Almyrida Crete

holiday report and Almyrida Crete map

Almyrida beach Crete

ALMYRIDA or ALMIRIDA is a charming tourist resort on the north coast of Crete about 15km east of Chania. Dozens of apartments have sprung up in the last few years along with a couple of low rise hotels but not enough to spoil the character.
Three beaches are strung together around the bay at Almyrida, one is of stone, one is a small but sheltered strip of sand, and the remaining main beach is very sandy and somewhat larger.
Taverna tables sit directly behind the main Almyrida sands and the beach enjoys the usual facilities that include sunbeds, showers and a toilet block.
At the far end of the main Almyrida beach is a small harbour, recently rebuilt. This part of Almyrida beach has the best sand and the safest water. The western end of the beach suffers from some underwater rocks and notices warn of dangerous currents.
The village road runs directly behind the beach, while out in the bay sits the small rock islet of Karga where the ruins of an ancient Phoenician wall can just about be seen.
Almyrida has a dozen or so tavernas and cafes, all very fine although many visitors like to take the road up the hill to Plaka, in the west, where there are two excellent tavernas.
In Almyrida village UK ex-pats have opened the popular Enchanted Owl which offers English food (including fish and chips) as well as Indian and Indonesian dishes.
Otherwise, facilities are what you would expect in a small village, a couple of small mini-markets, a kiosk, a tourist shop that is just about the lot. Car and bike hire is available.
There are lots of good walks in the area. A mountain path between Almyrida and Kalives offers fine views over Suda Bay. The road from nearby Drapanos to Kefalas has some splendid panoramas, as does the walk from Plaka, through Kambia, to Kokkino Horio.