Palaiochora: Peninsula, Beaches and Venetian History

On a peninsula washed by the Libyan Sea, Palaiochora combines two beaches right in town with Venetian history and routes into the surrounding area. You can shape your stay in different ways: around beach days in Palaiochora, culture in the town centre, or the coves and hiking destinations outside town. This mix offers concrete points to consider when deciding which location best suits your holiday plans.

Two beaches in town

To the west lies Pachia Ammos, an organised beach; to the east is Chalikia, a pebble beach. Their locations and distinct beach characteristics make it easy to find your way around town. When choosing a holiday apartment, you can consider which beach matters more for your planned days and whether you would prefer to focus on the western or eastern side of Palaiochora. The two town beaches offer different starting points for planning your holiday, without requiring you to settle on just one kind of coastal experience.

Venetian history and a museum in the centre

Kastello Selino was built in 1278 by the Venetian Duke Marino Gradenigo on a rise right next to the village. Today it is called Fortezza. Its date, builder and location give this historic site a specific connection to Palaiochora. The Museum of the Akrites of Europe is housed in a renovated building in the centre. It presents extensive material on the Byzantine period and the lives of the Akrites. So, alongside the coast, history and culture are also distinct themes to choose from during a stay in town. If you plan to visit the museum, check the current visiting arrangements before you travel.

Coves and coastal landscapes nearby

The nearby area also offers a variety of stretches of coastline. Krios comprises two neighbouring coves: the eastern section is an organised beach, while the western one is mostly rocky and not organised. Beach facilities and amenities can change. At the neighbouring beaches of Gialiskari, the coves lie on either side of a small peninsula. There is fine gravel and deep, clear water suitable for snorkelling. Sun umbrellas, loungers, showers and one or two canteens are also available; check what is currently operating before your visit.

Grammeno is another small peninsula nearby. On its west side is a long, wind-sheltered sandy beach; to the east are two pebble beaches. The different coastal landscapes can help you plan your day: in Palaiochora, an organised beach faces a pebble beach, while the surrounding area offers coves, rocky stretches, sand and pebbles. This lets you choose a beach day to suit the kind of coast you prefer.

Hiking trails and excursions

There are several different destinations and types of route for hiking. The hike from Palaiochora to Sougia is part of the European long-distance path E4. Near Krios, the E4 trail leads to the beach of the ancient city of Vienna or to Krios Lake Beach. The walk takes about 20 to 30 minutes and is considered easy; this walking time is an estimate and may vary. Another trail from Krios leads to the beaches of Kedrodassos and Elafonissi. The “Sea and Mountain” circular route also connects Palaiochora with Gialiskari and Anydros. Trail conditions can change and should be taken into account when planning.

The routes described also differ in how they connect: an asphalt road leads from the town centre towards the eastern beach at Gialiskari. Public buses run from the town centre towards Kundura and the beaches of Grammeno; check the timetable for your excursion. The locations of the town beaches and the road, bus and walking options mentioned here provide practical guidance.

Discover more destinations: Keto Kefalia, Platanos, Kalives, Nomikiana, Thimia, Akrotiri, Kounoupidiana, Chania.

Return to the main travel overview: Chania.