…But I mean no harm nor put fault
On anyone that lives in a vault
But it’s alright, Ma, if I can’t please him.

Bob Dylan

NORWAY LIVES!

I feel sorry for the young people who lost their lives…

For the lost innocence of this country …

I will never forget my trip to Oslo in 1995, when i was young. How friendly the people were and i still know these people and they are still friends of mine and they are still friendly.

For all the Norwegians i know and the ones i don’t know , a big hug and a big hope that this will never happen again, there and everywhere…

Paleochora 23/07/2011

It seems that the next weeks, Paleochora will have many live events with music that can satisfy every taste.

LIVE MUSIC every Monday in Skala Bar

The bars that hosts live sessions are basicaly the Skala bar [east side] that has every Monday a live band outdoors and some other times they will have bands in different days and the Atoli lounge bar[west side] that usually have live performers on Fridays and Saturdays.

As an extra happening we should announce the reggae party on the 30th July at Yaliskari beach in Paleochora .This is going to be a Jamaican style session so do not miss it.

Reggae is the rythm... Anydri Beach on the 30th July

ARRAPAO MIDNIGHT-LIVE in Atoli bar on Saturday 23rd July

New Diving Cenrer in Paleochora

Yesterday i had my first diving lesson in Anydri beach, 4km. distance from Paleochora.

Dimitris Kourkoumelis, the owner and teacher  of  the diving center “Sea Wispers” is offering the opurtunity for

diving lessons for those who want to start this exciting sport and the same time is arranging diving trips with people

who are already familiar with the underwater world .

Diving in Big Blue

Dimitris has a long experience under the water , first as a diver  of the Greek Navy and later as a diving teacher in

several diving schools in Greece.

In the same place where “sea whispers” is located, his fiance Katerina is offering holistic massage and bodywork.

You will find their nice place , as soon as you arrive at the Anydri beach[aka Yaliskari beach].

…and remember that “Sea whispers” is the only diving center in Paleochora and the wider area of South West Crete.

Holistic Massage from Katerina

For more info, email them at info@seawhispers.gr or call at 0030 6972071230 or visit the web site www.seawhispers.gr

The diving center in Anydri beach

The 4th International chess Tournament in Paleochora will materialize from the  20th to 27th of July.

Chess players from all over the world, will meet in Paleochora’s Community Centre for a 9 round, Swiss system ,

tournament.

The participation and the success of the former tournaments, guarantee one more tournament with grand masters of  chess and exciting  games…

For more i nformation and participation forms, please visit

paleochora chess tournament

The 4th chess tournament

Spring

So, the winter have gone and we are getting ready for another summer season here in Paleochora and Aris Hotel.

We have been renovating,reconstructing,repainting and all these necessary things to make Aris Hotel look and be nice for   one more year.

Easter holidays[PASHA] this year are the same for Orthodox and Catholics on the 24th April so this will be a nice chance for Paleochora visitors to watch locals celebrating the biggest  Christian festivity.The resurrection for Orthodox Christians is celebrated with 40 days lent  before the Easter Sunday and with several church happening like on Good Friday when the Epitaph is going around the streets of Paleochora.On Saturday, around midnight, people go to church to celebrate the resurrection ,lots of fireworks and a big fire for Judas scarecrow.On Sunday, people will eat their lamb and other tasty recipes , completing a 40 days lent from meat and other animal products.

Nature at its best

Usually, the weather can be very nice in April but it is wise to  bring a light rain coat or an umbrella and some long sleeves clothes.The sea is still cold for swimming cause of all snow melting on White Mountains but for some people, water is just great all year around…

So, another year , another tourist season and we are all ready here to welcome you and wish you HAPPY HOLIDAYS.

Aris Liatakis and all the team from Aris Hotel

Well…summer is almost gone!The first rainy days  have come in Paleochora and the last tourists are packing slowly their suitcases!We would like to thank all of you that have visited Paleochora this season and also invite you to see how it looks like to live in the winter!

Aris hotel will keep open during the winter and although we will not serve breakfast we will supply our winter guests with all they need for a warm stay here,in the south…

Paleochora and the climate of our area can make some visitors feel very lucky for their choice to come off season!The average temperature is 18.5°C in November and 19°C in December.14.5°C in January, 13°C in February, 14°C in March .Rainy season is between January  and March and if you are lucky[???]you may see some snow in Paleochora,like 2008 and 2004.

Now,the question is what to do here in winter.I believe that relaxing is what visitors enjoy here in Paleochora the most.Read books,make some nice walks around Paleochora.Visit Byzantine churches with interesting fresco’s.Eat good Greek food in few tavernas that remain open during the winter and last but not least,meet the locals.Many of them,will enjoy your company more than any time in the summer season,they are BUSY then!

WoW

I was thinking for a long time   to give you a list with favorite restaurants in Paleochora!I know it’s not the easiest job in the world when you try to find the best and present it to  people    but i am sure ,every   place we mention here,it’s worth visiting!

The list includes 10 restaurants with Greek and Cretan cuisine and 3 restaurants with alternative cuisine style!Well,enjoy and …kali orexi

Methexis restaurant

1]METHEXIS

Methexis opened 3 years ago and is already a favorite place for people who like good Greek  food !They have a big variety of cooked food and very nice BBQ as well as fish choices…Prices are logic and the restaurant is located on the edge of the old town,waterfront and only 2 minutes walk from Aris Hotel!Highly recommended!

Oriental Bay in Paleochora

2]ORIENTAL BAY

Basically,i grew up in Oriental Bay!The rooms and restaurant “Oriental Bay” is a family business since 1975 and keeps going strong!The atmosphere there,day and night,is unbeatable and the food is not oriental at all…Greek cuisine and

some dishes that cannot be found elsewhere!I like the decoration and the laid back feeling…Oriental bay is loocated on the pebble beach,15 min. walk from Aris Hotel.

3]GRAMMENO

Located on Grammeno beach,3km from Paleochora,this restaurant is a top for more than 15 years!Best cooked food by far and many dishes that you won’t find easy around.Avoid Saturdays and Sundays in high season since it can be very busy .Prices and staff are fine and the beach of Grammeno is another good excuse to drive there!!

4]APOSPERIDA

This family restaurant is located on the intrance of Paleochora,15 min. walk from Aris Hotel.There is a lovely olive tree garden and nicely cooked food by Mrs.Maro.Quiet place in deed and a very nice choice when it gets too hot in Paleochora!

Restaurant "sto sholeio"

5]STO SHOLEIO

A former school[sholeio] is now one of the best places for food in our area.5km away from Paleochora,in Anydri village,”sto sholeio” offers different than the usual ,dishes and sweets.The view is magnificent and you can combine eating in Anydri with some sightseeing .

6]ARISTEA

Mrs.Aristea is the keyword in this restaurant which opened a year ago!Well cooked meals in a small street of the old town!5 min. walk from Aris Hotel

Pantelis Restaurant

7]PANTELIS

Few meters away from Aristea,Pantelis restaurant is another good choice for those who don’t fancy touristic restaurants and seek for the hidden treasures of Paleochora.Nice dishes and mezes day and night!

Corali restaurant

8]KORALI

I believe “Korali” is the best choice if you want to combine “good food” and” tourist friendly ” place.Located on the restaurant street of Paleochora,offers since 1977,good value food and wine.

9]AKROGIALI

The best BBQ in town for many years,Akrogiali is another family restaurant that keeps the spirit high!Located on the restaurant street too!

10]VRYSALI

Another good choice for those who want some peace and quiet in their holidays!Located on the road to Anydri beach,2km away from Aris Hotel,Brysali offers home grown products and is best choice in a hot summer night,you see it is next to the river!

&

Third eye restaurant

VEGETARIAN RESTAURANT “THIRD EYE”

Indian curries and other vegeterian dishes from all over the world for something different.Located on the sandy beach,only 10 minutes walk from Aris Hotel.There is live music every now and then and very nice vibes!

Small Garden restaurant

INTERNATIONAL  COUSINE “SMALL GARDEN”

A small secret indeed, “small garden”  is a place for food lovers .Nicely cooked dishes from A Dutch couple is the ultimate alternative choice in Paleochora!Do not miss it!

PIZZERIA“ODYSSEY”

The best Pizzas in town and   best oven steaks in town.Good value food in the restaurant street .Busy all year around .

…to be continued

We made a quick guide for the 10 beaches you can find in Paleochora and nearby!

It will give you  basic info of each beach and it will help you choose your favorite one,for today!

Some of the indications vary during the season so do not expect water sports in April and be extra concerned about

where you take your  naked bath in August;-) .

So,click on the photo below and print this guide,it helps!

Paleochora Beach Guide

Paleochora Beach map