Kalives east of Chania in Crete

Kalives (or Kalyves) is a pleasant tourist resort located about 20 kilometres east of Chania. Kalives is mostly a package resort and it is a good alternative to the package resorts west of Chania.

One of the beaches in Kalives.

When we get questions from readers who want to travel to Crete and who want to stay in a package resort that is not so touristy, then Kalives is one of our suggestions. Here is a good mix between low-key tourism and Greek everyday life. Of course, here are every facilities you can imagine.

The small "river" that divides Kalives in two.

Kalives is, as said before, a pleasant village with Greek everyday life and it offers a wide range of tavernas, cafes and shops. The village is divided into two parts which are separated by a small river that runs into the sea: partly the Greek part, and partly the touristy part where most of the hotels and restaurants are located.

By the river is the Kalyves Beach Hotel and some restaurants.

The beach is two-part and separated by the river. The eastern part of the beach is really nice and stretches all the way to the little cute fishing harbour. Kalives is in my opinion the best package resort in northern Crete, along with Almyrida, located 5 kilometres eastwards.

The river in Kalives.

At the far end of the beach is a small fishing port.

If you want some change, just take a taxi or go by the small road train to Almyrida, which is also a pleasant tourist resort.

The toy train that goes to, among others, Almyrida and Kournas lake.

The major attraction near Kalives is Lake Kournas, which is Crete's largest lake. You reach the lake with the little road train, of course you can drive there with your own vehicle as well.

The amazing crystal clear and turquoise water at Kalives beach.

ACCOMMODATION IN KALIVES

I have not stayed overnight in Kalives so I have no tips to giveHowever, I have received tips about a cozy hotel that is very close to the beach. The hotel is called Cloudberry, and looks very nice. Other good hotels are Kalyves Beach Hotel and Christi Apartments.

Book Cloudberry here »

Book Christi Apartments here »

Book Kalyves Beach Hotel here »

Book other hotels in Kalives here »

WHAT YOU MUST NOT MISS WHEN YOU VISIT KALIVES

Don't miss Almyrida, which you can read about here »

READ MORE ABOUT CRETE HERE »