Discover Almyrida, Crete: A Peaceful Seaside Escape with Outdoor Charm

Nestled on Crete’s north coast, about 25 km east of Chania, Almyrida is a small, laid-back seaside village that blends gentle beach life with easy access to nature. It’s not flashy or crowded, but that’s part of the appeal.

Surrounded by hills and traditional villages, with views stretching across Souda Bay to the Akrotiri Peninsula, Almyrida is a great base for coastal adventures, countryside walks, and relaxed water sports.

Outdoor Activities in Almyrida

Swimming and Snorkelling

Almyrida has two gently sloping beaches with soft sand and shallow, warm water, ideal for families or easy-going swimmers. On calmer days, you’ll find good snorkelling along the rocks at either end of the bay, especially near the eastern cove and around Karga Islet. Alternatively, you can opt for a fascinating scuba diving excursion!

Hiking and Village Walks

Almyrida sits at the edge of the Apokoronas region, a lush, green area dotted with small traditional villages, olive groves, and vineyards. From the beach, it’s easy to follow walking trails up into the hills towards Gavalohori, Plaka, or Kokkino Chorio, each offering stone houses, old chapels, and a glimpse into local Cretan life.

Best Time to Visit Almyrida

Almyrida is best visited from May to October, when the sea is warm and days are long. June and September are ideal — the water is perfect for swimming, and the village is lively without being busy.

• Spring (April–May) brings lush landscapes and great hiking conditions, though the sea may still be cool.
• Summer (July–August) sees more visitors and warmer evenings, great for beach days and water sports.
• Autumn (late Sept–Oct) offers mellow light, fewer crowds, and warm seas — perfect for a quieter break.

Winter is quiet, with many restaurants closed and fewer outdoor options, though some enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and nearby inland walks.

How to Get to Almyrida

Almyrida is easy to reach from Chania:

• By car: Around 35 minutes from Chania town or airport, via the National Road and local routes through the Apokoronas countryside.
• By bus: Local buses run between Chania and Almyrida, usually with a transfer in Vamos or Kalyves. Schedules vary seasonally.
• By taxi or transfer: A practical option if you're travelling with luggage or outside regular bus hours.

Extend Your Stay

While Almyrida is a perfect place to unwind, it also opens the door to broader exploration. Spend a day in Chania old town, hike the Imbros Gorge, or visit the sweet-water lake at Kournas, just a short drive away. Nearby Kalyves and Plaka offer more quiet beaches, and inland villages like Douliana and Armeni reward the curious with cool stone lanes and authentic local flavour.

Almyrida is one of those places where time stretches gently — where every swim, stroll, or sunset feels like exactly what you needed. Whether you’re paddling across a mirror-still bay, walking through olive groves, or simply watching the horizon shift colours over dinner, it’s a village that makes it easy to slow down and reconnect with the outdoor soul of Crete.