Villa Filira is located on a hillside in western Crete near the village of Kolymbari (aka Kolympari or Kolimvari), a coastal settlement of about 1,000 residents, nestled between sea and cliffs at the foot of the Rodopou peninsula. Its location is 25 km to the west of Chania town, a 25-minute drive along the National Road.
Kolymbari has retained its local colour and traditional lifestyle. Visitors have the chance to mingle with locals, shop for fresh seasonal produce in small food markets, stroll along the coastal promenade and savour tasty local specialties at cosy family-run eateries and taverns, some of which are ideally situated close to the waterfront. An early wake up could reward you with the freshest of the day’s catch from fishermen selling their goods along the village’s quaint little harbour, and at a good deal to boot. The village’s long beach is a mixture of sand and pebble, with some organized spots offering sun beds, umbrellas and a variety of water sports, and plenty of quiet stretches, should you prefer to escape to a sun-drenched world of your own. In Kolymbari you can find all necessary conveniences, including a supermarket, pharmacy, post office, bakery, bank, ATMs, petrol station and a doctor’s office. There is frequent bus service to and from the town of Chania as well as a taxi stand.
For a little more excitement, nightlife and shopping, the resort of Platanias is less than 10 minutes away by car, while the town of Chania, just 25 minutes away, offers an even greater variety. Villa Filira's location is a good base for exploring the area’s picturesque inland villages and some of the island’s best beaches that are conveniently located nearby. For outdoor enthusiasts, there are scenic trails and country roads to explore either on foot or by mountain bike.
Kolymbari is an ideal starting point for visits to a few arguably of the most beautiful beaches not only in Crete but the whole of Greece, namely, Balos, Falasarna and Elafonisi.
Balos, a relatively little known paradise on earth is located on the rugged unspoiled northwesternmost point of Crete, on the Gramvoussa Cape. The white sand and the crystal clear turquoise water classify Balos as one of the most beautiful beaches in Crete. Reaching this beach is an adventure in itself but once you get there either by boat or by the track road from Kaliviani village you will be rewarded by the magnificence of the Cretan nature.
Falasarna, on the west coast of Crete, is one of the most beautiful beaches in Greece. It has always being among the top winners of the contests for the most beautiful beaches in Europe and recently has been ranked by CNN as the 100th most beautiful beach of the world. Fine white sand, crystal-clear turquoise water and rather spacious, it rarely becomes overcrowded. Being located on the west shore of Crete, Falasarna truly fascinates the visitors with magnificent sunsets, arguably and admittedly among the most beautiful in Crete. Hence if we could give you a small tip it would definitely be this one: Don’t leave until the sun is set! A destination that does worth the journey.
Elafonisi is located in the southwest end of Crete, about 50km from Villa Filira. A place of an exceptional natural beauty which has been included in the Natura 2000 Environmental Protection Program. It is generally agreed that Elafonisi is among the top 5 beaches of Crete, for many simply the top. Many contests and travelers’ forums have placed Elafonisi among the best beaches of not only Greece but the whole world. What characterises the area of Elafonisi and makes it such an exotic place, are the little sand islets formed, the shallow turquoise waters of the sea, which at a point looks like a lagoon, and certainly the fine white sand which in some light displays tones of pink glow, believed to be from the thousands of broken seashells. Elafonisi gives the unique feeling of being in an exotic paradise whilst having a Mediterranean holiday. A place that will certainly not disappoint you.