A quiet and unsophisticated place, holidays in Palekastro are just about making their mark on the tourist map. Right at the eastern tip of the island, this former farming village has a handful of tavernas, a couple of bars, a single disco, and a small (but growing) collection of modern accommodation for leisurely summer holidays. In Palekastro 'leisurely' covers everything – from unhurried meals that last all evening, to morning strolls to Chiona beach, about 20 minutes away. Of course you could cut that time (and effort) with scooter hire.
There's a surprising variety of places to visit if you do, and your transport will be temptingly cheap. Holidays in Palekastro put you in a great position for Crete's eastern attractions. Topping the list is the sandy beach at Vai, just 8km down the road. It's backed by Europe's only natural palm forest, and the fast food bars and lively night scene up the tempo a bit. And a trio of historic sites will vie for your attention – the pretty Moni Toplou monastery, Greco-Roman ruins at Itanos, and the island's fourth Minoan Palace at Zakros. So where do you stay? Self-catering holidays in Palekastro could be the perfect place for couples or families …blissfully peaceful in their setting by a semi-deserted beach. You'd be wise not to wait till the last minute. Holidays in Palekastro haven't hit wholesale proportions yet …which is all the better for the few who have discovered unspoilt 'Paleokastro'.

So, you've spent a few days winding-down at the water's edge and watching the sunsets from taverna tables. When you're ready for something a little livelier, nip into neighbouring Platanias. It's the busiest of western Crete's resorts, with bags of bars and eateries and several discos. And it's only 6km down the road, so taxi fares are fairly cheap. Holidays in Maleme are well placed too for forays into Chania – for culture, shopping and nightlife.
If you're looking for something at the last minute, holidays to Maleme are good all-rounders.

Castello City Hotel - Crete
ideal choice for the visitor of the city of Heraklion in Crete giving the feeling of a boutique luxury hotel. Castello City was designed so as to satisfy the highest demands of its select clientele, professional as well as recreational. It is open throughout the year and its convenient location offers easy access from and to the airport or the port, being at the same time very near to the commercial centre of the city. The Hotel Castello comprises 68 standard and superior rooms, Luxury Junior and Business suites...

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Maleme Quick Info
The little rural town of Palekastro has the lovely beaches of Chiona and Kouremenos on its doorstep. Just over 8km away is Itanos, whose beautiful beaches and atmospheric archaeological remains are hardly ever discovered by the masses. Palekastro is an unpretentious place where agriculture is just as important to tourism so it's refreshingly authentic and satisfies all the needs of the Cretophile, providing everything from good home cooking to a dash of folklore. The locals are expansive and friendly and in the summer, every fortnight or so, someone will get married and hold a huge and lengthy wedding feast in the main square of Palekastro, to which everyone is welcome.
The countryside of the extreme eastern coast of Crete remains the most rugged, wild and beautiful on the island. Stunning beaches washed by a sea of amazing clarity and colour, and cooled by a fresh Sea Breeze, fringe the coastline. Inland, small villages of almost Biblical appearance dot the hillsides and, along the many unsurfaced roads crossing the mountains, you're likely to encounter local farmers travelling by mule. On wonderful beaches such as Xerokambos, Kato Zakros and Kouremenos you will leave the crowds far behind because the far east of Crete has no international airport. Only those who care about tranquillity, and tradition bother to search out the authentic Crete which lies hidden at the island's eastern tip