Kalyves is a large, calm, seaside village located 18 km east of Chania which has preserved its Cretan character, an ideal place for relaxation, 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 south cliffs.
A lovely, long, sandy beach with blue flag runs alongside most of the town. It is full of tourists almost every day; an ideal place to relax and fill your batteries under the hot sun and the blue sky, next to the blue sea.
Here there are many tavernas, cafes and restaurants with great views on the sea. There is a small harbour in the end of the village. In the centre of the 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 ATMs, petrol stations, pharmacies, doctor office, dry cleaners, car rentals, bars, taverns and restaurants. The village has also primary and secondary school, the church of Agia Paraskevi ("Saint Friday") in the centre, and a post office.
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.
In Kalyves there are 17 tavernas though some are no more than half-a-dozen tables set out to catch the passing tourist trade. The meals are consistently good and consistently cheap which makes full board at the local hotel a dubious luxury. If you want a cheap and tasty lunch order a greek salad at any of these.
