- Region
- Apokoronas, Chania
- Distance
- About 25 km east of Chania
- Known for
- Venetian wells, folklore museum, lace
- Nearby
- Almyrida, Plaka, Vamos
The Venetian wells
About 600 m from the square, 24 wells built by the Venetians, probably in the 15th or 16th century, are scattered across a field. Villagers watered animals and washed clothes here until 1969, when piped water arrived. Some are capped, but stone-ringed wells still hold water.
Nearby are two plane trees whose branches have grown together and a small Venetian bridge.
Folklore museum and lace
The Historical and Folklore Museum shows village life and crafts, including wine carafes recovered from the wells: tradition says villagers threw their first carafe of new wine into a well on St George's day in November.
Gavalochori is also known for kopaneli, a bobbin lace made locally; look for it in the village shop.
A walk and a swim
Wander the lanes, then drive down to Almyrida for a swim, or continue to Vamos for lunch.
Questions before you go
How many wells are in Gavalochori?
There are 24 Venetian wells near the village.
What is kopaneli?
A traditional bobbin lace made in Gavalochori.
How far is Gavalochori from the sea?
A few kilometres; Almyrida beach is the nearest.
