Nature

Omalos is located 38km south of Chania at an altitude ranging from 1,040 to 1,250 meters, surrounded by the high peaks of the White Mountains. The plateau is particularly beautiful in the winter, when it is frequently covered by snow. At older times, the plateau of Omalos was the shelter of the locals and the base of rebels during the two and a half centuries of the Turkish occupation, but also during all other wars against invaders.

The seaside village of Nopigia is located 6km east of Kissamos and 30km west of Chania. It is built on the east side of the Kissamos Bay, next to the basis of Rodopos Cape and after the east end of Drapanias beach.

The canyon of Diktamos starts 21km east of Chania, next to the village Katochori at an altitude of 300m, and ends 8km eastern, at the village Faragi, at an altitude of 40m, next to the village of Stylos. Thus, it is also known as Katechori Gorge or Stylos Gorge.

Paliokastro (or Paleokastro) is located 14km west of Heraklion, on the western shores of the Bay of Heraklion. It is a picturesque beach with pebbles, shaped in the exit of a green valley which is crossed by the torrents descending from the village Rogdia. Paliokastro cove is well protected on both sides by tall cliffs and faces east.

The beach of Pahia Ammos (i.e. Coarse Sand) is located on the west side of Paleochora, 79km south of Chania. Pahia Ammos has been awarded with a blue flag, which confirms that this is a safe and clean beach.

The cave of Agia Sofia is located 47km southwest of Chania, on the western walls of the gorge Topolia. The cave is located near the main road to Elafonisi. On the left of the cave entrance, there is the small church of Agia Sofia. The entrance of the cave has a width of 25m, while the height reaches 20m in many points. The cave has two rooms at different height, the surface of which is full of stalagmites.

The first beach you come across, next to the tavern Gargadoros is the main beach of the area. It is pebbly and well organized, a really good choice for those staying in Agios Nikolaos and wanting to escape from the ordinary things. From the main beach, if you walk till the small pier on the north, you will find the second beach from the other side (of the pier).

Agios Onoufrios is a small seaside village of Akrotiri, which is located 8km north of Chania and close to Kounoupidiana. The village is actually a suburb of Chania, since it is very close to the city. It is named after the small chapel next to the beach that is dedicated to St. Onoufrios and celebrated on June 12.