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KALIVES VILLAGE
Kalives is a beautiful seaside village on the
north of Crete by the sea in Souda bay, opposite the cape of Akrotiri, within 17
kilometers away from the city of
Chania and 40 kilometers from the city of Rethimno.
The surrounding area with lovely beaches and historical sites
consists one of the most worth to visit areas on the island of Crete. Aptera,
the museum of Gavalochori and Almyrida are some of the most interesting places
for the many visitors of Kalyves
The area is a developing one due to its location and the
increasing number of visitors. It is also the seat of the municipality and has
3000 permanent residents.
Access
There are two usual ways to reach Kalives (see
also information page). You can either come from Heraklion Airport (about 110kms) following
the main road from Heraklio to Chania or from the Chania Airport (about 20kms).
The visitors coming from European countries reach Chania et Heraklion through
international flights.
History
The ancient city of Kissamos is believed to be lying east of
this village, near Aptera that used to be a seaport. Nowadays there are only the
remains of a Venetian castle the Castle Apricornoan Bicorno, which has a
splendid view over the whole region of Kalives. The historian P.Faure places the
ancient city of Tanus between Kalives and Almirida . According to the historian
K. Dunakis the village took its name from the Arabs who invaded the region in
828ad and arrived at the village area, at a place called Sarakinos. They built
their houses, the “huts”.Kalives means huts in Arab.
Sights
The picturesque village of Kalives has three rivers. The
biggest ones are Kiliaris and Xidas, which crosses the village and has some fish
(like trout) and ducks. The main beach, stretching for 300m just before the
entrance of the village has golden sand and blue crystal clear waters. The beach has been awarded a Blue
Flag by the European Union to indicate the clear and clean water. The place is
ideal for peaceful vacations by the sea.
 
Facilities
All type and class of accommodation are available in Kalives.
Although there are some large hotels the main accommodation
in reasonable prices consists of many small family operated apartments rooms and
studios with Friendly and quiet atmosphere, which however can provide all
modern facilities
Fresh fish and lots of Cretan specialties are offered at the
small taverns located on the coastal street by the sea and at the shores of the
rivers. There are also many bars, cafes, music clubs etc. to offer the visitors
unforgettable evenings.
For your shopping there are shops with traditional products
like Cretan herbs and pure olive oil, and souvenirs of a wide range, and of
course many super and mini markets which remain open until late at night.You can
also find a bank, post office, telephone service, general tourist offices and
car rentals here.There is a regular bus transportation service to and from the
towns of Chania, Rethimno, Heraklio and the
surrounding villages.
There are many other interesting
places to visit in the areas of Chania and Rethimno, touristic or not. We can
inform you on some of these places in the page ‘’ Places
to Visit‘’
Kalives Map
Chania Map
CRETE MAPS
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