Kissos
Kissos is a small, mountainous village built in a wonderful location at an altitude of 520 meters, literally hidden in the lush vegetation and almost “invisible”, as it is located about 2 km above the main road. Access to the village of Kissos has improved in recent years as a new road has been built connecting it to Chania: heading from Chania towards the ski resort of Agriolefkes, you will see a small sign to Kissos on your left. Following this sign we cross dense forests and in about fifteen minutes we reach Kissos.
The beech and chestnut forests that wrap around it are so tall and dense that in some places they become impenetrable. Kissos is woven into the trunks of all kinds of trees, giving the village a special uniqueness, while maintaining its traditional colour. It is a landscape embraced by greenery and with the most dreamy view of the Aegean Sea where you can easily relax and dream. There is no visitor who has been to Ivy and not loved it.
In the beautiful cobbled square is the three-aisled basilica of Agia Marina, which is considered one of the best and most representative ecclesiastical monuments of Pelion. Agia Marina is famous for its history, its architecture and its interior decoration. Built in 1650, it impresses its visitors with the gilded wooden carved iconostasis in its interior, the four domes on the ceiling of the central nave which were painted by Constantine Pagoni and the number of frescoes, Byzantine icons and the numerous frescoes, the Byzantine icons and ethnographic representations. The first dome depicts Saint Marina and scenes from her life. The second dome depicts the Virgin Mary, the third depicts Christ and the fourth depicts God in the form of a venerable old man. Its illustrations are very well preserved as the holy temple is the famous attraction of the village and many visitors arrive in Kissos with a unique desire to get to know it.
On 17 July the festival of Agia Marina takes place with traditional dances and songs with the participation of the whole village, while on 20 September the memory of Agios Efstathios is celebrated. In the picturesque square you will also find the bust of King Feraios.
Just outside Kissos, there are areas where a ride on a horse or a 4×4 will reveal a true paradise on earth with a multitude of images of wild natural beauty that will entice you, while there are also routes that will satisfy all hiking enthusiasts. There are little treasures for the traveller who wants to discover something of the unique charm of this place.
Whatever the season, Kissos will prove to you that it knows how to welcome its visitors warmly. During the winter months (when the mountain is not snow-covered) you can go uphill to the ski resort of Agriolefkes, which is very close by. In winter the new road that connects Chania with Kissos is closed as it becomes an endurance skiing track. If you make your visit in the summer you can swim downhill to the sandy beaches of Agios Ioannis and Papa Nero or Damouchari with its white pebbles.
Kissos is a village that creates a genuine feeling of warmth, which is why it is an ideal destination for holidays and a simple stopover for those seeking peace and tranquility.
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