Crete holiday villas, Holiday villas for rent in Akrotiri Chania Crete, Greece | Divine Villas in Akrotiri, near Chorafakia and Kounoupidiana

"Akrotiri" (the Cape) is the common name of the peninsula that lies 10km to the north-east of the city of Chania and north of Souda Bay and administratively constitutes the Municipality of Akrotiri of the county of Kydonia of the prefecture of Chania.

The official name of the peninsula is "MELECHAS" while its ancient name was "Kyamon".

Known amongst locals as Chania’s “Acropolis”, it is characterized by its rolling plateau with the exception of a mountain chain along the north coast named “Skloka”, with the highest summit at 528m.

Akrotiri is an area for nature experiences and exciting hikes in all areas. Lovely ravines in the mountains lead into beautiful small coves. There are several caves with stalagmites and stalactites in fascinating shapes. Archaeological discoveries indicate that in antiquity, these caves were places of sacred worship and refuge from pirates.

While parts of the Akrotiri coast are cliffs, there are many beautiful beaches, most of them well protected by bays and not affected by the “meltemia” (northern summer winds). Some of these are Stavros (the beach where the movie Zorba was filmed), Kalathas, Tersanas, and Marathi.

All are well kept and clean, and are awarded the European Blue Flag annually. From Kalathas to Stavros there are a number of good hotels though the quiet and peaceful area bears little evidence of traditional tourism.

There are also three small islets very close to the coast. The most important is the islet of Souda with a Venetian fortress and a light house which is expected to be opened again to the public in 2008 after many years of restriction.

The views from most parts of Akrotiri are unique; the White Mountains, Souda Bay with the area of Apokoronas beyond, the sea, the town of Chania, the north coast, and the distant peninsulas of Rodopou and Gramvoussa can all be seen from Akrotiri. In addition there are views to the countryside known for its fertile land and large areas of olive groves and vineyards.

Its dry climate combined with the sea breeze forms an ideal environment not only for residents but also for the fruit and vegetables produced which are renowned for their high quality and taste.

Akrotiri has approximately 10.000 inhabitants. Some of them live in the charming and traditional villages; others live in attractive small new suburbs of Profitis Ilias, Kounoupidiana, Korakies, Kalathas, Agios Ounoufrios, etc. Kounoupidiana serves as the “centre” of Akrotiri and offers a good selection of shops, restaurants and other services, and is in addition home to The Polytechnic University of Crete. The road network is good and with frequent bus service to Chania.

The villages of Akrotiri are : Sternes, Horafakia, Mouzouras, Argoylides, Aroni, Agios Nikolaos, Pazinos (or Paxinos), Anemomyloi, Marathi, Kathiana, Kampani, Stavros, Kalorouma, Hordaki, Rizosklopo, and Agia Zoni.

Akrotiri is only ten to twenty minutes by car from Chania and ten minutes from the international airport. With its picturesque Venetian harbour and charming historical town, Chania, seeped in culture, is considered one of the most beautiful cities in Greece.

Akrotiri is also known as the Holy Mountain of Crete due to its many churches and monasteries. Some of the most famous are the monasteries of Agia Triada (Holy Trinity) built in the 17th century, and the Monastery of Gouvernetou of the 16th century. The Monastery of St. John the Hermit, dating back to the 6th or 7th century, is found within a steep ravine where one may arrive by stepping down 385 steps. The Catholicon of this Monastery which is built into the rocks of the mountain side is considered the first monastery built on the Crete.