Built on a headland jutting out into the Libyan Sea and sheltered from the north winds, this seaside village in south-western Crete is a destination that experienced significant growth in tourism during the last quarter of the 20th century. Boats depart from its harbour for the villages along the south coast and for the island of Gavdos.

Between the village and its harbour stands a small hill on which Selino Castle was built in the 13th century; although only a few ruins remain, the site offers magnificent views of the village, the sea and the mountains of the hinterland.

Discovered in the early 1970s by hippies who had been driven out of Matala, the village has become a popular tourist destination but has retained its intimate, small-town feel. You’ll find beautiful beaches and all the essential facilities here, but you’ll still feel as though you’re a little way off the beaten track, far from the hustle and bustle of Chania or Rethymnon.

Paleochora is also an ideal starting point for exploring the island of Gavdos (Europe’s southernmost point) or for hiking from the villages along the south coast. A ferry serves the tiny village of Sougia, Agia Roumeli (the southern exit of the Samaria Gorge), Loutro (a village inaccessible by car) and Hora Sfakion (a traditional fishing village).

We didn’t spend enough time in Paleochora to make the most of everything it has to offer, but we’ve taken enough panoramic photos to make you want to visit! Around thirty are already online, and a few dozen more will be added later...

Useful links

Incredible Crete (The official tourism website of Crete) - Wikipedia