Kolymbari fishing village and harbour
Kolymbari sits at the base of the Rodopou Peninsular on Crete’s northwest coast, this traditional fishing port is a tranquil spot. And what it lacks in nightclubs, it more than makes up for in cosy tavernas, fish restaurants, beach and scenery.
This photo shows Kolymbari and Tavronitis beach from the road up to Afrata on the peninsular. If you do drive up here (past Gonia Monastery) you will be stunned by the views, at the top in Afrata there are 2 very good restaurants with great views and very good food.
There are a number of new all inclusive hotel complexes here so there are quite a few restaurants, bars and shops which service the holidaymakers.
On the strange junction in the middle of Kolymbari are a few shops, one of which sells pottery and olive wood carvings which is a really nice shop (there is a sister shop on Chania). A lot of the pottery sold here is made by a co-operative of artists who create copies of ancient pottery found in various archaeological sites over the island and some date back to Minoan times, so you can buy Minoan raki jug and tiny matching cups in the style of a peacock, sleek modern style wine jug and fine mugs or even a working copy of a Roman oil lamp, prices here aren’t as expensive as in Chania. One of the restaurants in Afrata also sells some really nice gifts.
There is a market here every Friday from 8 – 12, and it’s worth going along to as it sells everything from underwear to carpets. You can pick up some lovely fresh vegetables here too.
Kolymbari’s long beach is ideal if you’re looking for a relaxed spot to sunbathe – it’s not too touristy, so you should always find a place to spread out. The water is shallow near the shore but deepens quickly a little way out.
If you want to stop and look around there is a car park just off the harbour. As you are driving through the village, bear right at the Synka supermarket, follow the road round to the right then along and left at the memorial, as you turn right again and the road narrows on the right hand side is a car park P sign, turn down here and it takes you behind all the restaurants.
On the front is a lovely cafe which was the old Olive Press for the village, unmistakable as it has the old grinding stones outside on display.
These photos were taken on a cold January day so the sea is a bit rough. In the summer time there are chairs and tables outside so you can take in the sea views.
Here are some weblinks for more information:
