If you’re someone who likes to relax on the beach, then you’ll simply love Palaiochora’s crystal clear waters. Of course, it’s not just the town’s Blue Flag beaches that attract people year after year.

Palaiochora is brimming with mountains, and valleys just waiting to be explored. Discover fascinating cave formations or embark on a scenic bike ride with the kids. Those looking for some R&R can soak in the sunshine at one of the town’s beaches.

For a memorable day trip, hop on board a ferry to the nearby villages of Sougia, Loutro, and Hora Sfakion. Take a walk from Agia Irini to Sougia via the breathtaking Agia Irini Gorge. Just 3 hours long, you will encounter captivating flora and fauna as well as a magnificent lake.

For a unique stay, get to know the locals at a family-run hotel or guesthouse. Wander through the town’s winding pathways and admire its charismatic architecture.

When it’s time to eat, there are a whole host of cafes and restaurants to choose from. Tuck into succulent seafood dishes or experience traditional Cretan hospitality at a nearby taverna. Be sure to sample popular local dishes including Sfakiani pie, Kalitsounia, and Sioufichta. At nighttime, dance the night away at a nightclub or watch the sun go down with a cocktail in hand at a local bar.

If that’s not enough, visitors to Palaiochora can also take part in a range of other activities from kayaking to dolphin watching. Learn all about the town’s history and cultural heritage at the Evangelistra Church or the Museum of European Acritans. For an epic adventure like no other, Palaiochora also forms part of the iconic E4 walking track, taking hikers through ten different countries along the way.

So whether you just want to relax on the beach or get a little closer to nature, this diverse destination ticks all the boxes.