Kasteli, officially Kissamos or Kasteli Kissamou (Kasteli of Kissamos), is the major town of the Kissamos county and has developed into a fairly large place with plenty of conveniences. This development is due to the fruit and juice canning industry, the vineyards, the well-selling olive oil as well as other agricultural products. Kissamos is also due to the many tourists it attracts without even having sights or beaches. The reason for this is its harbour and the boat lines to and from Githio and Kalamata at the south end of the Peloponnese. Most foreign tourists who arrive from their countries to the port of Patras, and especially the German bikers, find it very convenient that they can board a ship in the Peloponnese and get off in Crete. In this way they do not only avoid the unpleasant journey to Piraeus and the jungle of Athens, but they also get to explore Crete without having to go back and forth, because the ship docks at the westernmost port of the island.

The town has a history of at least 2500 years behind it. In antiquity it was called Kissamos and it served as the seaport of ancient Polirrinia. It flourished from the classical times till the Roman period and was a close ally of the Romans, which is why they did not only spare it when they conquered other Greek towns but they even adorned it with many public buildings. These included a large theatre, public baths, and a large aqueduct which provides the town with water to this day! In addition, the Romans built many luxurious villas. Today, foundations of Roman villas are quite frequently discovered in the town’s building sites, and many of the finest floor mosaics have come to light, dating from the 2nd and 3rd century AD. One of these is in the archaeological site right behind the Health Centre of the town. Kissamos has been well fortified throughout its history, because its close proximity to the sea and its considerable wealth invited many attacks.

The port of Kasteli is situated about three kilometres to the west of the town. As you get off the ship and walk on the pier toward the shore, you will see the Rodopos peninsula to your left (west) and the Gramvoussa peninsula to your right (east), where you can also distinguish the country road that runs along the east side of it . People tend to get off the ship and immediately start their exploration of Crete, which is why Kasteli has very few hotels and even fewer restaurants! On the other hand, there are plenty of grocery stores, since everyone buys supplies before leaving for the big journey...
If, however, you want to spend a few days at Kasteli to get a rest and make short day trips in the area, your best choice is Vista Del Mar Villas. You will see the villas on your way to the town about 1.2 kilometres after the port. They are very cosy, inexpensive and comfortable, and they come with a bedroom, sitting room, bathroom and kitchen, and a balcony overlooking the sea. You should also know, however, that they don’t like to rent them for less than three nights, so if you are planning on making a one-night stop you’d better look elsewhere.