Characteristics of Kissamos

Kissamos, Kastelli or Kasteli Kissamos? The name of this Greek village is not so simple. During the Venetian rule, a massive fortress was built here and the village took the name Kastelli (meaning "castle"). However, it was not the only "Kastelli" village on the island of Crete, so it was rather called Kasteli Kissamos (translated as "Kissamos Castle") to better distinguish it. So beware of confusion with the picturesque Cretan village of Kastelli, located in the interior of the island, southeast of the capital Heraklion. Nowadays, the more economical and simple name Kissamos is often encountered.

Kissamos is the main port in the northwestern part of Crete. It is located about 40 km west of the regional city of Chania, in the bay between the two peninsulas of Gramvousa and Rhodope. The surrounding area of the resort is very hilly and left rather open and wild. The area of Kissamos is an important producer of wine, olive oil and other agricultural products. The famous Kissamos wine is produced here and other local products such as thyme honey, oregano and raki are also renowned.

Although Kissamos is one of the smaller and quieter tourist areas, it has good tourist facilities. In addition to a variety of accommodation, visitors can take advantage of several restaurants and taverns stocked with fresh seafood by local fishermen, small shops, a bank, post office and car rental.

The town is well served by the North Cretan motorway. It runs right through the resort, but it doesn't disturb its tranquillity, as the resort is located at the very end of the motorway, so not many cars come here anymore.

The coastline around the resort and Kissamos beach

Around the entire resort stretches the long sandy beach of Kissamos (sometimes also known as Kasteli), washed by crystal clear water. The beach is partly organised and partly left free, in a purely natural setting. The busiest stretch of beach, which is also equipped with sun loungers, umbrellas and beach showers, lies in the western part of the resort. There are also excellent fish tavernas and beach bars on hand for visitors.

Kissamos even boasts two marinas. Just a few steps northwest of the resort, you will come across the old port of Kissamou, which is nowadays used more by local fishermen to moor their boats. The new port of Kasteli Kissamos is located a little further north and is also a stop for ferries heading from the Peloponnese to Kythira. There are several tavernas and bars as well as many small shops in the vicinity, making it a lively place full of tourists.

Historical sights and tips for trips in the area

Not far from the village (about 7 km southwards) is an important archaeological site which revealed a settlement dating back to the 8th century BC - the ancient city of Polyrrinia (Polyrrhenia). Polyrrinia is considered to be the oldest town built on Crete. Polyrrinia used to be an important trading town, even minting its own coins, and it was Kissamos that acted as its port.

On the site of today's town there was once a Venetian castle of Kissamos, of which only fragments have survived, for example in the form of original stones used as building material for later buildings. However, one of the surviving monuments from the Venetian rule is the beautiful large fountain from 1520, which stands near the town square and is still in use today. In general, the surroundings of the resort are very beautiful and during your walks you can come across several Byzantine churches, decorated inside with nice frescoes.

Right in the town there is the Archaeological Museum of Kissamos, housed in a beautiful two-storey Venetian building. The museum exhibits rare objects found in and around Kissamos, dating from prehistoric times to late antiquity (early Christian period). Among the exhibits you can see beautiful sculptures, vases, glass objects, jewellery and coins. The museum is particularly proud of its two beautiful and almost intact mosaic floors.

Boats leave from the harbour to the local historical and natural sights, and so tourists from neighbouring resorts also head here. From here you can take a cruise around the Gramvousa peninsula to its western shore, where the most beautiful beaches of Crete are located - Balos Lagoon, Falassarna Beach and Elafonisi. The sandy beach of Falassarna can be easily and quickly reached on foot. Another nice boat trip has the pirate island of Gramvousa as its destination.

If you prefer more of a walking tour, you can hike to the highest hill of the Gramvousa peninsula (762 m) and you will be rewarded with a magnificent view of the crystal clear sea and the unique surrounding nature. The gravel path leading to the top starts on the west side of Falassarna beach, but soon the terrain becomes more challenging, so sturdy shoes are recommended (children and less fit individuals are not suitable for this hike).

The picturesque historic town of Chania, which was the capital of Crete until 1972, is also worth a visit. You can also make a trip to the city more interesting by taking a boat service from Kissamos instead of a bus for one trip.

Who is the centre suitable for?

The small resort of Kissamos attracts visitors mainly for its tranquility, interesting surroundings and nature, pleasant sandy beach and excellent fish taverns with a beautiful view of the sea. Kissamos is really already a remote resort and if you want the hustle and bustle of the famous holiday resorts and nightlife, you'll have to travel further afield for them (the nearest livelier resorts include Platanias, Agia Marina and then of course the historic town of Chania). Kissamos, on the other hand, can be an ideal starting point for exploring the beauty of the western part of Crete.

More touristic destinations of Crete

Close resorts: Falassarna

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.