Xamoudochori: Hillside Setting, Coastal Views and History

Xamoudochori combines a semi-mountainous setting with a layered history. Its landscape, the central Church of Saint John Chrysostom and memories of the Battle of Crete give the destination several distinct facets. If you are looking for a holiday apartment in Xamoudochori, you can decide which of these appeals to you most.

Hillside Setting and Views of the Coast

The settlement stretches from the foot of a hill, over its summit and further down the other side. The hill is therefore more than just a backdrop; it gives Xamoudochori its distinctive shape. Green vineyards, cypress trees and olive trees define the surrounding area, while the semi-mountainous settlement offers impressive views of the coast of the Platanias municipality. The landscape brings together two different perspectives: the spread of the settlement across the hill and the view towards the coast. This combination may be worth considering when choosing where to stay if you appreciate both a hillside setting and coastal views.

The Church of Saint John Chrysostom

Xamoudochori’s central church is dedicated to Saint John Chrysostom; his feast day is 13 November. The building’s history also links several points in time at the same location: a small chapel was demolished there in 1870, and the present-day church was built in its place in 1935. The church’s history can thus be understood through its dedication and a clear sequence of dates. For travellers interested in religious history or architecture, the church is a tangible cultural landmark in the village. Its feast day adds a fixed date to the building’s history.

Memories of the Battle of Crete

During the Battle of Crete, the first portable Allied radar was operated in Xamoudochori. This historical connection links the village’s past to the battle and offers a different focus from the history of the church. At a commemorative event marking the 81st anniversary of the battle, participants walked the historic “Makry Kaldérimi–English Wireless” route between Xamoudochori and Height 107 in 2022. Alongside the historic radar operation, a named route and a specific commemorative event are therefore part of the remembrance of the battle. The walk should be understood as an event that took place in 2022.

Cretan Drinks in the Village Centre

The village centre is also home to a traditional kafenio associated with local soft drinks from Crete and traditional tsikoudia. This culinary connection adds another facet to the village’s architectural and commemorative history: Cretan drinks and the kafenio tradition. Xamoudochori’s character is therefore not defined by its landscape and historical connections alone.

Getting There and Choosing Where to Stay

From the coastal road through Maleme, a road branches off to the left and climbs to Xamoudochori, about three kilometres away. This distance is approximate; check road conditions before setting out. When planning your stay, consider two different questions: are you mainly interested in the hilly landscape and coastal views, or are you particularly drawn to the church and the historical connections? The landscape, religious history and memories of the battle are distinct points of interest that together create a multifaceted picture of the village.

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For the main travel overview: Chania.