- Region
- Base of Rodopos, west Chania
- Distance
- 24 km west of Chania
- Beach
- Sand and pebbles, often wavy
- Sights
- Gonia monastery, Orthodox Academy
The beach
The beach stretches east from the harbour toward Tavronitis. It is a mix of sand and pebbles, has a Blue Flag, and gets waves when the north wind blows. Mornings are usually calmer.
Gonia monastery
About 1 km north-west of town, the Gonia (Odigitria) monastery looks like a small fortress because it had to defend itself against pirates. It keeps a collection of Byzantine icons, and you can still see marks left by Ottoman cannonballs. The Orthodox Academy of Crete stands beside it.
Eating and boats
Kolymbari's waterfront is known for fish tavernas. In summer, boats from the harbour run along the Rodopos coast to coves such as Menies that are otherwise reached only on rough tracks.
Nearby
Afrata cove is 3.5 km north. Kolymbari also has a small fisheries museum and a museum of Cretan wild plants.
Questions before you go
Is Kolymbari a good base?
Yes, if you want a real town with tavernas, buses and easy access to Rodopos and Balos.
Can you visit Gonia monastery?
Yes. It is open to visitors outside service times; dress modestly.
Is Kolymbari beach sandy?
It is a mix of sand and pebbles.
