KaloChorio Istron
KaloChorio Istron
KaloChorio Istron (dead link: December 2020) is a village in the Lasithi Prefecture region of Crete.
Get in
KaloChorio Istron (Crete) is about 40 miles from Herakleion Airport (HER). The journey time is 45 - 60 minutes by car or taxi.
By Bus
Local bus service with modern air conditioned buses .
By Ferry
Major ferry lines operate to the port of Herakleion, connecting with bus services at the main bus station near to the port. Ferries run directly to Agios Nikolaos via LANE lines (dead link: January 2023) from Pireaus and Rhodes. Frequent ferry lines operate to the port of Sitia as well.
By plane
The distance from Heraklion Airport to KaloChorio Istron is about 64 km and from Sitia airport 67 km.
Get around
By bus: Local bus service with modern air conditioned buses .
Elounda, Kritsa, Agios Nikolaos, Sitia, Heraklion (and from there, Knossos), Malia and Hersonnisos are easily accessed with a regular bus service which is very good value.
Scooters: Readily available. Wearing of crash helmets is compulsory. Do not ruin your holiday by receiving a large fine.
Quads: Not designed for use on road. Cause traffic congestion and impatience leading to many accidents and occasional deaths. Think very carefully before hiring one and using it on the roads.
Car hire: You will not normally need a 4 x 4 to negotiate the roads, most of which are sealed. Some places and rental properties are less accessible. Beware of damage to the underside of the hire car on rough tracks.
Taxis: Excellent value. Invariably will be a large, clean and air-conditioned Mercedes. Most drivers speak basic English and have none of the bad habits of many Med taxi drivers (loud local music, smoking en route, etc.)
See
There are boat trips up the coast to see Barbarossa's cave and the old leper colony (formerly a Venetian fortress) of Spinalonga, which are fascinating and amazing value (do not spend more than €10, there is no need) and usually include an ocean swim.
Do
Go to the Golden Beach, a long golden sandy beach. Perfect for a cooling paddle if the heat gets too much. About a 10 minute walk from anywhere in KaloChorio. Or visit the beautiful Silver Sands Beach with its picturesque church at one end. If it is windy, consider the amazingly private and long pebble beach rather than the two sand beaches.
Buy
- Locally produced fruit and vegetables are available at all supermarkets in the village. The tomatoes are superb. Or visit the local bakery for some fresh cheese pies.
- Thyme honey. The bees here take the pollen from thyme and the subtle flavour is transferred to the honey.
Eat
There is a good selection of restaurants and tavernas in the village, catering to all tastes.
Drink
Generally there are a few cafes and bars in KaloChorio, but don't expect a throbbing nightlife scene; expect a quiet traditional affair, where locals, tourists and ex-pats all meet and enjoy nights out together.
If you enjoy sport coverage, the small but friendly "Commotions Bar" is on the main road.
Sleep
- Elpida Hotel, +30 2841 061403. Standard room: €54/night, superior room: €60 euro/night, studio apartment: €58/night, one-bedroom apartment: €64/night, two-bedroom apartment: €74/night. Discounts available via website.