Kolimbari

Among its many picturesque villages to the west of Chania to Kastelli, singles the seaside village Kolymbari, located in the inner part of the bay. It is 24 km. away from the city of Chania and combines the traditional character of Crete with the modern demands of visitors.

The mosaic landscape is composed by beautiful sandy beaches, clear waters, the historic fishing port, archaeological sites, important shrines and religious treasures.

The location of the village offers unlimited trips and activities, while maintaining the quiet and authentic character.

History: The security provided by the port exploited troops, in different historical periods. Specifically, in this port, in 1645, the Turkish army landed to dominate the island, while in 1897 the Greek army landed at the same port for the Union of Crete with Greece, and with this action sparked the war with Turkey.

Monuments, landmarks, tourist destinations:

Monastery of Gonia

On the north side of the village is the monastery of Gonia, dating in 1618 and is dedicated to the Virgin Odegetria. The monastery is a rare sight and was named the Monastery of Gonia by its geographical position, located on the western edge of the bay. It is a monastery with a long history that starts back in the 9th century. In the early 17th century was moved to its present location and has a remarkable collection of rare religious relics. The monastery has withstood to the different occupiers and therefore experienced many acts of barbarity and disasters. The monks, however, to protect the treasures of the monastery, used to hide them and so they preserved precious relics and works of orthodoxy. Therefore, in the church are many of these treasures, such as the Crucifixion, Agios Antonios, I Kimisis tis Theotokou and Agios Nikolaos. There are also manuscripts and valuable books, despite the fire of 1867, which destroyed thousands of priceless books. The monastery is celebrated with splendor on August 15.

Near the monastery was created an important orthodox ecclesiastical institution, the Orthodox Academy of Crete. Remarkable Byzantine churches are in neighboring villages and some of them are dating back as early as the 6th century as the Archangel Michael Church near the village of Episkopi. This church is celebrating on the first Sunday of August.

Ancient city of Diktynna

To the north of Kolymbari, on the peninsula Rodopou and just 23 km away is the archaeological site of Diktynna. In the area outside the ruins of ancient city Diktynna, is the temple of the goddess Artemis dating back to 2nd century B.C. . The site access facilitated by boat from the port of Kolymbari. Traces of Minoan civilization have been found in several places near Kolymbari, but their emergence has not been completed.

Natural beauty

The particular topography of the island is reflected and in this specific location, as the rocky nature of the place and the crystal waters are composing stunning images.

To the north of Kolymbari and just 3.5 km away, is the Afrata bay which combines the ferocity of the landscape with the deep blue sea.

In the neighboring village of Ano Vouves, there is an ancient olive tree, and 3 km south, near the village Marathokefala, is the cave of Agios Ioannis the Hermit, where every Christmas are enacting the birth of Jesus Christ and make a traditional festival in honor of Agios Ioannis every 6th and 7th of October .

Information for visitors

Visitors to the village have the opportunity to choose the place of residence among several hotels and apartments. Seaside taverns and cafes offer many different choices. The new road ensures easy access to the area, and there are regular bus services by KTEL.