Paleochora, South Crete

Paleochora is located 77 kilometres south of Chania in south-western Crete. The town of Paleochora is built on a long, narrow peninsula that stretches into the Libyan Sea on the south side of Crete, and offers, among other things, a different beach on either side: sandy to the west. pebbly to the east. Paleochora is a place of sparkling appeal with such an abundance of gifts that it’s called the Bride of the Libyan Sea. Paleochora is ideal for all sorts of holiday, especially those involving outdoor activities such as swimming, windsurfing, fishing, scuba diving and hiking. There is some nightlife in Paleochora but it’s definitely not a hopping place like Platanias, Hersonissos and Malia. Capturing your attention are Paleochora’s enchanting whitewashed houses draped in oleander and bougainvillea, her pretty pathways and streets with cosy cafés sporting decorative facades, and above all, her gorgeous tree-lined ‘urban boardwalk’ lit by lovely wrought iron street lanterns. Paleochora has 2,000 permanent residents who held a town meeting years ago; they unanimously decided it was their job to keep all tourists happy. (That’s the going joke). So successful are they at this, they treat tourists like special guests attending the star bride’s wedding feast – and it’s a perpetual one! Paleochora’s atmosphere is akin to a grand swimming pool party, but here, the pool is the Libyan Sea. Everyone jump in! So what makes Paleochora the bride of western Crete? All this, plus the rapturous views that giftwrap Paleochora on three sides, seductively revealing the many layers of the bride’s crinoline: the temptations of the town itself, the heavenly assortment of beaches and the wild wonders beyond. The rival of her coastal counterparts, Paleochora is unbeatable; she’s a real catch. It would seem the entire world wishes to behold Paleochora, bride of the Libyan Sea.

Distances from:


Hersonissos: 229 Km
Heraklion: 209 Km
Chania: 71 Km
ONYX Rentals: 231 Km