Kalyves

Kalyves is a relatively large and touristic village at the entrance of Souda bay, 20km est of Chania Town. The village is long and spreads along the main road. Kalyves has existed since ancient times and is mentioned by the Greek philosopher Strabo. Saracen and Arab pirates pillaged the place and settled for a short time, and the Venetians built Castello Apicorono, a fortified settlement on the hill east of the village where the preserved ruins can still be seen.

In 20th century the place turned into popular tourist destination with many new properties built after 2000. The many new buildings has extended the village to the nearby hills and along the seafront, as a result almost linking it to Almyrida village to the east. Along the road and in the east parts are situated shops, a petrol station, doctor, post office, tavernas and cafes.

In Kalyves there are plenty of beaches to chose from:
- At the east part of the village there are Xydas beach and Paralia Kalivon. This is actually one beach separated by a big stone jetty. The beach is sandy and organized with parasols and sunbeds to rent, with a big parking space at the back. The water is clean and shallow, suitable for families with children. At the east end of the beach there is a small harbor for fishing and motor boats.
- The central village seafront is not a beach. It is mostly rocky with asphalt road alongside.
- At the west end starts one kilometer long sandy beach known as Glaros beach or Kiani beach. It is intersected by the Kiliaris river, one of the few Cretan rivers that has water throughout the whole year. There is a pedestrian bridge over the river. The beach is sandy and with a few parasols and sunbeds. It is calm and good places for people who prefer quieter and less crowded beaches.

Photos

highlights: seafront tourist village with sandy beaches, village in Chania Region, Crete, Greece