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Greek Fishing Villages

Greek Fishing Villages on the edge of the Mediterranean bring to mind romantic and poetic images of Greece for so many. The small Greek wooden fishing boats are synonymous with the character of Crete and Greece.

See our beautiful villages to enjoy the sea, the colours, the light and the way of life of fishing, the heartbeat of the Greek islands. We suggest accommodation right by the sea to enjoy the limani or harbour in each location.

Chania Old Harbour

With its own restaurant and bar, this makes for a romantic place to stay by the bay side of the old port of Chania. Gaze at the reflections on the water over a slow drink and a long conversation.

A convenient location along the promenade of the limani, close to all tavernas, clubs and cafe-bars of the old town, this historic building is over 400 years old and a delight to the eye. Views over the harbour and the lighthouse are perfect from here. If you don't like the hustle bustle of the port-side night life, don't worry as the double glazed windows keep the noise down.

Receive a delicious continental breakfast every morning and good advice on what to see in Chania town and region from friendly staff. Wow. What a find in Chania.

Check Rates & Availability at Alcanea Boutique Hotel

Rethymnon Old Harbour

Rethymnon Old Harbour, Crete, Greece

Greek Fishing Villages - at the centre of the old town of Rethymno sits the tightly curved old port, fringed by a Venetian wall and the Venetian lighthouse. This port is still used by fishing craft today and colourful boats sit alongside world class bars, cafes and restaurants.

This is the budget symbol on We Love Crete

Afrodite Hotel is central and convenient, with self-catering options. Located within the walls of the old town of Rethymnon in a quiet area, yet still close to tavernas of the old harbour and cafes. Clean and well-equipped rooms make a perfect base to explore the town and the region, not to mention a great host who will show you real Cretan hospitality.

Check Rates & Availability at Afrodite Hotel

Heraklion Old Harbour

Heraklion harbour, Crete (image by Phileole)

Heraklion Harbour, Crete, Greece

Greek Fishing Villages - visit the old port of Heraklion and enjoy fish restaurants near the sea.

Kings Blue Port View Hotel Heraklion Crete

Heraklion Old Harbour, central Crete Greece

Kings Blue Port View Apartments - wake up to the view over the old harbour of Heraklion across to the Venetian Fortress across the yacht masts. This is a very central location close to the airport, port, bus station and walking distance to all the sights in town. Meet your hosts and discover the vibrant cosmopolitan town of Heraklion.

Check Rates & Availability at Kings Blue

Agios Nikolaos

Lake Voulismeni, Agios Nikolaos, Crete, Greece

View from the Hotel du Lac, Agios Nikolaos Crete

Our tip in Agios Nikolaos is the Hotel Du Lac. With its cafe next to the lake and rooms with view like this, your visit to Agios Nikolaos and eastern Crete is off to a good start.

Very centrally located, within easy walking distance to the lake, the harbour, downtown museums, shopping and cafe-bars, as well as the departure dock for boat trips visiting Spinalonga Island or sailing on Mirabello Bay, this is wonderful modern hotel in this cosmopolitan town.

Check Rates & Availability at Hotel Du Lac

Loutro in South Crete

In Loutro, a tiny little white fishing village in the south of Crete, see wooden fishing boats on the clear turquoise waters

Greek Fishing Villages - away from it all in the south of Crete, with access by foot or ferry only, the little fishing village of Loutro sparkles with turquoise seas and bright white houses.

There are many good pensions, rooms and guesthouses right by the water in Loutro.

A good friendly place with lovely views Villa Niki is set back a little from the limani... private balconies and family rooms available.

As this is such a small village the accommodation books out early - be sure to book ahead if you have your heart set on staying by the bay in the summer months of July and August.

Check Rates & Availability at Villa Niki

Matala in South Crete

Working fishing boats still call Matala home, this protected bay makes and ideal harbour for the fishing craft and ensures fresh fish for your delight at the beachside psarotavernas - fish tavernas.

Matala Caves Seaside Apartment - this shoreline holiday home has prime position in Matala and is perfect for any time of the year, especially May to June which is spring and not too crowded or too hot. With views across to the sandstone prehistoric caves across the water, and just a step away from the tavernas, cafes and nightlife of Matala, this is a sea change in up gear, suitable for a couple, this is a 1 bedroom home with 1 bathroom.

Enjoy the spacious shade-covered patio, the outdoor dining table, the crystal clear views of the azure waters, deck chairs and the energetic atmosphere above the local taverna, watch the lights play on the water and see the promontory lit up at night. Enjoy the traditional stone-work of the recent renovation and the sandy, rustic boho beach side style of the apartment.

Check Rates & Availability at Matala Caves

Mykonos

Blue & White In Mykonos Harbour

The old harbour of Mykonos is home to a this pretty blue and white craft, just a stone's throw from the jewellery studios and fashion boutiques. Enjoy strolling around the esplanades and see the contrasts in the beautiful Mykonos Chora - Mykonos town.

Matina Hotel is a small hotel in the village style, with a quiet cool courtyard beneath the palm trees to relax during the heat of the day. Fournakion 3, in Mykonos town.

'Our host Maria was warm and welcoming. The garden was beautiful and felt like a little oasis. The room was lovely with a spa bath. So close to all of Old Port. We loved everything about our stay.'

Check Rates & Availability at the Matina Hotel

Seafood by the Limani

Octopus drying on the line (image by karol m)

Greek Fishing Villages - the fishing boats bring back the fresh catch of fish, kalamari and octopus to the village taverna.

Fresh fish by the bayside, with plenty of mezedes, retsina and good company, this is the way to enjoy the Greek seaside.

The village psarotaverna or fish taverna will serve whole fish in the traditional way - sti skara - grilled. Also there will be plenty of mezedes or little plates such as marides - crispy little fried white-bait.

Often on the menu will be psarosoupa or fish soup, and many other variations such as baked fish or stuffed kalamari.

Psari Plaki is a popular baked fish dish with garlic and tomato sauce, plenty of lemon, parsley and white wine make up the sauce. It has lemon, pepper, celery parsley and various herbs, of course it has olive oil. This fish is baked in the oven with all the ingredients and is infused with flavour.

Remember you can always ask to see the fresh fish, often customers go inside the kitchen and chat to the chef. many local families catch their own fish by spearing them, and will be happy to show you their catch of the day.

Greek Fishing Villages
Seafood Tavernas

Greek Fishing Villages - in Crete visit:

Papadakis Psarotaverna in Kissamos
Zepos Taverna on the waterfront in Chania town
Taverna Spinalonga in Plaka near Elounda, and many others along the waterfront at Agios Nikolaos
Paralia Taverna in Heraklion
Kokkinos Pirgos Red Tower Taverna in Kokkinos Pirgos, Heraklion
Piato in Agios Nikolaos