A visit to the Monastery of Panagia Odigitrias, or Moni Gonias, as it is locally known, on the southeast flank of the Rhodope Cape should include a soothing swim at the beach in front of the monastery or in one of the coves nearby.
The monastery commenced being built in 1618, and was finished in 1634, just in time to become a victim of the Turkish occupation that began in 1645 with the landing of their troops in the area.
The beach in front of the monastery and the many coves around and about have pebbles and rocks and crystal-clear waters: all are most suited to diving. Although not that far from the busy and popular zone of the north littoral of Crete, yet on those beaches here, you will enjoy moments of peace and quiet as you swim.
Because of the presence of the monastery, nudism is forbidden. However, unsupervised camping is allowed.
When here, you can visit the nearby Orthodox Academy of Crete.
On the way from Kolymbari to Chania town is the beach of Maleme.
