- Region
- Selino, south-west Chania
- Distance
- About 77 km from Chania
- Beaches
- Pachia Ammos (sand), Halikia (pebbles)
- Ferries
- Sougia, Agia Roumeli, Loutro, Sfakia, Gavdos
Two beaches
Pachia Ammos, on the western side, is a long sandy beach, often breezy, with tamarisks and sunbeds. Halikia, on the east, is pebbly and usually calmer when the wind blows from the west. Choose by the day's wind.
Castel Selino
At the southern end of the peninsula stand the remains of Castel Selino, built in 1282 by the Venetian Duke of Crete Marino Gradenigo to control the region. Little survives, but the view over both bays is worth the short climb.
Evenings
The main street closes to traffic in the evening and fills with tables. Paleochora is relaxed and family-friendly, with an open-air cinema in summer and plenty of tavernas, including long-running vegetarian and seafood places.
Boats and walks
In season, ferries run to Sougia, Agia Roumeli, Loutro, Chora Sfakion and Gavdos, and boats go to Elafonisi. The E4 coastal path to Sougia is about 16 km (5–6 hours), passing ancient Lissos.
Questions before you go
Which Paleochora beach is better?
Pachia Ammos for sand, Halikia for shelter when the west wind blows.
Can you reach Gavdos from Paleochora?
Yes, by seasonal ferry. Check the current timetable.
How long is the walk from Paleochora to Sougia?
About 16 km, 5–6 hours on the E4.
