Location

It extends from the West Bank of the Tavronitis River. On the verdant slopes of the surrounding hills, there are growing ancient plants and new olive trees, orange trees, vines, avocados, gardens. Anyone who wants to wander, he will come across lush green groves and wander among forest trees such as plane trees, oaks, lindens, laurels, oleanders. In addition, he will hear the chirping of many birds and breathe in, the aroma of various herbs.

Τhe municipality of Platanias is the largest municipality in Chania regional unit and is a picturesque coastal settlement in the west of Crete, just 11 km from the center, 10kn from Polemarchi, 24 km from the city’s airport and 18 km from the port of Souda. The history of the village dates back to the Venetian rule of Crete, when it was built on the coastal road that connected the two major ports of the island, Kissamos and Souda, and took its name from the plane trees on the banks of the Platanias river that crosses the village.

“… If you touch that olive tree
you will say that you are touching a tree.
But I will hear through its veins
the buzz of the centuries that formed it”

(Theodosis Pieridis)

Polemarchi is about 3.5 kilometers from the olive grove of Vouvo.

All trees number their age in decades; the olive tree numbers it’s own in millennia. Symbol of immortality, perennial tree, strong and proud, resembles man in the resistance and defiance against the harsh conditions of the times.

In the village of Ano Vouves Kissamou Chania, one can admire the oldest recorded olive tree in the world, proclaimed as a natural monument, according to the 603 / 02.17.1997 decision of the General Secretary of the Region of Crete. Although scientists can not be absolutely sure, its age is estimated between 3000 and 5000 years and still remains alive, fructifying until today. It had as a base a wild olive tree, and then became domesticated by humans via Tsounati variety. Its bole, chiseled by time as a sculpture, has a circumference of 12.5 meters and a diameter of 4.6 meters.

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The first olive tree that Idaios Hercules transplanted for the ancient Olympic Games in ancient Olympia, was brought from the village of Vouves. It was from the branches of the monumental olive tree of Vouves that the wreath with which the winner of the Olympic marathon in Athens 2004 was honorary crowned, by decision of the organizing committee; so was the wreath for the relative winner of Olympic Games in Beijing 2008.

Just like cultural monuments, so the natural monuments bear the fingerprints of history of each land. Next to the monumental tree, the Olive Tree Museum of Vouves was founded, in order for visitors to learn about the tradition of olive cultivation in Crete. The museum houses tool exhibits for traditional olive harvesting before the mechanization of cultivation and production, from antiquity to the mid-20th century

Other Points of Interest

Experience authentic Crete with luxury and a unique view at 3pearls-apartments
Welcome to 3pearls-apartments, a unique accommodation experience in the heart of western Crete, in Platanias, Chania. Our accommodations offer the ideal balance between natural beauty, history, tradition and comfort. These are new, luxurious apartments, suitable for both family holidays and visitors looking for a quiet, quality and authentic destination close to nature but also to places of cultural interest.

Impressive View and Location
3pearls-apartments have the privilege of being located in a spot with an unlimited view of the White Mountains, the sea of ​​Kolymbari, the Tavronitis River, the fertile valley of the area, traditional villages and olive groves that stretch as far as the eye can see. The stunning view from the apartments creates a feeling of peace and freedom, ideal for absolute relaxation.

Our location is ideal for exploring the wider area, as it is close to important historical and cultural monuments, monasteries, museums and natural landscapes that reveal the authenticity and richness of the Cretan land.

Cultural and Intellectual Heritage
Just 10 kilometers from our accommodations, in Episkopi Platanias, is the unique Church of Archangel Michael, also known as the Rotunda, due to its circular architecture. This church is a great Byzantine monument dating back to approximately 550 AD and stands out for its simple but devout architecture.

A little further on, in Kolymbari Kissamos, you will find the Orthodox Academy of Crete, a beacon of spirituality and dialogue. It hosts global conferences that promote the connection of faith, science and culture, while in 2016 the historic Ecumenical Council of Orthodoxy was hosted there, with the participation of Patriarchs and Bishops from all over the world.

In the same area, the Monastery of Gonia, dedicated to the Assumption of the Most Holy Theotokos, stands proud through the centuries and offers immense tranquility and views of the endless blue. The monastery is just 7 km. from our accommodations.

Natural Landscapes and Religious Devotions
For lovers of nature and religious tradition, the Cave of Agios Ioannis in Marathokefala, Kolymvari is a unique destination. Every year at midnight on Christmas Eve, a solemn service is held there by the Bishops of the area, creating a unique atmosphere of devotion under the light of candles.

In the village of Vouves Platanias, just 4 kilometers from villa 3pearls, stands the oldest olive tree in the world, estimated to be over 3,000 years old (2000 BC). This impressive tree is a natural monument and a reference point for the centuries-old Cretan tradition of olive cultivation.

The Grove of Agia Paraskevi in ​​Polemarchi, just one kilometer from our apartments, offers walking trails through a forest of towering pines and lush green trees, with magnificent panoramic views from Kolymbari to Akrotiri.

Historical Memory and Art
In a short distance (4 km.) is the German Military Cemetery in Maleme, built on a hill with a breathtaking view, as well as a Minoan-era vaulted tomb, which testify to the strategic importance of the area over the centuries.

For art lovers, the Museum of Contemporary Art “Elaiourgeio” in Dromonero hosts works by well-known Greek and international artists throughout the year. Here one can admire exhibitions of sculpture, painting, ceramics and photography in an exceptionally curated space.

Explore Chania
In just 18 km. distance from 3pearls-apartments lies the magnificent Chania, with its famous Venetian harbor, the emblematic Lighthouse, the Neoria, the Municipal Garden, the Municipal Art Gallery, the Archaeological Museum and the Tomb of Eleftherios Venizelos in Akrotiri, from where you can admire a magical view of the entire city and the sea.

Comfort and Amenities
Our apartments feature a fully equipped professional kitchen, spacious interiors with elegant decoration and large verandas or courtyards to enjoy the natural beauty of the area at any time of the day.

By choosing 3pearls-apartments, you choose a hospitality experience that combines natural splendor, cultural identity and modern luxury. Whether you are looking for a place for peace and relaxation, or you want to explore authentic Crete, our location and amenities cover every need.