About the Area
Nestled in the peaceful coastal area of Viglia, just outside Kissamos, Captain’s Beach Apartments & Bar is the perfect base for exploring some of Crete’s most breathtaking landscapes, authentic dining, and unforgettable experiences. From world-famous beaches to charming villages and vibrant Chania, everything is within easy reach.
BEACHES
Balos Beach
A stunning lagoon with turquoise waters and white sand — one of Crete’s most iconic spots.
By Car ~9 km | 30–40 min drive (plus short hike)
The road is bumpy and most rental car companies will warn you not to go with the car since it is a dirt road and insurance doesn’t have coverage. Some companies also install trackers on the cars and if they see you have been to Balos they might fine you. It is safest to rent a 4×4 car.
By Boat– excursions to Balos only or to Balos and Gramboussa Island
Offered by Cretan Daily Cruises
Contacts: www.cretandailycruises.com, + 30 28220 22888
Offered by Blue Daily Cruises
Contacts: www.blue-daily-cruises.com, + 30 28423 07407
Tickets can be booked online or at their desk in Kissamos Port
Kissamos Port Location
By 4×4 Bus–
Offered by E-Day Travel Tours– available to purchase online or from our reception (cash only), pick up from their office or Captain’s Beach Apartments
Contacts: www.edaytravel.gr, +30 6937 434 997, +30 2822 181 039
Offered by Strata Tours – available to purchase online, pick up from their office
Contacts: www.stratatours.com, +30 28220 24249, +30 697 409 2913
Please Note: You will have to make the 30 minute hike down the steps to the beach; Spaces are very limited.
By Private or Semi-private Tour– Various prices and departure times, depending on preferences and number of people.
Many companies offer private tours. E-Day Travel Tours (contacts above) and Balos Travel are some of the most popular options.
Contacts: www.balos-travel.com , +30 28220 22900, +30 694 7091549
By Jet Ski – Departure from Falasarna Beach
Contacts: www.falassarnaactivities.gr, +30 698 0809999
Falasarna Beach
Famous for its crystal-clear waters and unforgettable sunsets, Falasarna is a large sandy beach with many cafes, restaurants, water sports, paid sunbeds as well as
free beach sections.
~11 km | 20 min drive
Falasarna Beach Location
Elafonisi Beach
Known for its unique pink sand and shallow lagoon waters. Panoramic drive to the beach. 2 routs available: a drive through the mountain or through the seaside, both beautiful!
~50 km | 1 hr–1 hr 30 min drive
Elafonisi Beach Location
Kedrodasos Beach
Very close to Elafonisi beach. Named after the pine forest on the beach which provides natural shade, it is popular with wind surfers and campers. You will not find any sunbeds or cafes here, but this stoney beach has crystal clear waters. A short hike required.
~48 km | 1 hr–1 hr 30 min drive
Kedrodasos Beach Location
Mavros Molos Beach
A calm, family-friendly beach right in Kissamos with cafes and restaurants.
~5 km | 10 min drive
Mavros Molos Beach Location
NEARBY EXPERIENCES
Ancient Olive Tree of Vouves ~30 km | 35 min drive
One of the oldest olive trees in the world
Ancient Olive Tree of Vouves Location
Botanical Garden of Crete ~45 km | 50 min drive
Colorful tropical trees & medicinal herbs from around the world, planted on the site of a 2003 fire.
Botanical Garden of Crete Location
Samaria Gorge ~69 km | 1 hour 30 minutes drive
A must for hiking enthusiasts. You can go by yourself, but have in mind that the hike is long and it will be best to arrive early. You will have to catch a boat at the end of the gorge in the village of Agia Roumeli to go to Sfakia or Sougia and from there you can get a bus to bring you back to the gorge entrance. Alternatively you can book a tour at https://stratatours.com/ and visit the gorge with a group.
Samaria Gorge Location
Holy Trinity Tzagaroli Monastery and Katholiko Monastery Ruins~65 km | 1 hour drive
Holy Trinity Tzagaroli Monastery is an active Byzantine monastery built in the 17th century also housing a museum of rare religious works. After a breathtaking hike, you can also visit the Katholiko Monastery Ruins located in the vicinity.
Holy Trinity Tzagaroli Monastery Location
Start of hiking trail to Katholiko Monastery Ruins
DINING OPTIONS
Restaurants
· Gramboussa Restaurant ~2 km | 5 min drive
Traditional Cretan cuisine with local ingredients
Gramboussa Restaurant Location
· Stimadoris Taverna ~3 km | 5 min drive
Traditional fish taverna
Stimadoris Taverna Location
· Pixida Restaurant ~5 km | 10 min drive
Wonderful Cretan food in front of the sea
Pixida Restaurant Location
· Kouzoumama ~5 km | 10 min drive
A nice Cretan restaurant surrounded by Roman ruins.
Kouzoumama Restaurant Location
· Kyra Agoro Taverna ~12 km | 15 min drive
Cozy, traditional flavors
Kyra Agoro Taverna Location
· Taverna Spilios ~9 km | 15 min drive (Falasarna)
Rustic charm, local specialties and amazing views, especially at sunset!
Taverna Spilios Location
· Taverna Stomio ~39 km | 1 hour drive (Elafonisi)
Authentic experience, surrounded by animals and nature.
Taverna Stomio Location
· Elaias Thea ~32 km | 35 minutes drive (Ancient Olive Tree)
Authentic experience, surrounded by animals and nature.
Elaias Thea Location
Gyros & Quick Bites
· Pikantiko ~5 km | 9 min drive
Delicious gyros and fast food
Pikantiko Location
· Iroon 42 ~5 km | 9 min drive
Pita & Burger spot
Iroon 42 Location
Brunch, Cafes, Bakeries & Bars
· Breeze Cafe Bar ~6 km | 10 min drive
Brunch spot with relaxed vibe by the sea
Breeze Cafe Bar Location
· Babel Cafe Bar ~6 km | 10 min drive
Trendy spot for coffee, cocktails and brunch
Babel Cafe Bar Location
· Sweet House ~6 km | 10 min drive
Perfect for desserts and coffee. Try loukoumades- Greek donuts
Sweet House Location
· Papadakis Bakery ~4 km | 6 min drive
You will find fresh bread, sweet and salty treats, as well as nice coffee
Papadakis Bakery Location
CLOSEST SUPERMARKETS
· Sklavenitis ~5 km, 8 minutes by car
main hours: 08:00-21:00, Saturday: 08:00-20:00, Sunday closed
Sklavenitis Supermarket Location
· SYNKA ~6 km, 10 minutes by car
main hours: 08:00-21:00, Sunday 10:00-20:00
Synka Supermarket Location
· Mournia ~5 km | 8 min drive
Open every day, 24 hours
Mournia Shop Location
· Ariadni ~5 km, 8 minutes by car
main hours: 08:00-22:30, Sunday 09:00-21:30
Ariadni Location