Palaiochora – Beaches, E4 Trails and the Fortezza

Palaiochora lies on a peninsula washed by the Libyan Sea. Two beaches are right in the town; nearby, you’ll find coves, more beaches and trails. Venetian and Byzantine history can also be a focus of your trip. You can plan your days around the town’s beaches, coastal excursions, hikes or a visit with a historical focus.

Beaches in Palaiochora

There are two beaches in town, differing in location and character. Pachia Ammos, an organized beach, is to the west. Chalikia, a pebble beach, lies to the east. This distinction can help you choose where to spend a beach day in Palaiochora: you can choose between the organized beach on the west side and the eastern pebble beach.

Coves and beaches nearby

Krios consists of two neighboring coves. The eastern part is an organized beach, while the western part is mostly rocky and unorganized. As facilities and services may change, it’s a good idea to check conditions before your visit. The two coves offer different beach experiences at one destination.

The neighboring beaches of Gialiskari lie on either side of a small peninsula. They have fine pebbles and deep, clear water that’s suitable for snorkeling. Grammeno is also a small peninsula, with a coastline that varies by direction: to the west is a long sandy beach sheltered from the wind; to the east are two pebble beaches. If you’d like to experience different types of coastline on an excursion, these offer specific beach destinations nearby in addition to the coves of Krios.

Trails and excursions

From Krios, the E4 trail leads to the beach of the ancient city of Vienna or to Krios Lake Beach. The trail is considered easy. Allow about 20 to 30 minutes; the actual duration may vary. This excursion combines a manageable walking time with two possible beach destinations. Check local trail conditions before setting out.

The hike from Palaiochora to Sougia is also part of the European E4 long-distance path. Another option is the “Sea and Mountain” circular route, which connects Palaiochora with Gialiskari and Anydros. The trails differ in their format and destinations: a route from Krios with two beach options, a hike to Sougia and a circular route connecting three places. Take current conditions into account when planning.

An asphalt road leads from the center of Palaiochora toward Gialiskari’s eastern beach. Public buses run from the town center toward Kundura and the beaches of Grammeno. If you’re planning this trip for a specific day, check the current timetable.

Fortezza and museum

Kastello Selino was built in 1278 by the Venetian duke Marino Gradenigo on a hill immediately beside the village of Palaiochora. Today it is called the Fortezza. The history of the fortress adds a historical point of interest right in town to the coastal destinations.

The Museum of the Akrites of Europe is housed in a renovated building in the center. It presents extensive material on the Byzantine period and the lives of the Akrites. Check current visitor arrangements before your visit.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Vrises, Aptera, Kontopoula, Theriso, Tsivaras, Sklavopoula, Neo Chorio, Spilia.

Return to the overview of destinations: Chania.