Things To Do in Kato Daratso

Relaxation is made easy in Kato Daratso. For starters, there’s a choice of Blue Flag beaches to pick from. Chrissi Akti, or Golden Beach, comes out on top for its name – and the golden-hued sands don’t disappoint, either. When you’re not soaking up the rays, there’s surfing and windsurfing to be done. You’ve got a backdrop made up of greenery, too, as the area’s had a preservation order slapped on it.

You can pick up something Greek from the shops in Agia Marina – a 10 minute-drive away. They’re stocked with handmade souvenirs, like Cretan olive oil, pottery and embroidery. If you’re looking for a serious shopping spree, head into Chania. It’s got household names like Zara and H&M, as well as boutiques and markets. Seek out famous Leather Lane for belts, sandals and handbags.

After-dark, the action in Kato Daratso is pretty low-key – mostly revolving around the set of restaurants. For something livelier, make the 10-minute journey to Chania. Take up a spot at a rooftop bar in the harbour to watch all the action from above. Or, head down one of the side streets, where the bars pump out chart-topping tunes, with the occasional DJ set.

The nightlife in Kato Daratso revolves around the laid-back tavernas. Head into nearby Chania, and you’ll find bars lined up along the harbour. Start the night sinking cocktails and people-watching from the rooftop garden at Pallas. It overlooks the harbour, so you’ll get views of the famous lighthouse when it’s all lit-up. When you want to hit the dancefloor, find Nota Bene – one of the city’s oldest clubs.

Chania’s narrow streets and old town houses have earned it the nickname – Venice of the East. Visit the old town and you’ll be faced with lanes that criss-cross their way past Venetian buildings and open-air restaurants. But, the harbour is the jewel in Chania’s crown. These days, the waterfront fortress and Turkish mosque have been turned into a museum and art gallery. And there’s the Venetian lighthouse – one of the oldest in the world.

Chania is packed with shops and markets selling everything from rugs to raki. But leather is the top buy here. Head for Leather Lane – a narrow street near the harbour, where shops are filled with shoes, belts, bags and wallets. Although most of it isn’t handmade anymore, you’ll still find the odd workshop where you can get measured up for some sandals, or a pair of stivania – traditional Cretan boots.

You’ll come across a dozen or so restaurants in Kato Daratso. Octopus, kebabs and kleftico – slow-cooked lamb shanks – are all on the menu. Most of the tavernas come with flower-decorated courtyards, blue wooden chairs and chequered table cloths. And the souvlaki is served traditionally – hanging from a metal holder.

Things kick off in July and wrap up in September at Chania’s Summer Festival. Over three months, there’s a bit of everything, including opera, ballet and Cretan dancing. Plus, Shakespeare’s big in these parts, so you can expect to see performances of Romeo and Juliet, and Hamlet, in Greek.

Kata Daratso has a decent number of restaurants. And here, the tavernas are as traditional as they come. As you’d expect, Greek food is the order of the day. So, expect the likes of moussaka, stew and meat skewers. It’s all laid out on wooden tables with chequered cloths and matching blue chairs.

The long sandy stretch in town isn’t the only one in the area. You’ve got another three within 10 minutes’ walk. There’s one with golden-tinted sands and another two Blue Flag beauties. Plus, the waterfront in the area has been placed under preservation, so they’re all backed by pines and eucalyptus trees.