The seaside village of Paleochora is located at a distance of 74.5 km. southwest of Hania. With 2000 residents, this - after Ierapetra - is the biggest town in southern Crete. According to historians, this is the location of the ancient city of Kalamidi. During the last few years, Paleochora has turned into one of the busiest tourist destinations on the island, attracting great numbers of visitors during the summer months.
In the town you will find the Museum of History, worth visiting due to its many exhibits testifying to the glorious history of the area. Next to the resort, you will find the fortress Castel Selino, built by the Duke of Crete, Marino Gradonico in 1279-82, in order to protect the harbour from invations from the sea and the Duke's property and riches from the uprisings of the locals.
The fortress was later destroyed by the revolutionaries, in order to be refortified in 1334. As we see it today, it is the result of further conctrsuction after its destruction by the Pirate, Barnbarossa, in 1539. Starting out from Paleohora, you will have the chance to visit the caves of Zoures and haraks in the village of Azogires, which, it is believed was chosen by the 99 Fathers of our Church in order to lead their monastic lives. You will also have a chance to visit the small offshore isle of Gavdos.