Stylos & Samonas Travel Guide
A guide to some of our favourite places
The two-aisled Byzantine Church of St. John stands proudly in Stylos, while just a short distance away, the Byzantine church of Panagia Serviotissa can be found within the Monastery of Agios Ioannis. Situated amidst the sprawling orange groves on the road to Megala Chorafia and the ancient site of Aptera, this church is one of the finest examples of Byzantine architecture in Crete.
In the courtyard of St. John’s Church, you can view the fossilised remains of the extinct Sirenia Metaxytherium medium (dugong/sea cow), embedded in a marly limestone block. The fossil includes an almost complete, articulated skeleton, although some of it has weathered over time.
The Late Minoan Tholos tomb (14th-13th century BC) between Stylos and Aptera is another interesting site in this area, which used to be a significant Minoan settlement. The site has an unassuming entrance. At the edge of the grove, you’ll find a simple gate secured with a padlock…with the key hanging on a chain right there for you to use. Simply unlock the gate and step inside.
Once inside the grove, the tomb isn’t immediately obvious. To find it, follow the path diagonally to your right through the trees and look for a small, unassuming grass-covered mound. This “hillock” is actually the exterior roof of the ancient stone chamber, preserved under the earth for over 3,000 years. Descend a long, stone-lined walkway (the dromos) that cuts into the earth, leading you directly into the heart of the circular tomb. Standing inside this “beehive” structure, with the sunlight filtering down through the entrance, you may feel a connection to the Late Minoan era that you may not experience at larger, more crowded sites.
Less than 15 minutes from Stylos, on the hills of Megala Chorafia, you will find the impressive Archeological Site of Aptera, overlooking Souda Bay; a jaw dropping historical site which features – amongst other excavations – a Minoan vaulted tomb, a Roman amphitheater and baths from the 1st and 2nd century, and an imposing 19th century fortress. Built during the Ottoman reign to try and suppress the Cretan revolution, it still stands proudly, dominating the hillside.
In Greek mythology, the ancient city of Aptera (which translates as ‘without wings’), was believed to be the site of the famed singing contest between Sirens and Muses. According to legend, the Sirens, when defeated, shed their feathered wings in sorrow and cast themselves off the cliff into the sea.
Next to the various carefully preserved sites and artefacts around Aptera are QR codes for vistors to scan for detailed information and to explore at their own pace while admiring the dramatic views over the bay.
The village of Armeni (Armenoi) in the Chania region, 10 min drive from Stylos en route to the sandy beaches at Kalives, is notable for its large shady plane trees lining the main street and for being something of a foodies’ paradise. This is where you will find two excellent tavernas and a very well stocked delicatessen with wonderful local cheeses, yoghurt and charcuterie, – perfect to enjoy with the fresh bread that gets delivered first thing every morning to the kafenion on the small triangular central square.
This is another great location for more traditional Cretan holidays within easy reach of the bustling beach town of Kalives. In Kalives, apart from a sandy beach, you will find numerous tavernas and shops, and a lively – almost cosmopolitan – atmosphere that is very different from the tranquil pace of life in your villa in Stylos.
For a delightful day out, why not take a trip to the idyllic Lake Kournas around 30 min drive away, – the only natural freshwater lake in Crete, surrounded by mountains and lush greenery. This is a true oasis in the middle of the Apokoronas region, where you can take a relaxing dip in the calm, crystal clear water, spot fish and turtles while snorkeling, hire a pedalo (you can even get the ones with slides for the kids), hydrobike or small electric boat or just take a walk around the lake. There are several waterside tavernas serving traditional Greek food and refreshing drinks with lovely views over the lake.
The focal point of Western Crete is no doubt the charming city of Chania (Hania) with its fascinating old quarters, steeped in history. The bustling covered market and the picturesque Venetian harbour, complete with 19th century lighthouse, as well as the ‘Firka’ fortress and the ‘Kastelli’ citadel, are only some of the highlights.
The now almost completely pedestrianised historic centre is compact, but there is plenty to discover, and dining in one of the many colourful tavernas or soaking up the atmosphere over a drink in the old Venetian harbour, is a truly memorable experience.
From the mid 13th to the mid 17th century, under Venetian occupation, the city of Chania 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.
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.
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