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Kaliviani Village Crete - this small village in the very north-west of Crete retains its natural character and daily rhythms. Discover the warmth of friendliness in this traditional village, and explore around western Crete.
Καλυβιανή is a small village of 300 or so people with traditional and modern buildings located in the north-west of Crete, just 44 km from Chania town.
In the village, there are some old falling down houses, some restored houses, apartments and some villas. This is a traditional farming community surrounded by olive groves, just a 10 minute walk to the beach, which is wild and undeveloped, with sandy and pebbly rocky coves.
The village has an elevated aspect with lovely views over the Bay of Kissamos. Many visitors come to this region of Crete to visit the exquisite white sandy beaches and lagoons just 8 km from here at Balos Lagoon. Indeed, this village makes an excellent choice of accommodation to visit several lovely beaches and other beautiful natural places in western Crete.
The boat trip from Kastelli-Kissamos to Gramvousa and Balos Lagoon is no doubt one of the highlights of visiting Crete.
Remember these tips for visiting the lagoon:
This is a popular tour so it is a good idea to book ahead. Book a ticket
here online or with Cretan Daily Cruises, or at ticket offices in
Kissamos:
See a video overview of the cruise day tour below:
The town of Kissamos is your embarkation point for Balos Lagoon cruises and the closest town to Kaliviani, and a well-loved holiday destination itself, with many fine beaches, a ruined fortress, a seaside esplanade, historic museums and a beautiful aspect on the wide Kissamos Bay.
Located just 44 km from Chania in the region of the same name, this town is easy to access via the national roads and on the very handy KTEL local buses.
This town is 61 km from Chania airport, and again can be reached easily with a hire car via the national roads, or on KTEL buses.
If you are driving from Chania to Kissamos over 44 km, leave about 1 hour to enjoy the journey.
Once in Kaliviani, this small village provides everything you need for a break. Do visit the local tavernas for a fresh seafood dinner whilst watching the sunset down over Kissamos Bay, gazing at the soft evening colours.
There is good accommodation in Kaliviani village itself, as it is a completely natural traditional village. Other accommodation is available in the countryside and at Kissamos and beaches dotted around.
The Kaliviani Traditional Guesthouse is in the edge of the village with easy access to the port for a day trip to Balos Lagoon. This small, quiet guesthouse is elevated with sea views, a taverna and the charm, hospitality and atmosphere of old Crete. | |
The restored mansion in the village which is named Villa Archontariki has 5 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, private gardens and a pool, as well as relaxing private courtyard areas. Sleeping 10 guests in comfort, this is luxurious accommodation in Kaliviani. | |
Violetta Studio & Apartments
in Kaliviani village will give you the complete experience of living in
a Greek village home. This romantic setting will make you feel cozy and
warm inside, and cool on a hot day, of course. The rustic renovation
with soft pink walls, sandy coloured flagstones, cooling courtyard with
lemon trees and vines, and natural materials and curves, is soothing to
the soul. |
The seafood is so fresh here, you must make a beeline for the fish tavernas strung along the harbourside in Kissamos and the inland villages of the west coast.
Restaurants in or near Kaliviani:
Tavernas along the water side:
The region in the west of Crete is named Chania or Xania and holds some of the best-kept secrets of Crete, with so many nooks and crannies to explore. There are rocky mountains and gorges, forests to walk in and beautiful beaches to lie on, as well as the towns of Chania, Kissamos and Paleochora.
Some other highlights of the region include:
The easiest way to get here is to take a hire car and drive from the town of Chania on the island of Crete.
Information for car rental in Crete here...
To get here more independently, fly from Athens to Chania, hire a car and drive for about 1 hour to Kissamos, then take a country road for 6.5 km to Kaliviani.
Ferries from the Greek mainland of Peleponnisos come into Kissamos Port via the islands of Kythira and Antikythira.
See the location of this village on this map, in the west of Crete in the north.
Getting here by flights, ferries, bus and hire car below:
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