Kolymvari to Heraklion for Early Flight

by Sue
(South Africa)

Hi, great site, thanks.

We are staying in Kolymvari with a hired car and need to catch a 7am flight from Iraklion in the morning.

Is it OK to drive on the road E75 if we have a very early start (3am or thereabouts)? Any tips very welcome. Thanks again.

Kolymvari to Heraklion Airport Crete

Hi Sue, yes it would be fine to do this and it would be best to leave at least 3 hours for the drive, however it should be just over 2 hours.

If you want to sleep in Heraklion the night before we suggest the Lato Hotel which is nice and central or if you would prefer a rural retreat try Archanes Village which is very handy to the airport.

More info on Heraklion Airport here...

More info on Getting Around in Crete here...

See the info on booking a hire car here...

Kolymbari or Kolymvari in Greek Κολυμβάρι is a lovely seaside village on the north-west coast of Crete, in the Chania region.

See more about the Chania region here...

This village sits at the start of the Rodopou Peninsula, just 25 km from Chania town.

See more about Chania town here...

Kolymbari was a fishing village and although it does have a beach, it is not as popular as nearby beaches of Platanias or Maleme. It makes a great spot to sit for a while and dip into the sea every day, or as a base for exploring the rest of Chania.




For Greek traditional food in style by the water, try Palio Archontiko (pictured), one of the favourite restaurants along the seafront in town, where Vasilis and Maria will welcome you. Try the prawns, any of the seafood, you will be in heaven by the Med.

From here you can visit:

Kastelli-Kissamos

Balos Lagoon and Gramvousa

Falasarna Beach

Elafonisi Beach

Agia Irini Gorge

Paleochora Town

The White Mountains

Staying in Heraklion is a good option and the Lato Hotel is our favourite because it is close to the port, to 25 August Street, to Koraii cafe bar district and easy enough for a taxi to the port or airport. We always found the service here excellent, be sure to ask for a room with a view over the old port.

If you want a quieter night in a relaxing country village, try Archanes Village which is 14 km from the International Airport. Here you will find the grace and charm of an old mansion Arhontiko Studios, fully restored with modern tastes kept in mind whilst honouring history. With the private courtyard and rustic stone walls, you will sleep peacefully before your departure.

Kalo Taxidi! Bon Voyage!