The nearest supermarket is in the village, just down from Irene’s taverna, on the road to Chania (Hania).  It stocks fresh fruit, veg and bread, normal groceries, dairy, some frozen food, alcohol, cleaning products and toiletries and quite a large range of beach goods.  There is a post box there, and you can also buy stamps, postcards and English newspapers. There is a smaller supermarket in the village along the road towards Stavros (just past Chorafakia Car Hire). There is also a Pharmacy, hairdressers and a couple of cafes in the village.  A cash point can be found in the car park of Irene’s taverna.

In Kounoupidiana, a small town on the road to Chania, there are several larger supermarkets as well as a variety of other shops including a chemist (with resident doctor next door) and a vet.  There are also several banks and cash points here as well as a good selection of restaurants and snack bars.

Chania, however, offers the best range of shops;  the ‘newer’ district (away from the harbour) has every sort of shop you would need, and old Chania (around the harbour and back streets) has a wonderful selection of gift/souvenir shops as well as a huge selection of restaurants, bars and snack bars. There is a market on Saturdays and an indoor Market offering lots of local produce open every day.

If you haven’t already hired a car and decide you would like one, Chorafakia Car Rental in the village is very good.  I always use them myself and recommend them to my guests.  It is a small family firm run by Stelios and Lena (who speak perfect English).  You can find them by walking through the village, past Irene’s on the road to Stavros, just a couple of minutes walk on the left.  His cars are mostly new and all are air-conditioned and fully insured and his rates are quite reasonable.  Alternatively, other car rental companies can be found at the airport or in Chania.

TERSANAS – The nearest beach to the villa- five minutes drive or twenty minutes walk.  Take the road next to the car hire company.  Sunbeds, parasols available and a couple of bars for drinks and snacks.  Safe sloping shoreline – can be quite busy at times.

STAVROS – Ten minutes by car.  Sandy beach, sunbeds, parasols, Café and restaurants.  The area is famous for being the location for the film ‘Zorba the Greek’. Children’s play park.

KALATHAS – Ten minutes by car on the Chania road this is a large bay with an island set in the middle which you can swim to.  A dive centre is situated behind the restaurant and a couple of volley ball courts are marked out on the sand for the energetic.  There is also a lifeguard station and plenty of sunbeds and parasols.

MARATHI – on the south coast of the peninsular a little further away.  This is a small port with beaches both sides – one quieter with a beach taverna serving local fish.  The views of Souda Island, Kalives and Almerida are lovely.  The port also provides boat trips to Rethymnon.

SUNSET BEACH – This is just around the corner from Stavros beach and is quite difficult to find;  you need to follow the small hand-written signs ‘to the beach’ and it looks as if you are driving into someone’s private drive but you are not!  It is very quiet and quite rocky.  You can walk along the sea-shore to Blue Beach (about twenty minutes).

IRENE’S is the closest – five minutes walk to the village – traditional home Greek cooking – reasonable prices.  Free Wi-Fi available.

RAMBLERS is the next restaurant along the road towards the car hire office.  A mixture of Greek and English food – good Sunday morning cooked breakfast.  Free Wi-Fi available.

THE FISH RESTAURANT (at the top end of Tersanas beach) has good food and lovely little candle-lit tables on the rocks during the summer – very romantic!

ZORBA’S in the square at Stavros, is a very traditional Greek taverna.  The seating is all open air on a terrace covered by vines.

SUNSET BEACH CAFÉ on Sunset Beach which is signposted (not very well) from Stavros main beach.  The café is run by a French lady – very good food but a bit pricey.

KALATHAS BEACH BAR – If you drive along the Chania road, Kalathas beach is about five minutes by car – you can see the popular beach on your right.  Varied Greek dishes – good for lunch.

ALMYRIKI – the windmill taverna -right by the sea at the far end of Stavros.  Excellent food – good to have a selection of starter dishes.  Seating is only outside.