Chania Kissamos

General information

Kissamos is a beautiful town lying 38 km west of Chania Τown, in one of the most fertile valleys of Crete. It was built on the inlet of the bay formed between the capes of Gramvoussa and Spathas, on the northwestern edge of Crete. It is the second-largest town in the prefecture, having around 4000 inhabitants today. The town is famous for the production of olive oil and wine, as well as the development of agrotourism and hiking tourism. Despite its continuous growth in popularity, the place keeps its authentic character, and its traditional charm has not been taken away from it.

Kissamos is surrounded by a beautiful landscape and has a gorgeous and calm beach divided into two parts. The first one is a nice, long pebbly beach, that is semi-organized with some umbrellas and sunbeds. The second one, called Mavros Molos, is a small, sandy, fully organized beach. It has umbrellas, sunbeds, showers, and lifeguards surveying the area, and you can also find some nice restaurants and cafes. The waters are shallow but can be wavy at times due to northern winds.

At Limni, the small harbor of the town, you can find traditional fish taverns and enjoy delicious local dishes. If you want to have fun after the sun goes down, the nightlife of Kissamos will not disappoint you. You can have refreshing cocktails, taste Cretan wines at a relaxing bar, or dance until the morning at a local club!
Additionally, various accommodations of all categories can be found around the town. The place boasts really tasteful, cozy villas and apartments near the sea, suitable for solo travelers as well as families.

 

Brief History

The town is built on the ancient town of Kissamos, which used to be the commercial center of western Crete. During the ancient times, it served as the port for Polyrrhenia, an ancient Cretan city. Kissamos was an autonomous trading and maritime center that even had its own currency. The place really thrived during the Roman era, which is evident from the fascinating baths, villas, theaters, aqueducts, temples, and marble statues that have survived until today. In 365 BC, the town was hit by a massive earthquake, which left it partially destroyed. It was later restored by the Byzantines, who also built many proto-Christian churches, some of which have remained in good condition. Years later, during the Venetian period, the Venetians built plenty of mansions in the area. It was during that time that a Genoan pirate took over and built a fort exactly where ancient Kissamos used to lie. When the Venetians took the town back, they modified the fort by adding a pentagon-shaped wall and used it as a defensive military fortress. Kissamos took part actively in the resistance during World War II, and the fortress was destroyed almost entirely after being bombarded by the Germans. Nowadays, only a few parts of the fortress survive.

Sights

Kissamos is a town with centuries of history, which you can discover yourself by wandering among the monuments and sights located there.

The Venetian Fortress: It’s also called Castello and is actually the landmark of Kissamos. Churches, monasteries, and beautiful mansions worth admiring in the area are also part of ancient Kissamos.
Skalidis Street: Once a trade center, nowadays it’s a very lively area full of shops, cafes, and restaurants. During the summer months, it’s open to the public, and during a walk there, you can admire the arches of old historical buildings.
The Fountain of Maris: Built in the 19th century, this spring is constantly flowing. It was repaired in 1983, and it’s a perfect spot for calm and relaxation.
The Archaeological Museum: Located on  Tzanakakis Square, inside the castle of Kasteli, it is one of the most prominent Venetian buildings in the town. It has been serving as a museum since 2006 and hosts a big collection of exhibits from the Hellenistic, Roman, and Byzantine times. The collection includes household items, tomb findings, mosaics, coins, and amphorae. The most impressive bit of the collection is the surviving part of a Roman bath, which can be found on the ground floor.

Hotels in Kissamos

We have made a selection of the best hotels in Kissamos.

Blue Pearl

$$-$$$
Villas 

Blending into the landscape, the stone-built villa Blue Pearl is located a short drive away from Chania town, at a peaceful setting. To offer an authentic experience of traditional accommodation, the villa has been constructed according to the local standards of architecture. It can house families ...

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Christina Beach

$$
Apartments Studios2 keys

Located directly on the beach, but still near all amenities, Christina Beach Hotel in Chania, Crete, offers cosy housing, great for relaxing by the sea. It is found really close to the centre of Kissamos, a modern town and port with many nice places for eating or having a good time out. Christina ...

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Drapania Beach

$$
Apartments Studios3 keys

Equipped with traditional wooden furniture and modern amenities, the cozy apartments of Drapania Beach Marinakis Apartments boast an excellent location right by the seashore, allowing you to have marvelous views. Two pools and a furnished outdoor seating area are among the facilities of the small ...

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Things to See & Do in Kissamos

Check out the things to see & do in Kissamos during your stay and explore what the area has to offer.

Activities & Entertainment

Top Activities & Tours in Kissamos

Experience once-in-a-lifetime moments by participating in well-organized tours related to Kissamos.
  • Boat cruise to Balos Lagoon and Gramvousa

    Category: Boat Tours, Shore Excursions

    Have a relaxing experience in golden sands and turquoise waters, see an old shipwreck, a historic castle, and the overall beauty of Balos and Gramvousa.

    6.5 hours Map
    from € 38.00
    Book now

Kissamos Map

Explore our interactive map of Kissamos.

Reviews

5/5.0
1 Review
  • Terence Petter 20 Mar 2023
    The Pearl of Eastern Crete
    The museum at Ancient Kissamos represents to me an open secret of the riches of this most beautiful island. For somebody who has sat bored at the museum of the Acropolis, yawned at Knossos and shown little or no interest in Greek history even though I have a Greek mother.

    I cannot believe that not one of the statues or mosaics or anything that I was amazed at yesterday is recorded sufficiently well enough for me to take away back to cold Britain to marvel at!!!!!!!

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