Kolimpari

24 kilometers far from Chania, at the West, just off the National Road to Kastelli Kolymbari is a small, scenic village on the sea, situated at the inlet of the homonymous bay it counts 950 permanent residents. Due to its rather protected port, it has been used for landing of troops in various periods of the modern history of the island. Possibly the most interesting and worth visiting place of the area of Kolymbari is the Monastery of Panaghia Odigitria, dedicated to Virgin Mary, known as “Moni Gonias” due to its place at the very western end of the bay. The Monastery has a long history going back to the 9 th century when it has been built. At its actual place it stands since the early 17 th century as safety reasons forced the monks to move there. The monastery has always been a spot of resistance to the various conquerors of Crete for this reason it has been destroyed several times. Near the Monastery it has been established the Orthodox Academy of Crete, a very important Orthodox educational foundation. 23 kilometers at the North it is located the archaeological site of Diktynna, a sacred place in honor of Artemis Vritomartis, which flourished during the Roman period. The site is accessible via the bad unasphalted road starting from the village of Rodopos. A lot of hotels, rooms to let and studios are available for the tourists. Food and drink are offered at the taverns and cafes by the sea, a scenic place to eat, especially in summer nights with full moon. Access to the village is possible by public bus running regularly and taxi from Chania, or Kastelli, as well as by private and rented car and motorbikes.