A really rare beach is located at the southeast of Chania, 75 kilometers from the town of Chania. The route to get there is especially beautiful since it passes through a gorge, familiarizing the visitor with the occasionally wild beauty of the Cretan landscape. However, a different sensation wins out at the beach. The white sand with the...
- Chania Prefecture / Nature / Beaches
A complex of islands, with that of Gramvousa being the dominant one, floats in the vast sea with an exotic beach complementing them. Pure turquoise waters and white sand make up this exceptional beach on the most northwestern part of Crete. At this transparent lagoon the water is shallow and relatively warm. Therefore, it is perhaps a better...
Pebbles, clear, cool waters, high mountains on one side and the endless Libyan sea on the other, it is unfathomably beautiful in Sougia. Yes, the landscape is very beautiful, yes, there is a nudist section and yes, it’s got its comforts… there is however something in the atmosphere which makes the area seem majestic. Perhaps it’s no accident...
With the sun setting on the horizon, the enjoyable sand of this beach, located at the westernmost part of the island, is a must-see, even if it is 75 kilometers from Chania. The long, wide beach hosts umbrellas and sunbeds at some points, as well as beach bars, but is nonetheless so big that spots are available for you to lay down your...
A beach hidden from civilization in southern Crete is that of Agios Pavlos. Those taking the coastal E4 will find it between Agia Roumeli (about 50 – 60 minutes) and Loutro. The beach is also approachable by boat from the surrounding areas. In the coarse, gray sand there is no natural shade, but there is nonetheless a small pine forest a bit...
Another beach swept by the Libyan sea. This wide beach is named after a Venetian fort built in 1371 which still overlooks the beach. It stands to the southeast of the Lefka Ori, 13 kilometers from Hora Sfakiwn. A legend connects the area with the Drosoulites (dew men), shadows that appear each year near dawn and look like warriors. The beach...
The basic beach in the village is a beautiful shaded one with clear waters, sunbeds, beach bars and all the comforts to enjoy a proper Greek summer. However, if you are in the mood for touring there are plenty of beaches to the west that may not be organized but offer natural surroundings. We suggest Krios, only 10 kilometers west of...
If you like hiking then the beach of Glyka Nera is a perfect choice since it is located over the E4 section from Hora Sfakion towards Loutro. The beach is named after a spring found on the rock which rises tall towards the back of the beach. The beach consists of pebbles and because of the spring the waters are cool and crystal clear. There’s...
Following the coastline to the right one beach succeeds the other, offering choices for all tastes. Close by lies the beach of Nea Chora which is basically located in the city, and the Golden Coast follows, with its lovely sand and the beaches of Agion Apostolon with their racketball and beach volleyball courts. Nearby, about 9 kilometers...
Continuing east and passing the Bay of Souda, we find the village Almirida with its beach named after it. In the village there are two beaches with relatively shallow waters which is why the area is usually preferred by families. There’s natural shade, and restaurants, cafes and hotels.
Continuing east and going towards Rethymno, one reaches the huge beach of Georgioupolis. It is a long beach, organized with tourist facilities at its bigger part. The cool, clear waters attract many vacationers. When north winds prevail one should be cautious while swimming since there are underwater currents and waves.
Another Akrotiri beach, however, less popular and mostly preferred by the locals, is Marathi. The beautiful Marathi is basically composed of two light colored beaches, a big and a small one, with shallow waters safe for children and a close island which you can approach by canoe or sea bike.
Something to see around and close to Marathi is the...
A swimming choice close to Chania, are the beaches at Akrotiri. There are beaches of all kinds such as Kalathas, a relatively small bay with sand and an island within “swimmable” distance, prone to the west-northwest winds. If there is a preference for waves however, it is a very good choice.
A famous beach in the area, since it is where “Zorbas” was shot, is O Stavros. It is composed of two beaches, one with no winds and another located about 200 meters to the west, quiet with pebbles and sand. The rock that rises over the bay is an imposing landscape for you to view. It is about 17 kilometers from Chania, with a tourism...