Kalo Chorio, Agios Nikolaos

Kalo Chorio (Καλό Χωριό) is a village and historical seat of the homonymous community in the municipality of Agios Nikolaos (Άγιος Νικόλαος), located in the Lasithi (Λασίθι) region of Crete, Greece. The village is built on the western bank of the valley of the Istron (Ίστρων) River, at an altitude of 50 meters. The settlement of Pyrgos (Πύργος) is located on the opposite bank, while Istron (Ίστρο) and the islet of Vryonisi (Βρυονήσι) are located further north and by the sea.

History

Kalo Chorio is located near the site of the ancient city of Istron or Istros (Ίστρος). At the seaside location of Katevati (Κατεβατή), ruins of an ancient settlement have been found, which was the port of Istros. A piece of a marble slab with embossed representations of the martyrs Sergius and Bacchus was found there. At the location of Gerontomouri (Γεροντομουρί), there are ruins of a Byzantine church. The Istronas River was during the Venetian rule the border between the administration of Siteia (Σητεία) and the administration of Chandaka, but a village with the name Istronas or Nistronas (Νίστρωνας), a name by which, according to N. Stavrakis, the village was known until the beginning of the 19th century, is not mentioned in the Venetian censuses. In the past, the area suffered from swamps and was thus euphemistically given the name “Kalo Chorio”.

The oldest mention of the settlement is in the Egyptian census of 1834, when it is mentioned as Kalo Chorio with 10 Christian families, while it is mentioned again with the name Istronas, where it is noted that it is also known as Kalo Chorio. In the census of 1881, it is mentioned as Kalo Chorio with 323 Christian and 1 Turkish inhabitants and belonged to the municipality of Kritsa (Κριτσάς). In 1925, it was designated as the seat of the community of Kalo Chorio and with the Kapodistrias program it was integrated into the municipality of Agios Nikolaos.

Demographics

The demographic course of the village according to the censuses:

Sports

The “Athlitikos Syllogos Pyrgos Kalou Choriou” (Αθλητικός Σύλλογος Πύργος Καλού Χωριού) is based in Kalo Chorio, which represents the settlement of Kalo Chorio in the local championships of the EPS Lasithiou (Ε.Π.Σ. Λασιθίου). Its colors are red and white and its headquarters are the Kalo Chorio (Καλού Χωριού) stadium.

It was one of the founding clubs of the EPS Lasithiou. Notably, A.S. Pyrgos Kalou Choriou has competed 3 times in the championship of the Fourth National Division in the years 1995-96, 1997-98 and 2004-05. At the local level, it has won 3 EPS Lasithiou Championships in the years 1994-95, 1996-97 and 2003-04 and has been a finalist of the EPS Lasithiou Cup three times in the years 1994-95, 1997-98 and 2001-02.

In the current competitive period, 2020-21, it competes in the B Category championship of EPS Lasithiou.

Kalo Chorio Today

Scattered in the green valley, on the beach and on the fertile hills, the settlements of Arnikou (Αρνικού), Pyrgos, Istron and Forti (Φορτί) make up Kalo Chorio today. The area of Kalo Chorio has three of the best beaches in Crete.

These organized beaches, Voulisma (Βούλισμα), Agios Panteleimonas (Άγιος Παντελεήμονας), and Karavostasi (Καραβοστάσι), are awarded the “blue flag” every year. Due to their size, they are suitable for sup, surf and windsurfing. Also noteworthy is the climbing field of Peza (Πέζα), which is a few minutes away. It consists of four rocks and has several routes, both for beginners and experienced climbers.

Settlement: Key Points

• Historical References: Located near ancient Istron; mentioned in Egyptian census of 1834.
• Location: Situated on the western bank of the Istron River valley, Lasithi, Crete.
• Historical Significance: Area with ancient and Byzantine ruins.
• Population Data: See table above.
• Current Status: A community within the municipality of Agios Nikolaos, known for its beaches and natural beauty.

References

• Wikipedia