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.

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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.