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The district of Kissamos covers the north-west corner
of the island of Crete. It is one of the least developed in terms
of tourism and combines rugged, almost deserted land (as on the peninsulas
of Gramvoussa and Rodopou) and rolling hills covered in olive trees.
It also boasts some fine beaches, such as Falassarna on the west
coast.
The capital of the region is the sleepy town of Kastelli
(also called Kissamos), located in the wide bay formed by the peninsulas
of Gramvoussa and Rodopou.
Getting there and getting around
The region is connected to the rest of Crete by the
coastal road which runs to the north of the island. There is a regular
bus service from Chania. The town of Kastelli also has a rather sporadic
boat service to the Peloponnese.
Visiting the region will however require you to hire a car or taxis unless
you have the time to wait for the occasional public bus.
Places of interest
Polyrinnia
The ruins
of the ancient city of Polyrinnia lie 7 km south of Kastelli, above
the village of Ano Paleokastro. The hill on which the ruins are located is
steep but the views are superb.
The city was founded by the Dorians in the 6th century and was constantly at
war with the Kydonians of Chania. Later, under Roman occupation, Polyrinnia
became the best fortified city of Crete and the administrative centre of western
Crete through to the Byzantine period. It was reoccupied by the Venetians who
used it as a fortress.
Many of the ruined structures date from the Roman period and include and aqueduct
built by Hadrian. The most impressive structure is the acropolis built by the
Byzantine.
Rodopou peninsula
The
barren peninsula of Rodopou only has a few villages clustered at
its base and the rest of it is uninhabited. A paved road goes as
far as Afrata, then becomes a dirt track which heads north. It is
possible to reach the Diktynna Sanctuary at the northern end of the
peninsula with a 4x4 vehicle. This was the most important religious
sanctuary in the region under the Romans.
Gramvoussa peninsula
The
Gramvoussa peninsula is wild and remote but there is now a good track
following its eastern all the way to its northern tip. From there
you need only a few minutes on foot to go down to the beautiful beach
of Tigani to Balos. White sand and turquoise waters give it a South
Seas appearance. Out to sea you can see the islands of Gramvoussa
with their large Venetian fortress.
Gramvoussa could be paradise but unfortunately, there is often quite a bit
of tar on the beach and the increasing number of visitors (now that you do
not need to walk for hours) are creating a bit of a rubbish problem as well.
Still, it is worth the long drive, if only for the superb view that you get
at the end.
Falassarna
Falassarna
is located 16 km west of Kastelli and is best known for its fine
sandy beach and crystal clear waters. Apart from a few tavernas and
small hotels it is rather deserted but was occupied since at least
the 6th century BC. Although it was built next to the sea you will
see that the towns ruins are about 300m away from the water because
the western coast of Crete has risen substantially in the past 2000
years.
Falassarna used to be the west coast harbour for Polyrinnia (the other one
being Kastelli) but later became Polyrinnia's chief rival and there are plenty
of ruins and excavations to be seen.
Ennia Horia
Ennia
Horia (the nine villages) is the name given to the scenic mountainous
region south of Kastelli. It is renowned for its chestnut trees. Most people
drive through the region on their way to Elafonisos but it is worth stopping
on the way to admire what is probably one of the lushest areas of Crete.
It comprises the villages of Topolia, Koutsomados, Vlatos, Elos, Pervolia,
Papadiana, Amidagakofelli and Kambos but the best known village is probably
Milia which was reconstructed in traditional style with financial help from
the European Community. The rebuilt stone houses can be rented and are ideal
if you are looking for isolation in a lovely mountain setting.
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