Activities
- Smile and breath you are here now ... enjoy the orange orchard garden where you will find the lovely swimming pool for refreshing days and if you prefer warming moments steam in the sauna and the hammam (free of charge).
- Spilia means “the cave”, and has been named after a large cave located on the height of the village where St Ioannis is said to have spent many years as an eremite. It is been now used as an impressive natural church.
- Wander around the village of Spilia or take a self-guided walk through citrus and olive groves to a nearby waterfall or Byzantine chapel the cave of St. John the Hermit; hike through the Deliana gorge; or pay your respects to the world’s oldest olive tree at Vouves, a short stroll away. Just next to the hotel is the impressive Church of St. Archangel Michael.
- This is the oldest living olive tree in the world, some 2,500 years old, and the small museum. This ancient olive tree is one of seven olive trees in the Mediterranean believed to be at least 2,000 to 3,000 years old. Although its exact age cannot be verified, the Olive Tree of Vouves might be the oldest among them, estimated at over 3,000 years old. It still produces olives, and they are highly prized. Olive trees are hardy and drought-, disease- and fire-resistant — part of the reason for their longevity and their widespread use in the region.
- Try some exquisite local fresh fish and traditional dishes from the world-famous healthy Mediterranean diet at one of the local tavernas or restaurants at nearby beachfront villages ... what about Ravdoucha.
- The Port of Kissamos is 10 minutes away (16km) from Spilia Village and from here, you can take a boat ride to the pirate island of Gramvousa and the world-famous Balos Lagoon.
- In less than 20 minutes' drive enjoy the golden sands of Falasarna beach (voted one of the top five best beaches in Greece) with its unspoiled turquoise waters and an interesting archaeological site showing the Hellenistic ancient port and city.
- For a trip by car, I would suggest: To "Therissos" - you drive through a beautiful gorge. The village itself is historic and has some good tavernas like "Andartis". But if you have time, you can continue further to Zourva and come down to Chania again via Meskla. This is a spectacular drive (if the atmosphere is clear and not too hazy), marked on some maps as unpaved - but it is now paved. Just after Zourva, there is a taverna on its own with glass windows with 360 views and good local food.
- Enjoy a wine tasting at one of the best wineries in Crete, at Manousakis Winery.
- Visit Milia Traditional Village an authentic 17th-century mountain settlement that has been transformed into an eco-friendly tourist complex that seems to have sprouted from the lands of Crete. Enjoy a daily walking trip around Milia - 2 hours, to the gorge of Polyrhynnia – 4 hours, to the gorge of Topoliannou – 3 hours, to the gorge of Deliannou – 1.5 hours walking and 30-minute drive (26km) to reach the entrance, and don't leave this special place before you try the typical Cretan cuisine that is famous for being among the healthiest around the world at Milia's restaurant.
- Around fifty minutes' drive south of Spilia is the beautiful beach of Elafonissi where one can get lost exploring the island of Elafonissi (Deer Island) which is unique for the cedar dunes and unspoiled natural habitat. On the way home stop off at the Monastery of Chrissoskalitissa one of its steps is said to be made of gold.
- Walk the famous Gorge of Samaria which at 17 kilometers long, is granted as the longest in Europe.
- Visit Chania town (25 km), with its lovely Venetian fishing harbor ringed with cafes and tavernas. Check out the Archaeological Museum, housed in a former church, plus the romantic cobbled alleys lined with arty boutiques and a market selling local handicrafts and handmade jewelry.
- Go scuba-diving near Chania, or take a ride in a glass-bottomed boat
- The Gorge of Therisso (named also Eleftherios Venizelos) is located near the city of Chania (15km) and deserves a visit, even with a vehicle, combined with a visit to the historical village of Therisso, that is built at the foot of the White Mountains at an altitude of 580 meters. The main gorge is six kilometers long. The vertical cliffs are impressive and the lush vegetation has nothing to envy of the other Chania Gorges.
- Don't miss to visit the nearby Botanical Park, this new and interesting venture lies only 18 kilometers outside the city of Chania, in the foothills of the magnificent White Mountains. During the hot summer months (June, July, August), the best time to schedule your visit is early in the morning to avoid the strong heat. You can complete your experience there with a delicious meal in the park’s restaurant which uses only local, organic, and seasonal produce.
- Would you like to learn more about olive oil? Just a few kilometers inland from Kolymbari and within a Protected Denomination of Origin (PDO) area, are the olive groves of the Astrikas Estate. Biolea specializes in estate-produced stone-milled and cold-pressed organic olive oil. Biolea's stone mill was built specifically to welcome tourists and to hold presentations and olive oil tastings. The factory stays open all year: tours are by appointment only. Tel: 28240 23281.
- Or you could make a day trip to Knossos (more than 2 hours away), the seat of the Minoan palace culture and the legendary home of the labyrinth and Minotaurus.
- Explore the small, beautiful Rethymno old town (68 km), with its cobbled streets lined by pastel-colored buildings, Ottoman-era minarets, and Italianate churches and fountains, plus the harbor guarded by an imposing 16th-century Venetian fortress.
- Catch the high-speed catamaran on a day trip at unique Santorini from Heraklion Port which departs every day at 9:45 am and takes around 2 hours. The return ferry leaves Santorini at 6 pm each day or you may prefer to stay for a night to soak up the island's magical nighttime atmosphere.
... or do just nothing, find a shady corner and read Christopher Somerville's excellent "The Golden Step" or Victoria's Hislop "The Island" or maybe one of the best books of Nick Kazantzakis (most famous Greek author)
- For more uplifting activities in Chania region.
House Rules
- Check-in: 14.00 pm
- Check out: 12.00 pm
- Minimum Stay: 2-3 nights, depending on the season
- Payment Policy: Please check here
- Cancellation Policy: Please check here
MHTE: 1042K060A0025601
How To Get There
Spilia Village Traditional Hotel is situated at Spilia Village, 3 km from Kolymbari Village and beach.
- By Air
From May through mid-October there are direct charter flights to Chania Airport (45km from the Hotel) and, more frequently, to the capital Heraklion Airport (162km). Tickets can be bought in advance for almost all flights from our partner website.
- By Sea
The journey is the thing". A superb way of enjoying the journey to Crete is to fly to Athens and take the ferry from Piraeus (Pireas) - the port serving Athens. A still-romantic way to travel by the overnight ferry from Piraeus to Chania-Souda port (32km). Tickets can be bought in advance for all ferries via our partner website.
- By Car
If you want to explore the region while you're here, we recommend that you rent a car, other means of transport are limited and/or infrequent. We suggest our sister website Crete-Car-Rental.com, which offers competitive prices and you can collect your car at either airport.
- By Taxi
Book your taxi transfer online easily and safely from the airport or port to any location via our partner website.
Detailed directions will be sent to you when you book through CreteTravel.com
Facilities
- Dining: Spilia Village offers a buffet breakfast which is served in a former olive factory. The Hotel's Taverna "Halara" serves local traditional dishes. In addition, there is a pool bar
- Reception: open 07.00 am - 23.00 pm
- Internet Access: Free WiFi throughout
- Swimming Pool: Indoor pool for the cold winter days and a good-sized outdoor pool situated next to the Hotel's bar. The indoor pool has been added for winter swimming (heated September to April, if the hotel remains open)
- Spa Treatments: Gym, sauna, and hammam area can be used, free of charge. Massage treatments can be booked, on request, with extra charge
- Disabled Access: There is one room suitable
- Pets: Not allowed
- Languages Spoken: Greek, English, German, Spanish, French, Italian
- Parking: Large free private parking
- Meeting & Conference Facilities: Meetings and events for up to 20 people