Paleochora is situated on a small peninsula in the south west of Crete, 77 kilometers from Chania. The drive to the village is through a very attractive and green mountainous landscape over lots of small and curly roads. About 1500 people live in Paleochora and the village attracts both backpackers and normal hotel visitors (many families and young people). All of them come for the relative piece and quiet that they can find on the beaches in and around Paleochora. It is also a popular destination for naturists. There are all sorts of accommodations you can choose from, simple or luxury rooms, studios and apartments, but also a luxury private villa is an option.

The houses in Paleochora are not allowed to be more than two stores high. This combined with the fact that part of the village is closed for traffic each evening still gives Paleochora the feeling of a village. The space that is created on the roads is often used by the tavernas to put down more tables and chairs. Paleochora is 'crowned' with a Venetian castle that has for the most part fallen apart. In 1278 the Venetian general Marinos Gradengos had the castle of Selino built. The pirate Barbarosa destroyed the fort in a raid in 1539 but the outside of the fortress is still well-preserved. The village of Paleochora itself is build on the ancient town of Kalamidis.

On both sides of the peninsula on which Paleochora is situated you can find beaches. On one side there is a long pebble beach (and I really mean pebble...no sand) which is used mainly by nudists. On this side you also find the harbour with boats departing to the islands of Gavdos and Elafonisi, and to several other villages that lie along the south west coast of Crete, like Sougia, Loutro and Chora Sfakion. Actually this is the most attractive part of the village. Further to the east of the village you will find long stretches of mainly pebble beaches and on some parts there is also a place for the naturists, like for instance behind the rocks at the beautiful Gialiskari Beach. In Paleochora you also find a camping on the east side of the village, right at the beach.

There is a long boulevard with houses, hotels, rooms for rent and shops in Paleochora. On the other side you will find the long sand beach of Paleochora. The beach may be better, but the atmospere is less cosy here. In the surroundings of Paleochora you can find many Byzantine remains and small Byzantine chapels with interesting fresco's, as well as the remains of early Christian churches.

This is a bar in the harbour of Paleochora. The Lavazza cappuccino costs 2 euro 50 (2007). On the menu are breakfast, ommelettes, cocktails, sandwiches and yoghurt with honey. Long waiting time before our order arrives. Nice seats and great view though and both the coffee and the yoghurt taste good.

Our verdict: an 8 out of 10

The boutique hotel Libyan Princess is situated in Paleochora, also known as the Nymph of the Libyan Sea. It offers superior guest rooms, an outdoor heated pool, a gym and onsite parking. The luxuriously appointed guest rooms combine elegance with functionality. Among the many room facilities, guests will find LCD 26 flat panel TVs, safe, minibar and jacuzzi bathtubs. Their private balconies offer views of Paleochora, or the pool and the garden. Popular snacks, including hamburgers, club sandwiches and refreshing juices are served at the pool bar. Libyan Princess is located 75km from Chania, on the southwest coast of Crete, in a small peninsula between two scenic gulfs. In a few minutes guests can reach the long sandy beach Pachia Ammos or the pebbled beach Chalikia.

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This family-run hotel rests on the edge of the old town of Paleohora, just a 5-minute walk from the centre and sandy beaches. This is an ideal place for quiet and relaxing holidays and evening entertainment. The hotel was built in 1988 and renovated in 2004. All rooms have balconies or terraces and are all air conditioned. Guests comment on our high standards of hygiene and in-room comfort every season. Beaches await you here, as do archaeological sites, walking paths, gorges, traditional villages and churches. Alternatively, relax in the sitting room and watch TV and videos. We are loyal to our old island tradition of hospitality, and we would be only too happy to show you around. Relax and enjoy your holiday with us.

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Located in Palaiochora, just 20 metres from the beach, Ostria Rooms offers studios with free Wi-Fi and views over the Libyan Sea. The family-run property lies within a 3-minute walk from taverns, bars and mini markets. Opening to a balcony, all studios of Ostria have a well-equipped kitchenette with fridge and cooking hobs. Each is equipped with air conditioning and a TV with satellite channels. The private bathroom comes with a shower. Chania Town lies within 72 km from Ostria Rooms, while Chania International Airport is 85 km away. The sandy beach of Sougia is 30 km away and Elafonisi is at a distance of 32 km. Car rental services can be provided and free public parking is possible nearby.

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The Pal Beach is located along Pachia Ammos Beach, in Paleochora. Guests enjoy free sun beds and umbrellas on the beach. Hotel features a 24-hour front desk, breakfast hall and snack bar. Guests at the Pal Beach hotel stay in sea-view rooms. Each is fitted with tiled floors and has a bathroom with hairdryer, ceiling fan and centrally controlled air conditioning. Free Wi-Fi access is available in the lobby and bar areas. Free safes can be provided through reception. Souda Port is 70 km away and Chania Airport is at 95 km. Transfer service can be arranged upon arrival and departure, for an extra charge. Free public parking is offered.

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The air-conditioned Olive Tree Cottages is located in Palaiochóra in the Crete region. This holiday home provides free WiFi, along with a well-equipped kitchen, a balcony and a patio. The closest beach is 1 km away. Free parking is available. The kitchen at Olive Tree Cottages includes an oven, a stovetop and an electric kettle. It also has a refrigerator, a toaster and kitchenware. A view of the sea can be enjoyed from the accommodation. There is a shower and a bath in the bathroom. A terrace, a patio and a balcony are also offered. A TV and satellite channels are featured at Olive Tree Cottages. You can enjoy a terrace, a garden and luggage storage on site. Bicycle rental and car hire can be arranged. Cycling, fishing and hiking are common area activities. Souda Airport is 52 km away.

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Within 400 metres from the beach of Paleochora, Panorama Apartments offers self-catering units with private balconies overlooking the Libyan Sea. In the village centre located 800 metres away, you will find many restaurants, super markets and car rental agencies. All air-conditioned apartments at Panorama enjoy free Wi-Fi access. They include a kitchen equipped with stove, fridge and coffee maker and they also have a dining area. Each unit also features a TV and a hairdryer. Guests can visit the seaside village of Agia Kyriaki at 8 km and Sougia at 35 km. The town of Chania with its port is around 70 km away. Free on-site parking is available.

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