Location – Manos Studios

Discover Paleochora, Chania: The Jewel of Southwestern Crete

Paleochora is a place that you will never be tired of. You can enjoy the sea, the sun, the countryside, the delicacies of the Cretan cuisine, the customs and traditions that the local people preserve as well as their hospitality and sense of familiarity which you will feel immediately on arrival in Paleohora.It will welcome you as if it was your home. The climate is wonderful: healthy, mild, Mediterranean without humidity. The sea is emerald blue, extremely clear and with a choice of shores that will give you the pleasure that you seek.

Fishing, surfing, boat rides, secluded isolated sandy beaches and small closed bays, welcome you close to nature. On what ever side of the village , with a few minutes of walking you will find a beach for swimming.The western or renowned organized beach ,Sand and the eastern beach or spotlessly clean Halikia with its pebbles These beaches are prize winners of the blue flag of the European Community.

History

Paleohora always offers an organized area for summer visitors and is an ideal base to visit the surrounding areas. The history invites you for short walks and longer excursions into the past. You have the opportunity to visit archaeological and historical places, Byzantine churches and monasteries, museums, and many small old Byzantine churches around Paleochora Moreover, Walkers on a Paleochora holiday will enjoy exploring the tremendous south-west coast of Crete and the lush green countryside stretching to the dramatic rugged White Mountains. The E1 and E4 European walking routes pass through the town. Paleochora holidays are a good base for exploration of villages, resorts, historic sites, monasteries, archaeological cities, caves and gorges.

In 1278, the Venetian general Marino Gradenigo built a fort in the Palechora area, called the “Castel Selino”. The fort gave its name to the whole province, previously called “Orina”, which was then renamed “Selino”. The fort was destroyed in 1332 and was rebuilt in 1334. Near the fort, the Venetians established a new settlement for workers and merchants called Vourgos (burg). The pirate Hayreddin Barbarossa destroyed the fort in 1539, but later in 1595, Dolf revamped it.

Beaches

Surrounded by the crystal-clear waters of the Libyan Sea and nestled against the backdrop of the White Mountains, Paleochora boasts an array of stunning landscapes. The town is renowned for its diverse and pristine beaches, each with its own unique charm. From the golden sands of Pachia Ammos to the pebbly shores of Gialiskari and the secluded coves of Krios, there’s a perfect spot for every beach lover.

Sights to visit

Pachia Ammos Beach

Pachia Ammos is the main beach of Paleochora, known for its wide stretch of golden sand and crystal-clear waters. It’s perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and various water sports. The beach is well-organized with sunbeds, umbrellas, and several beachfront tavernas and cafes where you can enjoy local cuisine and refreshments. The calm and shallow waters make it an ideal spot for families with children.

Venetian Fortress (Selino Kasteli)

The Venetian Fortress, also known as Selino Kasteli, is a historic site located on a hilltop in Paleochora. Built in the 13th century by the Venetians, the fortress offers panoramic views of the town, the coastline, and the Libyan Sea. Walking through the ruins, you can get a sense of the town’s strategic importance in medieval times. It’s a great spot for history enthusiasts and anyone looking to enjoy stunning vistas of the surrounding area.

Elafonisi Beach

A short drive from Paleochora, Elafonisi Beach is one of Crete’s most famous and beautiful beaches, known for its pink sand and turquoise waters. It’s a natural wonder that attracts visitors from all over the world. The shallow lagoon is perfect for wading, and the beach’s unique pink hue comes from crushed shells mixed with the sand. Elafonisi is also a protected area due to its unique ecosystem, making it a must-visit for nature lovers and photographers.