Afrata is a small traditional village located in the northwest of Crete on the Rodopos Peninsula. It lies at 160m altitude at approximately 4km from the larger coastal village of Kolimbari (8 minutes by car) and it overlooks a gorge. Chania town is about 30km or 35 minutes drive.
Leaving Kolimbari, you drive passed the 17th century monastery of Gonia and the Orthodox academy. The road to Afrata is asphalted and meanders its way to the village. There is a mini market and 2 known taverns serving traditional food at the square of the village. From there the road continues to the beach which is about 1,5km from the village square. The beach is pebbled, there is a tavern and is a good area for diving. You will find tourists as well as locals at the attractive and yet unknown little cove.
Afrata offers a small number of accommodations and the area is popular with walkers, cyclists and bird watchers.
The peninsular of Rodopos is reasonably quiet and still fairly undiscovered. From the village of Rodopos there is a track leading to the extreme north where the Diktynna Sanctuary is located. This sanctuary was dedicated to the daughter of Zeus. At the end of the peninsular is the amazing beach of Menies. This small bay located in the north east side of the cape is a must visit if you are looking for a near virgin beach far from civilization. There are no facilities nearby so make sure you bring supplies and water.
