Travel Eye on Almirida (Crete)

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Overview:

Almirida (or Almyrida) is a small village with a pleasant shallow beach located in the bay of Souda. Further up the hill (and 10 minutes on foot from the beach), the village of Plaka is also popular because it is very quiet with splendid views of the bay of Souda and the White Mountains. Almirida is an attractive former fishing village which has seen some largely sympathetic, low-rise tourist development in recent years. Measuring only 700 yds by 250 yds, the village is situated on a small, sheltered bay offering safe bathing conditions with good breezes for sailing and windsurfing. The quiet beachfront road is lined with bars and tavernas which are popular with visitors and local families alike.

Locality:

Almirida is situated on a small bay on a rocky coast, with a narrow strip of golden sand; the land rises steadily behind. The main road twists over the hills to the neighbouring village of Kalives to one side and up into the residential hills of Plaka to the other. Almirida is located on the NW coast, at the mouth of Souda Bay. 13 mls SE of Chania; 15 mls S of its airport. 75 mls W of Heraklion and its airport.

Entertainment/Facilities/Attractions/Things to do:

Almirida is most popular with families, older couples, nature-lovers, walkers and those looking for quiet and relaxation. Anyone seeking active nightlife may be disappointed. Accommodation consists of a couple of hotels, several low-key apartment blocks, and numerous small rooms and studios for rent on the rocky ridge above the village.

Popular activities here include the beach (which is short but with fine, soft sand; it shelves gently, so is safe for children); windsurfing; catamaran sailing; walks in surrounding countryside; mountain biking. By night there are some local tavernas and bars, mainly situated along the sea front and one nightclub. Excursions consist of half day tours of the local monastery and weaving centre; some boat trips. For a full day there are excursions historic towns/resorts of Heraklion, Rethymnon and Chania; boat trip to Santorini island; Samaria Gorge.