Guide to Kolymbari

'With oodles of charm, white-washed houses and flower-decked verandahs, this pretty little fishing village is a classic Greek gem.'

Tucked in to the foot of the dramatic Rodopos Peninsula, Kolymbari is a typically laid-back Cretan resort, with a friendly atmosphere. It's not somewhere where you can go all out on a shopping spree or dance the night away at a club. But if you love soaking up the sun and dipping in to the local culture, then this is the place for you. One of the village's main claims to fame is its ancient monastery, which has survived assaults by six invaders, including an attack in World War II. And next door is the Ecclesiastical Academy of Crete. Why not combine visits to both with a swim in the rocky cove a few hundred metres away? It's a popular spot, with crystal clear waters. For authentic Cretan village life, spend a few hours exploring the rugged landscapes of the peninsula. The rural hamlets of Afrata, Astratigos, Aspra Nera and Ravdoucha, set 1000 feet above sea level, offer mountains of charm and great views. Then there's Rodopos itself, where you can pick up a jar of the wonderful local honey, renowned throughout Greece. If you feel like spending some time in more lively surroundings, Crete's Second City, Chania, is just 15 miles away. There you'll find plenty of bars, restaurants and shops, not to mention one of the most spectacular harbour settings on the whole of the island. But really, why leave Kolymbari, after all – there are not many places left like it.

At its heart, a maze of haphazard, white-washed houses boast spacious verandas filled with overflowing flower-pots, whilst the dazzling beach slides down towards the glittering Mediterranean Sea.

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