XamoudochĂłri combines a semi-mountainous setting with green vineyards, cypress trees and olive trees. It is also home to a central church with a clearly dated construction history, a historical connection to the Battle of Crete, and a traditional kafeneio in the centre associated with local Cretan soft drinks and traditional tsikoudia. Together, these features make the village an appealing destination: you can explore its landscape, local history and everyday culture before choosing a holiday apartment for your stay.
Landscape and Getting There
XamoudochĂłri stretches from the foot of a hill over its summit and continues down the other side. The settlement is therefore not confined to one section of the slope: it extends over the crest. Green vineyards, cypress trees and olive trees characterise the landscape along this stretch. At the same time, XamoudochĂłri is a semi-mountainous settlement with impressive views of the coast of the Municipality of Platanias. Both the terrain and the views are important to understanding the village: it extends across the hill, while the coast lies in view. When choosing a holiday apartment, you can consider XamoudochĂłri both for its hilly character and for its coastal setting.
Maleme is a useful landmark for getting there. From the coastal road through Maleme, a road branches off to the left and climbs to XamoudochĂłri, about three kilometres away. This distance is approximate; check road conditions before setting out. Maleme is a specific reference point to help you find your way.
Church and Local History
The central church is dedicated to Saint John Chrysostom, whose feast day is 13 November. Its construction history includes two specifically dated phases: the present-day church was built in 1935 on the site of a small chapel that had been demolished in 1870. The site thus links the former chapel with the later church. The church provides a clear connection to the village’s religious and architectural history, as well as a fixed date in the November calendar.
Another historical connection leads to the Battle of Crete: the first portable Allied radar was operated in Xamoudochóri during the battle. Alongside the religious architectural history, this gives the village a link to the history of technology. The historic “Makry Kaldérimi–English Wireless” trail is also part of the memory of the battle: in 2022, participants walked it between Xamoudochóri and Hill 107 as part of a commemoration marking the 81st anniversary. The village’s history thus brings together architectural history, the history of technology and a specific commemorative event.
Kafeneio and Local Drinks
The traditional kafeneio in the centre is associated with local Cretan soft drinks and traditional tsikoudia. This gives the village’s character a culinary dimension alongside its landscape, church and wartime history. The local drinks give this aspect its own character, complementing the architectural and historical points of interest with a perspective on everyday culture.
Discover more destinations: Lakkoi, Epanochori, Platanias, Kolymvari, Katochori, Kamisiana, Mothiana, Paralia Kourna.
For the broader travel overview: Chania.
