citrus groves.
Accessible through the lush green valley of river Keritis (or Iardanos, as mentioned by Homer), Alikianos is located at one of the most fertile parts of Crete surrounded by sweet-smelling orange and lemon trees. Perfectly peaceful, yet just some kilometers away from the charming city of Chania and a stone throw away from the magnificent Aghia Lake provides a truly authentic experience.
Alikianos lies at the foot of the White Mountains and according to “The Cretan Weddings” by Zambelios dates back to 1570 AD as the headquarters and home of the Venetian Lord Damolin.
In Venetian Tower of Da Molin, the ruins of which can still be seen in Alikianos today, there was a massacre of the Cretan patriots by the Venetians. Another exceptional sightseeing of the village is the stone bridge over the Keritis River, aged over a century, a truly amazing architectural construction!
Alikianos Village: Land of Courage
The first thing you notice when you enter the village of Alikianos is a lovely fourteenth-century Greek Orthodox Church that stands here with its wonderful dome and two well maintained towers.
Just beside the church there is a remarkable war memorial of marble with a bronze bird on top to commemorate the people of the Greek resistance that were killed by the Nazis in the village. This is the location where the Anniversary of the Battle of Crete is celebrated every year on May 21.
We should also remember the great courage of the 8th Greek regiment and a group of staunch Cretan partisans, who defended the foothills above the village of Alikianos with the battle cry of “The Germans will not pass.”
This epic stand played a vital role in saving many ANZAC’s on Crete from death or capture, as it bought them time to retreat south to evacuation. This heroic fight by the 8th Greek Regiment and Cretan irregulars, against a German onslaught, was one of great courage.
The Germans exacted a high price for this resistance by rounding up and executing over 200 men and boys in the vicinity of the village.
Alikianos Byzantine Churches
In the centre of Alikianos one can see the Town Hall of the former Municipality of Moussouri, one of the four Municipalities which merged and made up the present Municipality of Platanias.
Do not miss a visit to the remarkable Byzantine churches of the village blessed with an atmospheric beauty that is only enhanced by their beautiful surroundings: the Byzantine small stone church of Agios Georgios, the equally beautiful Agia Ekaterini chapel and the main Church of the village dedicated to the Holy Cross celebrated on the 14th September each year.
Alikianos Exceptional Surroundings
The traditional village of Alikianos itself is beautiful, filled with ancient ruins and Byzantine churches—but the highlight of any visit is a walk on the surroundings. It’s said to be one of the most beautiful routes in Crete, and gives you an unbeatable feeling of peacefulness and relaxation.
Highlights include enjoying delicious dishes of the Cretan cuisine or maybe just coffee or your beverage at the local cafes and taverns.
Near Alikianos an artificial lake has been constructed for the needs of the hydroelectric plant of the Public Electricity Company (DEH) to provide water supply to the Alikianos area and to facilitate crop irrigation.
Lake Aghia is the nesting place for many birds and countless wildflowers. The spectacular ecosystem and scenery surroundings create a kaleidoscope of colours and aromas absolutely worth visiting.
About Platanias
Full of colour, warmth and charm Platanias countryside overflows with beauty, from the dramatic White Mountains stretching throughout the region, to the magnificent azure sea contrasting with the yellows and golds of the beach sand.
The region is also home to a large number of beautiful villages, each adding to Platanias’ unique landscape and culture.
The hustle and bustle of Platanias seafront is offset by the small surrounding villages and settlements that can be found in the area immediately surrounding one of Crete’s most popular seaside resorts.
All along the coastline, seaside towns and villages not only vaunt a wide variety of stunning beaches, but they’re often flanked by many of the Platanias region most historic gems.
Despite the flow of traffic, Platanias is also home to wide range of beautiful beaches worth visiting. The area is also a perfect spot for scuba diving and boasts a lively nightlife. Platanias sea-side resort has it all: wild nature, unspoiled landscapes, excellent food and wine and endless things to see.
The Villages of Platanias
Why not explore some of the exceptionally beautiful villages in Platanias?
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