Almyrida Beach Resort In Crete

Almyrida at a Glance

Almyrida suits walkers, cyclists and anyone into water sports or diving as well as beach lovers. The White Mountains (Lefka Ori) rise behind the village, and the views stretch across Souda Bay.

The countryside around Almyrida is at its most colourful in spring, when the wild flowers are in bloom.

Almyrida has water sports such as windsurfing and canoeing, and a diving centre. Café bars, cocktail bars and shops are dotted through the village.

Hotels in The Almyrida Beach Resort In Crete

Accommodation in Almyrida ranges from beachfront hotels to studios, self-catering apartments, budget hotels and villas. The 2 largest hotels, the Almyrida Beach Hotel and its sister hotel the Almyrida Residence Boutique Hotel, stand side by side on the beach front.

Villas are available to rent in the village and in the surrounding villages of Plaka, Kokkino Horio, Kambia and Vamos, so there is something for most budgets.

Almyrida Beach Hotel

Almyrida Beach Hotel is a large hotel on the beach front, close to the village tavernas and shops. It forms one resort with the Almyrida Residence next door, and guests can use the shared facilities: several pools, an adults-only rooftop infinity pool, a spa and a 4-lane bowling alley (some at extra cost). A restored windmill with a pool bar stands in the grounds.

Restaurants in Almyrida

The restaurants in Almyrida serve Cretan and Greek taverna food, fresh fish from the village harbour, and wood-oven pizza and pasta. Local salads and vegetables feature on most menus. Typical dishes include:

• Cretan specialities such as dakos, cheese pies with honey, and horta (wild greens).
• Greek classics such as moussaka, stuffed tomatoes, rabbit stifado and lamb kleftiko.
• Fresh fish, landed by the small boats that work from the fishing harbour.

Several café bars serve coffee by day and cocktails after dark. They also do English breakfasts, toasties, omelettes and other snacks through the day and evening.

We’ve eaten many times in the restaurants of Almyrida, and we have always met traditional Cretan hospitality there. The fish tavernas overlooking the sea are our favourite for a meal of the day's catch.

Crete Attractions Nearby

The places to visit near Almyrida include Gavalohori village, Ancient Aptera, Souda Bay War Cemetery, Chania town, the Botanical Park, Limnoupolis water park and the Samaria Gorge. All of them make an easy day out from the village.

Gavalohori is a traditional village about 5 minutes' drive from Almyrida. The Historical and Folklore Museum of Gavalochori explains the long history of the village and is well worth a visit. The shop on the main square that used to be the Women's Cooperative of Folk Crafts is now To Chelidoni (The Swallow), which still sells the local kopaneli lace.

Ancient Aptera is the nearest archaeological site, with views over Souda Bay and well-preserved ruins. Our Ancient Aptera guide covers the site, its opening times and fees.

Souda Bay War Cemetery is as beautiful as it is moving. Our Souda Bay War Cemetery page describes a visit.

Chania is a short drive away, with its Venetian harbour and old town. The Botanical Park and Gardens of Crete, about half an hour's drive away on the road to Omalos, is one of our favourite places in Crete. Our Botanical Park of Crete guide describes it.

Limnoupolis Water Park is also about half an hour's drive away, and we recommend it for families. Our Limnoupolis water park guide has the details. The Samaria Gorge lies further on, beyond Omalos, and our account of hiking the Samaria Gorge describes the walk.

Almyrida Beaches

Almyrida has 2 sandy beaches in a small bay, plus a pebbly beach. Waterside tavernas back the sand in places.

Both sandy beaches shelve gently, and the soft golden sand suits children building sandcastles. The water is clear and good for swimming and snorkelling.

The main beach is easy to reach from the road, which helps visitors with limited mobility. The pebbly beach is the better spot for snorkelling.

Getting to Almyrida

Almyrida is easiest to reach from Chania airport or Souda port, about 25 km away. Flights into Heraklion airport mean a much longer drive. Ferries into Souda port, near Chania, are closer than ferries into Heraklion port.

By car, you can reach the town after leaving the New National Road at the Kalyves/Armeni exit. Head towards Kalyves and follow signs to Plaka and Almyrida.