Travel Guide Almyrida

The village of Almyrida, 5 km east of Kalyves, was for a long time less touristy than the neighboring seaside resort and one could enjoy its long sandy beach quietly. But in recent years, hotels and tourist establishments are being built at great speed ... The ruins of a Paleochristian basilica of the sixth century are worth a detour at the entrance of the village, especially for its mosaic floors. You will find a row of taverns along the beach, including the Dimitrios tavern which concocts its dishes from products of the owners' farm. We recommend you to continue to the east and the Apokronas peninsula where quiet villages and some coves with clear waters are less visited. In Plaka, a few minutes away from Almyrida, old Greeks chat while playing the komboloï under eucalyptus trees in a kafeneion, perhaps remembering the days when the quietness of the village had been disturbed by the shooting of Cacoyannis' Zorba the Greek. A little further on, below Kokino Horio, you will find the small beach of Vraskou. Continuing towards Cape Drapanos and its historic lighthouse, there are caves overlooking the sea, including the elephant cave. Discovered about 20 years ago, it contains orange stalactites (presence of iron). We found there especially elephant bones dating from 50 000 or 60 000 years ago, an endemic species which would have populated Crete before it was detached from Asia Minor. It can be reached by diving or by organized excursions only.