Characteristics of Kato Galatas

Kato Galatas is a popular seaside resort located about 6 km west of the regional city of Chania, on the Gulf of Chania. The original village of Galatas lies just a short distance to the south, surrounded by beautiful citrus and olive groves. Agriculture is still practiced by a large part of the local population and was once their main source of income. With the advent of mass tourism, a 'new village' called Kato Galatas has been created on the coast.

Kato Galatas is a smaller holiday resort, but very pleasant and with good tourist facilities - there are quite a number of hotels and family villas, nice restaurants and taverns, cafes, various shops, ATM, pharmacy and other services. There is a regular bus service to the village.

Kalamaki Beach and surrounding beaches

The resort is adjacent to the beautiful sandy beach of Kalamaki (sometimes the resort itself is also called Kalamaki Chania after this beach). The beach is popular among visitors mainly due to its fine sand, shallow waters and quality tourist service. Tourists can use sunbeds with umbrellas, beach showers, water sports centre, bars, adjacent taverns and smaller hotels. A lifeguard also supervises their safety during the high season.

To the east of the resort is the large sandy beach of Glaros, one of the four beaches of the so-called Agii Apostoli. Glaros Beach is situated in a spacious bay with fine sand, azure clear sea and a large number of tamarisk trees offering natural shade. However, the bay is open to northerly winds, so you can sometimes see really big waves. In that case, you can visit the surrounding, more sheltered bays of the so-called "Holy Apostles".

Kalamaki (Chania) vs. Kalamaki (Matala)

There are several beaches called "Kalamaki" on the island of Crete, and two of them in particular are really popular with tourists. One of them is the above described sandy beach of Kalamaki, which is part of the resort of Kato Galatas and is located on the northwest coast of the island, near the town of Chania.

The other well-known beach of this name is the smaller sandy beach of Kalamaki, located in the southern part of the island, in the Mesara Bay and close to the larger town of Matala. The beach belongs to the eponymous, pleasant and quiet resort of Kalamaki.

Tips for trips in the vicinity

The surroundings of Kato Galatas are very pleasant for romantic walks and hikes, especially the area towards the original village of Galatas, where the paths will be lined not only with the aforementioned citrus and olive trees, but also with various berries, figs and avocados. Stroll through the narrow streets of the old village and you can also stop by the beautiful white church in its square.

Be sure to take advantage of the proximity to the regional town of Chania and take a trip here. You won't be disappointed with a stroll through the old town of Chania, as well as the waterfront with its beautiful Venetian harbour. Chania is also a place of entertainment, shopping and cultural experiences.

About 7 km to the south, near the small village of Varipetro, is the Limnoupolis Water Park with lots of fun water attractions for the young and the more adventurous.

Who is the centre suitable for?

Kato Galatas is one of the quieter and smaller holiday resorts. Tourists praise especially the good facilities including accommodation, taverns, shops and other services and the beautiful sandy beach. However, thanks to the proximity to the larger city of Chania and good transport links, it is no big problem to go out for historical sights, more shopping or nightlife.

More touristic destinations of Crete

Close resorts: Daratso, Chania, Stalos

Most favourite resorts of Crete: Adelianos Kampos, Agia Marina, Agios Nikolaos, Heraklion (Iraklion), Hersonissos, Chania, Ierapetra, Kalamaki (Matala), Malia, Platanias (Chania), Rethymno, Stalis

Resorts, beaches, sights or trips - clearly listed on the map of Crete.