Why you need to visit Paleochora in south west Crete

“Getting into the Paleochora groove is the greatest sensation – certainly in all Crete – some say in all Greece,” Nancy Snipper, travel writer.

Not enough for you? Here’s why you must visit Paleochora. Paleochora is a beautiful small town in the south west of island of Crete, which sits on its own peninsula jutting out into the translucent water. Rapturous views over the Mediterranean can be lapped up and treasured from every perspective of the peninsula.  The beaches at Paleochora are adorned with soft, golden sand and are a great spot for people of all ages to relax and enjoy.

The drive to this idyllic and bohemian village might be twisty and turning but it’s thoroughly attractive. The roads twist and turn through Crete’s distinctly green and mountainous landscape.

In the 1960s a crowd of young, carefree travellers found Paleochora and formed a fond attachment to it. This Cretan town has clung to a ‘hippy’ presence ever since and today Paleochora is regarded as a hip place to visit and hang out.

As travel writer Nancy Snipper aptly describes:

“Getting into the Paleochora groove is the greatest sensation – certainly in all Crete – some say in all Greece.”

The fragrance of the Bougainvillea sprawling across the white-washed drifts through Paleochora’s streets.  Meandering through these narrow streets and spending an idle afternoon ensconced in a seafront restaurant or bar has to be one of life’s simplest pleasures.

For the first ten days of August Paleochora’s tranquillity is disrupted as the town becomes alive with the excitement of the Paleochora Music Festival. As well as live acts there is a singing contest where locals try and win over the crowd. Tourists are encouraged to join in, so if you consider yourself as a bit of a singer, now’s your chance to prove it – You are bound to be admired for your efforts.