Adeste Villas Location

THE VILLAGE

Kokkino Chorio (or "Red Village") is a beautiful and quiet village situated in the Apokoronas area, 28 km off Chania on the way to Rethymnon. Already appreciated by Hollywood location hunters, the tiny village was the filming location for the village scenes of the 1964 film Zorba the Greek starring Anthony Quinn. Filled with pretty small lanes and low houses with old Venetian arches, it will transport you instantly to another era. Kokkino Horio is also known for a wide underground bunker network used in World War II by the Germans to watch over Souda Bay for security and comfort.

In the village central square is the central church and facing it you will find a kafeneio serving local delicacies and grilled meat dishes. Around the corner, you can find a mini market selling a range of household essentials along with British staples.

On the edge of the village and within 5 min. drive of the villas is a Glass blowing factory. You can recognise it from the impressive piles of glass bottles outside. If you feel like combining holiday time with learning, you can watch demonstrations of the glass blowing process from the owner himself, except Mondays. Afterwards, you can buy original handcrafted glass pieces for your friends and family back home.

Kokkino Horio is ideally located as the starting point for many walks and private excursions with private transport around the area. We provide in each villa a selection of city guide books and special editions with hikes and trails of the Apokoronas area.

THE AREA

Plaka (1.5 km)

Plaka is only 1.5 km off the villas and is famous for its character and the hospitality of the locals. Plaka is also famous for its traditional narrow streets and the old well-maintained houses. However, if something is unforgettable in this place is definitely the sunset. In Plaka you can find a good number of tavernas serving quality traditional dishes and a very well stocked super market.

Almyrida (3 km)

Almyrida is today a small seaside tourist resort. The two small sandy beaches are very popular in the summer, especially for families and young crowds that enjoy combining their sun tan with fresh local fish by the bay. In Almyrida you can find a good number of seaside tavernas, a butcher, two mini markets, a car rental company and an ATM.
You can also book boat trips for snorkelling in the caves and take diving lessons from a local company.

Kalyves (5 km)

Kalyves is an agricultural market centre by the seaside with plenty restaurants, coffee places and souvenir shops. The beach, extending for 300 m., just before the entrance of the village is of golden sand with green-blue waters.
Stroll down the beautiful narrow village lanes that lead to the central square of the village with the large plane tree. In Kalyves you can find a large SYMKA supermarket, car rental companies, butchers and bakeries, many dining choices and a bank.

WHAT TO DO VIEW MAP

What to Do

NEARBY BEACHES

Koutalas (1.5 km): An isolated and unspoilt beach with interesting cave formations, such as the ‘Elephants’ Cave’. Make sure that you have all the necessities, such as shade, food and water. There is also a large shaded area with stone benches. To get there you should turn right after the STOP sign down the road. About 900m further north, you will see a concrete road that leads directly to the beach.
Almirida beach (3km): Two sandy beaches separated by a rocky peninsula. The larger has good facilities (sun beds, sea sport activities, fish restaurants, cafes) and shallow transparent waters. Ideal for families or crowd seekers.
Kalives beach (6km): sun beds & sandy beach, restaurants, not exposed to wind , beach volley. You can leave your car in either parking areas of the village. Some of the seafront café and tavernas offer free sunloungers to their customers.
Kiani Akti or Blue Beach (1km after Kalyves): Long quiet beach with sun beds and small canteens for drinks and snacks. In the middle of the beach is the delta of the river Kiliaris, transferring water from the top of the White Mountains – warm water lovers, beware, it might get a bit to chilly for your taste!
Ombrogialos (8 km): Small rocky bay with green and blue deep waters between Paleloni and Kefalas. Above the dock is a fish tavern, popular to sea divers. You can access the beach by car through the asphalt road that starts from Paleloni.
Georgioupoli beach (12km): very touristic, sun beds & long sandy beach, restaurants, exposed to wind, horse riding (sometime on the beach)

TOP 10 THINGS TO DO

IN THE AREA

Visit the ruins of the ancient city of Aptera and take in the magnificent views of Souda Bay.
Take windsurfing lessons in Almyrida and then enjoy a seafood platter at one of the seafront restaurants.
Stroll in the cobbled streets of the Vamos old quarter, a restored authentic Cretan village dating back to the 12th century.
Enjoy a cup of Greek coffee in the leafy square of Armeni or enjoy a meal in Tzitzikas, 100m off the village square.
Watch the best sunsets from the café Retreat in northern Kokkino Chorio, on the way to St George church.
Catch the boat from Almyrida for a beautiful cruise and snorkeling around underwater caves and secluded beaches.
Buy rare lacework (the famous kopaneli) from the Women’s Cooperative in Gavalochori.
Take riding lessons or experience horseriding along the beach in Georgioupolis.
Hire a pedal boat in Lake Kournas and view the turtles, crabs and fish that call the lake their home.
Visit the Glass blowing factory in Kokkino Chorio and shop original art pieces made of recycled glass. Be sure to book a table at the amazing tavern next door!

IN CHANIA

Wander in the narrow streets and alleys of the Old quarter filled with Venetian and Turkish architectural gems.
Plan your day ahead with a nice cup of Greek coffee or ouzo in the traditional kafenion in front the St Nicholas church in Splantzia.
Start your night out in Synagogi bar, housed in a roofless Venetian building that was once a synagogue.
Walk from the Venetian Harbour all the way to Halepa and the Tambakaria, where the old tanneries will take you back in time.
Capture the vibrant colours and smells in the Leather Market.
See an exhibition housed in the Mosque of the Janissaries that dominates the harbour view.
Buy traditional knives or watch the making of them in the Armenis knife shop in Sifaka street.
Visit the cross-shaped Municipal market, a bustle of colours and smells, shaped after the Marseilles market.
Follow the sea wall to the imposing Lighthouse and admire the wonderful views to the Venetian Harbour.
Sit under the trees or take a photo of the kri-kris, the Cretan wild goats at the Public Garden.