 Paleochora Beach | ||
| Paleochora | ||
| region | Crete | |
|---|---|---|
| Residents | 1.675 (2011) | |
| height | unknown | |
no value for height on Wikidata:  | ||
| no tourist info on Wikidata: | ||
| location | ||
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Paleochora is a city on Crete. Paleochóra is located in the southwest of the island, 72 km from Chania. The place is particularly popular because of its special "flair" and has a steady crowd of visitors who return every year.
getting there
Crete - and thus Paleochóra - can be reached by car, ship or plane. If you are arriving by plane, the airport of Chaniá because of its proximity. The distance from Chaniá to Paleochora is approx. 72 km. For the trip to Paleochóra the buses of the well-developed bus network can be used, alternatively a rental car. The bus stop is at the east end of the airport (keep right out of the building). The travel times can be requested from KTEL (bus company) (see web links). The taxi ride from the airport to Paleochóra costs (as of 2005) approx. 130 EUR. At the airport there is a board that lists the prices for a taxi ride to the most popular places.
mobility
No means of transport are required in Paleochóra itself, the place can be explored on foot in one morning. In the evening you can take a small train through the town. Bicycles can be rented on site for excursions in the surrounding area. Buses run to Chania and the Samaria Gorge (Chania 4 - 5 times a day, Omalos around 6 a.m.). Rental cars can be rented from several agencies in the village.
Tourist Attractions
Well known is the western sandy beach of Paleochóra (Pachia Ammos), where it can get uncomfortable in stronger winds. In this case, you can retreat to the eastern beach, which consists of large pebbles.
Above the village there are the remains of a Venetian fort; the excavation that has begun has uncovered parts of the wall and a cistern. From here you have a very good overview of the place.
activities
From Paleochóra you can go hiking Elafonissi and Sougia Day tours give an impression of the beauty of the south coast. A hike to the two nearest villages Anidri and Assugires can both be completed with a visit to the local taverns. From Anidri you can walk down through the gorge to Gialiskari beach in 40 minutes, where there is also a tavern, parasols and loungers. Rooms can also be rented in Anidri (Christo's Place). From Assugires it is worth taking a detour to the waterfall, where it is refreshingly cool, especially on hot summer days. A hiking trail leads over the mountains to Anidri in about 90 minutes. The path, however, has no shady spots and no water holes; stock up beforehand in the Alpha-Kafe. The young owner (Lucky) also has self-drawn hiking plans for the surrounding area, the monastery, the cave of the 99 monks and more.
shop
Sufficient shopping opportunities are available in town. On the beach road a supermarket, in the village small markets, pharmacies and shops that cover the tourist needs.
kitchen
There are plenty of opportunities to get to know Greek cuisine in the village. Both the classic Greek cuisine and the need for "fast food" can be covered. Recommended:
- Dionysus, on the main street. Delicious dishes at fair prices. Alechos handed over his restaurant to his son Georgios in 2005 and is still in the kitchen himself with his wife.Price: starters, main courses and drinks for two people approx. 15-20 EUR.
- The Third Eye, near the sandy beach. Vegetarian cuisine with an Asian twist. Moderate prices, usually sold out late in the evening, so come early!
- Aposperida, at the entrance to the village on the right. Typical Greek cuisine, grilled dishes. Inexpensive, meeting place for many locals.
- Caravella, behind the port towards the Gavdos district. Known for its good fish dishes.
- Niki's pizza, on the road to the beach in the backyard. Very good pizzas and pasta dishes. Very nice atmosphere, moderate prices.
- Methexis Taverna, a little away from the hustle and bustle, south of the village in the east. Food that changes daily. Always ask about the special daily specials. Recommendation: order a table in the afternoon.
nightlife
The meeting point in the evening is the main street of Paleochóra. From 7:00 p.m. the main road will be closed to through traffic. Taverns and kafenions put their tables outside and everyone enjoys the open air life. This is where people meet and be seen. The Greeks call it "Volta" - see and be seen.
accommodation
Lots of private rooms and hotels. It might be difficult to find rooms in the main season.
trips
From here excursions start to Elafonissi and to Samariá Gorge.
