Water is everywhere here. I’m not just talking about the Sea of Crete, which sits right across the road, but the actual architecture of the Avra Imperial Hotel Kolymbari. It’s basically built on a series of reflecting pools and massive swimming areas that make the whole place feel like it’s floating. Most people see the photos and think it’s just another sterile five-star resort, but they're wrong. It’s actually one of the most structurally ambitious hotels in Chania, built right on top of an ancient Minoan settlement.
Most travelers head straight to Chania town, get stuck in the harbor crowds, and pay double for a room the size of a closet. Kolymbari is different. It’s a quiet, working fishing village about 25 minutes west of the city. If you stay at the Avra Imperial, you aren't just getting a bed; you’re getting a strategic base for the best beaches in Europe. But you have to know how to use it.
The Design Philosophy Nobody Mentions
Architecturally, this place is a bit of a flex. It was designed by the Greek firm 3SK Stylianidis, and they clearly had a thing for glass and basalt. You’ll notice the lobby feels like a cathedral of light. It’s massive. Honestly, it’s almost too big at first, but you realize the scale is intentional once the resort hits 90% capacity. You never feel crowded. That’s the secret sauce of the Avra Imperial Hotel Kolymbari.
The hotel layout is split into two main sections. There’s the seaside side and the main building side. They are connected by an underground tunnel that feels a bit like a futuristic bunker, but it beats crossing the street in your flip-flops.
While most resorts try to look "rustic" or "traditional" (which usually just means old furniture and beige walls), Avra went the other way. It’s unapologetically modern. We’re talking clean lines, stainless steel, and 118,000 square meters of space. It’s an Aegean interpretation of Zen.
What’s Under the Floorboards?
During construction, they found a 3,500-year-old Minoan building. Right there. On the property. Instead of paving over it like a lot of developers might have done decades ago, they preserved it. You can actually see the archaeological excavations through glass floor panels in the lobby area. It’s a weird, cool juxtaposition—looking at Bronze Age ruins while holding a high-end gin and tonic.
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The Room Situation: Don't Overpay
Here is the truth: you don’t need a private pool room, but you’ll probably want one. The resort has 328 rooms, and a staggering number of them come with individual or shared pools.
If you book a standard room, you’re still getting marble bathrooms and high-end linens, but the "Imperial" experience really kicks in with the suites. The Deluxe Suites with private pools are the ones you see on Instagram. They’re great. But honestly? The "Shared Pool" rooms are often a better value. You share a long, lap-style pool with four or five other rooms. Most of the time, your neighbors are out exploring anyway, so you effectively get a massive pool for a fraction of the suite price.
Avoid the rooms facing the back of the property if you can. They’re fine, but they lack that "endless blue" vibe that makes the Avra Imperial Hotel Kolymbari worth the trek. Ask for a pool view or a sea view. It makes a difference when you wake up.
Eating and Drinking (The Good and the Average)
Let's be real about resort food. Usually, it’s a buffet of sadness. Avra is better than most, but it has its quirks.
- Basilico: This is the main buffet. It’s huge. The breakfast spread is genuinely impressive—fresh Cretan honey, local cheeses like Graviera and Mizithra, and actual honeycomb. Dinner is varied, but it can feel a bit chaotic during peak hours.
- Blue Horizon: This is the poolside spot. Great for a quick salad or a club sandwich.
- Almyra: This is the seafood restaurant by the beach. It’s arguably the best meal on the property. Fresh fish, properly cooked.
- Origami: Their Asian fusion spot. It’s good for a change of pace, but you’re in Crete. Why are you eating sushi? Go get some lamb.
The "Dine Around" program is something you should look into. It allows half-board guests to swap their buffet dinner for a credit at the à la carte restaurants. It’s worth the small upgrade fee to escape the buffet noise for a night or two.
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The Spa and That Massive Pool
The main pool is 2,500 square meters. That is not a typo. It’s one of the largest seawater pools in Greece. It’s stunning. However, because it's seawater, it can be a little chilly in May or late October.
The APIVITA Spa is the real highlight for anyone who actually wants to relax. They use Greek plant extracts and essential oils. If you’ve spent the day hiking Samaria Gorge, the "Deep Tissue" massage here is a lifesaver. It’s expensive, yes, but the facilities—the hydrotherapy pool, the hammam, the sauna—are top-tier. Even if you don't book a treatment, check if your room rate includes access to the thermal suite.
The Kolymbari Location: A Strategic Move
Kolymbari itself is a sleepy place. It’s a traditional fishing village. This is its greatest strength. While tourists in Platanias are fighting over a table at a mediocre gyro shop, you can walk five minutes from the Avra Imperial Hotel Kolymbari to the local harbor.
Go to the local tavernas. Find the ones where the old men are sitting outside drinking raki at 11:00 AM. That’s where you’ll find the real Kalitsounia (cheese pies) and Dakos.
Day Trips You Actually Have to Do
- Balos Lagoon: You can take a boat from the nearby Kissamos port. It’s the one with the white and pink sand. It’s crowded, but it’s a bucket-list item for a reason.
- Falassarna: About 20 minutes away. It has huge, wide sandy beaches and some of the best sunsets in the world.
- The Gonia Monastery: It’s a 10-minute walk from the hotel. It dates back to the 17th century and has a crazy history of resistance against various occupiers. The museum inside has some incredible icons.
What Most People Get Wrong About Avra Imperial
A common complaint is that the hotel is "too far from the action." If your idea of action is neon lights and clubs that play techno until 4:00 AM, then yes, it’s too far. Stay in Malia or Hersonissos.
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But if you want a place where you can actually hear the waves and the wind in the olive trees, this is it. It’s a sophisticated vibe. It’s for people who like to read books by the pool and then drive into Chania for a late-night dinner at the Old Harbor.
Another misconception is that it’s not for kids. It actually has a great kids' club (the "Avra Kids Club") and a separate children’s pool. It’s just that the resort is so big you don’t feel like you’re at a summer camp. The "adults-only" zones are strictly enforced, which keeps the peace.
The Reality of the Beach
I have to be honest here: the beach directly in front of the hotel is a pebble beach. It’s not that soft, powdery sand you see in travel brochures. It’s clean, the water is crystal clear, and it has Blue Flag status, but you’ll want water shoes. The hotel has a private area with sunbeds and umbrellas, which is great, but don't expect to build sandcastles right at the water's edge.
For the sand, you drive to Falassarna or Elafonisi. Use the Avra as your luxury base camp.
Practical Insights for Your Trip
Don't just show up and hope for the best. Crete is a big island, and the Avra is a big resort.
- Rent a car. Seriously. Do not rely on taxis or the local bus (KTEL) if you want to see the sights. There is plenty of parking at the hotel. Having a car gives you the freedom to find the hidden coves that the tour buses can't reach.
- Visit in June or September. July and August are scorching. Like, "don't leave the AC" hot. The shoulder seasons offer perfect 25°C weather and much lower room rates.
- The Wine List. Crete is having a wine renaissance. Look for local grapes like Vidiano (white) or Kotsifali (red) on the hotel's wine list. Don't just order the house wine.
- The Fitness Center. If you’re into lifting, you’ll be pleasantly surprised. It’s not just a treadmill and a pair of 5kg dumbbells. It’s a fully equipped gym.
Actionable Next Steps
If you're planning to stay at the Avra Imperial Hotel Kolymbari, here is exactly how to handle it:
- Check the "Club Services": See if the price difference for an Executive Suite is worth it. It often includes access to a private lounge with free snacks and drinks all day, which can actually save you money on lunch and cocktails.
- Book Your Car Early: If you're flying into Chania (CHQ), pick up the car at the airport. It’s a 35-minute drive to Kolymbari. If you fly into Heraklion (HER), it’s a 2.5-hour drive—so factor that into your travel time.
- Reservations Matter: As soon as you check in, book your slots for the à la carte restaurants. They fill up fast, especially Almyra.
- Explore the Village: At least once, walk past the monastery toward the "Iron Gates" path. It’s a rugged coastal walk that gives you a view of the Rodopou Peninsula that most tourists never see.
- Pack Water Shoes: Don't skip the local beach just because of the pebbles. The water in the Gulf of Chania is incredibly buoyant and refreshing. Just protect your feet.
The Avra Imperial isn't a "quaint" Greek experience. It’s a massive, modern, efficient machine designed for comfort and aesthetic pleasure. If you go in expecting a small family-run pension, you’ll be disappointed. But if you go in expecting a sleek, five-star fortress of relaxation with some of the best pool views in the Mediterranean, you’ll find it’s one of the best spots on the island.