Travel Guide Kissamos

Kissamos, 48 km west of Hania, marks the end of the national road. It is a city of 15,000 inhabitants built on the site of the ancient port of Polirrinia. During the Hellenistic period, the Romans developed a new city with all the characteristics of a Roman city: amphitheater, villas... The archaeological museum which opened its doors on the square of Kissamos is pleasant and very interesting. It traces the ancient history of the area and is an excellent reason to stop in the city. Much later, the Venetians built a castello here, which gave its name to the city. Today, Kissamos is more commonly referred to as Kastelli-Kissamos, but some of the old-timers still refer to it as the capital of the region. The ferry from Kythera and Peloponnese drops off a few tourists here, who usually head for other parts of the island. Indeed, Kissamos is an excellent starting point for some beautiful excursions in the region. Kissamos is the gateway to the beautiful peninsula of Gramvoussa. Excursion boats leave from its harbor to go around the peninsula to the Balos lagoon in one day. It also provides access to a beautiful hinterland with impressive gorges and the ruins of ancient Polirrinia.The wide bay of Kissamos is magnificent, the sandy beaches are large and beautiful and relatively uncolonized by tourists. Between the ferry port and the city center, the tiny fishing port is worth a stop, especially to have lunch in one of the taverns along the waterfront. The heart of the city is located around the Platia Kastellou, north of the main axis that crosses the city: a few taverns and kafeneia around a fountain, near a periptero. The main street is lively and lined with small stores, and it is here that the banks and the post office are located. The accommodation capacity is still higher than the demand, even in high season. On the main square, you can have a coffee, for example at the Aeras, the most pleasant with its shaded terrace next to the fountain (although a bit touristy). A very good old-fashioned bakery is located in the small street that runs east from the square. The restaurants are mainly located along the sea.