Once in Paleochora it is possible to explore a little (or a lot) if that is your inclination - there are boat trips and organised or local bus journeys. Hiring a car is a good way to make your own schedule and helps to reach some of the mountain villages, beaches other than our superb town beaches, or maybe take a trip up to the busy but historic city of Chania and its stunning Venetian Harbour . Walkers are attracted here to undertake what they wish of the terrain and even the most 'laze on the beach' type will find themselves booking on a Gorge walk (the Agia Irini or the splendid 16 km Samaria Gorge), returning perhaps a little sore but invigorated nonetheless.

The beaches in Paleochora are clean and safe, one at either side of the peninsula - the main sandy beach on the West side and the pebble beach on the East. Out of town, beaches stretch for several kilometres in both directions, some pebble, some sandy. Snorkeling is excellent in most places.