Located 23 kilometers east of Chania city, Almyrida is situated on the south shores of Souda Bay and close to Cape Drapanos. This quaint resort offers all the necessary amenities and boasts unrivaled seaside vistas. Its surrounding countryside and the lush olive groves lend themselves perfectly to exploration and hiking. Just 1km to the east lies the picturesque village of Plaka, the largest settlement of the region. Here, visitors can take in the local culture, sample traditional Cretan fare, and admire the quaint old houses with their narrow streets. Every July, the village hosts the traditional Plakiana feast in honor of the celebrated lyre player Michael Papadakis or Plakianos. But what is truly unforgettable is the magnificent sunset.
Almyrida has two sandy beaches with shallow waters which are safe for children on calmer days. These beaches are separated by a small rocky peninsula that is crowned by a white chapel. Here, water sports and windsurfing are popular activities. Taverns line the shore and are renowned for their fresh seafood and traditional dishes. Regular bus and taxi services run between Plaka and Almyrida and the city of Chania. A short boat ride away is the islet of Karga, which is a perfect destination for excursions and fishing. The island is also a natural habitat for many birds and is home to ancient ruins such as the walls of the Phoenicians and the cavernous shelters built by the Germans during World War II.
Four kilometers east of Almirida lies Kokkino Chorio, a small village with a unique history. Here, visitors can still observe the fortifications built by the Germans during the occupation of 1941-1945 and catch a glimpse of the filming location of the movie “Zorba the Greek”. Meanwhile, the local glass-blowing factory still operates using the traditional technique. Finikia, near the entrance of the village, is home to ruins and ancient tombs as well as the ruins of a triple-aisle Christian basilica from the 6th century AD, boasting well-preserved mosaics. Last but not least, the last battle between the Turks and the Cretans took place in Almirida in 1896.
