Fantastic Things to Do in Kissamos, Chania

Are you planning to visit West Crete and looking for things to do in Kissamos? You’re at the right place! The small town of Kissamos is ideal for a tranquil holiday. It’s not super crowded, and there are a few good beaches and interesting attractions that you might want to check out. Read on and discover what to do in Kissamos!

If you’re enjoying your vacation in the tranquil coastal town of Kissamos, chances are that you will be relaxing, going to the beach, and eating delicious local food… not much more.

Kissamos, or Kissamos-Kastelli, is a small seaside town about 40 minutes from Chania and a must-go destination in Crete if you’re taking the ferry to Balos. Balos’ daily cruises depart from Kavonisi, the small port of Kissamos.

Kissamos is located facing the Kissamos or Myrtilos Gulf, between the peninsulas of Gramvousa and Rodopou. The old name of the settlement comes from the Venetian fortress that was built there.

Archaeological Museum of Kissamos

Probably the most important place to visit in Kissamos is its Archaeological Museum, a great starting point for learning about Ancient Phalassarna, an important excavated site near Falasarna Beach.

You can easily visit the museum and the site on the same day since they are located within a few kilometers. Before entering the museum, take a look at the facade. It’s a fantastic Venetian-Turkish building with an arched entrance and two staircases over the portico. The building is an important monument known also as the town’s headquarters (Dikitirio).

The exhibition portrays the district’s history with collections from Prehistoric Times to Early Christianity.

Even if you are not fond of museums, this one is easy to visit and appreciate. It’s reasonably didactic for children and quite small, so you can probably see the most important exhibitions in under an hour.

The ground floor presents artifacts from different cities of Crete (Polyrrhenia, Ancient Phalassarna, Drapanias, and the larger area known as Minoan Era Nopigia).

The upper floor is devoted to the city of Kissamos. Objects date mostly from the Roman period, overshadowed by the Minoan era. As you go up to the second floor, look at the surviving part of an excavated Roman bath. It was part of the structure even before the building hosting the museum was built, which was built during the Venetian times.

The biggest hall on the second floor features impressive mosaics. Two of them are particularly interesting and were part of important urban villas. The biggest of them depicts a magnificent allegory of Dionysus. The floor was probably located in a large reception hall. Its central image depicts a victorious Dionysus surrounded by scenes of a sacred hunt.

A smaller mosaic, extremely well-preserved and probably the object of thorough restoration works, features a unique combination of the four seasons with three female figures representing Summer, Winter, and Spring in its center.

The hall next to the mosaic is mainly about the economy and trading activity in the area around Kissamos. It has ancient coins and amphorae used in the commerce of different goods. There’s also a small area with ancient jewelry, an impressive snapshot of the area’s economic importance.

Kissamos Castle

Originally known as Kastelli, the city was renamed Kissamos in 1966. However, the original name came from the Venetian fortress Castel Chissamo. A few ruins of the castle are still visible.

However, the original castle was not Venetian. It was built by a Genoese pirate in the early 13th century. However, the Venetians took over the fortification in the early 1200s. They restored it, transforming it into a defensive military center of the region. The fort was an asymmetrical pentagon with quartering areas, prisons, and churches, each serving a specific purpose.

By the end of the Venetian Era on Crete, the castle had over 800 residents and about 35 cannons. The fortress was destroyed by an earthquake in 1595 and rebuilt by the Venetians. The reconstruction works took about 40 years.

When the Ottoman Empire invaded Crete, the fort was besieged (1646) and fell to the Turks, marking a significant shift in the region’s power dynamics even when the castle was a constant target of the Cretan rebels.

Today, some parts of the ancient fort can still be seen near the center of town. However, most of the ruins belong to the Turkish period.

>> A few meters from the fortress, you can also see the remnants of a Hellenic-Roman Necropolis.

Agios Ioannis Prodromos

One of the cutest churches in the area is Saint John the Forerunner, on the road that goes from Kissamos to the Port of Kavonisi (from where you take the cruise to Balos) and opposite Damiali Beach,

This small but picturesque church was built inside a cave. It has a limestone facade, two modest bell towers, and a low but very distinctive red-tiled dome.

You can visit the church to see the different small wood icons. The church features black-and-white tiled floors, but the most beautiful feature is the impressive rock walls behind the altar. Flickering candles are reverently lit next to the rock, casting a soft glow and creating an atmosphere of profound spirituality.

Once you have visited the church, you can also access the opposite part of the cave (the entrance is well-marked and has a small gate with flower pots). Here, you will find unique icons made in cut-out wood and painted in bright colors with golden details.

You can get there by car (it’s a very short drive from Kissamos’ main square) and there’s plenty of available parking in the area.

>> Looking for a place to stay in Kissamos? Check out the best rental homes and top hotels in Kissamos!

Ancient Phalassarna

This ancient Dorian settlement was founded back in the seventh century BC in the area known as Cape Koutri in the Gramvousa Peninsula. The archaeological site is about 18 km from Kissamos, next to Falasarna Beach.

The city-state of Phalassarna was a major trading and naval center that controlled the sea routes to northern Africa and Italy. The thriving community was ruled by laws and a political system. Besides, it was an important commercial and economic center based on sea trade and navigation.

As time went by, Phalassarna became an important naval power, and the city was protected with fortified walls and military buildings. The city’s main feature was an impressive closed harbor carved out of a lagoon, surrounded by quays and defensive towers. It also featured a channel that connected the port to the sea, making it particularly safe.

Phalassarna’s roots go back to the early Minoan period but reached its zenith during the 4th and 3rd centuries BC. Its strategic location and connection with the Egyptian city of Alexandria were key factors in its economic prosperity. Activities such as piracy and warfare played a significant role in its rise. The inhabitants were known for their military prowess and leadership.

This era ended with the Roman invasion and destruction of the city in 69 BC. However, the real reason for the decline was a catastrophic earthquake in 365 AD. As a result, Crete’s west coast rose about 6,6 meters (at the same time the eastern coast sunk), causing the port to recede from the coast.

You can download the Ancient Phalassarna App before the visit to learn more:

With this free app, you can move around the archaeological site with your iPhone or iPad and explore the current ruins, comparing them with 3D reconstructions.

Phalassarna Archaeological Site

Free entrance (donations are accepted).
Summer (April to October): 8.30 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Winter (November to March): 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Monday hours: 12 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Ancient Polyrrinia

Known locally as Polirrinia and also as Polyrrhenia, this was an important Hellenistic center in Crete. The ancient city was fortified and engaged in permanent fights with the naval settlement of Phalassarna.

It was also a rival of Kydonia (present Chania) and the city of Knossos (Heraklion). Many coins minted by Polyrrenia and Ancient Phalassarna can now be seen at the Archaeological Museum of Kissamos.

Most of Polyrrinia’s surrounding fortification walls are still standing. The ruins of a Byzantine fort on top of the Acropolis are also visible. Here, you can also see the rest of an early Christian basilica. When checking out the area, you can visit an ancient temple from the 4th century BC, probably dedicated to the Greek goddess Artemis.

However, the most impressive ruins in Polyrrinia are the Roman towers, the aqueduct tunnels, and the cisterns used to collect rainwater (distributed to public fountains). The open-air archaeological site is about 8 km inland from Kissamos, the entrance is free. You can also get to Polyrrenia by bus from Kissamos.

Falasarna Beach

Falasarna Beach is made of different beaches located along a wide bay that you can choose according to the kind of place you enjoy the most. It is located about 20 minutes west of Kissamos, and it’s easy to visit by car. The small village has a relaxing atmosphere. There are just a few studios, a few small family-run hotels, and a couple of taverns.

It’s an ideal destination for water sports or to enjoy time by the sea. Check out my Sunset Saturday tour that visits Falasarna here.

On the northern part of Falasarna Bay, you will find the Small Beach or Petalida, which is about 400 km long and the most secluded of all the beaches in the bay, with rocky formations on the fine sand beach, this spot is popular among campers and naturists.

Pachia Ammos (Falasarna Big Beach) is a beautiful golden sand beach with organized facilities, including umbrellas, several beach bars, and sports. There is a free parking area above the beach.

It’s easy to avoid crowds in Falasarna because the beach is massive. Therefore, despite the area being extremely popular among tourists during the whole season, you can always find a secluded place to stay.

Cape Rodopou

The Bay of Chania and the Bay of Kissamos are divided by the impressive Rodopou Peninsula, one of the less inhabited places in Crete, home to some unique, solitary beaches. On the western side of Rodopou, Ravdoucha is a well-known pebbled beach.

There is a paved road up to the small village and beach of Afrata. This is probably the last settlement you can see on the peninsula before getting into an off-road path that, from there, takes you to the northern portion of the peninsula. Alternatively, boat trips take you to Afrata and Menies, two amazing beaches on the eastern part of the peninsula. The main village at the base of the cape is Kolymbari.

The north of the Peninsula is completely secluded, with just a few shepherds and no inhabited centers. The most beautiful place to check in the area is the fantastic beach of Menies, with pristine turquoise waters and soft sand. There is also a famous Roman sanctuary and some solitary chapels.

Gorges Near Kissamos

if you enjoy hiking, you will love to learn that Kissamos is an area where you can find some great gorges and mountain trails for exciting hikes.

Sirikari Gorge

Known as Sirikari or Polyrrinia Gorge, this ravine is about 6 km from Kissamos. It runs between the small village of Sirikari and the ancient settlement of Polyrrinia.

The walk is not complex and relatively short (about 6 km). It features a gorgeous landscape made of chestnuts (one of the most common trees in the area) and plane trees. The hike along the gorge takes about 3 hours.

Topolia Gorge

One of the most impressive gorges in West Crete is Topolia, about 11 km from Kissamos (a 20-minute drive). The gorge runs along the road leading to Elafonisi via the small town of Elos, a village better known for its unique chestnut forest.

The gorge starts near Stroules, about 450 meters a.s.l., and finishes in Topolia, where the rock walls are high and very steep.

This place is home to several wild birds, such as vultures and eagles. The canyon is crossed by the river Tyflos. Its whole length is 3 km. Hiking it takes about 1.5 to 2 hours, and there is water until Spring.

Beaches in the Gulf of Kissamos

Although the beaches in Kissamos can be quite windy and wavy, they are a good alternative to escape from the crowded beaches in western Crete that receive thousands of tourists in summer.

Nopigia Beach

This is the easternmost beach on the Gulf of Kissamos, about 30 km from Chania and 6 km from Kissamos. It is a popular beach among those staying at the local camping area (you can read more about camping in Crete here).

Nopigia is a small village at the western base of Cape Rodopou. The village features a sandy beach with shallow waters and organized facilities. As you reach the next village towards the west, Drapanias, the beach becomes pebblier with a few rocks on the coast.

Drapanias

Located about 5 km east of Kissamos, the pebbled beach is not very wide. A few hotels in the area offer beach umbrella rentals. The beach area is about 2 km long but not very wide. The shallow sea here tends to be wavy due to the northern winds. There are also a few bars and tavernas in the area, as well as two different camping sites.

Korfalonas

Right next to Drapanias and still moving west towards Kissamos, Korfalonas is a village and beach with sand, pebbles, and shallow waters, sharing the same characteristics as Drapanias, with some windy days during the season. This tranquil beach has a few facilities for those who want to rent an umbrella and loungers. There are also a few hotels and restaurants in the area.

Livadia Beach

Livadia is a popular beach in Kissamos, right next to Korfalonas Beach. It is a long stretch of shore that begins right next to Korfalonas and extends for about 2 km to end by the Kissamos stadium. Like all beaches in the gulf, it features coarse sand and pebbles, and northern winds are common. Organized structures and tourist facilities are scarce, with just a few beach bars and tavernas renting umbrellas.

Telonio Beach

Telonio is a popular beach in the area. It is less than one kilometer from the center of Kissamos village. The shore runs from the end of Livadia Beach to the main pedestrian street in the town.

The beach features a busy seaside promenade with restaurants and cafés. The shore combines sand and pebbles; it is shallow but windy, so the sea is not often calm.

Mavros Molos

Being the most important and popular beach in Kissamos does not necessarily mean the place is overcrowded. On the contrary, Mavros Molos is a popular but quiet shore right next to the center of Kissamos with all the necessary organized structures for a whole day in the area.

This long bay is the main beach of Kissamos. It has vast areas of fine sand and shallow water, which make it perfect for families with kids. The beach is close to dozens of bars and restaurants, and it is easy to find affordable accommodation.

The beach is well-organized. It has umbrellas and sunbeds for rent, although some trees by the beach can also offer natural shade for free! Snorkeling is a popular activity in the area.

Viglia Beach

I personally think that this is the prettiest beach in the Bay of Kissamos. It is 3 km northwest of the village (about 38km from Chania). The 2-kilometer-long shore features a semicircular bay with interesting caves, coarse sand with pebbles, and crystal clear waters. There is not much organization; however, it is a perfect destination for relaxing by the sea.

Best Restaurants in Kissamos

Maria Beach Restaurant is right by the sea on the beach of Mavros Molos, only steps from the center of Kissamos. The restaurant features fresh dishes of traditional Cretan and Greek cuisine. Prices are affordable. The restaurant also serves vegetarian and vegan-friendly dishes.

Stelios & Katina: This restaurant, also in Mavros Molos, specializes in fresh fish and Mediterranean dishes. You can go for a quick souvlaki at midday or enjoy a full meal in the evening.

Hotels in Kissamos

Anemomili Village: About 5 minutes from Drapanias Beach, the village features studios and apartments around a large outdoor pool with a sun terrace. Upon request, the property organizes fishing trips and excursions in the Gulf of Kissamos with a private speedboat upon request. >> BOOK HERE.

Maria Beach Hotel: Only steps from Kissamos’ sandy beach and about 600 meters from the center of Kissamos Town. It has a traditional beachfront restaurant and self-catering accommodation with a kitchen, dining area, and a balcony or patio. >> BOOK HERE.

>> You can also read Best Hotels in Kissamos and Best Hotels in Chania, Crete.

Kissamos is a great alternative if you want to stay near Chania. It’s also an excellent base for exploring three top beaches in Crete:

• It is fairly close to the port from where cruises to Balos depart.
• It’s about 15 minutes from Falasarna Beach.
• It’s minutes from the road that takes you south to Elafonisi.

Are you planning to spend your holidays in Kissamos? If you want to stay in a quiet area not too far from Chania city center and with easy access to some of the best beaches in West Crete, Kissamos might be the right place for you!

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Best Things to Do in Kissamos, Crete

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