Nestled in the scenic Apokoronas region, just 25km from the bustling city of Chania, lies the charming village of Neo Chorio Also spelled Neo Horio or Nio Horio, this quaint village was once mentioned by renowned writer and artist Edward Lear in his 1865 Cretan Journal The village is home to an ancient fort, Koules, situated on a hill overlooking the village While the fort is not well preserved, visitors can still admire the remaining walls and learn about its history
Built by the Turks on the site of a pre-existing Venetian tower, Koules was made up of a rectangular central building with two semi-circular artillery towers on either side Another smaller fort was also constructed on the opposite peak, adding to the village’s unique landscape In addition to the fort, Neo Chorio boasts two cozy tavernas and a couple of cafes Krisoula’s, located in the village square, is known for its delicious and affordable souvlaki meat skewers There is also a small summer taverna next to the church For those looking for more dining options, the neighboring villages of Stilos, Armeni, and Kalives offer a variety of tavernas to choose from
For any necessary supplies, Neo Chorio has a well-stocked mini market However, for a wider range of amenities, the nearby coastal resort of Kalives is just 4km away Here, visitors can find a large supermarket, pharmacies, petrol stations, a bank, ATMs, and more tavernas and cafes Kalives also has a beautiful beach, making it a perfect spot for a day trip from Neo Chorio
As part of the Chania region, Neo Chorio is located just 30km from Chania Airport and 120km from Heraklion Airport With a driving time of only 36 minutes from Chania Airport and 1 hour and 45 minutes from Heraklion Airport, Neo Chorio is easily accessible for visitors With its charming village atmosphere, ancient fort, and proximity to other popular destinations, Neo Chorio is a must-visit for any traveler exploring the beautiful island of Crete
