The village of Machairoi in Apokoronas is considered to be one of the best preserved traditional villages of Crete. It is classified as a Typical Greek Village of Extraordinary Natural Beauty by the Greek Ministry of Culture.

On the west side of the village there is an enormous perpendicular rock that holds the white chapel of St John on a split in the rock. The surrounding hills are covered in lush vegetation.

On the east side of the village square there is a small stone built theatre that can hold up to 500 spectators comfortably and where cultural events take place in the summer months.

The village has a full fire safety programme including fire hydrants every 70-100m on all of its streets.

Machairoi is sutuated 22km from Chania, 35km from Rethimno and only 5.5km from the beautiful sandy beach of Kalives where there are public services and shops.