 |
 |
 |
 |
The town of Kastelli Kissamos on Crete
Kissamos (also called Kastelli or Kasteli Kissamos) is the major town and port in the far north west of Crete at 40 kilometers distance of Chania. With 3.000 inhabitants it still remains relatively quiet. There are not many cars rushing through its boundaries, like on the stretch of the main road that leads along most of the northcoast. The village of Kissamos has many names. The Venetian built a fortress here and than named the village Kastelli or Kastelli Kissamos (the castle of Kissamos). This name was often confused with another village that is situated 36 kilometers south east of Heraklion and that has the same name (and there is even one more village with that name). People decided to name the town Kissamos in order to make it easier, but now in reality all these names are used next to eachother for the same town. Kastelli Kissamos is famous as a center for making wine, olive oil and agricultural products. Kissamos has all the facilities of a modern holiday resort, like banks, a post office, car rentals, supermarkets, hotels and a boulevard with tavernas and shops, yet it is not accompanied by all the noise. This is probably also due to the fact that it is too far away from the main airport at Heraklion, which has made the town less interesting for mass tourism. On either side of the village there are beaches, the most western one having sunbeds and umbrellas for rent. In the middle inside the village there is also a pile of sand, but not very comfortable or popular. |
 |
 |
 |
 |
The beaches and the port of Kastelli Kissamos on CreteWhen the road stops you can only walk along the boulevard and the beaches on either side of it. The beach at the far end of the town is the best and has some umbrellas and chairs. The bigger stretch of beach on the other side is left original and is more wild. A quiet, friendly, maybe some would think boring place, but I liked it. Kastelli Kissamos has its own port with ferry connections to the nearest island of Kythira and Kalamata, Gythion and even to Piraeus. The port of Kastelli Kissamos is situated on the west side, a little bit outside the town. There are ferries and boats going to the nearby small island of Imeri ("Mild") Gramvousa (and not to Agria or "Wild" Gramvousa, there is no boat going to this island), which is topped with a Venetian castle. |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Antiquities in Kissamos - the Venetian castle and the Roman remainsKastelli Kissamos itself has its own Venetian castle. The town is close to Roman and Mycenaean archeoligical sites, as well as to the ancient Dorian village of Polirrinia (a fortified town from the 8th century BC), of which Kastelli Kissamos used to be the harbour. This was an important town that even minted its own coins. When he Romans occupied this town they made a water supply here that ends in a fountain. From the Acropolis in Polirrinia there are dramatic views over the Gulf of Kissamos. Spread over this small town of Kissamos you can find several antiquities like Roman baths and mosaic floors. Note: to see all the excavations there are signs on either side of the main road leading into town. The mosaic floors were found in an urban Roman villa called the House of Pheidias, but on inspection I couldn't find remains of mosaic floors, just remains of the building. Probably the mosaics have ended up in the Kissamos Museum and they are marvelous. Go and check them out. |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
The Archeological Museum of KissamosWhen you visit the town of Kissamos make sure to take a look in the Archeological Museum. This museum is housed in a Venetian-Turkish monument and houses artefacts that were found in the Kissamos district. The finds go from prehistoric times through to late antiquity (Early Christian Period) and is really interesting. The building has two floors and the material is displayed according to chronology and geography. Besides the vases, beautiful statues, glass, jewelry and coins there are also two beautiful large colorful (and almost intact) mosaic floors on display. This is something not to be missed and puts a new light on any of the visits you will later make to the archeological sites in the area. |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
A little bit more about Kastelli Kissamos on CreteWhen you stay in the town of Kastelli Kissamos it is easy to combine a relaxing day at the beach with a visit to several archeological sites or Chania (also possible by bus), a boat trip to the island of Gramvousa or a day at the (partly) naturist beach of Falassarna. There are remains of old towns like Polyrrinia and Falassarna nearby, and old Monasteries like Chrissoskalitissa and Gonies. Close to Kissamos there are also interesting Byzantine churches which contain frescoes, like the beautiful church in Deliana. The quaint Byzantine church of Rotonda (near Episkopi) is also worth a visit. The area is also suitable for making nice walks of bicycle rides. All together: not a bad place at all. |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
If this apeals to you and you like privacy, personality, hospitality, beautiful views and luxury at a very good price than you might want to check the Kastagnia Lodge accommodations (see below) which consist of one large and beautiful studio, one large apartment and one house that share a 50 m2 pool. I thought the prices were very, very reasonable and the owner is super friendly. Loved it! |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Hotels, apartments, studios and villas for rent in and around Kastelli Kissamos on Crete |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Kastania Lodge, Kastelli Kissamos in Crete
Tel. 0030-28220 24133, Mobile 0030-6973370957 - Send an e-mail to Kastania Lodge
|
Kastania Lodge is a small complex consisting of one house, one apartment and one studio. It is are situated just above the town of Kastelli Kissamos, in the north west of Crete. It is situated on a very quiet spot in the country side and it looks out over the town of Kissamos and the sea on one side and on the other side the mountains and the olive groves. The small and intimate complex comes with a 50 m2 pool and a small bar.
This is really one of my favorite accommodations on the island of Crete. The perfect place to relax, the view from the large private terraces is beautiful, and the studio, the apartment and the villa are all very nice. Moreover, the owner Arianne is great fun and so very nice. Besides this it is really not expensive. This place is in my top three of places I have stayed in the island of Crete. It might be wise to reserve ahead if you want to stay in this complex, because it is popular and so you could be disappointed if you don't. There are many repeat guests and people that visit after word-of-mouth advertising.
 |
 |
 |
 |
Anemon Villas - Nopigia Beach (5 km from Kissamos)In the heart of an olive grove overlooking the sea, we have created a small heaven for those that seek something special for their vacations. Three luxurious villas with a unique architectural and decorative touch, and equipped with everything a modern house requires. Surrounded by olive trees and well tended gardens, Anemon Villas is the destination that will make your holidays in Crete unique. Each villa can accommodate up to six or eight persons depending on your needs. They offer three bedrooms, three bathrooms, two living rooms, private swimming pool and large verandas. They come with a fully equipped kitchen, dishwasher, washing machine, TV, DVD & CD player, BBQ, Wifi internet, fireplace and A/C in every room. With easy access to the main road network, you can either choose to relax by your private swimming pool, verandas and gardens, or make day trips to some of the most beautiful beaches in western Crete, like Falasarna, Balos and Elafonisi.
Phone: +30 6972 569843 Haris Lagoudakis or +30 6944 989471 Stephanos Lagoudakis
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
Papadakis Restaurant / Fish Tavern KissamosThe Papadakis Restaurant is situated in the port of Kissamos and basically any time we visit Kissamos we have a bite to eat here. The service is fast and friendly and the food is good. They have salads, fish and various Greek dishes on the menu. The bread is always fresh and in 1 piece. At the end with the bill the last time they also brought us a piece of delicious pear cake with whipped cream. Our verdict: good and with a friendly service - an 8 out of 10 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Aeras Café - KissamosAeras Café is situated on the lively town square near the Archeological Museum and this is a nice place to have a drink or a cup of good coffee and see the world go by. There are tables in the sun or in the shade that you can choose from. Our verdict: also good and with a friendly service - an 8 out of 10 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Dodoni Ouzeri - KissamosThe lovers of an ouzo should try the Dodoni Ouzeri, which is situated in the sidestreet leading to the west from the town square of Kissamos. Here you feel one with the Greeks. The price of a small bottle of ouzo is very cheap and it comes with a free plate of "mezes" (different small things that you can eat). They have also ice cream, good coffee (Segefredo) and pastry. The toilets in Dodoni are clean. You can sit inside or take a table outside and join the locals in looking at who ever is passing by. Our verdict: friendly people, an experience, loved it - a 9 out of 10 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Café Tavern Korakas - KissamosCafé Tavern Korakas is situated at the boulevard of Kissamos at the very end (east side) at the seashore, overlooking the beach. They serve salads, all kinds of appetizers, zucchini balls, vegetables, meat and chicken, pastas, oven dishes, grilled chicken, lamb, schnitzels, fish and deserts. The owner Katherina is a real sweetheart. The white housewine is a good and tasty village wine with a taste of retsina. We tried the tasty cheese dip (delicious!), the saganaki (fried feta cheese), the beetroots salad (very nice), the tasty zucchini balls and the boureki (an oven dish with slices of potatoe and courgette and feta with a mint taste - very good). Our verdict: friendly service, nice food - an 8 out of 10 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Agato Tavern - Lousakies, KissamosThe Agato Tavern is located on the outskirts of Kissamos in the village of Lousakies. There is a menu of the day. This tavern is a favorite of the locals, not only because of the food but also because of the friendliest cook of Crete, who does the cooking here and is stirring in the pans. The food is traditional Greek. We ordered several dishes. The chicken in tomato sauce was delicious, just like like the moussaka and stuffed vegetables (peppers, tomato and courgette flowers). The house wine is good and the bread is fresh and at in one piece (so not loose pieces that may have previously been on other tables). Grapes and raki for free at the end of the dinner. Our verdict: the most friendly service of the whole island, nice food - an 8,5 out of 10 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Restaurant Maria Beach - Maria Beach, KissamosThis restaurant is located on the beach in Kissamos called Maria Beach, approximately at the height of the Carrefour. It is a somewhat fancier restaurant than most restaurants in Crete, with for example real tablecloths instead of paper ones. The menu is quite extensive. We ordered the grilled vegetables, two types of stuffed bifteki (stuffed minced meat) and a salad with rucola. The white house wine is very tasty and the bread that is served with the dinner is toasted bread with olive oil and garlic. Our verdict: good - an 8 out of 10 |
© Hans Huisman, http://www.angelfire.com/super2/greece/ 2012