Georgioupolis

Georgioupolis (also spelt Georgioupoli) is a beach resort and village on the north coast of Crete, about 40 km east of Chania and about 20 km west of Rethymno. Georgioupolis lies at the western end of a sandy beach about 9 km long.

Georgioupolis is one of our favourite places, and we have visited often wherever we have lived on Crete.

Getting to Georgioupolis

Georgioupolis is about 2 minutes off the New National Road between Chania and Rethymno. The old road from Vrisses and Vamos is a pleasant, quieter alternative through eucalyptus-lined lanes and country roads.

The Beach and the Almiros River

The Almiros river enters the sea at the western edge of the village, where it forms a small harbour full of working fishing boats. We've seen pelicans here. Once, looking back at the shore from 50 metres out in the sea, we saw a flock of flamingos circling the bay!

Corissia Park is the beachfront leisure area shared by the Corissia hotels, just past the harbour. It has a large pool, a bar, a buffet restaurant and a beach club, and it opens from April to November. When we visited, the sunbeds were open to all, either in the gardens shaded by tall eucalyptus trees or on the beach across the quiet road. On one of our visits, a sunbed and umbrella cost €5, with a glass of orange juice thrown in.

Restaurants in Georgioupolis

The restaurants in Georgioupolis serve standard Greek taverna food at a reasonable quality. Those around the town square and the roads leading off it have almost identical menus. They suit anyone who wants to try Greek basics such as souvlaki, stifado, kleftiko, lamb chops and Greek salad. Pasta dishes are on most menus too.

The Corissia Park restaurant serves buffet meals. When we ate there as non-residents, it served a buffet breakfast and dinner, and the bar served snacks at lunchtime.

Lake Kournas

Lake Kournas is the only large natural freshwater lake in Crete, a few kilometres inland from Georgioupolis. It is within walking distance of the village. Lakeside tavernas line the shore, and pedalos and small boats are for hire, which children love. The Talos Express, a tourist road train, runs round trips from Corissia Park to the lake.