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Almirida, a small fishing village, lies along the east of the Souda Bay opposite the cape of Akrotiri, within 25 kilometers from the city of Hania.
The surrounding area, with picturesque villages, lovely beaches, and historical sites consists one of the most worth to visit areas in the island of Crete. Kera, Plaka, Kambia, and Kokkino Horio are some of the most renowned and unforgettable places to the numerous friends of Almirida.
The area has been just developed the last eight years, in a way that the traditional characteristics
which attracts the most demanding guests, remained unspoilt.
Historically, it introduces great interest.
The whole area used to be a colony of the ancient Foinikes, a place named Finika exists in the
area, while some ancient ruins
and tombs of the time were unearthed there.
Almirida -
In the background we see Plaka
Almirida: a view of the beach
Nature lovers will
find many foot paths leading
to some wonderful
secluded beaches.
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At the entrance of Almirida archaeologists discovered Mosaic and tombs which
belong to the Royal Church rhythm of the 5th century A.D.
Here the last battle between the Greek revolutionaries and the Turks in 1896 took place.
Sights
There are a lot of places of interest which guests can visit: like the
"Diktamo Gorge" and the
"gorge of Saint Nikolas"
and the 215 caves scattered in the area.
In the bay of Almirida is the
islet "Karga", ideal for a small sea trip, fishing and relax, while some remnants
of ancient walls as well as tunnel from the second world war are worth to see.
The islet is also a refuge for migratory and endemic birds.
Kokkino Horio a village where
the famous film "ZORBAS" based on the novel of Nikos
Kazantzakis the Cretan writer, was filmed stands in a small distance from Almirida.
Another point of attraction is the small factory
which produces items from "blown glass", located also at Kokkino Horio.
A little further from Plaka to the south is the picturesque village "Kambia", with traditional
houses, flowery yards and the small chapel of "Agos Nikitas". A local festival is organized
every year at September 15 to celebrate the Saint's name day.
At Kambia you will find an exhibition with the work of the well known painter Santorinakis,
who has a special technique of painting on mirrors.
Plaka is the
biggest village in the area with 250 permanent inhabitants, occupying mostly with farming,
cattle breeding, fishing and lately with tourism.
The visitor can admire here a magical sunset, as well as many other attractions like the
natural sea caves (nerospilia), the old houses, the narrow stone paved streets and will
enjoy the July festival "Plakiana", in honour of the Cretan lyra player Mihalis
Papadakis, where many old local customs are brought to life.
Almirida has been characterized (by the authorities) as a place of great natural beauty, and
thus all efforts are made to preserve the authenticity of it.
The climate
due to the ever present olive
trees which go as far as the beach, and the Lefka Ori mountain range is temperate
considered to
be one of the healthiest in the whole world!
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The coastal street with bars and taverns |
Facilities
Almirida has tourist accommodation of all types and class. Not large hotel resorts but many small
family operated and well looked after with friendly and quiet environment, which however
can provide all the modern facilities.
Fresh fish and lots of Cretan specialties are offered at the small taverns located on the coastal
street by the sea. There also many bars, cafes, music clubs etc to offer the visitors
unforgettable evenings.
For your shopping there are shops with traditional products and souvenirs of a wide range, and
of course many mini markets which remain open until late.
There is regular bus transportation service to the town of Hania and the surrounding villages
in 24 hour basis.
 Tourist Facilities
Navigation Map
Translate (ALTA VISTA)
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