Explore the area
Where Coastal Elegance Meets Mountain Majesty
Where is Kolymvari
Kolymvari is the heart of a wider area filled with charming villages, from coastal gems to mountain retreats. Located just 23 km from the city of Chania and 39 km from the airport, it offers both convenience and tranquility.
Known as “the place where the sky meets the sea, and the sea embraces the mountains,” Kolymvari’s unique landscape offers you the opportunity to enjoy both the view of sea stretching to the horizon and Crete’s majestic white mountains.
Paterakis Luxury Homes invites you to discover and explore the area of Kolymvari. We can help you find your perfect plot of land and build your dream home in this breathtaking landscape.
Places to Visit
Orthodox Academy of Crete
A landmark of culture and spirituality, the Orthodox Academy of Crete (OAC) sits just 1.5 km from Kolymvari’s center.
Founded in 1968, this conference center and ecumenical hub hosts theological dialogues, environmental seminars, and cultural events. Its serene seaside location—with panoramic views of the Gulf of Chania—makes it a must-visit for those exploring Kolymvari’s intellectual and natural beauty.
Moni Gonias Monastery
Just 1.5 km north of Kolymvari stands the historic Moni Gonias Monastery, a Venetian-era spiritual treasure dating back to 1618. This sacred site remains an active place of worship, particularly famous for its annual celebration on August 15th.
The monastery’s impressive stone walls bear witness to centuries of history, from embedded Ottoman cannonballs to its courageous WWII resistance role.
Today, its museum preserves priceless Byzantine artifacts – rare icons, ancient manuscripts, and exquisite religious vestments that connect visitors to Crete’s rich spiritual heritage.
More than a historical monument, the monastery remains central to Kolymvari’s living traditions. The panoramic views from its courtyard, overlooking the Gulf of Chania, continue to inspire visitors just as they have for generations.
Cave of St John the Hermit
Just 5 minutes from Kolymvari near Marathokefala village, this sacred cave offers both natural beauty and spiritual history. The 135-meter cave features stunning stalactites and stalagmites formed over centuries.
The 6th-century hermit Saint John spent part of his life here, before moving to another secluded area near Gouverneto Monastery. It is said that many miracles were witnessed during his time in Marathokefala, particularly during a drought that the island suffered. Saint John nicked the rock with his sword, and water started pouring, running to this day.
The cave celebrates on October 7th with special services. Each Christmas Eve, a nativity scene appears inside this atmospheric space. Its easy access and quiet beauty make it a special place for reflection near Kolymvari.
The Ancient Olive Tree of Vouves
In the village of Vouves, just 15 minutes from Kolymvari, grows the world’s oldest olive tree – a living monument estimated at over 3,000 years old. With its majestic trunk measuring 12 meters in circumference, this remarkable tree continues to bear fruit.
Recognized as a protected natural monument, the tree has become a symbol of Crete’s enduring agricultural traditions. The nearby Olive Tree Museum displays traditional tools showing how olive oil has been produced here for millennia.
While many ancient trees exist in Crete, the Vouves specimen is particularly famous not only for being the oldest, but also because it provides the olive branches used for victors’ wreaths at the Olympic Games.
Activities
Beaches
- Falassarna Beach:
35 min from Kolymvari (near Kissamos) – Famous for pink sand and sunsets. - Elafonissi Beach:
1 hour from Kolymvari – Pink sands and dunes, best in early morning. - Balos Beach:
1-hour drive from Kolymvari or boat from Kissamos – Stunning lagoon with shallow waters. - Rodopou-Menies Beach:
1-hour drive from Kolymvari or boat from Kolymvari – Secluded pebble beach with turquoise waters. - Marathi Beach:
45 min from Kolymvari – Small, family-friendly cove with tavernas.
Gorges
- Deliana Gorge:
35 min from Kolymvari – Easy 2-hour hike through cliffs and shade. - Topolia Gorge:
30 min from Kolymvari – Short but dramatic walk to a cave chapel. - Samaria Gorge:
1.5 hours from Kolymvari – Famous 16 km hike (spring to fall only). 2nd longest in Europe.
Wineries
- Karavitakis Winery:
10 min from Kolymvari – Award-winning modern winery. - Anoskeli Winery:
20 min from Kolymvari – Organic wines and olive oil tastings. - Manousakis Winery:
30 min from Kolymvari – Riverside vineyard with Cretan wines.
Beer Tasting
- Cretan Brewery:
10 min east of Kolymvari – Crete’s first microbrewery, known for unfiltered beers using local herbs. - Lafkas Brewery:
20 min east of Kolymvari (in Chania) – Small-batch beers with mountain spring water.
Olive oil Tasting
- Biolea (Astrikas Estate):
20 min west of Kolymvari – Traditional stone-milled oils with guided tours of their groves. - Terra Creta:
5 min east of Kolymvari – Modern mill with award-winning PDO Kolymvari oils. - Edia Olive Oil:
Located in Kolymvari – Small-batch producer offering citrus-infused olive oils.
Sea Adventures
- Royal Octopus Dive Center:
Located in Kolymvari – PADI-certified Scuba Diving center offering wreck and reef dives. - Kolymvari Water Sports:
On Kolymvari Beach – Jet ski rentals, waterskiing, wakeboarding, and towable rides.