Where to stay in Almyrida: The best areas and 17 accommodations

Almyrida is one of the most popular seaside villages in Apokoronas, located on the northern coast of Chania, primarily known for its shallow sandy beach, ideal for families with young children. It’s situated at a distance that allows for easy excursions to both Chania and the mountain villages of Apokoronas, without losing the tranquillity of a coastal settlement.

Choosing your base here mainly depends on how close to the action you want to be. Almyrida itself offers a beach, tavernas, and nightlife on a small scale, Kalyves is a larger settlement with more services and a bigger beach, while Plaka and Kokkino Chorio, built on hills above the sea, offer panoramic views and a quieter atmosphere.

In this article, you’ll find a detailed description of the three areas, what each offers, their disadvantages, and specific accommodation suggestions to help you decide where your stay would be best suited.

What to see and do in Almyrida

Almyrida is located approximately 22 km east of Chania, about a 25-minute drive via the old Chania-Rethymno national road. Administratively, it belongs to the municipality of Apokoronas, an area known for its olive groves, traditional villages, and proximity to the White Mountains. Chania Airport, Ioannis Daskalogiannis, is about 30 km away, a journey of around 35 to 40 minutes depending on traffic, making Almyrida easily accessible even for those arriving late at night.

Almyrida’s beach is its main characteristic. It’s a sandy shore with shallow waters that gradually deepen, making it one of the safest options for families with small children throughout the Chania prefecture. Furthermore, the beach’s exposure to the northerly winds has established it as a reference point for windsurfing and kitesurfing, with schools operating in the area during the summer months, offering lessons for beginners and equipment for more experienced enthusiasts.

Apokoronas in general is known for its Venetian paths that criss-cross the olive groves and connect traditional villages, remnants from the era when Crete was under Venetian occupation. Several of these paths start from villages near Almyrida, such as Vamos and Gavalochori, offering easy hiking through a landscape of olive trees, stone walls, and old wells.

Gavalochori, about six kilometres from Almyrida, is one of the most picturesque villages in the area, known for its Venetian mansions, small folklore museum, and tradition in lace-making. A visit there is usually combined with coffee in the square under a huge plane tree and a stroll through the cobbled streets. A little further away, Vamos also retains old mansions, several of which have been converted into accommodations, and is considered the centre of Apokoronas.

From Almyrida, the view towards the White Mountains is evident on clear days, especially in spring when the peaks still have snow. This mountain, with an altitude exceeding 2,400 metres at its highest peak, is a destination for more challenging mountaineering, while its foothills, where Apokoronas is located, offer gentler routes for those who want to combine sea and nature on the same holiday.

In terms of food, the area offers typical Cretan cuisine with an emphasis on local olive oil, myzithra cheese, and grilled meat, while in the coastal zones of Almyrida and Kalyves, several fish tavernas serve fresh fish. During the summer, the coastal roads fill with bars and cafes operating until late, which is more pronounced in Kalyves than in Almyrida itself.

The seasonality here follows the general pattern of northern Crete. July and August are the busiest months, with increased accommodation prices and crowded beaches, while May, June, and September offer milder temperatures and less traffic, ideal for those who want to combine swimming with excursions to the surrounding villages. In winter, many accommodations and tavernas close, as the area relies mainly on summer tourism.

The distance from Almyrida to the centre of Chania and the old Venetian town with its harbour is approximately 22 km, a journey that allows for daily visits for a walk, food, or shopping without needing to relocate. Similarly, Souda with its port is about 15 km away, while Rethymno is about 55 km to the east, a journey of around 45 minutes via the new national road.

The best areas for accommodation in Almyrida

Almyrida

Almyrida itself is the most practical choice for those who want to be within walking distance of the beach. Its shallow, sandy shore is one of the safest in the area for families, and the promenade is lined with tavernas, cafes, and small shops.

Accommodations range from simple apartments to more modern boutique hotels, most within close proximity to the sea.

Advantages:

• Direct access to a sandy, shallow beach
• Many tavernas, cafes, and windsurfing schools
• Easy access by car from Chania and the airport

Disadvantages:

• Quite busy and crowded beach in July and August
• Limited parking in the summer

Recommended accommodations:

1. Almyrida Resort
A modern hotel near the beach, with comfortable rooms and service oriented towards families.

• Average cost: approximately 100€ per night

2. Almyrida Village & Waterpark
A complex with swimming pools and water slides, a popular choice for families with children.

• Average cost: approximately 120€ per night

3. Aloe Boutique Hotel & Suites
A boutique accommodation with modern aesthetics, suites with verandas and close proximity to the beach.

• Average cost: approximately 115€ per night

4. Blue Elephant Boutique Hotel & Spa
Accommodation with spa and pool, one of Almyrida’s more upscale options, with meticulous décor.

• Average cost: approximately 150€ per night

5. Gianna Apartments
Simple apartments with a kitchen, suitable for families who desire autonomy and affordable accommodation.

• Average cost: approximately 70€ per night

6. The Olive Grove
Accommodation within an olive grove just outside the settlement, a quiet environment with access to the beach by car.

• Average cost: approximately 90€ per night

7. Almi-Cove Hilltop Villas
Villas on a hilltop with views of Almyrida Bay, private pools, and space for families or groups.

• Average cost: approximately 180€ per night

Kalyves

Kalyves is the largest settlement in the area, with a longer beach and more dining and entertainment options than Almyrida. It is slightly closer to Chania and the airport, making it a convenient base for those who want easy access.

The coastal zone extends for several kilometres, with sections that are more organised near the settlement and quieter towards the ends.

Advantages:

• Large beach with plenty of space, even in August
• More services, shops, and nightlife
• Closer to Chania and the airport compared to Almyrida

Disadvantages:

• Less picturesque centre compared to Almyrida
• Some parts of the beach have heavy car traffic

Recommended accommodations:

8. Kalyves Beach Hotel
A hotel right on Kalyves beach, with simple rooms and direct access to the sea.

• Average cost: approximately 85€ per night

9. Sunrise Suites & Apartments
Suites and apartments with sea views, suitable for couples and families.

• Average cost: approximately 95€ per night

10. Asterina Seaside Apartments
Apartments by the sea with a kitchen, a good choice for longer stays.

• Average cost: approximately 80€ per night

11. Kalives Apartments
Economical apartments near the village centre, within walking distance of the beach.

• Average cost: approximately 65€ per night

12. Sofia Kalyves
Small family-run accommodation with simple rooms, friendly service, and good value for money.

• Average cost: approximately 70€ per night

13. Kaliva Residence
Apartments with modern aesthetics, suitable for families who want comfort and space.

• Average cost: approximately 100€ per night

Plaka and Kokkino Chorio

Plaka and Kokkino Chorio are built on a hillside above Almyrida Bay, a few minutes' drive from the beach. They offer panoramic views of the sea and the White Mountains, with a quieter, village-like atmosphere compared to the coastal zone.

They are a good base for those who want to combine summer holidays with a slower-paced experience, with a car being essential for daily trips to the beach.

Advantages:

• Panoramic views of the bay and the White Mountains
• Quieter, village-like atmosphere
• Close to Venetian paths and traditional villages of Apokoronas

Disadvantages:

• Car needed for the beach
• Fewer dining options compared to Almyrida and Kalyves

Recommended accommodations:

14. Villa Salomon
Villa with private pool and bay views, suitable for families who want tranquillity.

• Average cost: approximately 160€ per night

15. Arto's Villa
Traditional stone villa on a hill, with sea views and a peaceful environment.

• Average cost: approximately 140€ per night

16. Cosmos Hotel
Small hotel in Plaka with simple rooms and views of Almyrida Bay.

• Average cost: approximately 75€ per night

17. Archon Seaside Retreat
Accommodation with panoramic sea views, a quiet location, and a well-maintained outdoor area.

• Average cost: approximately 130€ per night

Practical tips for your stay

• Rent a car if you’re staying in Plaka or Kokkino Chorio. These villages are on a hillside and daily access to the beach is more comfortable with your own transport, especially if you have beach equipment with you.
• Book early if you're coming in July or August. Almyrida is a popular destination for families, so the best accommodations near the beach fill up several months before summer.
• Try windsurfing or kitesurfing in the morning hours. The northerly wind in the area is more consistent early in the morning, which schools prefer for beginner lessons.
• Combine the beach with a stroll through Gavalochori. This picturesque village is a few minutes' drive away and worth a short visit for coffee, the folklore museum, and the old mansions.
• Go to Chania in the early afternoon. The old town and Venetian harbour are more pleasant before sunset, and returning to Almyrida is easy even late at night.

Frequently Asked Questions

How far is Almyrida from Chania airport?

Approximately 30 km, a journey of about 35 to 40 minutes by car depending on traffic.

Is Almyrida a good choice for families with small children?

Yes, its beach is sandy with shallow waters that gradually deepen, making it one of the safest options in the area.

Do I need a car if I stay in Almyrida?

It's not essential if you stay within the settlement, but it helps a lot if you want to visit the surrounding villages or Chania.

Which area has more nightlife, Almyrida or Kalyves?

Kalyves has more bars and cafes open late, while Almyrida maintains a quieter character.

When is the best time for windsurfing in Almyrida?

The summer months, especially July and August, when the northerly wind blows more consistently, with morning hours preferred by the schools.

How far is Almyrida from Chania?

Approximately 22 km, a journey of about 25 minutes by car via the old national road.

The conclusion

Almyrida is an ideal choice for those seeking a seaside holiday with easy access from Chania and the airport, without needing to venture far from the rest of Apokoronas. The choice between Almyrida itself, Kalyves, and Plaka primarily depends on whether you prefer bustle and services or peace and views.

Whichever area you choose, the close proximity to Venetian paths, traditional villages like Gavalochori, and views of the White Mountains offer the opportunity to combine relaxing days on the beach with short excursions inland.

Also see our guides on where to stay in Astypalaia and where to stay in Ikaria.