Almyrida is a pretty fishing village on the north-west coast of Crete. The pretty beach at Almyrida has soft golden sand and clear turquoise waters. As well as swimming, here are a good selection of water sports to choose from including fishing, snorkeling and scuba diving. Pedaloes and wind surfs are available to hire, and as the water is safe, the beach is popular with families intent on enjoying the sun.

The village itself has a number of restaurants and tavernas which are mostly clustered along the sea front, so you can enjoy an evening meal while you listen to the waves lapping on the shore. The food here is simple and delicious, although the local wine is probably an acquired taste! For those who prefer to eat in, there are a couple of mini-markets and food shops, along with a bakery, an internet café and car/bike hire. A supermarket can be found on the road to Kalami, just along the coast.

At night the village comes to live with several quite trendy bars which stay open until the early hours and there is often a disco at Nikita’s bar on a Sunday night. At the heart of the village is the famous Sirrocco Bar which has satellite TV for those who don’t want to miss out on their sport. Here you can also find regular quiz nights and karaoke as well as the occasional guitarist. Otherwise the nightlife is low key, although impromptu musicians have been known to turn up at any time to entertain the tourists with traditional Cretan music and dancing.

Further along the coast, there are a number of small isolated beaches such as Koutalas which has some interesting sea caves, and is perfect for those who enjoy a little seclusion. Just outside the village, on the road to Kalives are some recently uncovered mosaics and the tombs of a church which dates back to the 5th century. It was also here that the last battle between the Greek revolutionaries and the Turks took place in 1896.

Travel a little inland and the countryside offers some spectacular hills and undulating valleys. During May and June the wild flowers carpet the hillsides and are a spectacular sight. The area is popular with walkers and there are companies which specialize in tours at nearby Vamos (about 5km away).

Villas to go recommended beaches near Almyrida

Almyrida – White sand shelves gently into shallow water making it a popular place to take young children.

Stavros – The film set of ‘Zorba the Greek’. A protected sandy bay at the end of a peninsular with fine white sand and clean azure water.

Georgioúpoli - A well established resort with a huge sweep of beach which stretches for several kilometers to the east. Be aware that there are strong currents beyond the causeway where swimming conditions can be dangerous. Pedaloes and canoes are available for hire to explore the river and its birdlife, crabs and turtles.

Réthymnon - A long sandy beach that stretches for over 20 kilometers. Popular with holidaymakers throughout the summer season, it has a good range of facilities including lively beach bars and several tavernas. Weather flags here display the safety of the waters, and if the weather is windy you will be advised to stay out of the sea.

Take time to go

Visit the fantastic ‘zachariplastio’ at nearby Gavalochori which is a sticky cake shop and café to sample the local delicacies.

Try a meal at nearby Plaka at the top of a steep hill above Almyrida and take in the panoramic views of Souda bay. (It is not an easy walk so it is best to take the car).

Drive along the coast to Souda to see one of the most important natural harbours in the Mediterranean. View the old Turkish settlements, the fish harbour and the WWII Allied cemetary.

Further afield

To King Minos’ Palace at Knossos where Theseus found his way through the labyrinth to slay The Minotaur, a legendary beast half-man and half-bull.

Take a horse-drawn carriage around the old town of Chania – the prettiest on the island – and soak up the historic architecture and archaeological sites.

Cruise along the western coastline on a pirate ship – view caves, fish and take a swim. Or go in search of dolphins… stopping for a spot of lunch along the way. Cruises depart from Rethymnon harbour.

Take a hike around the island – visit the famous Samaria Gorge and take in the breathtaking scenery, or try one of the other numerous gorges on the island.