Georgioupoli is a slightly larger and busier village, at the mouth of the Almiros river in North Western Crete.
There are several sandy beaches along the coast at Georgioupoli where swimming is sheltered with a breakwater. It has the longest beach on the island, with over nine kilometres of golden sand. There is abundant wildlife in the area attracted by the river and surrounding semi-wetland. Loggerhead turtles have been known to lay eggs on some of the local beaches. There are various activities available including boat trips, horse riding, bike tours and even a small tourist train than transports visitors from the sea front to places of interest including Lake Kournas.
Holiday Properties in Georgioupoli
Attractions and Facilities
Boat trips
Horse riding
Long expanse of sandy Blue Flag beaches
Watersports
Local guided walks and mountain bike hire
Excellent choice of cafes and tavernas, many with free WIFI
Lake Kournas – Cretes only freshwater lake
The pretty village nearby of Argiroupolis and Roman Lappa
Mini markets and 2 ATM machines
Georgioupolis is found at the apex of Almiros Bay on the Sea of Crete, with Cape Drapano and its rocky coast to the north and the long sandy beaches towards Rethimno in the east, just 20 km away. Three rivers meet the sea at the village; the largest, Almiros, creates a small harbour for fishing and tourist boats. The entrance to the village on the old road from Vrisses is a long avenue of eucalyptus tree
Georgioupoli or Georgioupolis (Greek: Γεωργιούπολη) is a village and resort on the Greek island of Crete. It is located 43 km east of Chania, about 22 km west of Rethymno and about 100 km west of Heraklio in the Apokoronas region. It was named after Prince George of Greece, high commissioner of the island in the last years of Ottoman occupation.
Formerly a small fishing village, Georgioupolis is very much a tourist town now, with many cafés, tavernas and small hotels and apartment blocks. The town square is surrounded by outdoor seating used by tourists and locals alike, enjoying their drinks and ice creams. The 9 km beach is the main attraction of the area, with Kalyvaki beach on the other side of the river as well. Nearby Lake Kournas is also a popular excursion by foot, bicycle or tourist ‘train’. Georgioupolis is a well-located base for exploring the traditional villages of the area towards Vamos or into the White Mountains to the south.
Archaeological evidence points to Georgioupolis as the site of ancient Amphimalla (Amfimala or Amfimalion), the port of Lappa, a classical city at modern Argiroupolis.
Argiroupolis and the Roman City of Lappa, are another must see, just a few kms inland from Georgiopolis. Amongst other things there is a beautiful Roman mosaic from the 1st Century BC, a 2000 year old Plane tree and an ancient Necropolis. In the lower wooded village of Argiroupolis there are beautiful waterfalls and traditional tavernas.
A map of the sites in Lappa can be picked up in the herb shop in the village square.
Lake Kournas lies just 4 kms inland from Georgioupolis and is Crete’s only freshwater lake. It’s definitely worth a visit. There are a number of tavernas and cafes on the lake side and pedaloes and canoes for hire so you can try and spot some of the unusual wildlife out on the lake such as Terrapins. The views are stunning and the colour of the lake can vary during the day. During the summer its possible to walk the whole perimeter of the lake. From Georgioupolis its an easy drive, or you can catch the tourist train or go on foot following the designated path through one of the local hamlets.