Located thirty kilometers (30 km) northwest of Chania, Nochia is one of the most significant villages in the Kissamos region. This semi-mountainous village is filled with olive groves and vineyards, producing high-quality olive oil and wine. Approximately 200 residents live in the village, engaged in the production of oil, honey, wine, various fruits, and livestock products.
Historically, Nochia became well-known for its pottery, particularly the traditional ceramic “Laina,” a pitcher used for transporting and storing drinking water. This unique piece, with its distinctive style and characteristics, gained fame throughout Crete and beyond, serving as a vital source of income for the villagers. Although the number of pottery workshops has decreased, there are still a few worth visiting.
In Nochia, you can also explore several churches, including Saint Georgios, Saint Triad, Saint Konstantinos & Helen, Dormition of the Virgin, and Holy Cross. Notably, shells from the ancient Minoan period were discovered at the Saint Konstantinos church and “Sopata” location, while a burial pit was unearthed in the “Kambos” area.
