Almyrida Crete satellite map and beach report on Almyrida

Greek island holidays | Almyrida Crete

Home to a mere 25 people in the winter, numbers swell to several hundred at the height of the season in the former fishing village of Almyrida or Almirida. Dozens of apartments have sprung up in the last few years along with a couple of low rise hotels as tour companies have caught on to the delights of the place.
Three beaches are strung together around the bay, one of stone, one small but sheltered strip of sand and the main beach which is very sandy and somewhat larger. Taverna tables sit directly over the beach along on one stretch. The remaining beach enjoys modern facilities which include sunbeds, showers and a toilet block. At the far end of the main beach is a small harbour recently rebuilt. Here is found the best sand and the safest water. The western end of the beach suffers from underwater rocks and notices warn of dangerous currents. In the bay is the small rock islet of Karga where the ruins of an ancient Phoenician wall can be seen.
The village road runs directly behind the beach while the mountain path between Almyrida and Kalives gives some fine views. There are lots of good walks in the area. The road from nearby Drapanos to Kefalas has particularly splendid views over the bay as does the walk from Plaka through Kambia to Kokkino Horio. Almyrida has a dozen or so tavernas and cafes, all very fine although many visitors prefer to take the western road up the hill to Plaka where there are two excellent tavernas.
In Almyrida village itself UK ex-pats Jerry and Norman have opened the very popular Enchanted Owl which offers English food (including excellent fish and chips) as well as Indian and Indonesian dishes. Otherwise facilities are all you would expect in a small village, a couple of small mini-markets, a kiosk, a tourist shop (buckets, spades and postcards) and that is just about the lot. Car and bike hire is available from Kalives-based Flisvos.