Where to Stay in Palaiochora, Chania: Best Areas and 16 Accommodations

Palaiochora is located on the south side of Chania, where the road from Omalos descends and meets the Libyan Sea. It is one of the few places in Crete where you can choose between a sandy beach and a pebble beach without even changing neighbourhoods, as the village stretches along a narrow peninsula with sea on both sides.

In summer, it fills with travellers descending from the Samaria Gorge or preparing to take the boat to Gavdos, yet Palaiochora retains the character of a peaceful fishing village, with a pedestrian street full of tavernas and a Venetian castle at the tip of the land. Accommodation prices remain more affordable than in other parts of Chania, especially if you book outside of July and August.

Below you will find four areas around Palaiochora, each with its advantages and disadvantages, as well as 16 accommodations, from simple studios to more refined hotels, allowing you to choose the base that suits your trip.

What to See and Do in Palaiochora

Palaiochora was built around a 13th-century Venetian castle, Castello Selino, which dominates the tip of the peninsula and offers views extending to the sunset. The Venetians built it to control the area's olive oil trade, and it was later destroyed by the Turks and rebuilt many times. Today, it is open to visitors and serves as the village's landmark.

The eastern beach, known as Pachia Ammos, has sand and shallow waters, which is why it's preferred by families with young children. The western side, with pebbles, is more organised with sun loungers and tavernas on the sand in the evening, when the lanterns on the pedestrian street light up. To the right of the harbour, smaller, quieter swimming coves begin, with pebbles and a little shade from tamarisk trees.

Daily boats depart from Palaiochora for Gavdos, Europe's southernmost point, with a journey of approximately two hours. Many choose it for a day trip, while others stay there for one or two nights before returning. The short boat trip to Sougia, a quiet seaside village about 20 kilometres east, is also popular, with a road passing through the Agia Eirini Gorge.

Elafonisi, with its pink sand and shallow turquoise waters, is about 45 minutes away by car and is one of Crete's most photographed destinations. It's worth going early in the morning, before the organised tour buses arrive, especially in July and August. On the way there, you will pass through small villages with olive groves and unusual cars.

Palaiochora's gastronomy is dominated by fresh fish, especially in the tavernas along the western beach, but you will also find Cretan dishes with pork, greens, and sféla cheese in more traditional establishments in the centre. In the evening, the pedestrian street fills with people, locals and travellers alike, while in winter the village quietens down and many shops close.

Access is by KTEL bus from Chania, a journey of about an hour and a half through a scenic mountain road, or by car if you want to combine the route with stops in Omalos or villages in Selino. The best time to visit is from mid-May to late September, while October still offers warm sea temperatures and far fewer crowds.

The Best Areas to Stay in Palaiochora

1. East Beach, Pachia Ammos, Ideal for families, with sand and shallow waters

The eastern side of Palaiochora features the large sandy beach that everyone calls Pachia Ammos. The waters are shallow for several metres, making it a top choice for families with children. Accommodations here are typically studios and small hotels with gardens, a few minutes' walk from the centre and the pedestrian street with tavernas. In the evening, it's quieter than the western side, but without being far from the village's life.

Advantages:

• Sandy beach with shallow waters
• Quiet environment in the evening
• Close to the centre on foot

Disadvantages:

• Fewer tavernas directly on the beach
• Hotels in this area require early booking in summer

Recommended accommodations:

1. Eftihia Studios Paleochora
Simple and clean studios a few minutes from the beach, with a kitchenette for those who wish to cook for themselves. A good option for couples or small families seeking an affordable base.

• Average cost: approx. 55€ per night

2. Ammos Paleochora Hotel
A small hotel near the sandy beach, with functional rooms and friendly service. Suits those who want to stay close to the sea without a high cost.

• Average cost: approx. 60€ per night

3. Relax Hotel
Apartments with balconies, suitable for families staying for several days. Its name justifies the relaxed character of the surrounding neighbourhood.

• Average cost: approx. 65€ per night

4. Aris Boutique Hotel
A more refined accommodation with thoughtful decor, a good choice for couples wanting a bit more comfort without moving away from the beach.

• Average cost: approx. 80€ per night

2. Centre and Castle, The heart of the village, next to the pedestrian street and small harbour

Around the Venetian castle and the main pedestrian street lies Palaiochora's liveliest neighbourhood. Here are most of the shops, tavernas, and the small harbour from which boats depart for Gavdos and Sougia. Staying here means everything is within walking distance, from the bank to the pharmacy, but summer evenings can be busy and noisy until late.

Advantages:

• Everything within walking distance
• Views of the castle and the small harbour
• Many dining options

Disadvantages:

• More noise in the evenings during summer
• More difficult parking

Recommended accommodations:

5. Casbah Boutique Hotel
An old mansion converted into a boutique hotel, with stone elements and a courtyard. It's located in the historic part of the village, near the castle.

• Average cost: approx. 85€ per night

6. Libyan Princess
Rooms with simple, clean aesthetics in a central location, near the small harbour. A good starting point for those who want to explore the village on foot.

• Average cost: approx. 70€ per night

7. Hotel Aghas Paleochora
A family-run hotel in the centre, with comfortable rooms and a friendly atmosphere, close to tavernas and shops.

• Average cost: approx. 60€ per night

8. Lithos
A small accommodation with stone elements in its decor, next to the pedestrian street. Suitable for short stays in the heart of the village.

• Average cost: approx. 65€ per night

3. West Beach, with pebbles, Organised beach with sun loungers and tavernas

On the western side of the peninsula lies the pebble beach, more organised than the eastern one, with sun loungers, canteens, and tavernas serving fish in the evening with sunset views. This is the side preferred by those who want to be by the sea from morning till night. Accommodations here often have a veranda or balcony facing the sea.

Advantages:

• Organised beach with sun loungers
• Sunset views
• Many fish tavernas

Disadvantages:

• More exposed to strong meltemi winds on some days
• Slightly more expensive accommodations with sea views

Recommended accommodations:

9. Mediterranean Sea Top Floor
An apartment on a high floor with open sea views, suitable for couples who want to watch the sunset from their balcony.

• Average cost: approx. 75€ per night

10. Mediterranean Dream
Simple accommodation near the pebble beach, with basic amenities and a good price for the area.

• Average cost: approx. 60€ per night

11. On The Rocks
Accommodation built almost on the rocks, with direct access to the sea, ideal for those who want to swim even before leaving their yard.

• Average cost: approx. 70€ per night

12. Glaros Hotel
A small hotel with sea views, a few minutes from the pedestrian street. Quiet, with simple but well-maintained rooms.

• Average cost: approx. 65€ per night

4. Sougia and Elafonisi, excursion bases, For those who want to combine Palaiochora with nearby beaches

If you plan to spend days exploring the surrounding area, you can divide your stay between Palaiochora, Sougia, a quiet village 20 kilometres to the east, and Elafonisi, about 45 minutes west by car. Both have fewer accommodations than Palaiochora but offer quieter beaches and are a good choice for part of your trip.

Advantages:

• Quieter beaches
• Good starting point for excursions
• Fewer crowds in July and August

Disadvantages:

• Car needed for travel
• Fewer dining options in the evening

Recommended accommodations:

13. Gabi Rooms in Sougia
Simple rooms in Sougia, near the beach, with a quiet environment away from the crowds of Palaiochora. A good base for those seeking tranquillity.

• Average cost: approx. 50€ per night

14. Elafonisi Rooms For Rent
Basic rooms near Elafonisi, useful if you want to get to the beach early in the morning before it gets crowded.

• Average cost: approx. 55€ per night

15. Glykeria Hotel
A small family-run accommodation near Elafonisi, with simple lodging and friendly service.

• Average cost: approx. 55€ per night

16. Fairytale Elafonisi
Rooms in a quiet location near Elafonisi, suitable for those who want to stay one or two nights in the area before continuing their journey.

• Average cost: approx. 60€ per night

Practical Tips Before You Book

• Book early for July and August. Palaiochora has limited accommodations relative to summer demand, so the best options sell out quickly.
• Choose your side based on your purpose. The east beach suits families, while the west is for those who want an organised beach and sunset views.
• Go to Elafonisi early in the morning. Organised tour buses arrive later, so early morning offers a quieter beach experience.
• Rent a car if you want to go on excursions. Sougia, Elafonisi, and the mountain villages of Selino are easier to access with your own transport.
• Ask about bus timetables in advance. Services to Chania and surrounding villages are less frequent outside of summer, so it's advisable to check them before planning your day.

Frequently Asked Questions

How far is Palaiochora from Chania?

The distance is approximately 77 km and the journey by car or bus takes around an hour and a half, via a scenic mountain road.

Which beach is better, east or west?

The east has sand and shallow waters, good for children. The west has pebbles, is more organised, and offers better sunset views.

Do you need a car in Palaiochora?

Not within the village, as everything is within walking distance. However, for excursions to Sougia, Elafonisi, or the mountain villages, it is very helpful.

How long is it worth staying in Palaiochora?

Two to three days are enough for the village and nearby beaches, while if you want to add Gavdos, you'll need at least one more day.

When do the boats for Gavdos depart?

Services are usually in the morning during summer, with a journey of about two hours. It's advisable to check the timetables at the small harbour a day before.

Is Palaiochora quiet or does it have nightlife?

It is quieter than other coastal destinations in Crete, with the pedestrian street coming alive in the evening mainly with tavernas and cafés, not intense entertainment.

Conclusion

Palaiochora suits those who want a quiet Cretan village with two different beaches within a stone's throw. Families will feel more comfortable on the eastern side with its sandy beach, couples seeking views and sunsets usually prefer the western pebble beach, while those planning excursions to Sougia, Elafonisi, or Gavdos benefit from staying near the centre and the small harbour.

See also our guides on where to stay in Sarti and accommodation in Stalida.