Palaiochora is one of the most visited places of Crete. The area is surrounded by many beautiful beaches, the port of Paleochora is considered one of the most important in the south west of Crete, connecting the island with Gavdos island and of course the areas where you cannot access by car-Loutro-Sfakia-exit of Samaria gorge and many other seaside places around the west of Crete!
Location
The town of Palaiochora is located on the south coast of Crete, the port was center of trade. This town/village lies close to Kandanos town and close to Chania city -almost 65km far.
How to go there
Palaiochora is a place easy to access, you can drive-cycle-ride and go there. There are very often connections to the city of Chania, either from east-Heraklion airport-city-port or west from Chania airport- city or port.
By car
The best way to visit Paleochora is by hiring a car. There are very competitive rates to hire a car from Chania or Heraklion airport or any other place of Crete.
By Taxi
Hiring a Taxi is a good idea when you arrive late night and have to drive a long distance. Estimate a slow careful drivng from Chania airport to Paleochora is 1hour and 55minutes.
By Bus
By bus is a good solution too. You can get one in Heraklion port main station or from the airport Heraklion. The other cities have a good connection, Chania city has a faster way to move to Palaiochora.
Things to do during your stay
It is necessary to visit the beautiful south coast, just 2km of beach front the village, the New Marina and the connection to the old port and the old city, the bike lanes and the huge parking to park your vehicle by the New Marina of Palaiochora. It is one of the most visited excursions of Crete to drive south Palaiochora!
Sougia is one very interesting place to visit, there is connection by the sea and get in a ferry and sail there quick, the startpoint is Palaiochora port.
Paliochora port is connecting the exit of Samaria gorge too.
Elafonissi is close by,you can get there by car or by ferry.
Accommodation-resorts
Palaiochora is hosting many visitors who come for leisure and business. The famous resorts are welcoming their guests all year round. There are very good 5 star hotels in all places. Relax accommodation is new and with very good standards place to stay!
Gorges close to Palaiochora
Preveli beach is the most beautiful one in the south of Rethymnon, a Tropical scenery with green blue waters and Palm trees.
Imbros gorge, 2hr 30min from Imbros village to Komitades village, close to Sfakia-South Chania. It starts from the small plateau of the village of Imbros and ends at the village Komitades offering wonderful views of the Libyan Sea. Its length is 7 km and is easy to be crossed any time of year. The time required is approximately 3 hours. Crete beautiful gorges article.
Samaria gorge – Chania – is the most famous gorge in Crete, almost 18 km long. This is the most visited gorge of Crete, located south of Chania region.
Historic
Palaiochora is the place very difficult occupied against enemies, Venetians, Arabs or Turks. The south of Chania was a target for pirates coming from Africa, kidnapping women and young children selling them to foreign countries as slaves.
Agriculture
The plateau area of Koudoura is full of green houses, olive trees and open fields with orange trees it is one of the most sunny places of Crete! There are many immigrants working by the greenhouses and open fields. The locals produce olives, olive oil, tomatoes and vegetables, water melons, according to the year period the production is varying to different vegetables and production.
Food-Restaurants by the port and city center
Palaiochora is one of Crete’s places that local fishermen bring fresh fish to the local market, everyday. You can taste delicious fresh fish dishes and taste the Cretan diet by the city’s taverns in the north side or to the magnificent villages south of it! The most important thing for you is to feel the quiet atmosphere and spend unforgettable days and nights in this area. There are numerous of famous restaurants as well as local taverns.
When is it the best period to visit Paleochora
Crete has temperate climate, there are some places that have subtropical climate. The winter is mild and the summer is hot. You can see there is snow all year, by Psiloritis mountain, the highest on the island=2452meters.
In conclusion, I can suggest Paleochora as one important area to spend unforgettable vacation.
