The southern beaches of Chania, Crete offer a breathtaking coastline that’s both stunning and peaceful. From the sweet water beach of Glyka Nera to the famous pink sands of Elafonisi-Kedrodasos, there’s something for everyone. Sougia, once a favourite of hippies, is now a serene haven, while Frangokastello’s fortress towers over a sandy beach with gently sloping waters. These beaches, with their rugged coastline, exotic air, and natural beauty, are worth the effort to reach, offering a chance to escape from the crowds and immerse yourself in stunning seas and sculptured coves.
Consider exploring the beautiful beaches of South of the region by renting a car. With many of the most breathtaking beaches located on the rugged southern coastline, having your own transportation is essential for exploring these gems.
Glyka Nera
Glyka Nera means sweet water and the beach was named after the natural springs that flow out of the ground by the beach. The scenery is impressive with high cliffs, a pebbly strip, and deep green water. There is a rudimentary taverna built on a rock in the sea and a handful of umbrellas. Inaccessible by road, the easiest arrival is by boat from Loutro or Hora Sfakia but the intrepid will hike the E4 cliff-edge coastal path.
Sougia
A small village at the end of the Agia Irini gorge, Sougia is 75km south of Chania. A favourite of the hippies in the 1970’s, it is now a peaceful haven in a beautiful setting. Long and with coarse sand, the beach stretches from the harbour for 1.5km until it reaches a small cove frequented by naturists. The area of sand in front of the beach is organised with water sports and umbrellas.
Elafonisi – Kedrodasos
One of the most famous beaches on Crete, the pink sands evoke the tropics. Very shallow, the beach is ideal for young families. Narrow channels, islets accessible by wading, and clear waters add to the exotic air. Unfortunately, the beach is extremely popular and can feel overrun in summer. Better to drive 2km down the coast and follow the dirt track, inaccessible to the Elafonisi coaches, to Kedrodasos. Mostly rocky, there are spots of sand to lay down a towel and appreciate the stunning seas and sculptured coves.
Frangokastello
On the south coast 12km east of Hora Sfakion is one of the most famous beaches in Crete. A huge fortress, The Castle of the Franks, was built by the Venetians in 1371 in an attempt to impose order on the rebellious Sfakia region. Remarkably well preserved, the castle towers over a sandy beach with gently sloping waters. Partly organised, there are some umbrellas, beds, and tavernas but there is plenty of room for those seeking solitude.
On 17th May 1828 a famous battle took place with many Turks and Cretans losing their lives. Ever since legend has it that ghosts of the fallen soldiers march on the castle every May. Known as Drosoulites, dew men, the shadowy apparitions are actually a meteorlogical phenomenon.
Read also:
Glyka Nera: Hidden bay in Crete’s south, deep-blue waters, fresh-water springs
Faros ‘Lighthouse’ Chanion, Crete, Greece
