The region

The Orthodox Academy of Crete

• Samaria gorge: This is a very nice whole day hike in the Samaria Gorge.
  You have to take the bus from Chania to Omalos (the entrance of the Gorge).
  You should be there at 8:00 at the latest.
  The gorge takes 6-8 hours to cross (leasurely). You end up at the Village of Aghia Roumeli where you have to take the boat (last one around 17:30, check it out) to Sfakia, and then the bus to Chania. Its really a full day trip but worth the trouble.

• Palaiochora: An interesting area in the south west, not one of the first priorities though.

• Loutro: A nice little village by the sea in the south coast between Aghia Roumeli and Sfakia. Accessible only by boat or walking (difficult path).

• Falassarna: The closest super-beach to Kolymbari, 30 minutes drive to the west. Site of an ancient Dorian city. The little restaurant of Capetan Nikolas in the Falassarna port, is a must!

• "Tigani" or "Balos" is one of the two best beaches in Crete (the other is Elafonissos). It is at the bottom of the Gramvoussa peninsula, the western of Cretan peninsulas. From the village of Kaliviani 7 Kms of dirt road plus two Kms of a path bring you to this beach. Also reachable by boat day trips from Kastelli and Chania.

• Chryssoskalitissa - Elafonisos: Chisoskalitisa is a nice little monastery, worth a stop on the way to Elafonissos, one of the two best beaches in Crete. Its specialty is the rose hue of its sand.

• Chania: The main city of the west, that has restored nicely the old town and port. It is around 30 Kms east of Kolymbari.
  Certainly the best city in Crete , it merits a visit.

• Rethymnon: A little city west of Chania and East of Heraklion is the second nicest city in Crete, with a nice old city and a small Venitian port.

• Monasteries of Gouvernetou and Aghia Triada: Two nice old monsteries in the  Souda (or Akrotiri) peninsula, meriting a visit. From the Goubernetou Monastery, there is a path that leads to the sea, making a nice two hour hike (one way). Aghia Triada produces its own high-quality olive oil. 

• A brief history of Crete see also this version

• Archaeological Museum of Chania. See also the site of the Greek ministry of culture.

• Historical Archive of Crete in Chania

• The Byzantine and Post-Byzantine Collection in Chania.

• The Maritime Museum in Chania.

• The Kissamos Museum in Kastelli.

• The Archeological Museum of Heraklion. See also here.

• The Archaelogical Site of Knossos can be reached by Bus Line Number 2 (KNOSSOS) both from the center of Heraklion (every 10-15 minutes) as well as from the bus stop in front of the physics department (departing hourly at half past the hour).

• The Historical Museum of Heraklion.

• The Natural History Museum of Crete in Heraklion.

• The Icon collection of St Ekaterini of Sinai in Heraklion. 

• The icon collection of St Matthaios of Sinai in Heraklion. 

• The Kazantzakis Museum in the Heraklion area.