Kolimbari Village

Description

Kolympari Village is located 24 km west of Chania, right on the highway to Kastelli, in the homonym gulf. It is a small picturesque seaside village with 950 residents.

History

Because it is a relatively safe harbor, used to disembark troops in various periods of the modern history of the island. Approximately 3.5 km to the North there is a very handsome bay Afrata with wild scenery and crystal clear waters. Perhaps the most remarkable and interesting monument in Kolymbari is the Monastery of Panagia Odigitria, known as ‘Gonia Monastery’, due to its location at the western end of the bay. The monastery has a long history that goes back to the 9th century, when it was founded. In today’s location is from the early 17th century, when the monks for security reasons moved here. The monastery has always been center of resistance to the various conquerors of Crete. For this reason it has been destroyed many times. Near the monastery has created the Orthodox Academy of Crete, a very important Orthodox religious institution.

Amenities

Many hotels, studios and rooms available for tourists. Food and drink is available in plenty of beach tavernas and cafes, a very picturesque place to eat, especially on summer nights with a full moon.