Apokoronas Touring Map
In the series of Discover...on Foot we have made our first map for the Apokoronas region. It is a detailed map (scale 1:50.000) providing all the roads, villages and many extra information. On the backside of the map are 10 beautiful and interesting places described that you have to visit. The description is in 6 languages; English, German, Dutch, French, Greek and Russian.
The Apokoronas Region
Apokoronas is the region in north-west Crete, at the east of the city of Chania. Since January 2011 it is a municipality of the Chania Prefecture, with its capital at Vrisses. The municipality is divided into 6 municipal departments which are: Armeni, Fres, Georgioupolis, Krionerida, Vamos and Asi Gonia. The name ‘Apokoronas’ possibly originates from the ancient city of Ippokoronion. This city
may have been located near the village of Nippos, or on the site of the Venetian fortress, Castle Apicorono, on an outcrop between Kalyves and Almyrida.
The municipality extends from the foothills of the White Mountains to the coast on the north, in a wide plain with rolling hills. It covers approximately 200 square kilometres. It is an area with varying terrains with lots of tracks that are ideal for walking! To the east, Cape Drapanon (527m) rises above the plain and extends out into the Sea of Crete. It is a very green and fertile area, unusual for rocky Crete. It is a rich agricultural region with many olive groves, vineyards and orange groves. As typical in the whole of Greece, you can often
hear the sound of sheep and goats who roam freely. You find many cypress trees and even areas that you can call forests. The breathtaking views from every angle on the ‘Lefka Ori’ (White Mountains), the wide views over Souda Bay, the Akrotiri Peninsula and the Drapanos Mountain are typical for the Apokoronas region.
The geen landscape and the White Mountains are typical for the Apokoronas region!
Nowadays there are approximately 13.000 inhabitants in 50 villages and settlements. The major villages are Vamos, Vrisses, Kalyves, Georgioupolis,
Kournas, Armeni and Fres. Most have municipal and utility offices as well as taverns, mini markets, schools and churches. Kalyves, Almyrida and Georgioupolis are beach resorts. All together the Apokoronas region is a beautiful region to Discover... on Foot!
