Magnificent Coastal Areas of Chania
The seaside village of Agia Marina is 9km west of Chania and about 200m away from Villa Katerina. It is one of the most popular resorts in Crete.It is regarded the heart of summer nightlife and the best tourist infrastructure. The beach of Agia Marina is vast and full of exotic beach bars and clubs, where everyone can enjoy the blue sea while having fun. For those who prefer something quieter, the west side of the beach is dotted with coves. The area combines an open view of the sea and the lush landscape of the mountain, rich in olive and citrus trees.
The two beaches of Agioi Apostoloi are 3 km away from the city of Chania and about 4km away from Villa Katerina. They are located on a developed tourist area. The west beach of Agioi Apostoloi is a windless sandy beach. A copse and the graphic church of Agioi Apostoloi are located on the peninsula which is formed at the west side of the beach. The east coast of Agioi Apostoloi has turquoise waters and a unique landscape is formed in combining with the unique rock formations .Between the two beaches there is a green pine park which is ideal for walking , cycling and outdoor games.
Platanias is a coastal village next to Agia Marina located 18 km from the city of Chania and about 3km from Villa Katerina. As in Agia Marina and Platanias so beats the heart of summer nightlife of Chania with numerous beach bars and beach clubs for all tastes. The tourist infrastructure is equally developed.For further information please visit: http://www.platanias.gr/
Kolymvari is a small coastal village 24 km west of Chania and 17km from Villa Katerina. In the west side of the village extends a huge beach with beautiful waters and directly next to the beach, there are many options for catering, accommodation and entertainment. For those who prefer quieter and more secluded beaches can resort to the hidden coves of the Monastery of Odigitrias. The Monastery of Gonia which reminds imposing fortress and is dedicated to the Virgin Mary with a rich collection of valuable pictures is also located in Kolympari.
Marathi is a large bay in the area of Akrotiri and is located 17 km east of Chania and about 30km away from Villa Katerina. The orientation of the beach is such that makes it more sheltered and peaceful than other northern shores of Crete. In Marathi there are two beautiful beaches with fine sand and crystal waters. There is a small island called Old Marathi 500 meters from the beach , which can be reached by swimming. On the island there is a small pine forest whose western shores are steep and popular among lovers of diving.
The seaside resort of Loutraki is 16km east of Chania and about 30km from Villa Katerina. Along with Marathi are the main destinations of the peninsula of Akrotiri in Chania, very famous to the people. It is an original shaped beach with umbrellas on a stretch of grass. From the restaurant and bar that is perched on the hill everyone can enjoy the picturesque bay.
The beach of Falasarma is located on the west coast of Crete, just 59 km from the city of Chania and about 40km from Villa Katerina. The endless beach is magical, with crystal clear waters, gold sand and hidden bays.It has been awarded as the most beautiful beach of Crete and is included in the top-10 best beaches in Europe. The whole area has been included in the project Natura 2000, because of the variety of flora and fauna in the area but also because of its uniquebeauty.It is also worth to enjoy the sunset with the sun literally dipping into the peaceful sea .
Elafonisi is located on the southwest part of Crete just 76 km from the city of Chania and about 60km away from Villa Katerina. It is regarded as a miracle of nature, with unique morphology. It is an unspoilt area which is included in the protected areas Natura as it is filled with dunes, sand lilies and cedars.Furthermorethe endangered turtles Careta Careta and many other species are nesting on the beach. If somebody walks on the beach and enjoy a swim feels like he is in a dreamy heavenly place.
Gramvousa is a small island on which stands an impregnable fortified castle of the 16th century and Balos is a unique natural creation consisting of a lagoon with crystal clear waters and red sand. It is located about 45km away from Villa Katerina. The environment is of unique beauty and consistes of rough cliffs and slopes, vast blue sea and hidden beaches to explore. Another element that contributes to the uniqueness of the landscape is the long history of the region: monasteries, churches and the imposing castle of the island of Gramvousa. The natural beauty of Mpalos is completed with the diversity and rarity of plants and animals, some of which are unique in the world. People can visit Mpalos and Gramboyssa by a boat which departs from the port of Kastelli. For further information: http://www.gramvousa.com