Kalives is a large, calm, seaside village located 18 km east of Chania which has preserved its Cretan character, an ideal place for relaxation and some peace and quiet. It consists of a long road with houses opening directly on to it and the private alley behind. The town is built along the main road, and on the low cliffs to the south. In the centre of Kalivs village you can find whatever you would like; bakeries, super-markets, green groceries with fresh fruit and vegetables, liquer and wine stores, pastry shops, 24 hour ATM''s, petrol stations, pharmacies, doctor''s office, dry cleaners, car rentals, bars, taverns and restaurants. Kalives village has also primary and secondary school, the church of Agia Paraskevi ("Saint Friday") in the centre, and a post office.

Kalives has two beaches. The main town beach is an arc of golden sand sweeping around the bay and backed by trees and tavernas. The eastern end houses a small harbour beneath the cliffs. At the opposite end a small river runs between buildings of the Kalives Beach Hotel. The hotel is a low relatively built affair and pretty well hidden but you must weave your way through sunlounging guests and cross a silly carpeted bridge (I kid you not) to get across the river to the far end of the sands. The hotel has a couple of twee wooden boats moored in the river and a few ducks swimming about as well as a slightly ridiculous lighthouse and other kitsch oddments. Over the bridge the sand turns to sharp grit before petering out at a long narrow road that separates a string of apartments from the sea. At the end of this road, and virtually the end of the village, is the western beach. This is a long narrow affair, much quieter than the main beach and backed by a sea wall with a few choice tavernas. The main beach at Kalives slopes gently into a shallow sea, making it ideal for children.
It is north facing however and in strong winds the sea can get very choppy. The sand is soft and taverna tables line the beach between shady tamarind trees. Sunbeds have been provided free for patrons of the tavernas, but his is a practice that unfortunately appears to be dying out. Beyond the dinky harbour, recently rebuilt, is a huge and monstrous cement building surrounded in wire that both mars the headland and prevents walks around it - only in Greece..

Those of you who choose to venture into the nearby countryside, will discover numerous tiny villages in idyllic rural settings. Holidays in Kalives should be popular with those looking to spent time in a small genuine working Crete village which is not just a tourist invention, but still caters for the needs of the tourist. The restaurant Piperia is a fine place to try traditional cuisine or seafood outside the town. If you want to eat in the centre or the waterfront you can try the taverna Manolis (on the centre of the waterfront) with good seafood, Zorba’s at the back of the main square – opposite the church – and the Il Fourno for pizzas specials at the eastern end of the town. Kalives is a favourite day out for the locals from nearby Chania at weekends, and it's just far enough off the beaten track to avoid being spoilt by tourism, although there is now a night club open in high season. There are several shops and minimarkets which will cater for most needs. Regular bus services to nearby Almirida and to Chania mean you can visit the surrounding area. The surrounding countryside is amongst the most attractive in Western Crete, and well worth exploring with a car.

1- Kalives Beach Hotel
The modern hotel "Kalives Beach" lies by the sea, next to the river "Xydas" in Kalives , a village located in the province of Apokoronas. Built on a really privileged area ...

2- Villa Georgia
set back on the hillside surrounding the pretty and deservedly popular village of Kalives, about 200mtrs from the sandy western beach. These family-run apartments are about 5 minutes stroll to the sea

3- Flisvos Studios
located in a sea side village (Kalives) residing in the prefecture of Chania, Crete. Kalives is 17km from the town of Chania. Kalives is the ideal vacation choice due to the warm climate all Year round ...