Our neighborhood Unforgetable vacation by the sea!
Kato Stalos
Our house is located in Stalos village, one of the greatest places in Chania and it is the best point to organize and start your excursions in the prefecture. It is only 7.5 km away from the exceptionally picturesque Venetian Port of Chania and it is just a short time away from famous beaches such as Balos and Elafonissi. The village constitutes of the mountainous part of Panos Stalos and the coastal area of Kato Stalos. From diverse points of the village, a visitor has the chance to gaze at the island of Saint Theodore, which is known as Thodorou Island by the locals.
History:
Stalos is a settlement that has been inhabited since antiquity until today. According to mythology, it is part of the Minoan city “Ancient Kydonia”, which was named by the bronze giant Talo. He was known as the sleepless guardian of Crete and he protected the island by circling it three times a day. As a hero, he symbolizes both the technological development in the field of metallurgy in the prehistoric-Minoan years and the importance that people attached to the institution of justice in ancient Crete, since he acted as its minister.
Hiking – Cycling – Exploring:
There are convenient routes to explore the whole village. As a visitor, you will have the chance to observe closely the plants and flowers of Cretan nature, to enjoy the view and the tranquility of the area on foot or by bike through the olive groves, vineyards and seasonal gardens of the inhabitants. These are safe routes that have been mapped by the local association of residents and they can lead you to Panos Stalos and at the highest part of our village. The images, the quiet and the smells of nature will offer you an authentic experience of the life of the area, different from its tourist look. Let’s spend an afternoon or a morning awakening for a special tour.
(It is worth making a stop in the village square to drink a Greek coffee in the cafes of the area with the locals or to dine in the traditional taverns of the village. A beautiful authentic experience of the daily life of the locals that is worth offering yourself).
Beach:
Our beach is in the northern part of the island, it is sandy and well organized as there are sunbeds with umbrellas, beach bars and space for free use. Due to its large area, sports by the sea are easy. Beach-volley, rackets, football, pedal boat, running are some of the most famous sports that you can do. Water sports could not be missed as Surfing Crete – a certified surf school – is based in the area. Our beach has been winning the blue flag every year since 2006.
Pankration:
Along the coast through the warm sand, blooms the Pancratium “Pancratium maritimum”, the well-known sea lily, which can be found on a few beaches of the Mediterranean as it is a protected species now. (In the period between August – October you can see this lily blooming spreading a subtle aroma. A little miracle of nature)…
Careta-careta turtles:
The beach of Stalos and the beaches in the wider area of Chania for centuries host the loggerhead turtles and they are a refuge for their spawning. The intense growth of the area has unfortunately reduced the presence of loggerhead. Nevertheless, a significant effort is being made to protect her, hoping that she will continue to return to our area.
Restaurants:
Both in Pano and Kato Stalos you will find many options to taste Cretan cuisine from family restaurants where they cook with passion and attention to tradition details. In a short distance away from our home, ‘Katsaroles’ and ‘Amethystos’ cook homemade food every day. In Pano Stalos village, the tavern ‘Leventis’ will offer you Cretan flavors overlooking the green hills, while ‘Kymatogi’ offers seafood and other delicacies from noon by the sea. In case you are willing to listen to live Greek music as long as you will taste homemade food, visit ‘Dionysos’. At the entrance of the village, ‘Oinomelo’ serves Greek cuisine overlooking the sea and ‘The tavern of Maria’ is a timeless choice for all tastes in the center of Stalos. Every morning you have the chance to taste your breakfast in ‘Tres Jolie’ bakery.
Entertainment – Shopping:
In the area, you will find small but fully equipped mini markets. At Rocky Pass Mini Golf you can enjoy coffee, cocktails, beer or soft drinks in the cafeteria area as well as activities for all ages, such as children’s cars, billiards, table tennis, ice hockey table. In small shops in the area you can buy beach items, leather goods, travel items, souvenirs and gifts, toys, jewelry. The Tucan Boutique store selects clothing collections based on the beauty of the fabrics and colors and its aim is the highlighting of each woman individually. EL.P Boutique offers classic and modern leather jackets and furs of Greek (mainly from Kastoria) and Italian origin.
