The greater region of Chania is blessed with some of the most famous beaches in Crete; exotic Balos, the pink hued sands of Elafonisi, and never-ending sands of Falassarna are some of the most well known in Greece. The beaches around the city are no slouches either – generally shallow with clean waters, they are perfect for families with young children. Akrotiri is a craggy, rugged place but the forces of nature have carved out shores of stunning beauty, while the eastern and southern coasts have plenty of deserted coves and hidden bays waiting to be explored.
Consider exploring the beautiful beaches of Chania by renting a car. With many of the best beaches located outside of town, having your own transportation is essential for a convenient and enjoyable beach day.
North
Agioi Apostoloi
Once a small village 4km outside of Chania, it is now a suburb of the city. Taking its name from the Agioi Apostoloi, a pretty church that stands on the headland, there are four distinct beaches here, each in its own small bay that shelters them from the coastal winds. Relatively shallow and well organised with water sports and backed by taverns, supermarkets and shops, Agioi Apostoloi is a firm favourite for families with young children who love the excellent fine sand and infrastructure.
Agia Marina
One of the most popular beach resorts has grown 9km to the west of the city. The beach is 2.5km long and the seaside village is home to many tavernas, restaurants and beach bars. To the west is Platanias, and the fine sand stretches across to Stalos. The water is clean, shallow and warm and every type of service is here with umbrellas, day beds, water sports and lifeguards. Opposite is the islet of Thodorou, a nature reserve home to a colony of the protected wild goats of Crete, the famous Kri-Kri.
Seitan Limania
Also known as Agios Stefanos, Seitan Limania is a special beach on the eastern side of the Akrotiri headland. The harbour of the Devil was thus named due to the strong currents that run in the three coves that were used as shelter for ships escaping strong winds. The northernmost cove is a zig-zag of pure beauty with azure waters, high cliffs and fine pebbly sand. Completely unorganised and with little shade at midday, the beach is reached by a 15 minute walk from the parking by the asphalt road. Instagram-friendly, the tiny beach can get very busy so consider arriving early or combining a visit with another beach nearby.
Georgioupolis
On the gulf of Almiros, a 9km long coastal strip ranges almost as far as the Rethymno suburbs. Mostly fine sand, the beach is very popular and the traditional fishing harbour is now surrounded by many hotels, beach bars and tavernas. The western end is the most developed, fully organised while the eastern side has some deserted spots for those who prefer privacy. Between Rethymno and Chania, Georgioupolis is well placed to explore the northern coastline while Lake Kournas is nearby for an excursion out of the resort.
Golden Beach
Also known as Chryssi Akti, it actually consists of two beaches separated by rocks. The west cove is the main Golden Beach while the easterly strand is known as Aptera beach. Beginning at Agioi Apostoli beach, Golden beach is a 500 metre strip of serviced sand. Ideal for young children there is even a playground nearby. Aptera is more peaceful and less organised but still enjoys calm waters and the golden sands of the shores next door.
Kalathas
On the Akrotiri peninsula, Kalathas is a tiny village to the northeast of Chania. The beach is quite large with clear waters and fine sand and 200m out to sea there is a small islet that can be swam to. Well organised with umbrellas, water sports, taverna and a lifeguard, there is also a secluded sandy bay over some rocks at the western end which is ideal for those who prefer seclusion and a lack of amenities
Loutraki
On the Akrotiri headland, the beach is found in a pretty bay with fine sand. The seafloor shelves deeply so those with young children should take care. A big beach bar has an elevated outside area with grass and umbrellas and beds, popular with youngsters it plays loud dance music. Access to the beach is by car only.
Falassarna
Nearly 2,000 years ago a rich city state flourished here with impressive temples and hefty fortress walls. Today, the ancient inhabitants would not recognise the long expanse of sand crowded with holidaymakers. A series of different shorelines offers something for everyone; Pachia Ammos has beach bars and water sports, while to the south is a quieter beach with a rocky seabed, and even further south isolated coves that offer seclusion. The wind can be strong here in summer, hence the numerous water sport outfits, so check the weather report before a visit.
Maleme
Part of the continuous stretch of coast that runs from Kolimbari to Chania, Maleme is a long and wide beach with a mixture of sand and pebbles. Quieter than the beaches near to Chania, it is still well developed and the waters are generally calm and well suited to younger children.
A peaceful resort today, Maleme has a bloody history dating back to WW2. Home to an Allied airport, the village was attacked by German paratroopers during the Battle of Crete in 1941. Fierce resistance from locals armed with little more than knives and stones led to the death of 4685 men who are buried in the cemetery on a hillside above the village.
Nea Chora
The closest beach to the city centre, it is a 15 minute walk from the old harbour. Nice and sandy, rocks in the bay protect it from the worst of the summer winds. Organised, many locals enjoy the fish taverns in the area. A second sand and pebble beach, Kladissos, is accessed by crossing the river on the pedestrian bridge. Unorganised and without amenities, it is usually quiet.
Marathi
Marathi hosts two beautiful beaches with fine sand and shallow calm water, ideal for young children. Protected from the winds, the beaches face south and have views over to the Drapanos Cape and the White Mountains. The beaches are separated by a small pier which serves as a mooring for fishing boats. Well organised there are all the facilities expected of one of Akrotiri’s most popular beaches.
Platanias
This seaside village is built on a hillside 11km from the city centre and is now a lively suburb of Chania. Probably the most popular seaside destination near the city, the sandy beach is long and lovely and bordered by every amenity. At night, clubs open up and youngsters dance until dawn.
Stalos
Between Kalamaki and Agia Marina, Stalos is well developed and attracts a large number of visitors. Sandy and 2km long, it is also wide providing plenty of space for everyone. Well organised, there are plenty of facilities while behind the main Chania-Kissamos road is Ano Stalos, the old part of the village with family run taverns.
Stavros
The beach that shot to fame in 1964 when Anthony Quinn danced his Sirtaki in Zorba the Greek. At the northernmost point of the Akrotiri headland, a steep hill dominates the skyline protecting Stavros from summer winds. From its lowly beginnings as a fishing village, it is now a resort of some size with many hotels and tavernas. The main beach lies at the foot of the hill, Vardies, in a sheltered lagoon of turquoise water that fronts white sand. Organised, it is a unique place for swimming with an unusually peaceful sea. 300 metres west of the main beach is a second beach, less organised and with rocks and sand it is a lot quieter and exposed to the sea, it is often wavy.
Vrissi
The main beach of Hora Sfakion, Vrissi is found at the western end of the town, pebbly and well organised it is close to the amenities. A smaller beach, Limani, is next to the harbour where boats run to Agia Roumeli, Gavdos, Loutro, Paleochora, and Sougia.
Glaros
A large bay extends from Agioi Apostoli westwards until Kalamaki. Within easy access of the city, the beach is popular and well organised with all the facilities expected of a town beach. Fine sand and shallow blue wates are backed by tamarisk trees offering natural shade.
Read also:
First time in Chania: What not to Miss
