Beaches in Chania

Nea Chora Beach is the closest to the city of Chania and is a favorite destination for both locals and visitors. Its shallow waters are ideal for small children, while the organized tourist facilities and accessibility for people with special needs make it easy and comfortable to reach, even on foot.

The beach is protected by a line of rocks about 200 meters from the shore, which makes it safe from storms and strong winds. Directly across the street are several tavernas where visitors can enjoy fresh fish. Every summer, during the first ten days of September, Nea Chora hosts the Sardine Festival, attracting thousands of visitors and offering free abundant fish, creating a lively celebration with a unique atmosphere.

Chrysi Akti Beach owes its name to the intense golden color of its sand. It is located very close to the city of Chania and is an ideal choice for families, as it is sheltered from northwestern winds and has a playground for young children.

Access to the beach is easy, as you can reach it either on foot from the city center or by bus, enjoying a relaxed and quick trip to one of Chania’s most popular beaches.

Agii Apostoloi is located about 4 kilometers from the center of Chania, on a beautiful peninsula with consecutive small bays and calm, crystal-clear waters. The beach offers ample space for relaxation, sunbathing, and sand play, making it an ideal choice for families with children.

Access is very easy, with regular public transport from the city, while many visitors prefer to arrive by bicycle, enjoying the route and the beautiful sea view. Agioi Apostoloi combines the tranquility of nature with easy access, offering a complete experience for every visitor.

Marathi Beach is ideal for couples due to its romantic sunset and is also known as “the beach of lovers”! It is just a 15-minute drive from the center of Chania and combines natural beauty with comfortable facilities, including tavernas, cafés, and relaxation areas.

The beach has very fine sand and calm waters, almost always without waves, making it suitable for families with children as well. Access is easy: follow the route towards the airport, where you will find the junction leading directly to Marathi, providing a quick and convenient way for those wishing to enjoy the sun and the sea.

Stavros Beach is located just 16 kilometers from the center of Chania and essentially consists of two beaches within a stunning natural environment. This location is historically famous, as scenes from the iconic film Zorba the Greek starring Anthony Quinn were filmed here.

The area offers many options for visitors, with cafés, bars, restaurants, and nearby hotels, while the calm waters and organized facilities make it ideal for families and couples. Access is straightforward: follow the road towards Akrotiri and continue past Kalathas to reach Stavros.

Seitan Limania, also known as Stefanos Beach, is located 22 kilometers northeast of Chania and 2 kilometers east of the village of Hordaki, in the Akrotiri area. The coast is characterized by steep, rugged cliffs interrupted by narrow strips of sea, creating small natural coves. The turquoise waters and unparalleled natural beauty make this place unique and worth visiting.

Access requires a bit of effort: about a 15-minute drive from Chania towards the airport, followed by approximately a 10-minute walk along a challenging path that leads to the beach. The experience, however, is worth every step for those seeking a more secluded and enchanting beach.

About 60 kilometers west of Chania, Falassarna Beach impresses with its white, fine sand, crystal-clear waters, and long stretch, making it unique throughout Crete.

The enormous hills surrounding the area offer stunning views and a sense of freedom, making both young and old feel like children.

Access to the beach is easy: follow the national road towards Kissamos, head to Platanos, and then follow the signs leading to Falassarna to reach this magical destination.

The landscape here combines Greek nature with scenery reminiscent of tropical islands, creating an extraordinary setting for the country. The Gramvousa Cape and the small Tigani peninsula frame the turquoise waters, which blend seamlessly with the sky, creating idyllic images that captivate from the first glance!

To reach Balos, follow the Chania–Kasteli national road until you reach the local road leading to the beach after 46 km. Continue along a dirt road for 8 km, then descend a path that takes approximately 20 minutes to reach the sea.

The slope is quite steep, requiring caution. Alternatively, you can visit Balos via daily cruises departing from Kissamos port.

Elafonisi Beach is a small paradise. The pink carpet of tiny shells, the crystal-clear shallow waters, and the golden iodine-rich sand make it unique and one of Crete’s most beloved beaches. Elafonisi stands out for its idyllic atmosphere and the breathtaking views of the surrounding islets and the sandy lagoons formed between them.

The route to the beach features many curves and uphill stretches, but the experience is worth every minute. The beach is organized with sunbeds and umbrellas for those seeking extra comfort, and its calm, shallow waters make it ideal for families with children.

To reach Elafonisi, head towards Kissamos and follow the signs to Elafonisi. The journey takes about an hour from Chania.