Kissamos or Kastelli Kissamou is a small town in West Crete, at the northwest end of the island.
Kissamos, often still referred to by its earlier name of Kastelli, lies halfway along Kissamos Bay, 43 kilometres from Chania.
At first sight, Kissamos does not look like a town full of fascinating things to do, but the truth is quite otherwise. Don’t forget that the west coast of Crete includes some of the island’s most famous sights, such as Elafonissi, Falassarna, and Balos on Cape Gramvoussa.
Kastelli or Kissamos is a small town of about 2,000 inhabitants, with an attractive little harbor, lots of shops, cafeteria and tavernas mostly along the seafront, a long history, and a lively atmosphere. It is a busy place, offering everything tourists may need, although it does not seem very impressive at first.
On first arriving at Kissamos, you see the large beach of grey sand stretching out in front of the town and the rocky coast to the west.
In the west part of Kissamos is the main road, Heroon Polytechniou Street, full of shops and supermarkets. But in the summer (and all year round when the weather’s good), the heart of town beats on the coast road, near Tzanakaki Square or Kastelli Square, which is mostly pedestrianized, letting visitors and residents alike enjoy a stroll by the sea.
The Kissamos area is particularly fertile, rich in grapes, sultanas, wine, and raki (tsikoudia). The town played an important part from early historical times onwards, as the provincial capital and economic center of Kissamos Province in Chania Prefecture.
The harbour of Kissamos is outside the town, linking Crete to the Peloponnese, Chania Prefecture to Kythera, Gythio and Kalamata. There are also daily boat trips to Gramvoussa and Balos Beach.