Almyrida & Plaka Villas
22 km east of Chania, the little seaside village of Almyrida ( or sometimes, Almerida, Almirida) has two gently shelving sandy beaches fringed by waterside tavernas as well as a small harbour and little rocky coves, with sea that changes from pastel turquoise to a deep aquamarine. As a backdrop to this coastal setting, the White Mountains rise dramatically in the near distance and it’s a wonderful thing to stand in the warm sea and. looking inland, admire the towering heights and white tops of Lefki Ora.
Originally just a fishing village, times change and Almyrida has slowly grown into a small resort with a number of Almyrida Villas, apartments and a few hotels but the waterside tavernas still have a laid back unhurried atmosphere where time is of no consequence.
The village now has several mini markets as well as a bakers, a handful of rather smart beach side tavernas and a couple of bars. Mountain bikes can be hired locally and on the beach you can rent sun beds.
The village follows the natural waterline of the little bay, forming a perfect shell shape with the sea at its centre. Two pretty sandy beaches are connected by a narrower strip of sand where occasionally, with higher tides, waves actually lap at the edges of beach side tavernas.
Mostly family run themselves, the tavernas are all exceedingly welcoming to families, whatever time you decide to eat and if you are staying in the area, then you may like to know that there is at least one great taverna which offers a food delivery service. This can be a great choice if you’ve very young children as you can touch your little ones to bed and enjoy a relaxed taverna cooked meal on your own terrace.
If you keep walking west along the beach you will come to the small and pretty harbour, lined with colourful little boats bobbing on the swell within its protective walls. From here it is possible to catch a boat trip with Dream Adventure that will take you on a voyage of discovery around the steep rocky coast further west, taking in some of the caves along this coastline and with some great snorkelling opportunities along the way.
Almerida has to be one of the top locations for laid back family holidays. The sea is as calm here as anywhere in Crete, thanks to its naturally protected waters. The sand shelves very gently into the sea, ideal for small children to paddle at the water’s edge and for young swimmers to try out their strokes. Teenagers, looking for a little more adventure, will find there are kayaks for rent as well as windsurfs.
A short drive, or uphill walk (850 m) from Almerida the narrow streets that make up Plaka village radiate from the sleepy village square. During the day the leaves of the Plane trees throw ample shade over the tables and chairs of several tavernas, sleepy outlets for coffee, cold drinks and delicious fresh Greek salads.
Evenings, the village metamorphoses into a romantic little place, where candles burn on the taverna tables, to which waiters deliver platefuls of char grilled meat and fish and traditional Cretan oven baked dishes. There are two well stocked mini markets in the village.
Rolling hillsides behind Almyrida are some of the most beautiful in Crete and a walkers paradise and this area inland from Almerida, the area known as Apokoronas, is criss crossed with footpaths that connect the small villages.
If you are looking for an exciting nightlife, Almerida is definitely not a good choice but for a quiet relaxing holiday by the sea, villas in Almyrida Crete certainly takes some beating.
We have a great selection of Almyrida Villas, we have been offering villa rental Almyrida Crete since 1984, so if you have any questions or need our advice we are waiting for you.
