Guide to Kalives

'It's traditionally Greek through and through, but charming Kalives also has plenty for the modern day holidaymaker.'

The setting here is splendid. On one side, you've got the bright blue waters of Souda Bay and the rugged coastline of Akrotiri Peninsula. And on the other, acres and acres of orange and olive groves, backed by the soaring peaks of the White Mountains. This is Kalives, one of Crete's most charming and unspoilt resorts, which has the feel of a sleepy Greek village, while at the same time offering all the facilities we have come to know and love in our modern day holiday resorts. The long beach is a fine stretch of sand, overlooked by the Apokorona fortress, built by the Genoese when they attempted to 'half-inch' the island from the Venetians. It's the perfect spot to shake off those stresses and really slow down the pace. Apart from lying around on the beach or browsing the few shops along the central street, the daytime activities here don't set the world alight. But that's really its charm. In the evening things get a little more lively though, with a good selection of tavernas offering authentic Cretan cuisine, fresh seafood and a reasonable helping of international fare, if that's more to your taste. If you're looking for more action, hop on a bus to Chania, which has plenty of shops, bars and restaurants, huddled around the brightly lit harbour. Alternatively, if you're more interested in natural rather than man-made attractions, slip on some sturdy shoes and head off for an inland ramble. This area is renowned for its wild flowers, which include no less than 25 rare species of orchid.

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