Villa Destination Kolymvari, Veni
Veni’s charm lies in its peaceful rural setting and panoramic views over hills densely clad in olive trees, – a tranquil landscape that belies its proximity to beaches, towns, and all kinds of amenities. The coastal village of Kolymvari, 4km away, is a popular ‘watering spot’ for locals and visitors enjoying ice-cold beers ‘with a view’ after a long day at the beach. It is also favoured for its great selection of fish tavernas and traditional restaurants lining the small port and the pebbly beach, and for its incredibly relaxed atmosphere, with children playing in the harbour square and fishermen tending to their nets.
For guests at Kolymvari Villas looking for livelier evening entertainment, a 20-minute drive from our villas in Kolymvari, the seaside villages of Platanias and Agia Marina offer plenty of cafés, bars and clubs. For those wishing to sample innovative seafood dishes and Cretan home cooking with a twist, Platanias has some rather fine dining options in picturesque settings with beautiful views. The historic centre of Chania, 30 km from Kolymvari Villas, charms with Venetian architecture, small independent shops, romantic wine bars and plenty of nightlife around the beautiful harbour.
The village of Kolymvari (Kolymbari) has a variety of small shops and supermarkets, as well as a weekly Farmers’ market on Friday mornings. The ‘Laiki’ – as it is called locally – takes place on the outskirts of Kolymvari on the road to Spilia near the football pitch. The weekly market is where locals stock up on fresh local produce and much more, so for a glimpse of authentic Cretan life while staying at Kolymvari Villas, arrive early to sample the best selection of fruit and veg, dairy, herbs, oil, honey, olives and meats. Enjoy browsing local embroidery, ceramics, leather goods, clothes and toys before it gets busy.
Alternatively, for a quick top up of your groceries while staying at our Kolymvari Villas Veni, there is a mini-market, conveniently located down the road in Kalidonia, only 15 min on foot or a 2-minute drive away.
The coastal town of Kissamos (Kasteli) west of Kolymvari has several supermarkets, bakeries, cafes and restaurants, as well as banks, a post office, a tourist information and other services. The local archaeological museum (displaying beautiful Roman mosaics and many interesting artefacts from prehistoric times) is worth a visit when in town, as is the Kontekakis Bakery, – famous for its traditional homemade ‘Galaktobureko’, a delicious custard strudel served with goat’s milk ice cream!
Kissamos also has some rather decent traditional restaurants near the beach and a popular fish taverna at the end of the harbour. The coastline of this area includes some almost-deserted beaches where you will find peace & quiet and crystal-clear waters lapping on golden sands in areas like Drapanias and Livadia.