Villages

Kalami. On the way to the beach from Megala Chorafia, set between the Turkish fortress of Izeddin and the coastal road to Kalives, is the small village of Kalami.  The beaches at Kalami are quiet and clean, the sea is clear and full of fish and the village Taverna with  magnificent views has an interesting and varied menu.

Malaxa. Above the Venetian port of Chania - some seven miles from the town - is the hamlet of Malaxa, the scene of much ferocious fighting during the second world war between invading German paratroopers, who suffered tremendous casualties, and Cretan and British defenders. Now, the still quiet in the foothills of the White Mountains helps one contemplate the historic significance of the hamlet with its charming Greek Orthodox church, the ruins of a Turkish tower and three tavernas - one where the owner insists on offering raki and showing off old photographs of local fighting during the war - another, the Panorama Taverna, which has spectacular views over the length of Souda Bay, up towards Akrotiri and down across Chania. Pure Crete has been involved in renovating three houses here (two of which adjoin and share a dramatically designed swimming pool) that enable visitors a unique opportunity to enjoy Cretan hospitality, beaches at Kalives, and natural history from a secluded vantage point. 

Aptera , formerly Megala Chorafia, is a scatter of houses and farms with an ornate orthodox church as its centrepiece. The 'Metoche' area on the eastern side is on a ridge which extends towards the ancient town of Aptera. 'Zacharias' is a cluster of houses on the hilltop to the west. Wild flowers bloom along narrow roads on which shepherds move their flocks between fields. There are three small tavernas in the village and a mini-market. The archaeological remains of Aptera, dating from the Minoan and Roman times, are within walking distance of the village. Beyond these stands a Turkish castle, perched strategically on the headland overlooking the sea and beaches towards Kalives.     

Provama & Stilos. Inland from Megala Chorafia but just three miles from Kalives beach the road winds upwards to Stilos, a charming village proud of its church and famous for its natural springs. Visitors and local people may choose between three tavernas according to their taste in food and music. There are also a few local shops to buy groceries. Provarma is a pretty and quiet hamlet half a mile east of Stilos.  

Click here for Restaurants and Tavernas close to PURE CRETE accommodation.