Paleochora is located in the Prefecture of Chania, on the southwest coast of Crete, in a small peninsula between two scenic gulfs. It is washed by the Libyan Sea, and it is rightfully considered to be the “Nymph of the Libyan Sea” and the “Land of the Sun”. It is the southern border of Greece and the southeastern part of the European Communities.



According to historical sources, Paleochora is built on the ruins of the ancient Kalamidi. In 1278, the Venetian Duke of Crete, Marino Gradenigo, built the historic Castello Selino on a hillock, with a marvelous view of the Libyan Sea that waters the village, which is still called “Fortezza”, as a relic of the Venetian control.

Paleochora is a place where you will never get bored. You can enjoy the sea, the sun, the landscape, the Cretan delicacies, the customs and traditions preserved by the locals, as well as the hospitality and the sense of intimacy you will feel as soon as you arrive at the village. A feeling that makes you feel at home. The Cretan Cuisine provides you with endless amounts of fish, virgin olive oil, thyme honey, and dairy products.

The region has a wonderful and healthy, temperate Mediterranean climate with low humidity. The sea is green and blue, with crystal clear waters, and the diversity of the shores allows you to enjoy it in any way you prefer. Go fishing or surfing, sail on an inflatable boat, visit isolated sand beaches and small gulfs. All these help you come closer to nature.

In no matter which part of the village you are, in a few minutes you can reach the nearest beach on foot. On the west there is the well-known beach of Pachia Ammos. On the east lies a beach with pebbles and crystal clear waters called Chalikia. Both beaches are awarded with the Blue Flag of the European Union.

Being a well-organized vacation destination,Paleochora offers you whatever you may be looking for. It can be an ideal base for your daily excursions to the interesting surroundings. There is daily sea transportation to Sougia, Ayia Roumeli, Loutro, Chora Sfakion, Elafonissi, etc. and frequent trips to the island of Gavdos. All these trips last a few hours and the local boats sail alongside the coast, so that you have the chance to enjoy the rare and unrivalled natural beauty and the diversity of the landscape. History invites you to walks and promenades which take you back in time. You have the chance to visit archeological and historical sites, byzantine sanctuaries and monasteries, museums…