Welcome to Lithari Stone Villa. Things to do in Chania villages are many and fun. At Lithari Stone Villa, we love to share our local tips. We sit on a hill in Kampoi village. From here, you can reach coastal gems and mountain retreats. Our home is quiet. It has a great view of the White Mountains and the sea. You can start your day with coffee on our terrace. Then you can set off on a new adventure in one of the nearby villages. In this guide, we show you 10 must-do summer activities in Chania villages. Each one is just a short drive or easy hike from our door. Get ready for happy days under the sun and friendly village life.
Table of Contents
- Summer Activities in Chania Villages
- 1. Explore Kampoi Village and Scenic View
- 2. Hike the Seven Villages of Apokoronas
- 3. Swim and Boat at Lake Kournas
- 4. Tour Olive Groves in Alikianos
- 5. Relax at Kalives Beach
- 6. Discover Gavalochori Village
- 7. Step Into History at Ancient Aptera
- 8. Hike Imbros Gorge from Sfakia
- 9. Taste Elos Village Chestnut Delights
- 10. Sunset at Balos Lagoon and Gramvousa Island
- Tips & Tricks from Lithari Stone Villa
- Final Thoughts
Summer Activities in Chania Villages
1. Explore Kampoi Village and Scenic View
Step out of Lithari Stone Villa and you are in Kampoi. This small mountain village is calm and green. You can walk past old stone houses. You will see goats and olive trees. The air here is cool in summer. It is perfect for a short stroll at sunrise.
Key Details:
- ⭐ Ratings: Trusted by our guests 5/5
- Price Level: Free to explore
- Location: Kampoi village, 0 km from Lithari Stone Villa
- ⏰ Best Time: Early morning or sunset
2. Hike the Seven Villages of Apokoronas
Apokoronas is a group of coastal and mountain villages east of Chania. You can drive or hike a loop that links Kalyves, Plaka, Almyrida, Gavalochori, Kokkino Chorio, Vamos, and Embrosneros. Each stop has a taverna or cafe. You will love the view of the sea and the White Mountains.
Key Details:
- ⭐ Ratings: 4.5/5 from hikers
- Price Level: Budget-friendly
- Route Start: Kalyves, 20 km from Lithari
- ⏰ Hours: Dawn to dusk
Learn more about rugged paths in our Hiking Stories.
3. Swim and Boat at Lake Kournas
Crete’s only freshwater lake shines in summer. Lake Kournas is 45 minutes from Lithari. You can rent paddle boats or just swim in clear, cool water. Wild turtles and ducks live here. Nearby tavernas serve salads and local wine. A half‐day here is pure joy.
Key Details:
- ⭐ Ratings: 4.7/5
- Price Level: Mid-range (€5–€10)
- Location: Lake Kournas, 45 min drive
- Contact: +30 28250 81181
- ⏰ Opening Hours: 9 AM–7 PM daily
Learn more about Lake Kournas.
4. Tour Olive Groves in Alikianos
Just 25 minutes from our villa is Alikianos. It sits in fragrant olive groves. You can book a short tour at a family mill. See how they press oil. Then taste fresh extra-virgin olive oil with bread. The farm folk are warm and proud of their craft.
Key Details:
- ⭐ Ratings: 4.8/5
- Price Level: Free tour, small tasting fee
- Location: Alikianos village, 25 min drive
- Contact: +30 28210 51234
- ⏰ Tasting Times: 10 AM–3 PM
5. Relax at Kalives Beach
Kalives is a gentle beach village by the sea. It is 20 km from Lithari. Here you find soft sand and calm water. Beach bars serve cold drinks and snacks. You can rent an umbrella or just lie on the sand. In the evening, the sky turns pink and orange. It is a lovely sight.
Key Details:
- ⭐ Ratings: 4/5
- Price Level: Low to mid (€3–€8 for umbrella)
- Location: Kalives Beach, 20 km drive
- ⏰ Beach Access: 24 hours
Read about local tavernas in our Cretan Cuisine Guide.
6. Discover Gavalochori Village
Gavalochori is a listed historic settlement in Apokoronas. It is 35 minutes from Lithari. The village has stone alleys, folk art, and old churches. Some houses date back 300 years. You can visit small craft shops or sip coffee at a plaza. This is a peek into slow, village life.
Key Details:
- ⭐ Ratings: 4.6/5
- Price Level: Free to explore
- Location: Gavalochori, 35 min drive
- ⏰ Best Time: Morning or late afternoon
7. Step Into History at Ancient Aptera
The ruins of Aptera sit on a hill above Souda Bay. It is 30 minutes from our home. You can walk among stone cisterns, Roman cisterns, and an old theater. The view over the bay is calm and wide. Bring sun hat and water. The site is small, so one hour is enough.
Key Details:
- ⭐ Ratings: 4.5/5
- Price Level: Adults €6, Children €3
- Location: Aptera, 30 min drive
- ⏰ Summer Hours: 8 AM–3 PM
Learn more at Aptera.
8. Hike Imbros Gorge from Sfakia
Imbros Gorge is on Crete’s south side near Sfakia. It is 2 hours from Lithari (100 km). The gorge is 11 km long and takes 3–4 hours to pass. The path winds between high rock walls and wild flowers. At the end, the sea greets you in Imbros village. This trek is gentle but full of views.
Key Details:
- ⭐ Ratings: 4.7/5
- Price Level: Free
- Location: Imbros Gorge, near Sfakia
- ⏰ Trail Hours: Sunrise to sunset
Learn more at Imbros Gorge.
9. Taste Elos Village Chestnut Delights
Elos sits in the White Mountains at 600 m altitude. It is 60 km from Lithari. In late October, Elos holds a Chestnut Festival. You can try honey-fried chestnuts, chestnut sweets, and local raki. Village music and dance fill the air. After, walk forest trails under tall chestnut trees.
Key Details:
- ⭐ Ratings: 4.4/5
- Price Level: Low (€1–€5 treats)
- Location: Elos, 60 km drive
- ⏰ Festival: Late October each year
- Contact: +30 28230 69750
10. Sunset at Balos Lagoon and Gramvousa Island
Balos Lagoon is a dreamy beach with white sand and shallow turquoise water. It is 85 km west of Lithari (2 h drive) or you can take a boat from Kissamos port. You can swim and snorkel in warm water. At sunset, the colors glow soft pink. Across the water, the old Venetian fortress on Gramvousa Island looks grand. Pack food, water, and good shoes for rocks.
Key Details:
- ⭐ Ratings: 4.9/5
- Price Level: €10 boat fare one way
- Location: Balos Lagoon, 85 km drive or boat
- ⏰ Boat Times: 9 AM–5 PM
Learn more at Balos Lagoon.
Tips & Tricks from Lithari Stone Villa
- Plan for the heat: start hikes early or late in the day. Bring water and a sun hat.
- Rent a car: it is easy to park at Lithari and reach villages. Buses run, but a car saves time.
- Try local food: visit small tavernas for fresh salads, cheese pies, and grilled meats. See our Cretan Cuisine Guide for top picks.
- Book tours in advance in July and August. Boat trips and olive farm visits fill up fast.
- Use our guest guide: at Lithari, we share maps and custom routes to each spot.
- Check our Contact page if you need help booking an activity or finding a taverna.
Final Thoughts
Staying at Lithari Stone Villa makes every trip easy. You wake to calm views and step into new adventures within minutes. From turquoise lagoons to quiet mountain gorges, Chania villages offer a mix of sea and mountain life. Each spot brings smiles and memories you will keep forever.
Ready to explore? Book your stay now at Lithari Stone Villa and live the Cretan village dream.
What not to miss in Chania?
Don’t miss the Old Venetian Harbor in Chania for seaside cafes and the famous lighthouse. Wander the Old Town’s maze of alleys. Plan a hike in Samaria Gorge or a dip at Balos Beach. Back at Lithari, unwind with a drink on our terrace.
What is Chania best known for?
Chania is best known for its 14th-century Venetian Harbor. It is lined with colorful cafes and shops. You can walk by the old lighthouse at any time. From Lithari, it is just a 25 km drive to this iconic spot.
Is Chania Old Town worth visiting?
Yes. Chania Old Town feels like stepping back in time. You will see Venetian walls, Ottoman fountains, and narrow streets. It is full of small shops and hidden courtyards. You can reach it easily by car or taxi from Lithari.
What to do in the Chania area?
In Chania area you can visit beaches like Nea Chora and Agioi Apostoloi, explore the Maritime Museum and the Archaeological Museum, and enjoy local markets. From Lithari, you can reach all these by a comfortable drive of 20–30 minutes.
How far are Chania villages from Lithari Stone Villa?
Most villages are within 30–60 minutes by car. Kampoi is right at our door. Apokoronas villages are about 25 km away. Lake Kournas is 45 minutes. Elos is 60 minutes. Balos Lagoon takes about 2 hours or a boat ride.
How can I book my stay at Lithari?
You can reserve your dates on our Reservations page or contact us anytime via our Contact page. We look forward to welcoming you!
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