Stavros Beach - famous for "Zorba the Greek"

Crete, the largest Greek island measuring 160 miles by 40 miles at its widest point, was the centre of the Minoan civilisation three thousand years ago. This era produced the palaces of Knossos, Phaestos and Malia, the legends of the minotaur, Daedelus, Icarus and Zeus. Minoan followed by Roman, Byzantine, Venetian and Ottoman occupations have all left their mark on the island in the form of architectural remains. The most recent occupiers in World War II left a different mark in the form of cenotaphs and monuments in almost every town and village to brave islanders killed, often murdered, in their battle to save their homeland.

The island's scenery is stunning and the Cretans are a wonderfully independent and hospitable race, which is never more evident than in the villages of Western Crete, an area of great natural beauty and contrasts unspoilt by mass tourism. Rugged mountains, snow-capped in spring; spectacular gorges including the famous Samaria Gorge which, at 11 miles, is the longest deepest gorge in Europe; lush lowlands with citrus trees, olive groves, vineyards and myriads of colourful wild flowers; ancient Minoan, Roman and Venetian sites and, of course, glorious sandy beaches with clear blue seas.

Chania harbour at night

Kalathas Beach

The Akrotiri Peninsula lies to the north east of Chania forming one side of Souda Bay, one of the deepest natural harbours in the world. There is a Greek naval base there and also a nightly ferry service to and from Athens, as well as some fishing boats and the legendary Souda Fish House. Chania Airport is located in the centre of the Peninsula making transfer times to our properties very short. There are some lovely walks, both coastal and inland, through olive and orange groves and fields of flowers and two of the best monasteries on the island are located here.

Around the dramatic coastline of the Peninsula are several glorious sandy beaches (which are never unduly overcrowded) offering safe swimming and paddling, spectacular snorkelling and excellent tavernas. Kalathas and Marathi beaches are close, and our local beach at Stavros is a short walk away.

The whole area has a relaxing, unhurried air about it, which makes it such a favourite for holidaymakers who want to be away from crowds, particularly as there are no noisy discos or large hotels.

Stavros is a ten minute stroll from Artemis. You will find yourself standing on the sands where Anthony Quinn and Alan Bates danced the now famous "Syrtaki" at the end of "Zorba the Greek". Despite the popularity of the film, Stavros has remained largely unspoilt with it’s handful of fishing boats, a few good tavernas - including the original "Zorbas" and a couple of mini-markets and beach cantinas.

The main attractions though are the 2 beaches - the first a very safe, shallow, lagoon shaped bay surrounded by beautiful white and coral sand and sheltered by Zorba’s mountain - great for small children but also excellent for snorkelling. A few minutes further on the seaward side the scene is quite different with a sandy but more rugged coastline often with quite exciting waves. From here there are views across Chania and the coastline further west - a place for stunning sunsets!

Both beaches have ample sun loungers and umbrellas for rent, cantinas selling drinks and snacks and showers and toilet facilities.

Kounoupidiana is the largest village on the Akrotiri Peninsula. A popular residential area for people working in Chania, the village offers a wide range of facilities all year round including tavernas serving delicious freshly cooked food to suit all tastes. Food shops and a supermarket, open daily except Sundays, sell just about all you will need for self-catering and there is a pharmacist, ATM, hairdresser and garage. Buses run from Stavros to Kounoupidiana, on their way to Chania several times a day.