Likotinarea

Sellia and Souri are tiny, very typical Cretan villages on the Apokoronou Peninsula where time has stood still, with 1 kafenio each, set next to each other on the hill between the Vrisses valley and Souda Bay.

Panoramic views of the White Mountains in the south, the sea facing east to Rethymnon, or Souda Bay in the north are possible from different areas in the villages. Lovely rural villages, yet only 6km from Vamos, and 7 kms from the beach at Georgioupolis.

Two soldiers of the army of Alexander the Great arrived at the area and established and ruled the two neighboring Kalamitsi villages. Alexander and Amygdalos with the control of Kalamitsi Amygdalou. This is the most common legend of how the two villages got their names.

Just after Kalamitsi Alexandrou is the historic village Kalamitsi Amygdalou. On the way to Georgioupolis we will meet the open square on the central road and the old building of the community. Here also operates the women’s cooperative which was established in 1991. It produces and sells wonderful traditional silken threads and artwork made from silk.
A few meters beforewe can turn right on a narrow alley and led to the village center with the main big church. Narrow streets, old buildings and beautiful courtyards can travel us to a more scenic and authentic era.
Kalamitsi Amygdalou is considered a rural village, located 31 km. from Chania and is situated at an altitude of 140 m. The main attractions of the village is the old fountain and the Church of St. Paul, aged 200 years. There is also the wonderful natural area with huge plane trees and the crystal natural running water where the villagers gather for events and picnics.
About 100 meters further downhill there is a shady path on our left hand side and the sign which lead us to the church of St. Eleousa (left) or to St. Paul (right). There we will find the natural spring with clear fresh water and the hidden church of Agia Eleousa. It's worth a stop to enjoy the scenery and tranquility of nature before returning to the village.
Kalamitsi Amygdalou is an ideal destination to explore the area of Apokoronas and Sfakia and to have a wonderful, calm and relaxed night at the kafeneio of the village! It is very close to big villages of Vamos, Georgioupoli and Vrisses so you can have whatever you ask for!

http://www.vamosvillage.gr/

Kefalas is regarded as one of the most beautiful villages in the Apokoronas region, 34km far from Chania city. The village is a maze of narrow, winding, bougainvillea lined streets.

One side of the village faces east with panoramic views over the sea to Rethymnon and Mount Ida in the Psiloritis Mountains, and the other side faces south, west and north to the White Mountains and Souda Bay.



This charming village has 2 tavernas, 2 well stocked mini markets, and 4 kafenions. There are eight churches in Kefalas, some of which are historic, and the villagers celebrate with a feast day on August the 15th. On the outskirts of the village towards Drapanos there is the ruin of an ancient windmill, and you will also see many old corn threshing circles dotted around the area.

Kefalas is just 10 minutes by car to the gorgeous rocky cove at Ombrosgialos, which is famous for its turquoise water, great snorkelling, and a lovely taverna nestled on the rocks. The National Highway and the beach villages of Almyrida and Kalives are only 15 minutes away by car.

Leaving behind both Kalamitsia, Amygdalou and Alexander and heading to Georgioupolis will find our next stop. The historical village of Exopolis.
It is a small mountainous village of Apokoronas which is built on the hillside above the Georgioupolis at an altitude of 130 meters. The main feature of the village is the panoramic view of the plain of Georgioupolis and the wonderful view of the White Mountains “Lefka Ori”, the surrounding villages up the mountains of Rethymnos.
The village of Exopolis has a big tourist development with many traditional & modern guest houses and restaurants for any taste. The rich social and cultural activity of the village has brought it up as a cultural center of the area.Just 35 km away from Chania, on the main road Vamos- Georgioupolis will find the signs that lead us directly to the center of the village. Narrow streets, not for a car, traditional houses with rich and well groomed courtyards expect us to discover them and if we are lucky a villager will invite us for a treat and chatting.
In the center of the village we will find the church which is dedicated to the Koimesis or “falling asleep in death” of the Virgin Mary (Maria), one of the greatest holidays in Greek Orthodox Church (celebrated in villages all over Crete with traditional open-air feasts on August 15) and St. Demetrius. An old post-Byzantine church which was built in 1908 after 20 years of work. From the churchyard we can admire the entire valley of eastern Apokoronas. A wonderful panorama full of mountains, villages and sea!!
Also the locals are proud of the banner of the village! In 1901a flag of the Cretan State with the Virgin was made in Athens as the banner of the village! It is a linen2 sided fabric, almost 2x2 meters and is posted inside the church!Once we get lost for a while in the traditional streets we will definitely meet the old school on the edge of the village with a beautiful view of the White Mountains. Unfortunately the school ceased operation in the early 90s. From there we can continue our way to our next stop in another village of eastern Apokoronas!

Source : http://eparxiakofos.gr/