Georgioupoli Γεωργιούπολη |
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View of Georgioupoli and Mount Psiloritis
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Coordinates: 35°21′N 24°15′E / 35.350°N 24.250°ECoordinates: 35°21′N 24°15′E / 35.350°N 24.250°E | |
Country | Greece |
Administrative region | Crete |
Regional unit | Chania |
Municipality | Apokoronas |
• Municipal unit | 53.5 km2 (20.7 sq mi) |
Elevation | 22 m (72 ft) |
Population (2011) | |
• Municipal unit | 2,749 |
• Municipal unit density | 51/km2 (130/sq mi) |
Community | |
• Population | 936 (2011) |
Time zone | EET (UTC+2) |
• Summer (DST) | EEST (UTC+3) |
Postal code | 730 07 |
Area code(s) | 28250, 28253 |
Vehicle registration | ΧΝ, XB |
Website | www.georgioupolis.gov.gr |
Georgioupoli (Greek: Γεωργιούπολη) is a resort village and former municipality in the Chania regional unit, Crete, Greece. Since the 2011 local government reform it is part of the municipality Apokoronas, of which it is a municipal unit. The municipal unit has an area of 53.498 km2 (20.656 sq mi). It is located 43 kilometres (27 miles) east of Chania, about 22 km (14 mi) west of Rethymno and about 100 km (62 mi) west of Heraklio in the Apokoronas region. It was named after Prince George of Greece, high commissioner of the island in the last years of Ottoman occupation.
Georgioupolis is found at the apex of Almiros Bay on the Sea of Crete, with Cape Drapano and its rocky coast to the north and the long sandy beaches towards Rethimno in the east, just 20 km (12 mi) away. Three rivers meet the sea at the village; the largest, Almiros, creates a small harbour for fishing and tourist boats. The entrance to the village on the old road from Vrisses is a long avenue of eucalyptus trees.
Formerly a small fishing village, Georgioupolis is very much a tourist town now, with many cafés, tavernas and small hotels and apartment blocks. The town square is surrounded by outdoor seating used by tourists enjoying their drinks and ice creams. The 9 km (6 mi) beach is the main attraction of the area, with Kalyvaki beach on the other side of the river as well. Nearby Lake Kournas is also a popular excursion by foot, bicycle or tourist 'train'. Georgioupolis is a well-located base for exploring the traditional villages of the area towards Vamos or into the White Mountains to the south.
Archaeological evidence points to Georgioupoli as the site of ancient Amphimalla (Amfimala or Amfimalion), the port of Lappa, a classical city at modern Argyroupoli.