Kalyves is a seaside village in the region of Apokoronas Crete. Kalyves retains the original character of authentic Crete through its local lifestyle of traditional shops, taverns and laid back feeling. With its spectacular beaches and green scenery, holidayers for years have been visiting this seaside gem for its golden sandy beaches and warm weather. Kalives is ideal for people in search of a quiet holiday, without being in a busy, noisy place. It is generally a quiet place ideal for those who wish to explore the area of Apokoranas with it’s small picturesque villages and sites dotted all about. It is equally ideal for families who want to relax and let their children play safely on the beach.
One can enjoy the many sandy organized beaches Kalyves has to offer. Many island locals flock to this area over the weekend for the quality of it’s beaches, and travelers for years have returned to Kalyves shores. Τhe shallow water of the large main beach in Kalyves is ideal for children. The beaches in the region are all organized with sun loungers, coffee/snack shops, taverns – and all are clean with crystal clear waters and soft sand.
Kalyves consists of two settlements, the old and the new town which co-exist in total harmony. The village offers a mix of stone built houses with the characteristic red tiled roofs and modern infrastructure. In the square of the village, there is an old watermill, the first hydroelectric station of the prefecture that worked in the beginning of the 20th century. Visit Agia Paraskevi church right in the village center overlooking the traditional square, and enjoy a coffee at the local “kafenion” while you watch the passers by or walk through the traditional little village alleys and enjoy the local culture. The church has painted frescoes and was built during the German Occupation.
Kalyves has plenty of shops, butcher’s, a bakery, supermarkets with fresh local produce, a post office, a petrol station, kafenions and restaurants.
A one minute walk up the road from the main village square of Kalyves one will find the pretty bridge overlooking the river. The river runs through the village leading into the sea, and can be crossed over several bridges. Along its banks vibrant green fauna grows with bright flowers, and ducks frolic in the water. Make sure to stop at the local café just on its banks for a traditional Greek coffee and enjoy the peace and tranquility of the river.
Take a stroll down to the picturesque harbor located next to the beach of Maistrali at sundown in Kalyves. At the harbor, you can see the German cannon hidden in a cave dug up till the other side of the mountain. At the end of the tunnel there is a small window, where the view to the cliffs and the sea is fascinating. During summer months, in the early mornings, local fishermen in Kalyves often return with “the catch of the day”.