A Guide to Almyrida: West-Crete's Charming Village

Almyrida (Almirida) is a small fishing village in West Crete, Greece that has been drawing visitors from all over the world for years. Almyrida enjoys a picturesque setting surrounded by beautiful mountains and beaches and offers an ideal base for exploring the rest of the region. While it’s not very large it has managed to preserve its traditional Cretan lifestyle.

Here’s everything you need to know about this charming village before you head there.

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How to Get to Almirida

Almirida is a seaside resort located on the northern coast of Crete in the Apokoronas region, about 25 km east of Chania, and very close to Souda Bay. It is easily accessible by car or public bus from Chania International Airport and Chania/Souda Port.

If you are looking for Taxi or Trasfer service click HERE.

How to get to Almirida beach from Chania?

There are a few options to get to Almyrida from Chania:

1. By car: You can rent a car at Chania airport or Chania/Souda Port and drive to Almyrida on the national road, which is about 25 km away and takes around 30-40 minutes.
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2. By bus: You can take the public bus service KTEL from Chania to Almyrida. You will need to take two buses if you come from the airport - one from Chania to the KTEL station of Chania, where you will transfer to a bus for Almyrida. For more information, you can check the KTEL website.
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3. By taxi: You can also take a taxi from Chania to Almyrida, the cost and time will vary depending on traffic. Last time we paid about 30 EUR.

How to get to Almirida beach from Heraklion?

1. By car: The quickest and most convenient way to get from Heraklion to Almyrida is by car on the national road. The distance is about 135 km and the drive takes about 2 hours. You can rent a car at Heraklion airport or in the city centre and drive to Almyrida.
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2. By taxi: You can also take a taxi from Heraklion to Almyrida. The taxi costs around 150-200 euros. You can book a taxi in advance.

Smooth and Scenic: High-Quality Roads to Almirida

Whichever mode of transportation you choose, it is recommended to plan ahead and check the schedule and availability of the service before your trip. The road from Chania and Heraklion to Almyrida is well-maintained and paved with asphalt, providing a smooth and comfortable drive.

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What to expect in Almirida

This area of Crete Greece is known for its lush greenery and scenic landscapes. The unique combination of mountains and sea makes it a picturesque destination. The region is characterized by its verdant hills, olive groves, and vineyards which make it a striking contrast to other parts of the island.

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Chania: Wine and Cheese Tasting Tour with Lunch

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The presence of a large amount of greenery in this area of Crete is unusual as the island is mostly known for its rocky terrain and arid landscape. The green surroundings in this part of Crete offer visitors a chance to experience the island's natural beauty in a different way and explore the picturesque villages and hidden valleys.

Almyrida is not only a beautiful destination in its own right, but it also serves as a great starting point for exploring the surrounding area. The traditional fishing village is conveniently situated near the national road and easy to access other nearby villages such as Kalyves and Georgioupoli. These villages offer a glimpse into traditional Cretan life and are known for their charming taverns where visitors can sample the delicious local cuisine.

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Restaurants in Almirida

Almyrida is home to a wide variety of restaurants that offer a range of dining experiences and cuisines. Visitors to Almyrida can find traditional Greek tavernas, seafood restaurants, Mediterranean and international cuisine, and more.

Many of the restaurants in Almyrida use locally sourced ingredients, such as fresh fish, olive oil, and vegetables, which gives the dishes a unique and authentic taste. Visitors can expect to find a wide variety of seafood dishes, including grilled fish, seafood mezedes, and octopus. Alongside seafood, many restaurants also serve traditional Greek and Cretan cuisine, which usually includes a variety of mezedes (small dishes), grilled meats, and vegetarian options.

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EatWith connects guests with friendly, hand-selected hosts for unique, immersive experiences from the comfort of their own home.

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Many of the restaurants in Almyrida are family-run and offer a friendly and welcoming atmosphere. Some of them also have outdoor seating areas, with beautiful views of the sea or the surrounding hills.

In addition, Almyrida also has a few more upscale dining options, such as the gourmet restaurant, which offers a more refined atmosphere and a more extensive menu with a variety of Mediterranean and international dishes.

We heartily recommend Psaros Restaurant and CostAnita.

Overall, Almyrida offers a wide variety of dining options for visitors of all tastes and budgets, making it a great destination for food lovers. It's also worth noting that many restaurants in Almyrida offer gluten-free and vegan options, catering to different dietary needs.

Wheelchair Accessible: Enjoy Almirida Without Limits

If you or a loved one requires wheelchair accessibility, it's good to know that the tavernas and bars in Almyrida have outside areas that can be accessed easily from the beach road (the road quality is very good). These areas are located right next to the sea, offering stunning views and a pleasant atmosphere to enjoy a meal or a drink. Don't let mobility issues hold you back from experiencing the best that Almyrida has to offer!

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Get a glimpse of the best hotels in Crete through this handy guide:

Budget: Cocoon City Hostel in Chania, Sofia Hotel in Heraklion, Michael Apartments in Rethymno, Victoria Hotel in Agios Nicolaos

Mid-range: Mosaic in Chania, 7Rizes Luxury Living in Heraklion, Archipelagos Hotel in Rethymno, Bellevue Suites in Agios Nicolaos

Luxury: The Tanneries Hotel & Spa in Chania, Legacy Gastro Suites in Heraklion, Nautilux Rethymno by Mage Hotels in Rethymno, Daios Cove Luxury Resort & Villas in Agios Nicolaos

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Accommodation services in Almirida

The quality of the hotel services in Almyrida can vary depending on the specific hotel you choose, but generally speaking, many of the hotels in Almyrida offer quality services from Airbnb to 5-star hotels.

Some of the services that you can expect to find at hotels in Almyrida include:

• Clean and comfortable rooms: Most hotels in Almyrida offer well-maintained and comfortable rooms with amenities such as air conditioning, private bathrooms, and televisions.
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• On-site dining: Many hotels in Almyrida have on-site restaurants or cafes that serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Some hotels also have bars where guests can enjoy a drink in the evening.
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• Pool and spa facilities: Some hotels in Almyrida have outdoor swimming pools and spa facilities such as saunas, steam rooms, and Jacuzzis.
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• Fitness centres: Some hotels in Almyrida have fitness centres where guests can work out while on vacation.
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• Wi-Fi: Most hotels in Almyrida offer free Wi-Fi to guests.
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• Other services: Some hotels in Almyrida offer additional services such as room service, laundry, and dry cleaning.

If you're looking for a comfortable and enjoyable stay in Almyrida, you can't go wrong with the Blue Elephant and Almyrida Beach Hotel.

Overall, hotels in Almyrida offer very good services to their guests, and many of them are suitable for families, couples, and solo travellers. It is recommended to check the reviews, and ratings and compare the hotels before you book, to find the one that fits your needs and budget.

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Beach of Almirida is a perfect spot for families

Almyrida beach is considered to be ideal for families with small children due to its slow-deepening sandy beach. The beach has a gradual slope, which means that the water depth increases slowly, making it safe for small children to play and swim in. This feature makes it easy for parents to keep an eye on their children while they're in the shallow water, and also makes it a perfect spot for families with children who are learning to swim.

The beach is also well-maintained, with clean and clear waters, which adds to the safety and comfort of the beach experience for families. Additionally, the beach offers facilities like sunbeds and umbrellas for rent, toilets, showers, and changing rooms. All these features make Almyrida beach a perfect spot for the whole family.

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Blue Flag Beaches in Almirida

Yes, Almyrida is known to have Blue Flag beaches. The Blue Flag program is an international certification program for beaches and marinas that are considered to be of high quality and environmentally friendly. Beaches that have been awarded a Blue Flag must meet a certain set of criteria, including water quality, beach management, safety, and environmental education.

Almyrida's beaches have met the criteria of the blue flag certification and are considered to be of high quality and environmentally friendly. Visitors can expect to find facilities and services such as lifeguard services, toilets, showers, and waste management systems.

Water Sports in Almirida

The Blue Flag beaches in Almyrida offer a variety of water sports activities for visitors to enjoy. Some of the most popular activities include windsurfing and kitesurfing. These sports rely on the wind conditions and Almyrida is known for its consistent and reliable winds making it a great spot for these activities.

The beaches offer ideal conditions for both beginners and experienced windsurfers and kitesurfers. Along with windsurfing and kitesurfing, stand-up paddle boarding is also a popular activity in Almyrida. The crystal clear waters of Almyrida offer an ideal environment for stand-up paddle boarding, allowing visitors to explore the coast and take in the natural beauty of the area. Kayaking is also a great way to see the coast from a different perspective and discover hidden coves and beaches that can't be accessed by foot or car.

These activities are typically offered by rental shops and schools in the area and they provide the necessary equipment and lessons for visitors who want to try the activities for the first time.

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Elephant Cave

Scuba diving is also a popular activity in Almyrida, thanks to crystal clear waters and diverse marine life. One of the most popular diving sites in the area is the Elephant Cave, named after the bones of an elephant found in the cave.

The cave offers an exciting and unique diving experience, with a combination of shallow and deep waters, and a rich variety of marine life. Divers can explore the cave's underwater tunnels and caverns, as well as see colourful fish, octopuses, and sea urchins. Diving centres and schools in Almyrida offer scuba diving trips to the Elephant Cave, providing all the necessary equipment, and catering to divers of all levels of experience.

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Almyridia in Google maps: