Kolymbari or Kolymvari, Chania
Discover the area of Kolymbari, a unique destination in Chania known for its crystal-clear beaches and tranquility. At Atlas Properties, we offer an exquisite selection of properties in this ideal location, targeting buyers who wish to invest in a place that perfectly combines natural beauty and accessibility. Choose Kolymbari for your next property purchase and ensure the ultimate balance between quality living and a profitable investment.
Why Kolymbari is considered an ideal location for property purchase
Location
Kolymbari, as the locals call it, or Kolymvari, as it is officially known, is a small town on the northern side of Crete, 24 kilometers west of Chania city, at the southern end of the Rodopou Peninsula. It is built on a picturesque bay with a sandy beach and a small, charming harbor that was reconstructed in 2023 and is particularly beautiful and well-maintained. From Kolymbari, one can easily reach Chania either via the Old National Road, passing through coastal villages (Tavronitis, Maleme, Platanias, Agia Marina, Stalos, Daratso), or via the Northern Road Axis of Crete (Highway E65). The distance is almost the same, but the time is shorter via E65. The presence of a highway junction in Kolymbari makes the location advantageous for those who want to move comfortably and quickly throughout the Chania region and Crete.
Destination
Kolymbari is particularly popular among visitors because it perfectly balances the feel of a traditional village with modern tourist facilities and amenities. Locals combine their traditional Cretan, highly friendly, and hospitable temperament with high-quality hospitality services. One can easily find affordable and clean rooms, as well as luxury resorts.
Its location in the beautiful bay, at the foot of the Rodopou Peninsula, is ideal for those who desire a quiet stay in a place full of nature and a wonderful sea view—without sacrificing any of the comfort or privileges of proximity to the city of Chania.
Gastronomy
Kolymbari is renowned for its local tavernas offering traditional Cretan cuisine and fresh fish and seafood. The seafood meze accompanied by local raki and the view of the deep blue sea is an unbeatable combination.
Another exceptional product of Kolymbari is olive oil. The extra virgin olive oil of Kolymbari (protected designation of origin product), known worldwide for its excellent organoleptic characteristics, is distinguished by its unique aroma and full fruity taste given by the characteristics of the olives and the soil of the area.
Additionally, there are vineyards and wineries in the area producing wines from local grape varieties as well as international ones. The wines of Kolymbari are particularly known in Crete.
Attractions in Kolymbari, Chania
Monastery of Odigitria Gonia: The most interesting attraction in the Kolymbari area is the Monastery of Panagia Odigitria, known as “Moni Gonia,” located at the western end of Kolymbari Bay. The Moni Gonia is a men’s stauropegic monastery built in the 9th century that played an active role in Crete’s struggle for independence during the Ottoman occupation. As a result, the monastery was destroyed several times by the Ottomans. Today, one can admire old manuscripts and books dating back several centuries in the monastery’s library, although, unfortunately, a large portion of these invaluable writings were burned in the fire of 1867. Near the Moni Gonia is the Orthodox Academy of Crete.
Orthodox Academy of Crete: The Orthodox Academy of Crete (OAC), founded in 1968, is a charitable foundation. It serves as a communication channel between the Church and the intellectual world and society, organizing annual thematic study cycles, international seminars, conferences, and publications in the form of an open university. Since 2019, the Academy has been recognized as a Research Center by the Ministry of Education.
Ancient Olive Tree of Vouves: The Ancient Olive Tree of Vouves is an olive tree in the village of Ano Vouves, in the Kolymbari municipal unit. It is possibly one of the oldest olive trees in the world, still producing olives today. Its exact age cannot be determined and is estimated between 2500 and 5000 years. It attracts many visitors every year.
Deliana-Mesavlia Gorge or Deliana or Mesavlia Gorge: Crete is famous for its gorges. The most well-known in the Kolymbari area is the Deliana Gorge. Deliana is about 13.5 km from Kolymbari, and the entrance to the gorge is 1.5 kilometers from the village center. The gorge is filled with chestnut trees, plane trees, carob trees, and other trees and low vegetation. The gorge is about five kilometers long and is easy and very pleasant to cross, as the changing landscapes and views fill the eye and calm the soul.
Nearby Beaches
Kolymbari can be used as a base for visiting many well-known and lesser-known beaches in the Chania region. Below are the distances:
- Elafonissi: 50 km
- Balos: 29.5 km
- Falassarna: 29 km
- Afrata: 7.5 km
- Ravdoucha: 10 km
- Menies: 26.5 km
- Agia Marina: 14 km
- Platanias: 12.5 km
- Mavros Molos: 15.5 km
Residence in Kolymbari
Due to all the above, Kolymbari has become a magnet for property purchases, both for investment-commercial properties and residences and buildable plots. Atlas Properties, with extensive experience and deep knowledge of the local market, offers the following properties in the Kolymbari area. View the properties.
Atlas Properties offers a wide range of properties to meet buyers’ needs and, in collaboration with a broad network of professionals, can provide prospective buyers-investors with the property that meets their criteria upon request.
