Paleochora
Paleochora is a small town with about 3000 inhabitants, developed on a peninsula on the south west part of Crete, 75 Km. from the city of Chania. According to historiographs, is built on the ruins of the ancient city Kalamidi. In the past, because of its primitive location, Paleohora has been a “popular” destination for visitors that didn’t have the best intentions! Until nowdays, you can see the walls of the Venezian fort, built in the 13th century and gave its name to our province: Selino country. Walking up the hill of Fortezza-Selino, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the town with the sunrise or the sunset!
Paleochora is a small “paradise” for visitors and has been for the last 30 years! There are not just few of them that visit this place for several decades! The excelent climate of the area (mild – dry with an average of temperature in the summer 31c and 12c in the winter) with sunny days during the whole year around, attracts travellers any season, even in wintertime!
The hospitality of the locals remains true and “de profundis” friendships that are born here, rise and make stronger bonds with the travellers that come from diferrent nations and cultures! In Paleochora, you can find banks, health centres (First Aid, Pathologist, Paediatrician, Dentist), pharmacies, post and telephone office, police station, port police. Many markets and of course, everything that satisfies the visitor needs: hotels, restaurants, coffee shops, bars, dancing clubs, cinema, gift shops, internet cafe, taxi station, vehicle hire agencies and travel offices for tickets and for organised excursions to the mainland and sea as well. Except the tourist business, the locals continue the cultivation of the land.
Olives, olive oil, tomato farms and citrus trees, are some of the main goods, as well as wine, ‘raki’, honey and milk products from the mountains of our province. You will have many chances to try local goods and traditional recipies in the restaurants, snack corners and shops of the village. Fishing remains a main occupation for few locals and watching them every morning in the old harbour, collecting fishes from the nets, is the best proof for the fresh fish dishes served in Paleochora restaurants! The most attractive spots in Paleochora are two beautiful beaches. On the west side, ‘Pahia Ammos’, a long sandy beach, the “trademark” of the town. Many sport activities like windsurfing, waterskiing, canoe, beach volley and funsports can keep you in shape! On the east, ‘Votsala’, a pebble beach with a marvellous view of the south coast and the crocodile bay! Both of the beaches are awarded with the Blue Flag for several years!
To aproach Paleochora by car, there are three alternative drive ways and 3-5 daily bus
timetables to/from Hania. You can also catch the ferryboats that connect the south coast villages during the tourist season. Daily departures for the famous Elafonisi beach and Sougia, Agia Roumeli, Loutro and Hora Sfakion. The last southern part of Europe, the island of Gavdos, is approachable from here during the whole year with frequent timetables. For those who travel with sailing boats and yachts, the recently constructed marine of Paleohora is the best opportunity for supplies and relax. The trip is not over…Welcome !!!










