Art accommodation in Paleochora, Chania – Is the location right?

Many people believe that art hotels are better suited to bigger destinations than Paleochora, like Chania city, for example. They believe that there is a specific “vertical market” for art accommodation that you cannot find in more “cool”, down-to-earth destinations like Paleochora. They are wrong.

Each and every year, our hotel is filled with people who want to combine the Cretan coastal village charm with the local art. In many ways, Paleochora is a better art accommodation destination than one of the cities in the north coast of Crete, as it encompasses all that are important in real art: quietness, calmness, and nature.

As every visitor to Paleochora will tell you, Paleochora is not an “art destination”. Paleochora is art itself. The atmosphere of the village is all about the art of living, and the love of nature. And if you think this argument is excessive, a simple visit in Paleochora will change your mind.

Art accommodation in Paleochora, Chania – Art and nature combined

Nature is present in every corner of Paleochora. And as the people behind a genuine art hotel, we love to combine art and nature.

First of all, aris art hotel is surrounded by nature. Also, we take every care to have and keep Aris a “green hotel”, by using environmentally friendly equipment and processes to run it. And this is only the beginning: The rich gallery of fine art pieces of our family artist, Konstantinos, takes place in the lush gardens of our hotel. In aris hotel, art, just like accommodation, is inside nature.

But here, nature is inside art, too. The art pieces in the open gallery of the hotel are made of natural elements like wood and stone. The same is true for the handmade bed headboards in the hotel rooms (every room has its own original handmade art headboard), which do not fail to impress our visitors again and again.

In Aris hotel in Paleochora, art accommodation takes a new, original shape. It is about the place, and it is about the genuine love of art of the people behind the hotel.

Although for some people it may be hard to believe – till they see it, that is – the concept of art hotel has found its original meaning in Aris, a hotel that provides top art accommodation in Paleochora, Chania.

An art hotel in Paleochora, Chania: The decoration in the rooms

In our very recent renovation of our hotel (winter 2015), every room of aris hotel was decorated with unique art items. This way, every room has its own aesthetics and “personality”.
The main art item in every hotel room is the bed headboard. Made by hand from Konstantinos Liatakis, our family artist (see more about Konstantinos below), the headboards are art items that combine the local natural elements with the traditional Cretan craftsmanship.
The original artistic decoration of the rooms doesn’t stop there, though: The multicolor, vivid paint in the walls, the unique bathroom decoration, and lots of small – but significant – details, all together make the rooms of aris hotel a treat for the eyes.

An art hotel in Paleochora, Chania – A hotel that also serves as an open air art gallery

Our family member, Konstantinos Liatakis is the artist behind the impressive open air art gallery in aris hotel. Konstantinos works with natural elements like wood and stone and creates unique pieces of art, which fascinate and intrigue the imagination of every visitor in our hotel.

The base of the artistic style of Konstantinos is the transformation of the earthy elements into expressive pieces of art. To achieve this, he employs a range of techniques, from sculpture to mosaic creation.

Possibly the best known artist in Paleochora, Konstantinos is constantly creating new art items, and the open air art gallery in the hotel is in a dynamic, ever-changing state, as older art items are sold and new ones take their place.

For us in aris hotel, art and nature form a very powerful combination that reveals the real essence of Paleochora and Chania. We believe that the best way to reach the heart and soul of Crete, is through art.

If in your next trip to Crete you want to stay in a hotel that is as unique as Paleochora itself, if you want to come in touch and experience the original Cretan art in its best, then aris art hotel in Paleochora, Chania is the place to stay.

Chania city has a population of over 60.000 residents and is built on top of the ruins of the ancient city of Kydonia. Since ancient times, the city of Chania has faced many conquerors and the influence of many civilizations through time, which is evident on the city monuments.

The beautiful city of Chania managed to preserve its original colors and historical character, despite the fast-growing tourist industry. It is considered one of the most beautiful cities of Greece and the most picturesque city of Crete. The city of Chania is also characterized by a rich cultural life. A plethora of cultural events are organized every year (exhibitions, festivals, theatrical and musical performances, etc.)
The city has an International Airport and a port – the Port of Souda, the largest natural port of the Mediterranean.

The Municipal Market is one of the most central spots in the city, hosted in a 1913 building of very interesting architecture. In a short distance from the center, there is the Municipal Garden, and, next to it, the park «Eirinis kai Filias» (meaning park of “Peace and Friendship” in Greek). The Municipal Garden is one of the most beautiful in Crete, and it also includes a small zoo with animals of the Cretan fauna.

The Venetian Port provides some very pleasant promenades through its picturesque streets, and attracts many visitors throughout the year. There are also many bars and restaurants by the coast for every taste. The districts of Chania city outside the walls still preserve their Venetian nobility. Narrow passages surrounded by elegant houses built in different historical periods, offer you some very pleasant routes to discover. Many neoclassical buildings are also preserved in neighboring districts, such as in the known Halepa district.

Chania city distance from Paleochora: 75km, driving time: 75min.

For more info about Chania city please visit www.chaniatourism.com

The shallow, crystal-clear, and warm water of Elafonissi are the best choice for families and people who like to take it easy on the beach, listen some music and get some serious tanning.

Elafonissi beach distance from Paleochora: 45km (equal to 80min drive or 60min by boat).

Greece-SafeCards – illustration

This year, due to the COVID-19 virus that is spreading over the planet, we all have to make changes in our daily, monthly and even yearly routines. It has affected most of the aspects of our lives. By now we have all had a chance to freshen up our knowledge regarding the importance of personal hygiene and keeping a safe distance to one another in all kinds of environments. In Greece, especially on the island of Crete, there has been a very limited and highly controlled spread of the pandemic so far, especially compared to the rest of Europe. We at Aris Hotel are taking all precautions available to keep it that way and because of this – and because of recent extensive renovations of our premises – our hotel is a superb choice for anyone who wishes to visit our beautiful village this summer.

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In the surrounding area of Paleochora you can find stunning byzantine churches of the 13th, 14th and 15th centuries, which are excellent examples of the ecclesiastical architecture and – above all – of the hagiographical style of their era. (more…)

Holidays mean different things to different people – while holidays symbolise a time of total relaxation to some, to others they need to include some action. Over the last few years we have seen a big increase in the interest for exercise-oriented holidays and we at Aris Hotel are determined to do our best to accommodate all your different needs and requests.

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The town of Paleochora didn’t exist in ancient Greek history. The peninsula on which it is built, used to lay under water , and only its highest point – where the remains of the Venetian fort lay today – jutted up like a little island above the surface. A major earthquake made the whole west side of Crete rise up through the sea, and the peninsula of Paleochora emerged from its depths, justifying the town’s nickname The Bride of the Libyan Sea.

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There was a time when the only people who lived in Paleochora were Greek. When Paleochora used to be a small village with fishermen and – a few – farmers. Most of the fishermen originated from Gavdos island, located just opposite of Paleochora. The locals were hard working people, trying to survive from the First and the Second World War. Many of these people moved to Paleochora from other villages of the Selino area, in search of a better life.

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