In Greek, Kalo
Chorio means “Good Village” perhaps because it sits on particularly rich
and fertile soil, and also has some of the most beautiful beaches in the
bay of Mirabello. It has been said that the southern coastline of the Gulf
of Mirabello
has something of the Character of the Riviera, but with uncrowded beaches
and only a few hotels. The village with a population of around 900,
nestles attractively in the midst of a verdant hilly landscape, where
olive groves and abundant and colourful mediterranean shrubs and plants
reach all the way down to the sea. Over the past years, naturally with
tourism, part of the village has grown up nearer to the beach.
Our
accommodation is mostly situated in this new part of the village with some
further out in quieter outskirts. There are three attractive bays with
clean sand and pebble beaches, shaded by tamarisk trees, and providing
very safe swimming plus a variety of water sports. However, Istro is no
bustling tourist village, and those who come
to visit will live alongside the local people. It is easy to relax in the
warmly welcoming atmosphere of the Greek tavernas, restaurants and
kafenions, and the shops in the village provide everything you might need
on holiday. The distance from Heraklion Airport is approx. 75 km, which is
about an hour’s drive by
car, while Agios Nikolaos is approx. 11 km
away.
In all directions there are excellent bus connections,
which offer the
possibility to see much of the eastern part of Crete on a series of day
trips. Well worth seeing, if you rent a car, is the
palm tree lined beach
at Vai, the famous Minoan palace of Knossos, the Lasithi plain with its
windmills, the island of Spinalonga, and Chrisi Island, or Matala with its
ancient man made caves, and much more. Apart from these there are
beautiful walks in the area, and Istro is full of archaeological interest.
The new village of Istro sits on the site of the ancient town of Istrona,
remains of which are still being found today. Because of this, the land
closest to the sea has a conservation order and no new building may take
place, which leaves the beaches uncrowded and unspoilt. The delightful
beaches of Istro Bay are regularly awarded a Blue flag for cleanliness.
