KOLYMVARI

The Queen of olive groves!

Kolymvari, but the original name Kolymbari is also used, is located along the Gulf of Chania, at the foot of the Rodopou Peninsula: the gateway to the olive groves!

Within the regional unit of Chania, is located in the region Platanias.

Platanias, the region where they know, what a

the secret to a longer and healthier life! – one of the best quality olive oils in the world is made here.

We can read about the beneficial effects of olive oil in the Gastronomy section!

The capital of the regional unit – Chania is 25.6 km. The center of the neighbouring region is Kissamos, only 15 km away.

There is no large river in the classical sense in the Western Crete. What is called the river in Crete, in the rest of Europe people would rather call: stream!

The river Spiliakos, which is more of a stream – It flows into the sea at Kolymvari.

1645 – The beginning of the Turkish conquest

– the Turkish conquerors landed in this region

– the launch of the Great Cretan War, which led to the occupation of Crete

1897, February – Army led by Vassos Timoleon landed there with two battalions to help the Cretan insurgents

– Timoleon Vassos (born 1836 – deceased in 1929) is an officer in the Greek army and a general in King George I

– this event led to the outbreak of the Greco-Turkish War

1900 – this year the census first mentions the town as Kolymbari

1940 – The town is renamed from Kolymbari to Kolymvari

2011 – The municipal reform moved the municipality from the Kissamos region to the Platanias region

– the area of the relocated municipal unit: 149.99 km2

– in addition to Kolymvari, this includes: the uninhabited, but adventurous and unique Rodopou Peninsula, Afrata, Vasilopoulo, Spilia, Kares, Episkopi, Vouves, Glossa, Panethimos, Nochia, Deliana, Drakona, Ravdouchas, Kalidonia and Kamisiana

– according to the census, the settlement had 1,088 inhabitants in this year

Next to the harbor are fishing taverns, where the Dear Guest can taste dishes made from fresh fish.

The view is unique to the bay of Chania and the Rodopou peninsula.

The beach:

– pebble and grey sand

– windy, so it usually waves

– the long and very well-equipped coast, with parasols and sun loungers starts near the center

– there are smaller restaurants on the coast

The Gonia Monastery, which was built in the 17th century, and played a key role in the history of Crete, is located in an area almost integrated, with the settlement.

The Rodopou Peninsula begins right next to Kolymvari:

– part of the Natura 2000 environmental program

– has landscapes of unique beauty

– part of the area is the Cape of Rodopou

– on the peninsula is the ruin Agios Ioannis Gionas monastery