Travel Guide – Around Armeni & Kalives Villas
- Chania’s historic town centre & the Archaeological Museum
On route to visiting the historic centre of Chania, which is not to be missed when staying in Armenoi, a short detour on the outskirts of the city takes you to the brand new Archeological Museum of Chania, situated in an elevated position with views of the coast and the sea.
“The museum boasts 5,230 square metres of exhibition space and more than 3,500 artefacts. Objects include findings from excavations in both the city and wider area of Chania, exhibited in chronological order to represent the flow of civilisations through Chania’s long history. You’ll be able to learn all about the social, administrative, religious, commercial and everyday life of the region’s citizens and leaders, through exhibits that take you from Prehistoric times (10th-8th centuries BC) up to the Roman occupation ending in the 3rd century AD.” (Discover Greece)
The area around Chania’s old town, already inhabited 5,000 years ago, was the site of a Minoan Palace then called Kydonia. In the area of Kastelli Hill, the citadel of Chania harbour, archaeological excavations have discovered ceramic sherds and finds that date from the Neolithic to the Late Minoan period. The site, together with 5 other ‘Minoan Palace Centers’, was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in July 2025.
From the mid 13th to the mid 17th century, under Venetian occupation, the city was called ‘La Canea’, it then was named ‘Hanya’ under the Ottomans, who declared it the island’s capital. In 1912, after a lengthy fight against the Turkish rule, Chania joined the Kingdom of Greece. When visiting the beautiful historic centre with its stunning harbour front, the architectural styles of the Ottoman and Venetian reigns are evident. There are several hamams, built around 1645, one of which today houses a restaurant, while the famous ‘Mosque of Hasan Kucuk’ between the harbour and the old arsenals, now hosts exhibitions and events.
Approximately 15 minutes drive from our Armeni & Kalives Villas, you will reach the 1000 year old village of Gavalohori – with several 500 year old houses still standing -, which has been designated by the Ministry of Culture as a ‘historically preserved place with a landscape of particular natural beauty’. As you walk through the cobbled streets, admiring the quaint stone buildings and the beautiful bougainvillea, make sure to also visit the Historical & Folklore Museum of Gavalochori.
This interesting ethnographic museum, set in a charming traditional Cretan house, will take you on a journey through time and teach you about the local craftsmanship, art, culture and traditions. Amongst other treasures, there are historical weapons, such as swords and guns, on display, as well as embroidered dresses, handmade furniture and old icons. An English guide is usually available to take you around the house and treat you to lots of detailed information about the exhibits.
The village also boasts no fewer than 12 churches within a short walk from the main square, all of which are still in use and often host local festivals, – but for another dose of local history, why not check out the Pre-industrial Olive Mill of Gavalachori, built in the 17th century. Carefully restored since, it provides information, in both Greek and English, detailing the history of the mill and olive oil production in the area.
A couple of lovely tavernas around the main square serve hearty Cretan cuisine in the cooling shade of the trees, – a great spot for a rest after exploring the area.
- Xirosterni – Distillery and Farm
The tiny village of Xirosterni, is a peaceful hidden gem, untouched by tourism. There are a couple of interesting places to visit, such as the Peroulakis Distillery, where you can take a guided tour of the factory and discover how Raki is produced, watching the entire process from preparation to bottling, even enjoying some samples of the final product.
In the same village, Cretan Gea, a beautiful farmhouse surrounded by olive groves, including an over 1000 years old tree, offers cooking, cheese making and pottery workshops, olive oil and wine tours and a Cretan honey experience, with a visit of the apiary, honey tasting and a beeswax candle making workshop.
In the charming ancient village of Vrysses, 15 minutes from Armeni & Kalives Villas, the river Boutakas runs through the centre of the village, flowing under the Kamara Bridge, which dates back to the Hellenistic period. There are tavernas and cafes near the river where one can indulge in the famous local yoghurt and cheese produce.
Tsivaras is a small hamlet less than 10 minutes from Armeni, and while it is mainly a residential area, you will find the Mellisakis Olive Mill, set amongst sprawling olive groves. The family business, which has been active since the 1890s, now offers free tours in which you can explore the plant, learn the oil making process and try the different flavours of olive oil. During the harvesting season, you can also watch the entire extraction process.
- Other Apokoronou villages, worth visiting while staying at Armeni & Kalives Villas, are Stylos, Plaka and Almyrida, as is Lake Kournas, slightly inland from Georgioupolis.
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