Numerous tourists from different countries have long appreciated the magnificent Cretan resorts located on the northern coast of the picturesque island. Kolymvari, a compact village that has preserved the traditional way of life in rural Greece, is different from most of them.
The resort is located 24 km west of the historic centre of Chania. In this part of the Rhodopos Peninsula there are no noisy crowds of tourists, a variety of entertainment venues or crowded sandy beaches. Kolymvari attracts foreign tourists with completely different features:
- calm rhythm of life and quiet streets;
- numerous cafΓ©s β local cafes where guests are served unusually delicious coffee brewed in Greek;
- olive groves;
- vineyards scattered on the slopes of low hills;
- cozy taverns, where they treat dishes made from fish caught in the local bay;
- four-kilometer beach, covered with a mixture of medium and large pebbles.
In Kolymvari and the vicinity of the small town for guests of the resort open the doors of 52 hotels of various categories. Among them, ten of the best established institutions stand out.
- 1 Avra Imperial Hotel
- 2 Euphoria Resort
- 3 CHC Galini Palace
- 4 Giannoulis β Cavo Spada Luxury Sports & Leisure Resort & Spa
- 5 Giannoulis β Grand Bay Beach Resort (Exclusive Adults Only)
- 6 Chrispy Hotel & Waterpark
- 7 Selini Suites & Waterpark
- 8 Solimar White Pearl β Adults Only
- 9 Aphea Village
- 10 Kamares Sanctuaries
- 11 Selection of hotels Kolymvari on map
Avra Imperial Hotel
In the northern part of Kolymvari on the territory of 65 thousand square meters. m are located the buildings of Avra Imperial – a five-star hotel complex. The luxury hotel began to receive guests in June 2006 The distance from “Avra Imperial” to the nearest beach is about 250 m.
The hotel offers its guests accommodation and pleasant rest in 328 ultra-modern rooms of 11 categories. The total area of each of them is from 32 to 120 sq. m. 118 rooms have access to a small private pool. On the territory of Avra Imperial guests will find cozy halls and dishes of local and international cuisine in four restaurants:
- Al Fresco;
- Blue Dong;
- Basilico;
- Avra Seaside.
There are also separate areas on site where lunches or dinners are served on request for ceremonies. Avra Imperial has four small bars. A variety of leisure activities is guaranteed to guests thanks to the facilities located on the territory of the hotel:
- three outdoor pools; the area of the largest of them is 1.5 thousand square meters;
- two clubs β for toddlers and teenagers;
- children’s playground;
- spa complex with indoor pool, massage rooms, beauty salon, baths and gym;
- two tennis courts;
- several playgrounds for sports games.
For guests of the hotel there are doors of a small chapel where you can hold a wedding ceremony. Business people will also be satisfied with their pastime at Avra Imperial. The hotel is equipped with 11 conference rooms equipped with modern high-tech equipment. The capacity of the premises is from 22 to 1094 people.
Hotel “Avra Imperial” is the best option for tourists who appreciate comfort, a high level of modern service and a variety of leisure. At the same time, vacationers have the opportunity, going for a walk through the streets of the village, to get acquainted with the traditional lifestyle of the Cretans. The hotel is especially suitable for travelers who are accustomed to relax with their families.
Ksenia Kobzeva, Eagle. Resting in Kolymvari with my husband, we could compare the Russian and Greek provinces, making a discount on the fact that the village is a seaside resort, and not an ordinary city located in the outback. Hotel “Avra Imperial” surprised us with luxury. The rooms are spacious, clean and bright. The staff is very friendly. We hardly left the hotel. We swam in the pools, tried dishes in all restaurants, visited the spa. Services are not cheap, but the quality of service compensates for this disadvantage. We enjoyed walking around the village. Calm, quiet, sparsely populated. Beautiful houses, many taverns, flowers everywhere. Very pleasant to the eye village. The hotel is quite consistent with five stars. We regretted that we did not take our son, who is 10 years old, with them. For him, there are a lot of interesting activities here – from a children’s pool to a club.
Euphoria Resort
In May 2018, the Euphoria Hotel opened 1.4 km from the center of Kolymvari. The buildings of the five-star hotel, which positions itself as a resort for family holidays, are located on the territory of 65 thousand square meters. m. Euphoria Resort operates on the “ultra all inclusive” system popular with tourists.
Guests of the hotel are accommodated in 287 modern rooms of three categories: “suites”, “classic” and “junior suites”. The simple interior of buildings is dominated by geometric shapes: rectangles, cubes, sharp corners and squares. The beach is located 250 m from Euphoria. On the territory of the hotel for guests there is everything you need to diversify your leisure time during your summer holidays:
- Harmonia is a modern spa complex with rooms for wellness treatments, as well as a sauna, gym and steam room;
- three clubs for young vacationers – from 4 to 12 years, over 13 years old and for those who are not yet 4 years old;
- two tennis courts;
- Waterland is a compact water park with several descents and attractions;
- a large swimming pool, the area of which is 3 thousand square meters;
- playgrounds and facilities for Pilates, dancing and yoga, as well as for table tennis and football.
The hotel offers three cozy bars with a wide selection of original cocktails, fresh juices and quality alcoholic beverages. Lovers of sweets can visit the cafΓ©-confectionery Souvlucky. On the territory of the hotel there are four restaurants:
- Symposium β international cuisine is served here;
- Piatto β Italian restaurant;
- Chef’s Grill is a gastronomic institution for lovers of meat dishes;
- Kouzina is a restaurant located near the sea coast.
Hotel “Euphoria” is a great option for summer holidays of parents who usually rest with children. Euphoria will also suit travelers who appreciate comfortable conditions and prefer not to leave the hotel.
Mikhail Odintsov, Kazan. Booked with his wife hotel “Euphoria” on the hotel’s website. The room was with a beautiful view of the azure sea. The hotel staff not only helped with the registration of check-in, but also escorted to the room. The rooms are bright. The Internet is fast. We had a smart TV in the room, which is very convenient. We watched one Russian channel and YouTube. Very large swimming pool. Near him in the evenings animators arranged performances and concerts. We especially liked the Greek dances. The beach is very close. But it is dominated by a fairly large pebbles, which did not like his wife. So we preferred the pool. My wife was very pleased with the treatments at the spa. In general, the hotel deserves high praise for comfort, and for service, and for the variety of recreation.
CHC Galini Palace
In 2021, 215 hotels belonging to the CHC brand welcomed guests in Greece. The five-star complex Galini Palace,belonging to this network, opened its doors recently, in October 2019, the hotel, occupying an area of 50 thousand square meters. m, is located 4 km from the central quarters of Kolymvari and 55 meters from the beach strip.
For vacationers there are 128 rooms of four categories. Eight of them have access to their own pool. The area of each room is from 26 to 30 sq. m. On the territory of the hotel there are objects that guarantee a pleasant pastime for guests:
- a large swimming pool (3 thousand square meters) with an artificial island in the middle;
- children’s playground;
- swimming pool for young holidaymakers;
- two restaurants;
- gym;
- table tennis court.
“Galini Palace” works on the concept of “all inclusive”. Meals are served in the main restaurant. Drinks of bars are available in unlimited quantities. If desired, guests of the hotel can dine or dine in the second Γ la carte restaurant.
Galini Palace is the most suitable option for tourists who dream of a relaxing holiday in a quiet place. At the same time, guests of the hotel receive a set of services, without which it is difficult to imagine the leisure of modern tourists coming to the sea resort.
Agnia Lebedeva, Krasnodar. Galini Palace is a brand new hotel. But this is not its main advantage. Much more important to us, the two tourists from me and my friend, is the kind and helpful staff. The dishes in the restaurant (we visited only the main one) are cooked perfectly. Delicious and simple. Loved the pool. Pebble beach is very close. Rest and service were very satisfied.
Giannoulis β Cavo Spada Luxury Sports & Leisure Resort & Spa
In April 2010, a large hotel complex was opened 2.3 km from the city center on the shore of the picturesque bay. Giannoulis β Cavo Spada positions itself as a luxury five-star hoteloffering a variety of sports activities and spa services. The hotel complex, consisting of several two- and one-story buildings, occupies a total area of 65 thousand square meters. m.
Guests can choose a “suite”, “family room” or “junior suite” that meets their desires and requirements. Giannoulis β Cavo Spada has 150 design rooms with spacious balconies or furnished terraces. The hotel is suitable for tourists belonging to the following categories:
- for lovers of pebble beaches;
- fans of a relaxing holiday without noisy discos and parties;
- connoisseurs of modern comfort;
- vacationers who can not imagine their vacation without swimming in the pool and spa treatments.
The total area of each room is from 33 to 41 sq. m. Between the beach and the hotel complex there is a cozy green recreation area. Sun umbrellas are installed here. Near each of them there are two comfortable sun loungers. On the hotel territory there are several objects, thanks to which tourists can diversify their leisure:
- swimming pool (its area is 1.7 thousand square meters);
- mini-club for young holidaymakers;
- well-equipped gym;
- small swimming pool for children;
- two tennis courts;
- Spa with heated pool and a wide range of body care services.
The hotel offers a wide range of gastronomic establishments. Cocktails and light snacks are served at two bars. The hotel has four restaurants:
- Avra β Mediterranean dishes;
- Azurro β Italian cuisine;
- Sea Line β beach tavern;
- Arsenali β international cuisine.
Evgeny Pivovarov, St. Petersburg. Hotel with the big name “Gyananoulis β Kavo Spada…” chose with his wife by chance. And they didn’t regret it at all. The staff is very friendly. The pool is large, transparent and clean. My wife and I swam several times every day. In the middle of the pool there is a bar, to which a bridge leads. On hot days, we enjoyed relaxing on the green lawn, which is on the way to the beach. The main restaurant has a beautiful presentation of dishes. There are several inexpensive taverns near the hotel. A week of vacation flew by like one day.
Giannoulis β Grand Bay Beach Resort (Exclusive Adults Only)
Four-star hotel “Big Bay” – so you can translate the name of the hotel, part of the network Giannoulis – began to receive vacationers in April 2010 The complex, consisting of several two-story buildings, is located 800 m from the central streets of Kolymvari and 50 m from the beach, covered with large pebbles.
All 78 rooms of the hotel are equipped with a set of necessary furniture and household appliances that provide a comfortable stay for guests of grand bay, positioning itself as a beach resort “only for adults”. “Grand Bay” is designed for a pleasant and relaxing pastime of newlyweds and couples. The size of each room is 25-40 sq. m.
For hotel guests there are two bars, one of which is located by the pool. Breakfasts, dinners and lunches are served in the main restaurant. Grand Bay operates on an all-inclusive system. The Γ la carte restaurant serves Mediterranean and Cretan dishes. Leisure guests of the hotel is characterized by a great variety:
- massage in specially equipped rooms;
- swimming in a spacious pool shaped like a river;
- relaxing holiday in the green area located in front of the beach;
- training in a small but well-equipped gym;
- swimming in the second pool with a separate area for children.
Galina Kazimirova, Ekaterinburg. Rested in Kolymvari with a friend. The Grand Bay Hotel was chosen on the advice of colleagues. I especially liked the balconies from which you can admire the sea, and the pool, like a river. Service in the restaurant and in the hotel at a decent level. There are almost no complaints. Pebble beach just a few steps from the hotel. It was very quiet in the evenings. This is exactly the type of holiday for which we chose the “Grand Bay”.
Chrispy Hotel & Waterpark
The four-star hotel,which positions itself as a family hotel, is located 400 m west of the Cavo Spada complex. Chrispy opened its doors in November 2009 To get from the hotel to the pebble beach, tourists have to overcome about 250 m.
Chrispy has 156 rooms of seven categories. The total area of each of them is 17-45 sq. m. The hotel restaurant offers a wide selection of dishes served according to the “buffet” system – “buffet”. On the territory of chrispy Hotel for guests there are several objects, thanks to which the rest becomes diverse and exciting:
- small water park;
- outdoor swimming pool;
- tennis court;
- playgrounds for mini-football and beach volleyball;
- sauna;
- compact swimming pool for young guests;
- playground for children’s games;
- jacuzzi.
Rest in Chrispy Hotel will be satisfied with parents going on vacation with their young children. Travelers who prefer a variety of resort leisure will also not be disappointed with the hotel.
Vasily Permyakov, Ufa. Rested in the hotel “Crispi” three – my wife, son and me. The room is cozy with a small balcony from which you can watch those who swim in the pool. Our son, who is 12 years old, was very pleased that the hotel has a water park. There are not many slides, but still he was interesting and fun. The restaurant was served on a buffet system. The choice of dishes is limited, but everything was very tasty. We used the car rental service to go to the neighboring beaches for a change. Among the guests in the hotel dominated by Europeans, mostly French. Animation, by the way, was designed primarily for them and was conducted in French. But still everyone was interesting and fun.
Selini Suites & Waterpark
Just south of the Chrispy Hotel are selini Suites. “Selini”, positions itself as a four-star hotel with a water park. The institution opened its doors in April 2010 The peculiarity of the hotel is a green courtyard, in which there is a palm garden and a recreation area with sun loungers, a swimming pool and umbrellas.
The hotel has 137 bright furnished rooms of six categories. The area of each of them is from 16 to 38 sq. m. Breakfasts, dinners and lunches are served for Selini guests in the restaurant, working on the “buffet” system. Refreshing drinks and cocktails are available at two bars.
The nearest beach is located 750 m from the hotel, if you go along the neighboring streets. Vacationers do not get bored during the holidays, thanks to the variety of opportunities that provide facilities related to the organization of leisure:
- two pools;
- water park with six water slides;
- game room for young holidaymakers;
- small gym;
- Spa rooms, which offer wellness treatments and several types of oriental massage.
Selini Suites is a great option for tourists who appreciate cozy rooms, comfort and a wide range of entertainment. A few days of accommodation and rest in the hotel will certainly be remembered by lovers of serene pastime on the beach. Children and teenagers will also not be bored if their parents choose Selini Suites for a summer family holiday.
Alexander Prokhorov, Rostov-on-Don. Visited the hotel “Selini” with his wife and two sons 6 and 9 years old in July this year. The rooms are very clean. In the small kitchen it was possible to prepare hot sandwiches, coffee, tea, light dinner. My wife loved the view from the balcony. Our room was located on the third floor, so you could admire the sea for a long time. The beach is a 7-8 minute walk away. For a towel take a fee of two euros. In the evenings, concerts with local musicians were held by the pool in the courtyard. In the lobby on the wall hung a large TV screen. I, along with new friends, sometimes watched football matches. Nearby there is a supermarket, a bus stop, a bakery and several taverns. There are no complaints about the staff. Rest in “Selini” left only pleasant impressions.
Solimar White Pearl β Adults Only
About 300 m west of the Euphoria Resort are the “possessions” of the four-star hotel complex Solimar White Pearl, which positions itself as an “adults only” hotel. The institution consists of several two-storey buildings. The design of the facades of buildings and interiors is dominated by light colors, which explains the name of the hotel “White Pearls” – so you can translate a beautiful phrase.
Solimar White Pearl, which opened its doors recently, in July 2019, has 74 spacious rooms of two categories: “standard” and “junior suites”. Their area is 20-30 sq. m. The hotel’s restaurant serves Cretan, Mediterranean and Greek dishes. For lovers of original cocktails and light snacks there is a small bar.
The hotel will suit tourists who dream of spending a few days of vacation in silence away from the bustle of the city and noise. At the same time, vacationers receive a wide range of summer leisure, typical for a sea resort:
- swimming in the azure sea and a large swimming pool;
- relaxed pastime on a clean pebble beach;
- games for children in a specially equipped room;
- sunbathing in the recreation area located between the beach and the hotel grounds.
Anna Kirova, Voronezh. The main thing that attracted us β me and my husband β to the Hotel Solimar is a clean pebble beach, bright rooms, delicious food in the restaurant and a large outdoor pool. The hotel is located in a tropical garden. The rooms are quite spacious, clean and homely. The Internet worked smoothly, which was important for my husband. The employees helped us to realize a long-standing desire to travel around the island by car. They suggested both the points where you can rent a car, and the most interesting places to explore the island.
Aphea Village
Tourists who dream of feeling the life of the Cretan city from the inside, will be satisfied with accommodation and rest in Aphea Village – a three-star hotel,located 200 m west of Avra Imperial. The hotel, which opened its doors in March 2011, really looks like a Cretan village, which justifies the second half of its name Village.
The hotel consists of several buildings connected by common walls. Between the buildings there is a green courtyard with a small pool in the shape of a square. Guests live in 30 rooms of three categories. The total area of each of them is from 40 to 60 sq. m.
The hotel has a cosy bar serving vegetable salads, juices and original cocktails. Breakfasts are served in the dining area or on the spacious summer terrace equipped with tables and a sun awning. Guests can play billiards if they wish. To get to the nearest beach, you need to walk about 480 m.
Review. Kirill Abramov, Perm. Hotel “Afea Village” is a great option for people like me and my wife – lovers of a relaxing holiday in a quiet place. Delicious breakfasts, beautiful views from large balconies, a clean pool – all this will be received by those who stay in this hotel. It is also important to note the professional work of the hotel staff. Their smiles lifted our spirits, and the tips helped us to get acquainted with the most interesting corners of Kolymvari.
Kamares Sanctuaries
About 350 m south of Aphea Village is a cozy hotel,more like a traditional Cretan house, with the curious name Kamares Sanctuaries, which can be translated as “Kamare shelter”. The hotel, which opened its doors in September 2010, is a great option for tourists whose cherished desire to feel like residents of the island at least for a few days.
Kamares offers guests rest and accommodation in six luxury rooms. Each has a small balcony or terrace overlooking the picturesque courtyard. The area of the rooms is from 16 to 45 sq. m. In the courtyard there is a cozy recreation area where you can sit at tables in the shade of tall subtropical trees.
Breakfast is served in their rooms. If desired, you can swim in the jacuzzi installed in the courtyard. Guests are guaranteed a secluded stay, silence and pleasant summer evenings.
Evgeny Uvarov, Pskov. Kamares is a great hotel. Small, cozy, clean. My wife and I wanted to stay in a hotel like local houses. Amanda and Emilio are the owners of the hotel β very friendly and friendly people. Helped with the settlement, gave a map of the area, told about the sights of the surrounding area. The hostess every morning prepared for us something original and tasty for breakfast. Rest left only positive emotions.
Which hotel out of ten can be called the best?
Kolymvari is a small Greek town, where in general it was possible to preserve the leisurely Cretan lifestyle. The hotels mentioned above reflect the flavor of this picturesque resort and are in many ways similar to each other. Therefore, it is not easy to choose the best hotel. Tourists who care about the feeling of privacy and the opportunity to get acquainted with the peculiarities of the local lifestyle will be satisfied with Kamares Sanctuaries. For travelers who appreciate a variety of leisure, comfortable conditions and beach entertainment, the most suitable option is Avra Imperial or Euphoria.
Selection of hotels Kolymvari on map
