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The village of Almirida or Almyrida in Crete 
Almirida (sometimes spelled as Almyrida) is a small village on the Apokoronos with 3 shallow beaches (two small ones, one a little bit bigger, but nice, and there are more beaches within walking distance) located in the bay of Souda, about 25 km west of Chania. The village looks out over the sea and the Akrotiri peninsula. It's still sort of quiet, with some waterside taverna's, a few bars and a couple of hotels. Some of the houses are standing in the water of the sea, making it look like a tiny Venice. I thought this village was very relaxed and looked really good in it's pretty bay surrounded by a steep hill on one side. There is plenty of choice for tavernes, super markets, and hotels and apartments (most of them small accommodations) and most of the visitors seem to be English (often with small children, because the beaches are perfect for them). It is a good destination for families and has a certain feeling of class to it. In this area lots of new houses have been built, especially around the village of Plaka. In front of the beach there is a cute islet in the sea which is called Karga. In Almirida you can also find the remains of an early Christian basilica from the 5th century, with mozaiks and some fallen down pillars. |
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The beaches of the village of Almirida or Almyrida on CreteAlmirida has two blue flag beaches the smaller one to the west and a long curving beach to the east the latter is particularly safe for young children. Both of Almirida`s beaches are flat and sandy and slope gently into clear turquoise water. Along the beach are a number of restaurants offering diners a wide range of local cuisine, whilst enjoying breathtaking views across the beach and Souda bay. The sunsets in this part of Crete are spectacular as the sun falls across Souda Bay. Both beaches have lounges and parasols to rent, you can hire sailing boats for day trips round the peninsula. A well know windsurfing school is situated on the west beach at Almirida where you can hire windsurfers. There are plenty of shops and tavernas along the front. |
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A little bit more about the village of Almirida
In Almirida you will find a good number of tavernas (many of them serving fresh fish) including options for vegetarian meals, some bars and kafenions. The quality of these restaurants is quite good (at least the ones that we tried). There are cash machines - one on the "beach boulevard" which is only for creditcards nowadays, and one next to the pharmacy that takes all sorts of cards. There are two supermarkets in the village and several shops that sell souvenirs and all sorts of things that you might need for the beach or at home (tanning lotion, airbeds, beach towels, musquito spray etcetera). If you want a supermarket with some more choice in vegetables, fruit and fresh meat you can go to the nearby village of Plaka or you can go to Kalives where there is a large INCA supermarket. In Chania you find the Lidl Supermarket. You are not allowed to leave the village before you have tried some of the delicious cakes of the Bakery Piperakis. We make a detour every now and then to go here and than leave with bags full of goodies. |
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There is a small fishermens harbour just above the largest one of the beaches. On the beaches of Almirida you can rent sunbeds and umbrellas if you want. The village has about 1000 permanent inhabitants. In Almirida you also find the crossroads to the villages of the sea side resort of Kalives and the village of Plaka which is situated above Almirida. There is also a road leading to Vamos and Gavalochori with its historical buildings. It is a good place to make short excursions to for instance the very pretty village of Kefalas or the cove of Ombros Gialos with its turqoise waters and a very special restaurant. Compared to some of the districts of Crete the area of the Apokoronas, where the village of Almirida is situated, still makes a pretty unspoilt impression, with hills with olive groves, lush nature, old traditional mountain villages and (good) roads with not much traffic. |
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The area of the Apokoronas is one of my favorite destinations (together with the south east of Crete) where you can still find plenty of peace and quiet. Just take a turn here from the highway and within a minute you will find yourself in a completely different world, surrounded by large trees and olive groves, villages with historic stone buildings dating from the Venetian and Turkish times and interesting old small churches. If you want to visit the Apokoronas area you also have the option to fly to the airport of Chania, which is nearby. Chania is one of the other gems that you might want to visit when you plan your holiday in this area. |
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Restaurants in Almirida or Almyrida - CreteOn the beach of Almyrida and in the streets behind there is a wide choice of restaurants, tavernas and there are also some cocktail bars. Most restaurants are actually quite good and service is also very nice. Many restaurants have fresh fish on the menu but there are many different dishes you can get, including things like pizzas. Also there are options for vegetarians. |
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Café Patisserie Françoise in Almirida or Almyrida - CreteThis cozy eatery is located on the beach beside the Almyrida diving school and is a popular spot for both tourists and the Greeks. It is a place for dinner as well as a place for "entertainment" because of the humorous service of cheeky Myra who always says exactly what she thinks. She made us laugh several times. The patisserie serves simple but good and beautifully presented dishes which include sandwiches, club sandwiches, omelettes, salads and pizzas. It is not expensive and the portions are generous. |
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The english breakfast at françoise is quite large and good. There is a tasty sausage, bacon and eggs, beans in tomato sauce, fresh orange juice, toasted bread, a big pot of coffee (could have been a bit stronger though), butter and jars or jam. You should not be in a hurry if you want to have something to eat at this restaurant, because it is popular and usually quite busy (but with comfortable chairs). It may take some time before your order makes it to the table. They will however always bring you a (free) bottle of water and glasses quite quickly. Our verdict: we couldn't find anything wrong, simply good and great service - an 8,5 out of 10 |
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Taverna Erotokritos in Almirida or Almyrida - CreteErotokritos Taverna is situated at the seaside in the village Almyrida. They have an extensive menu with various appetizers, salads, omelettes and many other dihes. The coffee is very delicious with tasty fresh whipped cream on it (so-called Greek cappuccino). The bread is fresh and is in 1 piece (ie no loose pieces that have previously been in other hands and baskets). The Erokritikos salad is original and contains endive salad, white cabbage. red cabbage, carrots, peppers, olives, tomatoes, onions and feta (goat cheese). All the dishes we tried were pretty nice and occasionally with an original touch, like the strange vegetables that we encountered in our Greek salade (samphire?). The zucchini balls, meatballs, chicken souvlaki and other dishes were just good and generous portions. Combined with the crispy fries and nice waiters: not bad. Our verdict: the dishes sometimes come with an original accent, friendly service - an 8,5 out of 10 |
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Dimitris Place in Almirida of Almyrida - KretaOne of the restaurants on the sea shore in the village Almirida. Here it is usually quite busy and not without reason, because the food is good and the service fast and friendly. Also the cutlery is very god, with nice sharp knifes. We ordered the lamb chops here, zucchini balls, tuna salad and mousaka. The bread that came with the food is fresh and served in one piece (not pieces of bread from other tables that have been thrown together). There is a choice from white and brown bread. We also get a free bottle of water on the table. The rosé we have ordered - a house wine - is a simple, light wine. The tuna salad contains an onion, lettuce, egg, cucumber, tomato, cabbage, delicious olives, spring onion, chives, parsley and tuna of course. The french fries are homemade and crispy. We get 4 large lamb chops with a reasonably good flavor. The mousaka is fine. After the meal we get a free (rather large) bottle of raki, and cold ice cream with delicious coconut cake. Our verdict: not surprizing that it is busy here, very good, we'll be back: a 9 out of 10 |
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Lagos Taverna in Almirida of Almyrida - Crete
Our verdict: an 8 out of 10 |
 Psaros Taverna - AlmiridaTaverna at the sea front of Almirida (at the long beach). Lots of appetizers, lots of vegetarian dishes and fish. We tried the taramosalata (fish eggs), tzaziki and the Psaros salad (with shrimps, tuna, avocado, tomatoes, cucumbers and spring onions). The bread was fresh and in one piece. Our verdict: an 8 out of 10 |
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Piperakis Bakery in Almirida or Almyrida - CreteThis bakery actually has to be mandatory on your list. The bread is very tasty, but the cakes and pies are amazing. Try the orange wedges with oranges and cream, the cake with red berries and soft white cheese or the small round cakes. The simple cake is also delicious. |
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The Pear Tree in Almirida or Almyrida - CreteThis nice shop opened in 2009 (I think) and they sell nice Cretan products. Besides other things there is a variety of original vegetables and herbs and home made olive oil and delicious raki. The shop is managed by a very friendly Belgian girl. Situated in the street behind the boulevard on the Kalives (west) side. |
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Villa Almyrida View in Almyrida - Large 3 bedroom villa with panoramic viewsThis beautiful and large villa is situated on a quiet road in the village of Almyrida on walking distance from all the tavernes, supermarkets, atm machine, pharmacy, the (very good) bakery and all the other amenities that this lovely village has to offer (not forgetting the good sandy beaches here). This makes it idealy situated: away from noise but close to everything. The villa has different sitting areas on the outside (you can choose for sun or shade) where you can relax and enjoy a breakfast, a coffee or a drink while you look out over the village of Almyrida, the bay of Souda and the island of Karga. In the distance you can see the planes take off and land on the airport of Chania, which is situated on the opposite Akrotiri peninsula. There is a 40 m2 large private pool with sunbeds (with soft covers if you like) which is in the sun almost day, so water temperatures are good. Next to the villa at the gate there is a parking place for your car.
Send an e-mail to Villa Almyrida View in Crete - click here
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Villa Sophia's House in Aspro near Almirida Beach (Apokoronas - Crete)This lovely intimate villa is situated on a hill near the seaside resort of Almirida. We stayed here in September 2008 and we absolutely loved it. It was cozy and comfortable and the views from the terraces and the pool were fantastic. The villa had everything you could wish for: amazing views from the terraces and the pool, a beautiful bathroom, a living space with comfortable couches, a dining table and chairs and three bedrooms with extra large extra comfortable beds with loads of pillows. The beds were over two meters long because I could fit in without any problems and without my feet sticking out (yes people, I am a tall, tall guy). I loved this place because it felt so homely and everybody was feeling so happy in it. It makes you want to buy your own villa on the island.
Phone 01162622421 int 00 44 116 2622421 - Fax 01162624378 -
Send an email to Sophia's House
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Villa Giorgos in Gavalochori - A house with 3 bedrooms in a pine tree forestVilla Giorgos is set in a very secluded spot in the middle of a pine tree forest. The villa is situated on the outskirts of Gavalochori and close to the coastal resort of Almyrida. In both villages you can find good tavernes, super markets and a bakery. Especially the pastries of the bakery in Almyrida are worth a detour! Villa Giorgos is situated on a hill at the end of short dirt track. The villa has several verandas with a splendid view of the forest that surrounds it and there are distant views of the sea in front of Almyrida (Souda Bay). It's very, very quiet. Behind the villa is the private pool with the sunbeds and the parasols, chairs and tables, a swing and a bbq. The pool is surrounded by a low wall and pine trees and is not overlooked, so we skinny dipped.
Send an e-mail to Villa Giorgos in Gavolochori on Crete - click here
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Villa Atlantis House in Plaka near Almyrida on Crete - the luxury life in a Cretan villageLive the life of a villager but in plenty of luxury: you can do this in Villa Atlantis. Behind the walls and the gates of Atlantis House you will find a little hidden gem. Villa Atlantis is a beautifully restored stone village house which is situated in the old part of the village of Plaka in the Apokoronas in Crete. The villa is located in a quiet street with little traffic driving through and surrounded by a wall so the garden and pool are not overlooked from the street. You can park your car park behind the fence so you never have to look around for a parking spot on the street. No carrying luggage or groceries over long distances.
Send an e-mail to Villa Atlantis in Plaka / Almyrida on Crete - click here
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Villa Ti Amo in Plaka near Almyrida on Crete - the most fabulous viewsVilla Ti Amo is a beautiful villa which is situated in the green area of the Apokoronas in Crete. Behind the gated front is the road up to the villa and the car parking. Villa Ti Amo has 3 bedrooms, two doubles (with double beds) and a single / twin (the latter is a single bed that can be pulled out). Downstairs is the living room with a kitchen, a bathroom with shower and toilet and one of the double bedrooms. Both the bedroom and living room have a balcony / terrace and a covered porch with chairs / benches and a table. A great place to have breakfast or dinner. It is also a wonderful place to sit in the shade on a sunny day.
Send an e-mail to Villa Ti Amo in Plaka / Almyrida on Crete - click here
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Niriides Hotel - apartments in Almyrida (Apokoronas - Crete)The Niriides Hotel is situated in the village of Almyrida, 2 kilometer from Kalives and 22 kilometer from Chania. It offers accommodation at 150 meters from two sandy beaches. The hotel consists of 12 apartments situated in a beautiful garden with an outdoor pool. Each has a private bathroom, satellite TV, safe, telephone and fax facility, wireless internet and a fully equipped kitchen. Besides its 2 sandy beaches, fully organised with umbrellas, loungers and a lifeguard, Almyrida is also known for its taverns’ fresh fish and local delicacies as well as its quality nightlife. The natural surroundings and neighbouring villages offer endless hours of trekking and exploring while there is always a traditional celebration or festival with local food, music and dancing taking place. Taxis, a bus stop and car, motorbike and/or bicycle rental facilities are very near. Upon request, Niriides Hotel arranges pick up and drop off services to the airport. Check availabilities and prices & book the Niriides Hotel in Almyrida - click here |
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Isadora Apartments - small complex of apartments in Almyrida (Apokoronas - Crete)Located in Almyrida and just 50 metres away from the beach, Isadora features self-catering apartments surrounded by a garden. Their furnished balconies offer beautiful unobstructed views of Souda Cove. Hotel Isadora rooms are bright and spacious with floor-to-ceiling windows. The apartments feature a dining area and a fully equipped kitchen with all the necessary amenities to prepare a meal. In-room facilities also include air conditioning, TV and hairdryer. At the nearby beach, Isadora guests can find a beach bar serving snacks and refreshing drinks. The town of Chania is approximately 20 km away. Isadora hotel offers free private on-site parking. Check availabilities and prices & book the Isadora Apartments in Almyrida - click here For all hotels, apartements and studios in Almyrida on Crete - click here. |
© Hans Huisman, http://www.angelfire.com/super2/greece/ 2012