The picturesque village is located on a small northern peninsula surrounded by two exquisite beaches with sand and pebbles. On the other side, there is a rocky area and the marina. The distance between Chania and Paleochora is a 75 kilometer drive enriched with the wild beauty that the Cretan scenery has to offer.
What was once water formed into a fertile land following thousands of years of geological changes. One of the focal points of Paleochoras history is the peak of the hill which used to be an island. In 1282 the Duke of Crete Marino Grandonico constructed the fortress of Paleochora during the Venetian domination. Until the end of the 19th century the fortress was also known as the Celino Kastelli.
The meaning of the name Paleochora comes from two separate words. The word ‘palio’ meaning old and ‘chora’ which means land or city. This is because the town was built on the remains of an ancient city. The Venetian rule lasted for a few hundred years until the famous pirate Barbarossa destroyed the castle in 1539. There are endless tales that elders are always willing to share with travelers about this time.
For reasons unknown the fortress was then left completely abandoned until the late 19th century. It was only once commercial relations where established with the harbor in Chania that the fortress was attended to again. The sea transport lines which were able to connect directly with the port of Piraeus were the main reason the town started to flourish again during the pre-war times.
It was in the early 1950s after the Greek Civil War finished in 1949, that Paleochora was able to flourish again as a town, remodeling itself as an agricultural destination following an extensive production of greenhouses that produced tomatoes and cucumbers in the nearby town of Koundoura which is just 5km outside of Paleochora.
In the beginning of the 1970s Paleochora started to become very popular among hippies who had spread the word about this magical quaint place on the island of Crete and since then the town has to flourish as a tourist destination. To this day the kids and grandkids of the original hippies that first visited paleochora come back again and again and share tales of the great times their families had visiting this beautiful town.
Palechora has kept its charm all these years and in comparison to other destinations that have turned into fully blow all inclusive resorts has kept its original flair that people fell in love with over 40 years ago. Here you can truly experience the meaning of the Greek hospitality.
Paleochora has everything you need as a holiday destination. It has numerous cafes where you can enjoy the various coffees that are so popular only in Greece. It has over 40 restaurants, all of them are family owned, and there is something to satisfy all the senses. There are a number of bars where you can get great summer cocktails or enjoy a glass of wine. Paleochora also has the only Wine Bar in the area that offer over 40 different wines by the glass and they are all from the island. There is something for everyone making Paleochora the ideal destination for everyone. Whether its couples, a group of friends or families with children.
Paleochora is a small peninsula surrounded by 18 km of coastline. There are numerous beaches to discover and explore whether it is on foot, bicycle, car or boat. The two main beaches that are located in Paleochora and are accessible on foot are the Sandy Beach and the Pebble Beach. Both are very beautiful and fully organized beaches with sun beds and umbrellas and an array of cafes and restaurants that serve you directly at the beach so you literary don’t have to move besides from going inside the water and back to your sun bed. The Sandy Beach also offers a variety of water sports such as water ski, Jet Ski, canoes, paddle boards, water cycles, and a number of other fun activities.
All other beaches such as Psilos Volakas, Plakaki, Karavopetra, Grammeno and Krios are located on the coastal tarmac road right after the Sandy Beach. You will find one after the other every few kilometers until you get to end where Krios beach is located.
And for the other side of the peninsula if you follow the road behind the Pebble beach you will drive along a 4,5 kilometer coastline that will take you to the famous Gialiskari & Anidri beach.
Methexis Beach is the smallest beach around Paleochora.
This very little beach is located in front of Methexis Taverna on the south part of the east-coast. This beach is tucked away at the end of the causeway and is considered a hidden gem as not a lot of people know about it. Although very small it is very organized as the restaurant on top of it fully services this beach and you can get refreshments & things to eat. It is fully organized as it has sunbeds and umbrellas.
This beach is great for snorkeling with crystal clear water. Make sure you bring your water sandals with you as it is quite rocky and getting in and out can be a bit of a challenge
A true paradise for nature-lovers, Paleochora has numerous paths waiting to be explored but also unique gorges such as Agia Irini, Topoliana and the notorious Samaria gorge. Walk around this beautiful scenery, smell the local wildflowers, see the famous wild goats –called Kri-Kri and discover the lovely villages on the hills.
There are over 20 different walks that one can do when they are based in Paleochora. They all vary in length from an easy morning or afternoon stroll along country lanes, to a full day’s expedition. Here the hiker can see some superb coastal and inland scenery, walk through centuries old olive groves, visit ancient churches, pass by traditional Cretan villages and build up an appetite for lunch or dinner at one of the many taverns here.
The best time to walk is from late March to early June as the flowers are at their most abundant and colourful and large numbers of migratory birds pass through the area from Africa to Northern Europe. September to the end of October, even beginning of November are also beautiful for walking as the countryside is green after the first autumn rain and the sea is still warm for swimming.
Below are some of the more popular walks one can enjoy while being based in Paleochora.
A way marked coast path, passing several unfrequented beaches to a popular tourist destination, and a return by boat to Paleochora.
A beautiful coastal walk, part of the E4 path, but fairly serious and committing, with no water and little shade after Lissos. Return to Paleochora by boat in the afternoon.
An enjoyable and shorter alternative to the very famous Samaria Gorge, with possible variations at the start and end of the gorge.
The finest walk from Paleochora, with a variety of scenery including olive groves, a quiet village, hilltop church, mini-gorge, tranquil beaches, and a coastal stretch back into town. Not to be missed!
One of the best ways to explore Paleochora and the endless coastline surrounding it is by boat.
You can rent a boat either for a full day or just for transporting you to your chosen beach for the day.
There are a number of very organized travel agencies that have a variety of boats on offer to suit all your needs.
They know the land and the coastline better than anyone and they can offer an authentic experience.
This is an experience you do not want to miss.
A window to the endless blue! The Pal Beach hotel is located in a unique position right in front of the exquisite beach of “Pachia Ammos” in Paleochora. The mesme rizing view to the sea literally takes your breath away and the sunset that dives into the Libyan sea will give you endless moments of relaxation. The hotel, built with traditional architecture challenges you to discover your new favorite destination.
