Discover wild landscapes, breath-taking views, delectable meze, and the warm hospitality of the people – this is Crete in a sentence, the authentic Crete that's truly worth exploring.

Chania boasts numerous villages steeped in rich history, legends, traditions, and recipes passed down through generations.

Discover Five Villages That Bring Crete’s Soul to Life

Vamos
Charming and quietly elegant, Vamos is a village that’s kept its architectural heritage beautifully intact. Its cobbled alleys are made for slow wandering, while traditional tavernas serve dishes with that unmistakable Cretan touch. If you’ve ever dreamed of learning how to cook like a local, this is your place—sign up for a traditional Cretan cooking class or take a leisurely herbal walk among wild thyme, oregano, and sage.

Gavalohori
With around 400 residents, Gavalohori feels like stepping into a different rhythm of life. This traditional village is known for its Roman tombs, a lively women’s cooperative offering handmade crafts, and a Folk Museum housed in a renovated building that still carries Venetian and Ottoman architectural flourishes.

Rokka
Perched on the southern slope of a striking cliff, Rokka is a semi-mountainous village that found new life in 2013 thanks to the Rokka Festivals—open-air events blending music, theatre, and art. It’s a place where the village square, the café, and its warm, welcoming residents create an atmosphere that’s hard to leave behind.

Chora Sfakion
This is the heart of the Sfakia region, famous for its wild beaches, hiking trails, and deeply rooted traditions. Don’t leave without trying the iconic sfakianopita drizzled with honey, the local lamb stew known as sfakiano yachni, and crunchy handmade paximadia. This is Crete in full flavour.

Omalos
A small village on the Omalos Plateau, about 40 kilometres south of Chania, and the main entry point to the legendary Samaria Gorge. It offers a handful of places to stay, along with classic tavernas that make it a perfect base for walkers and nature lovers.

These villages invite you to experience authentic Crete—its stories, flavours, and the kind of hospitality that lingers long after you’ve left.

Archive Photo: Incredible Crete