Pal Beach
Palaiochóra - Palaiochóra
The Pal Beach is located along Pachia Ammos Beach, in Paleochora.
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Paleochora is a charming seaside resort located on the south-western coast of Crete, in the region of Chania. This lively village, nestled between the crystal blue Libyan Sea and the majestic Cretan mountains, offers the perfect balance of relaxation and adventure. With its two main beaches hugging a rocky peninsula, Paleochora is an ideal destination for those seeking an authentic Cretan experience away from mass tourism.
Paleochora’s history dates back to the 13th century, when the Venetians built Selino Castle (Kastro Selinou) to protect the island’s southern coastline. Today, the ruins of this fortress still dominate the peninsula, testifying to the location’s rich past. With its privileged Mediterranean climate and Crete’s favourable weather, Paleochora enjoys over 300 days of sunshine a year, making it a perfect destination for a beach holiday even in the shoulder months.
Paleochora boasts an enviable location that gives it some of the most beautiful beaches in southern Crete. The special peninsula shape ensures that, regardless of the wind, there is always a sheltered beach where one can enjoy the crystal clear sea, contributing to making this area one of the most popular beaches in Greece.
Pachia Ammos Beach (meaning ‘thick sand’) is the main sandy beach of Paleochora, stretching for about one kilometre on the eastern side of the peninsula. With its fine golden sand and shallow turquoise waters, it is particularly suitable for families with children. The beach is well equipped with parasols, sunbeds and several beach bars where one can refresh oneself during the day. On windy days from the west, this beach is perfectly sheltered and quiet.
On the western side of the peninsula is Chalikia Beach, a picturesque stretch of pebbles and gravel overlooking deep blue crystal-clear waters. Quieter than Pachia Ammos, this beach is ideal for those seeking more tranquillity or for snorkelling enthusiasts, thanks to its seabed rich in marine life. The beach is partially organised, with some free areas where you can lay out your towel on the smooth, sea-smoothed gravel.
Just 3 km east of Paleochora, reached by a short walk along a coastal path or by car, is the beautiful Gialiskari Beach. This magnificent bay is divided into two parts: one with fine sand and the other with white pebbles. The crystal-clear waters and breathtaking views make it one of the most beautiful beaches in the area. It is partially organised but retains a natural, unspoilt atmosphere, perfect for those seeking a wilder environment.
Continuing eastwards for about 5 km from Paleochora, one reaches Anidri Beach, accessible via a picturesque walk through the Anidri Gorge. This small pebble beach is surrounded by cliffs and offers crystal-clear waters ideal for snorkelling. A few trees provide natural shade, while a small kiosk offers refreshments during the summer. The relative difficulty of access makes it less crowded, preserving its wild charm.
Located about 4 km west of Paleochora, Grammeno Beach is a beautiful stretch of golden sand surrounded by a pine forest that provides natural shade. With its shallow and calm waters, it is particularly suitable for families. The beach hosts a small campsite and is equipped with essential services. The combination of sea, sand and pine forest creates a unique and refreshing environment, perfect for escaping the summer heat.
Paleochora offers much more than sun and sea. The beating heart of the resort is its pedestrian promenade, bustling with traditional tavernas, cafes and small shops selling local handicrafts. During summer evenings, the main street is transformed into a lively social hub, where you can enjoy authentic Cretan life to the beat of local music.
A visit to the ruins of Selino Castle (Kastro Selinou) is a must for history buffs. Built by the Venetians in 1278, the castle dominates the peninsula and offers spectacular views of the coast and the Libyan Sea. Although only the remains of the original walls remain, the site retains an undeniable charm and tells centuries of history, from Venetian rule to pirate raids and Ottoman occupation.
For nature lovers, the walk along the coast towards Gialiskari beach is an activity not to be missed. The coastal path, part of the E4 European Long Distance Path, takes you through breathtaking landscapes of Mediterranean maquis, sheer cliffs and hidden coves. These nature trails represent some of the most beautiful excursions you can take during your trip to Greece.
The local market held every Thursday morning is a great opportunity to immerse yourself in the local culture and buy fresh produce directly from the local farmers: olive oil, honey, local cheeses and intensely scented spices. Don’t forget to taste Crete’s graviera cheese, a local speciality with a unique flavour.
For an authentic cultural experience, visit the Byzantine church of Agia Kyriaki in the village centre, a small jewel with traditional frescoes. A few kilometres from Paleochora, the picturesque village of Anidri with its 13th century church is worth a visit to discover the most authentic and rural Crete, allowing you to delve deeper into Greek history and culture.
Paleochora is an excellent base for exploring south-western Crete. One of the most popular excursions is the Samaria Gorge, the longest gorge in Europe, which can be reached by a one-hour drive and bus service. For a less demanding but equally fascinating experience, you can opt for the Agia Irini Gorge, which is closer and can be reached in about three hours. These nature excursions rank among the most beautiful things to see in Greece.
The island of Gavdos, the southernmost point of Europe, can be reached by a daily ferry from Paleochora during the summer season. This small unspoilt island, with its deserted beaches and relaxed atmosphere, offers a unique experience of isolation and natural beauty.
For history buffs, the ruins of the ancient city of Lissos are accessible by sea or via a scenic path from Sougia. This ancient Doric settlement, an important religious and spa centre, preserves mosaics and the remains of a temple dedicated to Asclepius, the god of medicine. The site is an important testimony to the ancient Greek civilisations that left an indelible imprint throughout the Mediterranean.
Paleochora offers several accommodation options in Crete to suit all needs and budgets. The waterfront area is an ideal choice for those who want to be in the heart of the action, with easy access to restaurants, bars and shops. Accommodation in this area tends to be livelier, with nightlife on the doorstep, but may be noisier during the high season.
For those seeking more tranquillity, the Pachia Ammos area on the eastern side of the peninsula offers more relaxed accommodation with easy access to the sandy beach. This area is particularly suitable for families due to its proximity to the quieter beach and shallow waters.
The hilly area overlooking the village offers breathtaking views and a more reserved atmosphere. Here you will mostly find flats and holiday homes that offer more privacy and often have terraces with sea views.
For travellers on a tight budget, Paleochora also hosts an excellent campsite in a pine forest just a stone’s throw from Grammeno beach, offering both tent pitches and budget bungalows. This is one of many cheap accommodation options in Greece that will allow you to fully enjoy your holiday without spending a fortune.
We offer a selection of hotels at Paleochora to suit all categories of travellers. The most booked by tourists are the sea-facing hotels, often right on the beach. If you want to play it safe, choose one of the following: they are among the most booked hotels in Paleochora, sorted by number of reviews.
If you prefer space, privacy and the ability to prepare your own meals to a hotel holiday, book a holiday home at Paleochora. We recommend a few below, but in this case we advise you to book early because houses and apartments for rent at Paleochora are in high demand.
Paleochora is located on the south-western coast of Crete, in the prefecture of Chania, about 77 km south of the city of Chania. It can be reached by car via a scenic road through the mountains and small traditional villages.
Paleochora is about 70 km from Chania Airport and about 170 km from Heraklion Airport, the island's two main airports among the airports of Greece.
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