Almirida Beach
Almyrida is located 23km east of Chania city, on the south shores of Souda Bay, and close to Cape Drapanos. It is a very quiet resort with all basic amenities and superb sea. The unspoiled countryside and the lush oil groves around Almyrida are ideal for hiking and exploration. Just 1km to the east there is the picturesque village of Plaka, which is the largest village in the region. Plaka is famous for its healthy climate and the hospitality of the locals. The numerous sea caves of the east shores till Drapanos Cape constitute an imposing natural phenomenon. Plaka is famous for its traditional narrow streets and the old well-maintained houses. Every July, locals organize a traditional Cretan feast, Plakiana, in honor of the famous lyre player Michael Papadakis or Plakianos. However, something unforgettable in this place is definitely the sunset.
Almyrida, which was declared in 1977 as a region of infinite beauty, has two nice sandy beaches, with shallow water, safe for children on waveless days. The two beaches are separated by a small rocky pier-peninsula with a small white chapel. It is very well organized and popular for water sports and windsurfing. Taverns on the beach are famous for fresh fish and delicious traditional Cretan food. There are regular bus services and taxis (for both Plaka and Almirida) to/from the city of Chania. Opposite the beach is the islet of Karga, which is ideal for excursions and fishing. The island is a natural habitat for many birds. Moreover, on the island, there are still signs of the ancient walls of the Phoenicians and the cavernous shelters that were built during the Second World War by the Germans (the wider area of Cape Drapanos is full of German artilleries and shelters from WW2).
Almyrida is believed to have been a colony of the Phoenicians, after whom location Finikia is named. On Finikia, there are ruins and ancient tombs. At the entrance of the village, there have been excavated ruins of a triple-aisle Christian basilica dated back to the 6th AD century, which has well-preserved mosaics. Lastly, the last battle against the Turks in Crete took place in Almirida in 1896.
Sightseeing in the region
Four kilometers east of Almirida, there is Kokkino Chorio (i.e. Red Village), a small village where one can still see the interesting fortifications built by the Germans during the occupation (1941-1945) to protect the military port of Souda. Moreover, here was filmed a part of the famous movie "Zorba the Greek", with Anthony Quinn and Alan Bates. Today, a small factory of handmade glass, which uses the traditional technique of blowing glass, still operates here.
