The most north westerly town on Creteisland is known as both Kastelli and Kissamou, and is truly Cretan in atmosphere and appearance. Whitewashed houses with flower-filled gardens sit in the higgledly-piggledy back streets and small shops and cafes line the narrow main street where the locals stock up on their day to day provisions and catch up with the gossip. Down on the paved waterfront small tavernas serve freshly-caught fish and local specialities in the relaxed and informal atmosphere that has been lost in the main tourist resorts.

To the west of Kasteli town, beyond the rivermouth, there is a surprisingly good sandy beach, ideal for whiling away lazy days without venturing far from town. Slightly further west the harbour, now the departure point for sailings to Kythira and the Peleponnese and excursions to Gramvoussa Island, was in ancient times the port for Polyrhenia, an important Dorian hillside town which prospered beyond Roman times. Today the site is well worth a visit not only for the keen archaeologist but also for botanists, walkers and anyone appreciative of its stunning situation.

The climate of the area is excellent, with sunshine most of the year. Kastelli has evolved into quite a big town with all the comforts and the facilities that a town can offer. There is regular public bus service from Chania to Kissamos. From Kissamos harbor there is a regular ferryboat service to Gythion (Peloponnisos) and Kythira. Kissamos was always a well fortified city, because due to its wealth and its location, was often under attack. The Venetians built the wall that parts of it are still standing inside the city. The Venetian fortress, Castelo, was the special characteristic of the city and thus the city was named after it Kasteli. Because in Crete there are many towns with the name Kasteli, it was named Kasteli.