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Kalives Holidays

'It's traditionally Greek through and through, but charming Kalives also has plenty for the modern day holidaymaker.'

The setting here is splendid. On one side, you've got the bright blue waters of Souda Bay and the rugged coastline of Akrotiri Peninsula. And on the other, acres and acres of orange and olive groves, backed by the soaring peaks of the White Mountains. This is Kalives, one of Crete's most charming and unspoilt resorts, which has the feel of a sleepy Greek village, while at the same time offering all the facilities we have come to know and love in our modern day holiday resorts. The long beach is a fine stretch of sand, overlooked by the Apokorona fortress, built by the Genoese when they attempted to 'half-inch' the island from the Venetians. It's the perfect spot to shake off those stresses and really slow down the pace. Apart from lying around on the beach or browsing the few shops along the central street, the daytime activities here don't set the world alight. But that's really its charm. In the evening things get a little more lively though, with a good selection of tavernas offering authentic Cretan cuisine, fresh seafood and a reasonable helping of international fare, if that's more to your taste. If you're looking for more action, hop on a bus to Chania, which has plenty of shops, bars and restaurants, huddled around the brightly lit harbour. Alternatively, if you're more interested in natural rather than man-made attractions, slip on some sturdy shoes and head off for an inland ramble. This area is renowned for its wild flowers, which include no less than 25 rare species of orchid.

'The real Crete' is charming, quaint and inviting … but most people like it better when it's a little diluted with contemporary comforts. With holidays in Kalives, that's just what you get. There are beautiful views in every direction …the deep blue of Souda Bay framed by the rugged coast of the Akrotiri Peninsula ... Citrus and olive groves, and the soaring White Mountains as a backdrop.

Yet Chania is an easy bus ride away - with its bars, discos and busy shopping streets. International dishes feature with local favourites in the clutch of eateries in Kalives. And holiday accommodation includes all the mod cons you'd expect for a Greek island holiday.

A very traditional village, Kalives holidays focus on a long and lovely sandy beach … a beach that's naturally relaxing and almost never crowded. Small wonder that families find this place irresistible. With just enough shops to browse in … and very little else, the daytime tempo is somewhere between slow and stop. Evenings get a bit livelier though. The local tavernas are at their busiest on balmy summer nights, so there's no shortage of fresh fish specialities and authentic Cretan cuisine. And without the premium prices of the more famous resorts, you'll find your souvenirs (and your suppers) are comparatively cheap. Holidays in Kalives can turn into a bit of a bargain.