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The setting
The Avra Imperial Hotel is on the quiet west coast of Crete, about one kilometre from the village of Kolymbari, right on the seashore. The rooms reflect the “refined yet cozy” atmosphere of which the hotel is particularly proud, inviting guests to enjoy a peaceful beach holiday. It’s the perfect place for guests who want to avoid the hustle and bustle of large resort complexes while still enjoying direct access to the sea; plus, the Chania region is easily accessible by car, offering a chance to add some variety to your holiday.
What to expect
This is a full-service 5-star resort with a pool, bar, restaurant, and café, where you can enjoy a peaceful morning. Guests are also offered a wide range of wellness services: massage rooms, a sauna, a steam room, and an on-site spa centre. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel, and if you arrive by car, you can take advantage of free parking. There’s plenty of space for families with children as well: in addition to a game room, a children’s playground, and a children’s pool, there’s a kids’ club open all day long.
Things to do nearby
Kolymvari Beach is right next to the hotel, and Rapaniana Beach is just a few minutes’ walk away. If you’d like to visit a different beach on weekdays, the private beach at the “Mrs. Krissana Beach” hotel is also nearby. The village of Kolymbari itself is about one kilometre from the hotel and is within walking distance if you’d like to take a break from lounging on the poolside chairs to grab a coffee, go for a walk, or have lunch at a restaurant.
Best for
It’s perfect for couples looking to spend a week on a quiet beach in Cretan, as well as for families who want a well-equipped playground on the hotel grounds. With a spa, a pool, and a location right next to several beaches, your six nights will fly by.
How to get to the hotel
Chania International Airport is the closest, around 40 minutes by car or taxi along the coast road. The hotel has free parking if you hire a car, which is the easiest way to explore the west coast. A private transfer can also be arranged through the booking.
Choose your room
✓ Your selectionDeluxe Double room
Room with a balcony and a view of the sea, featuring an elegant yet understated interior.
View room →
+£130Deluxe Double room with pool view
Room with a large pool view, stylish interior, and luxurious toiletries.
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+£210Premium Double room
Room with open-plan layout, balcony, smart TV, and luxurious toiletries.
View room →- Free Internet
- Transfer services
- Free parking
- Swimming pool
- Tennis court
- Gym
- Sauna & spa tub
Property, in pictures
Latest reviews
Truly Paradise
From the moment we arrived, we knew we were somewhere special. We were greeted so warmly by Nadia, whose friendliness and kindness set the tone for our entire stay. She… Read full review on ZenHotels →
Return to amazing Avra (with a couple of *very* minor issues)
My 2nd time at Avra was booked directly with the hotel. I also booked my airport transfer through the hotel.I had a couple of questions and tried both e-mailing and… Read full review on ZenHotels →
A week, loosely planned
Suggestions, not orders. Tour ideas to mix and match for your trip.
Arrival and first toes in the sea
Relax in a peaceful setting and enjoy a leisurely afternoon with a cup of coffee in hand at the café. As soon as you unpack your bags, you can enjoy your first swim in the sea at the nearby Kolymvari Beach. The lounge chairs are already set up for you. Before dinner, take a five-minute walk to the village of Kolymbari to explore and get to know the area. There’s a bakery, a harbour, and a few taverns. When you return to the hotel, consider stopping by the bar before bed.
Pool, spa and slow recovery
Don't rush. Spend the morning between the pool and the sea, then book yourself into the spa for a massage or a sauna and steam bath circuit. After lunch, try Rapaniana Beach next door for a change of pebbles and water. Read on a lounger, watch the sun drop behind the headland, then take a long shower before heading down for an evening drink.
Kolymbari village and harbour
If you drive into the town of Kolymbari and head down the street, you’ll come to a small fishing harbour. Pick any taverna, enjoy a hearty lunch of grilled fish and a generous Cretan salad, watch the boats coming into the harbour, and on your way back, stop by a few shops in the village. In the late afternoon, head to the private beach next to the Rapaniana Beach, enjoy a peaceful swim, and then return to the hotel to relax at the spa or by the pool.
Chania old town day trip
Drive or taxi east to Chania, about half an hour along the coast. Wander the Venetian harbour, the old town lanes and the covered market, stopping for bougatsa or a slow coffee. Pick up some olive oil or honey to take home. Get back to the hotel by late afternoon for a swim, then dinner at the on-site restaurant once the heat eases off.
Beach-hopping along the coast
Today is the perfect day to enjoy the beach. Enjoy an early morning swim in the sea at Kolymvari Beach while the lounge chairs are still empty, then take a stroll to Rapaniana and change up your surroundings before noon. Afterward, walk back through the village and treat yourself to an iced coffee. How about spending the third part of the day after lunch and a siesta at the neighbouring beach near Mrs. Krissana’s place? To wrap up the day, you’ll relax at the hotel bar with a cold drink and some salty potato chips.
Wellness day and sunset
Why not book a more extensive spa package? After your massage, enjoy the sauna and steam room, and take some time to relax between treatments. Treat yourself to a light lunch by the pool, read a chapter of a book, and take a stroll along the beach in the afternoon. Be sure to watch the sunset on the west coast tonight. Find a spot with a view of the sea and enjoy the scenery while sipping a local drink.
Last swim and departure
How about enjoying a peaceful swim early in the morning, while the beach is still empty and the sea is as smooth as glass? If your flight departs later, the poolside terrace is the perfect place to meet up. Pay your bill, load your luggage into the car, and head back along the coastal road to Chania Airport.
Where you'll be
Crete Island, Greece
FAQ
Is it a good choice for families with children?
Yes. The hotel is marked as suitable for children and runs a playroom, a children's playground, a separate kids' swimming pool and a kids' club. With the beach right outside and shallow pool areas, parents tend to get a proper rest while the children stay busy on site.
Is July a good time to visit this part of Crete?
July marks the height of summer on the west coast. Although there are many hot, dry days here, the water temperature is around 24–26 °C, and the days are long, lasting until sunset. In Chania, expect the typical high-season influx of tourists, while the area around Kolymbari has a relatively peaceful atmosphere. Book spa treatments and restaurant reservations in advance, and it’s best to plan your beach visits for early morning or late evening.
What's there to do at the hotel itself?
There’s plenty to do right on the resort grounds. In addition to the pool, bar, restaurant, and café, there’s also a wellness centre with massage rooms, a sauna, a steam room, and a spa. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel, and Kolymvari Beach is right nearby, where you can go for a swim or take a walk.
Are the nearby beaches within walking distance?
Yes. Kolymvari Beach is right next to the hotel; Rapaniana Beach is just a few minutes’ walk away along the coast, and the private beach at the Krissana Beach Hotel is also within walking distance. Even without a car, you’ll be able to easily get between the beaches all week long.
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