Kolymbari in Chania Crete is a beautiful fishermen’s village that had a rapid touristic development in the last 10 years! 5-star resorts are being built, new shops and restaurants appear, and more tourists choose Kolymbari for their relaxing holiday! This is a new entry for the holiday destinations in Crete, so let’s discover the must-do experiences in Kolymbari village!
Kolymbari peaceful beach
The north part of Cretan beaches is mostly sandy, the beaches are long and crowded, in front of hotels, bungalows, beach bars, and taverns! North Crete is the most touristic part of the island so most of the visitors choose to stay in hotels close to Chania, Kissamos, Georgioupoli, Rethymnon, Bali, Heraklion, Elounda e.t.c
Kolymbari is located north and by the sea, about 25 km distance from Chania city going west, looking at the wild Peninsula of Spatha, and the island of Thodorou where the wild Cretan goats called Kri Kri live. The beach of Kolymbari starts from Kolymbari port and ends up in Tavronitis village. It is a mix of small sea stones and sand, and the water is deep and clear. The government gave Kolymbari beach a blue flag, which means the water is not dangerous or polluted! As in every popular beach, next to hotels there are lifeguard towers, and the lifeguards check on the swimmers from early in the morning up to 19:00!
There are umbrellas and sunbeds for rent but there are also big spaces on the beach where the locals and tourists prefer to just lay their towels on the sand! Kolymbari beach is ideal if you want to relax without too much noise and crowds but not be far away from taverns and pools!
Kolymbari beach
Kolymbari fish taverns
Fish taverns in Kolymbari are a must for the locals especially on Sundays when most Greek people go out for lunch or do excursions! In front of Kolymbari port or in front of the beach, Kolymbari fish taverns are an excellent choice for demanding customers who can appreciate the combination of Cretan cuisine and delicious fresh seafood! Some taverns in Kolymbari are serving people for decades now since the owners remain the same family with the same cooking secrets!
Monastery of Odigitria Gonia
Also known as The Lady of the angels’ Monastery of Gonia, it guards Kolymbari bay for hundreds of years since the 17th century! Located at the base of the Spatha peninsula in a peaceful spot after Kolymbari port, it worths a visit not only for the historical and religious interest but also for the beautiful walking route from Kolymbari to the Monastery, and further towards Afrata village! You can visit the Monastery and its museum by paying a fee of 2 euros!
The Monastery offered land for the establishment of the Orthodox Academy of Crete, just a few meters away from it. The Academy is open to the public and hosts big scientific and cultural world conferences every year!
The best time of the year to visit the Monastery is on the 14th of August when the celebration of the Virgin Mary mother of Jesus starts. Kolymbari is the center for the pilgrims who visit the Monastery, to honor and pray for Panagia (Mother of Jesus), and big fiestas and open markets take place at Kolymbari port next to the Monastery! During summertime, you can join many Cretan fiestas honoring Greek saints!
Kolymbari from above, walking to Afrata!
Open market with traditional products
Everywhere in Greece, there are open markets on specific days where the locals can buy anything you could imagine at great prices! Most of them visit the “laiki” to buy fresh fruits and vegetables at lower prices than the supermarkets. Starting very early in the morning, as time goes by, the prices get better and better up to 1:00 pm when you can find the best bargains! Tourists should pay a visit, to buy fresh fruits, traditional kinds of cheese, honey, olive oil, wine, e.t.c. In Kolymbari the open market is every Friday, and takes place next to the local football ground!
Walk the route to Afrata village
An amazing scenery, and a cliffside road to walk and enjoy the endless blue of the sea looking at Kolymbari bay. Wild beauty scenery, goats and sheep walking by, on the cliff and on the road next to you! The best place to take nice photos, and enjoy a breathtaking view all over the sea of Kolymbari bay, Thodorou island, and even Chania city, if the atmosphere is clear!
Friendly goat on the route to Afrata!
Boat trip to Menies
If the weather is good and not too windy, you can do the Menies everyday trip starting from the port of Kolymbari at 10:15 am! Sometimes there is a second trip at 2:30 pm, but only in high season! Menies is a beautiful, wild, and isolated beach in the northern part of Spatha peninsula. It is accessible by jeep if you drive through the off-road route of the peninsula, or by boat! There, you cannot find umbrellas, sunbeds, canteens, or toilets, but the water is crystal clear, in a jade-like colour, making Menies one of the top attractions in Chania! Next to the beach, you will find the remains of the ancient temple of Diktyna!
The center, to discover top destinations in Chania
Kolymbari’s location is ideal for an adventurous holiday! About 1-hour drive from Elafonisi, one of the most magical beaches on earth, 30 minutes from Falassarna top Greek beach, and pretty close to Kissamos from where you can discover Balos blue lagoon, by car or by everyday boat! Kolymbari is not only a peaceful holiday resort but also a convenient location to discover the Chania area!
Peaceful Kolymbari beach, evening time!
