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Villa Panefkolo is located in Plaka village in Apokoronas region, Chania, Crete island. A perfect getaway for your easy peasy Greek holiday. Whether you are looking for beach, nature, culture, sociability, peace & quiet or sports, this region offers it all. 

 

Apokoronas is situated in north-west Crete, in Chania Prefecture, to the east of Chania itself. Charming small villages are spread throughout the region, surrounded by greenery. Wherever you go, the characteristic Greek hospitality and gastronomy will meet you. Visitors from all over the world are appealed by the traditional guesthouses, agrotourism, and local events in Apokoronas' villages. Kalives, Almyrida and Georgioupolis are the major beach areas of Apokoronas.  

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Plaka is one of the region's villages. It has two mini markets and some very good tavernas whose tables and chairs spill out onto the square, bringing it to life in the evenings. Villa Panefkolo is just a a few minutes walk from this square. Plaka's healthy climate and the hospitality of the locals are legendary. The numerous sea caves of the east shores till Drapanos Cape constitute an imposing natural phenomenon. Plaka is famous for its traditional narrow streets and the old well-maintained houses. If something is unforgettable in this place it is definitely the sunset, you can enjoy in a splendid way from the terraces of Villa Panefkolo.

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Almyrida village, only 1 km away, is a friendly seaside tourist resort, and base for water sports enthusiasts. It offers all basic amenities and superb sea. The unspoiled countryside and the lush oil groves around Almyrida are ideal for hiking and exploration. The two nice sandy beaches, with shallow water, are very popular in the summer, especially for families and young crowds that enjoy combining their suntan with fresh local fish by the bay. The two beaches are separated by a small rocky pierpeninsula with a small white chapel. In Almyrida you can find a good number of seaside tavernas (famous for fresh fish and delicious traditional Cretan food), a butcher, several mini markets and a pharmacy, a car rental company and an ATM. You can also book boat trips for snorkelling in the caves and take diving lessons from a local company. There are regular bus services to/from the city of Chania. 

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Opposite the beach is the islet of Karga, which ideal for excursions and fishing. The island is a natural habitat for many birds. Moreover, on the island there are still signs of the ancient walls of the Phoenicians and the cavernous shelters that were built during the Second World War by the Germans (the wider area of Cape Drapanos is full of German artilleries and shelters from the Second World War).

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Kalives village, 4.5 km away, is an agricultural market centre by the seaside with plenty restaurants, coffee places and souvenir shops. Actually, this village can be divided into 2 parts. There is the traditional part where time seems to have stood still, while the new part makes a very modern impression. Through the central village runs the river Xidés, which gives a special view. In the middle of all this you will find the village square with a large sycamore tree. Here you see the real Greek life, of which the old church is the center. Also nice to visit is the fishing port, but the most beautiful is still the lovely beach. 

In the vicinity of Kalyves there are several fantastic beaches, mostly with blue flag status. The quality of the water is thus excellent. A visit to the nearby village of Aptera should not be missed. This is also known as one of the main ancient cities of western Crete. There are also plenty of restaurants where the daily fresh catch really tastes the best. In Kalyves you can find a large INKA supermarket, car rental companies, butchers and bakeries, many dining choices and a bank. 

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When you are in Kalives, you should definitely visit Lake Kournas. Lake Kournas is home to distinctive plants and animals. Many turtles, fish and ring snakes live in the water. Around the lake live many birds. The lake is excellent for swimming, snorkeling and pedal boats. The glassworks in Kokkino Chorio are also worth a visit.

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Georgioupolis village, 15 km away, is a a picturesque fishing village located on the bay of Almyros (it is also called Georgioupoli). It counts about five hundred inhabitants, and in recent years, the village has completely developed into a true tourist spot. The village is characterized by the high eucalyptus trees. Also, the village has a beautiful center with a true village square where everything actually happens. Here are the terraces, restaurants and bars. There are also the usual stores and a cozy harbor and long sandy beach. There are plenty of opportunities for windsurfing or to take to the water in a pedalo. A fun activity to undertake on the beach is to visit St. Nicholas Church (a small chapel) which is located in the sea and can be reached on foot via a long (difficult) path from the beach across the sea to the chapel.

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Chania, the capitol of West Crete, is only 22 km away, and has a beautiful Venetian Harbour with a fascinating history. Wander through the many narrow lanes filled with Venetian, Turkish and Byzantine style buildings. You can also find all the facilities and amenities that you would expect of a modern city with fine restaurants, bars, clubs, live music, traditional harbour side tavernas and fashionable shops.  Indeed, there is plenty to explore and experience. You can hire a car or bicycle or even take a boat ride along the coast. Some of the best scenery can be seen on foot. There are many walks or treks along mountain paths and gorges including the world famous Samaria Gorge. Other activity pursuits include horse riding, tennis, golf, go-karting and climbing. Most water sports are available including, diving, snorkeling, windsurfing, sailing, fishing, jet skiing and water skiing. There are many Health & Fitness centres offering a range of beauty treatments and alternative therapies including massage, reflexology, reiki and yoga. Cultural interests include museums, archaeological sites, ancient towns, churches, monasteries, folklore festivals, theatre and cinemas (open air in the summer).

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