Destination
Georgioupolis and Kalyves: beaches, villages and Lake Kournas
Between Chania and Rethymno lies Apokoronas, a green area of small villages, long beaches and the only natural freshwater lake on Crete. Georgioupolis and Kalyves are its two largest resorts. Both suit you if you want a quieter beach holiday.
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In short: Georgioupolis and Kalyves
Georgioupolis has one of the longest beaches on the north coast and a small village at the river mouth. Kalyves is smaller, with several small beaches and tavernas along the sea. Chania airport is under an hour away. Our first choice is Alkion, right on the beach in Georgioupolis.
Our first choice: Check availability and prices at Alkion
Georgioupolis
The village sits where a river runs into the sea, with eucalyptus trees around the square. The beach stretches for several kilometres to the east. Out at the river mouth a small white chapel stands on a rock in the sea, and you reach it along a narrow breakwater.
Good to know: The beach faces north, so the waves can get big when the wind blows. Follow the flags, especially with children.
Lake Kournas
Lake Kournas lies in the hills just south of Georgioupolis. You can hire a pedalo, spot turtles in the water and eat at the tavernas along the shore. It makes a fine outing on a hot afternoon.
Kalyves and Apokoronas
Kalyves lies further west, closer to Chania, with several small beaches in a row. Nearby is Almyrida, with a sheltered bay. Inland are villages such as Vamos and Gavalochori, with tavernas, old stone houses and olive groves.
Car hire: See car hire and prices in Chania
The hotels we pick
Alkion, Georgioupolis
Alkion is a small place with fifteen apartments by the beach in Georgioupolis. Each apartment has a kitchenette and a balcony or terrace, and the pool bar and kids pool draw guests in the afternoon. Guests rate it 9.8 out of 10, and the village is a stroll along the sand.
Best for: families and couples who want to stay right on the beach.
Good to know: The pool is open only in summer.
Book your stay: Check availability and prices at Alkion
Blue Elephant, adults only
Blue Elephant is the adults only hotel for wellbeing in Apokoronas. The spa offers Thai massage, and there is a sauna, a steam room and a gym. The restaurant serves Italian food at breakfast and lunch, and the beach is a short way off. Guests rate it 9.8 out of 10, and it is one of the few places in the area without children.
Best for: couples who want peace and a little pampering.
Good to know: Children cannot stay here.
Book your stay: Check availability and prices at Blue Elephant
For more hotels to choose from, see our guides to Chania hotels and Rethymno.
Our first choice in Georgioupolis
Alkion
Alkion sits right on the beach in Georgioupolis, with a seasonal pool and a kids pool. The rooms have kitchenettes, so you can make your own breakfast. You walk along the beach to the village and the tavernas, and Lake Kournas is a short drive away.
Frequently asked questions about Georgioupolis and Kalyves
Is Georgioupolis good for families?
Yes, the beach is long and sandy, and the village is quiet. When the wind blows from the north, the waves can get big, so follow the flags. Lake Kournas with its pedalos is a good outing for children. Choose a hotel with a kids pool, so you have an option when the sea is rough.
How far is Georgioupolis from Chania?
Georgioupolis is about 45 minutes by car from Chania town, and a little further from the airport. Buses also run along the main road between Chania and Rethymno. Kalyves is closer to Chania, about half an hour by car. With a hire car you reach both towns on a day trip.
Is Georgioupolis or Kalyves better?
Georgioupolis has the longest beach and the most hotels. Kalyves is smaller and quieter, with several small beaches and closer to Chania. If you want a long sandy beach, choose Georgioupolis. If you want small beaches and villages around you, Kalyves suits you better.