Chania beaches overview: Detailed descriptions of Crete's finest coastlines from pink sand paradises to snorkeling havens with routes, costs and local insights
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In this article, I’ll describe in detail the beaches located in the vicinity of Chania city that deserve special attention. For convenience, I’ve divided all beaches into sandy ones, those suitable for snorkeling and diving, for nudism and active recreation.
Also, the article includes descriptions of one beach on Lake Kournas, one city beach, and several simply beautiful beaches that I’ve added as a bonus.
Before moving on to beach descriptions, I want to draw your attention that many of these beaches can be reached by regular buses (if you’re not afraid of transfers and many-hour trips in the heat), with great desire.
However, if you want to visit the most beautiful Cretan beaches with relative comfort, the simplest way will be to rent a car in Crete. I recommend doing this on large international portals: Discovercars, Economybookings or Autoeurope.
Comparing prices for car brands and dates that interest you on these three portals, you will undoubtedly be able to find a good car rental option on Crete island. Such a search usually takes us from 30 minutes to an hour. And we’re always satisfied with the options found.
Also, I recommend carefully reading the article about our experience renting a car in Crete, where I described all the nuances of this process – from searching for profitable offers to receiving and returning the car, insurance, deposits and other issues you may encounter in local rental companies.
For those who are not satisfied with either traveling by regular bus or renting a car, in this article I tried to select ready-made tours to some of the beaches described here, available on the international tour portal Getyourguide.
The Beaches of Chania: key takeaways from this article
The article about Chania’s beaches turned out to be quite long, as we tried to cover the topic as fully as possible and describe everything most interesting, useful and up to date. Although there is far more information out there, and it is simply impossible to describe every detail. To make it easier for you to find your way around, we decided to put together a separate block with the most important points from the article.
1. Which beaches in the Chania region are the most popular? Without question, almost all beaches in the Chania area are very beautiful and each one is worth a visit. Whichever you choose for your holiday, you will not be disappointed. That said, among them all there are a few standout spots we would recommend seeing first.
Julia and I picked out several of the most well-known beaches in Chania, and the first on our list was Elafonisi Beach. It is considered the most visited, with the biggest crowds between 11:00 and 16:00. It can be visited on a day trip from Chania, which also includes a visit to Topolia Gorge. The excursion costs €37 per person. A decent option, though not the only one — other travel options to Elafonisi Beach can be found here.
The second option, no less popular than the first, is the beach at Balos Bay, which is called the best beach in Crete for its scenic landscapes. The bay is where three seas meet — the Aegean, the Ionian and the Libyan. To see Balos Lagoon and Gramvousa and swim in the clear waters of Crete, the best option is to book a cruise from Kissamos port.
Also worth a visit is Falasarna Beach — a well-known beach on western Crete, perfectly suited to families with children. To see this spot, relax with a cocktail by the sea and visit ancient Falassarna, you can book a bus tour from Chania, priced at €36 per adult. Tours here also depart from Rethymno and other cities in Crete, and all available travel options to Falasarna Beach can be browsed on GetYourGuide.
We would also add to this list Platanias Beach — a popular resort near Chania with plenty of clubs, particularly popular with younger visitors — as well as the local Nea Chora Beach, which is especially popular among residents of Chania and surrounded by many fish restaurants.
2. Is it easy to get to Chania’s beaches from the central part of Crete? For the more remote beaches (Elafonisi, Falasarna), it is best to set off on the first morning bus. If travelling from Rethymno or Heraklion, you will first need to get to Chania (from where buses depart to most beaches). Approximate travel times from major cities to Chania:
- Rethymno–Chania: 1 hour (cost: €8.30)
- Heraklion–Chania: 2.5 hours (cost: €15.70)
It should be noted that during the height of the season, buses can be very crowded, especially on routes to Elafonisi and Falasarna.
There are no direct buses to Balos at all — you first need to get to Kissamos port and then take a ferry to the beach. A one-way ticket costs €6.90 and ferries run every 2 hours. There is also an overland route, but the road is poor and can only be managed by car — ideally an off-road vehicle.
Platanias from Chania can be reached by bus, which runs every half hour, with a one-way ticket costing €2.50.
Nea Chora is considered Chania’s city beach, so buses run there every 20 minutes at a ticket price of €1.70.
A good alternative to public transport is organised excursions. For example, if you are staying in Rethymno, we recommend booking the following tours from there:
- Full-day boat tour to Balos and Gramvousa — €55 per adult and €35 per child aged 4–11 (it is also possible to book this trip without the boat ticket included, in which case the price drops to €15 for an adult and €10 for a child);
- Full-day bus trip to Chania and Lake Kournas — €28 per adult and €18 per child aged 4–11.
If you are staying in Heraklion, several interesting excursions depart from there as well:
- Full-day bus excursion to Elafonisi Beach with transfer — €50 per adult and €25 per child aged 5–12;
- Full-day boat trip to Gramvousa Island and Balos Beach with transfer — €40 per adult and €20 per child aged 4–11.
3. Which Chania beaches are suitable for snorkelling and diving? When it comes to the beaches around Chania that are best suited for diving, there are two main options: Marmara and Mavros Molos. The first is famous for its beautiful caves, while the second offers a scenic bay that is ideal for diving. Both beaches also have equipment available for rent. You can also consider joining an organised excursion, where the price includes diving and beach time. Here are a few options we liked best:
- A guided boat trip including snorkelling, diving and swimming in the sea — €90 per person;
- A SUP board trip to Lazaretto Island with the chance to swim in the sea and relax on the beach — €58 per adult and €53 per child (aged 13 and under).
4. Why is the Chania region the ideal spot for a beach holiday on the entire island of Crete? This question is not a difficult one to answer. First of all, the well-known beaches of the Chania province typically offer sun loungers, showers, umbrellas and other amenities. In addition, near many beaches there are numerous cafés and tavernas serving local cuisine. They are also safer in terms of facilities, with many equipped with lifeguard towers.
Most importantly, in our view, is that the Chania area has beaches to suit every taste. For a family holiday, Gyaliskari is an excellent choice (a complex of 3 beaches with a gently sloping entry into the water), as is Marathi (2 wind-sheltered bays), while Lake Kournas offers a freshwater alternative to the sea beaches.
Those interested in Blue Flag beaches will enjoy Falasarna (a popular spot with good infrastructure) and Stalos (a fantastic sandy beach 7 km from Chania). For fans of solitude and peace, there are wild beaches — for example, Seitan Limania (Devil’s Harbour), which is difficult to reach but strikingly beautiful, as well as Sougia (a former hippie retreat).
Beaches in Chania
Nea Chora Beach (Chania city beach)
Nea Chora is a very long sandy beach located 1 km west of Chania city center, on Akti Papanikolli Street. You can walk here from Chania harbor, it takes approximately 15 minutes.
The main Nea Chora beach is very well organized, with necessary amenities nearby. This is an excellent sandy beach with rocks in some places.
Nea Chora is ideal for those who want beach relaxation not far from the city center. Near the beach, there’s an old soap factory (you can still see its tall chimney), and Chania city’s central pool.
Nea Chora is popular among locals because there are many fish taverns. And of course, many restaurants, snack bars and cafes.
Entry into the sea is gentle, the beach is equipped with sun umbrellas and sun loungers, changing cabins and showers
Agii Apostoli Beach or Iguana Beach
Two beaches at Agii Apostoli (i.e. Holy Apostles) are located just 3 km west of Chania. This is a beautiful place located in a deep bay, just east of Glaros beach. Magnificent sandy beach with all amenities, with large parking nearby.
There’s a small peninsula formed in the western part of the beach that protects it from winds. On the peninsula there’s a wonderful park – ideal for leisurely walks, as well as the Chapel of the Holy Apostles, from which this Chania suburb takes its name.
When strong northwest wind blows on Crete’s north coast, beaches at Agii Apostoli are relatively calm and many locals and tourists hide here from sea agitation
The second “twin” bay is formed several dozen meters east of the first beach. It can boast beautiful turquoise waters and wonderful sand.
Rock formations on this side are simply amazing. In the eastern part of the beach, there’s a small pine grove stretching east to Golden Beach.
You can reach the bays by bus from Chania or even on foot. Besides, Agii Apostoli is an ideal place for cycling, as there’s a wide road for cyclists and pedestrians. Beach paradise with all amenities and a large selection of hotels around.
Agii Apostoli Beach can boast smooth entry into the sea
Agios Onoufrios Beach
Agios Onoufrios is a small seaside village in Akrotiri, located 8 km north of Chania and near Kounoupidiana. Agios Onoufrios village is actually a Chania suburb, as it’s very close to the city. It’s named after a small church near the beach.
The beach is quiet and hidden in a well-protected bay. At the same time, it’s pebbly and not very well organized. Here, residents of nearby villages and towns mainly prefer to relax. The picturesque landscape with traditional taverns and calm sea is a good reason to visit Agios Onoufrios.
Agios Onoufrios is located on Akrotiri peninsula, in the Kounoupidiana area, 10 kilometers from Chania city, in a small bay
Best sandy beaches near Chania
Balos Beach (Balos Lagoon)
Balos is Crete’s best beach, with snow-white and pink sand, sandbars that cut through the fabulously beautiful sea, surrounded by picturesque shores. This place is considered one of the most beautiful in the entire Mediterranean.
Balos is located in northwestern Crete in the Chania region, in the bay of the same name
Balos Bay, together with the surrounding territory, has been declared a protected area. The beach has preserved its pristine appearance since ancient times, and it seems that no achievements of civilization have touched it.
The beach is absolutely wild; there are no cafes or restaurants nearby, and getting here is quite difficult. Water in Balos Bay remains calm even when a strong storm rages at sea.
The bay is famous for its extraordinary crystal water, which is so clean that on a bright sunny day you can count up to 10 different color shades, from pale azure to dark blue. This feature is explained by the fact that three seas meet in Balos beach waters: Aegean, Ionian, and Libyan.
Incredibly beautiful combination of azure, crystal clear water and pink sand on the shore create truly impressive landscapes
A few tours to Balos Bay from the western and central parts of Crete
For those who dream of seeing the incredible Balos Bay but are not staying in Chania, that is no reason to miss the chance to visit this remarkable place. So I asked Julia to look for tours to Balos Bay from various cities in Crete — ones she would want to go on herself — and here is what she found:
1. Trip from Rethymno to Balos Bay — by choosing this tour, you will see not only Balos but also visit the island of Gramvousa.
Imagine: you climb a Venetian fortress on Gramvousa, from which an incredible view of the Mediterranean opens up, and then take a swim in the crystal-clear waters of Balos — you have to admit, it sounds appealing. For those who love interesting stories, there is the chance to hear the guide’s tales about the pirates who once ruled these waters.
Price: €55 per person, unchanged throughout the year. The tour lasts around 8–10 hours, and the ticket price includes a transfer from Rethymno, a cruise by boat and a guide’s escort.
2. Cruise from Kissamos port to Balos Lagoon and Gramvousa
This option is ideal if you are already in Kissamos or somewhere near Chania. You will get 2.5 hours on Balos Beach — enough time for photos and fun. During the walk around Gramvousa Island, there will be an opportunity to swim near the Church of Agii Apostoli.
There is a bar on board where you can buy drinks and light snacks (and that is actually a great idea, even at extra cost — on trips like this you always feel like having a drink and a bite to eat, and carrying everything with you is not always convenient). I would also add that if you have a camera, now is its moment, because the scenery here is extraordinary.
Tour duration: 7 hours. Price:
- without lunch — €38 for adults, €19 for children (the same all year round);
- with lunch — €50 for adults, €31 for children.
What is included in the price: the cruise, time on the beach and island, with the option to add lunch.
3. Tour to Gramvousa Island and Balos Beach with hotel transfer from Heraklion
An ideal option for those who value comfort. Transfer is provided directly from the entrance of your chosen hotel in Heraklion, so you will not need to worry about getting there. On board the ship there is the chance to have a good snack and a drink (at an additional charge). Included in the ticket price: transfer, guide, cruise.
Price: €65 per adult and €35 per child (the same regardless of season)
Duration: a full day (approximately 14–16 hours)
Tip for all tours: bring water, snacks (if you are not planning to buy them on board), sunscreen and a hat — the sun here is very strong! And be sure to book your trip in advance, especially if you are planning to visit Balos Bay in high season.
Elafonissi Beach
Elafonissi is one of the most beautiful Cretan beaches on the island, located on Crete’s western coast, opposite a small island with the same name.
The calm and clean sea in this place has different depths – both adults and children will find a suitable option for themselves. Entry into water is gradual and safe, there are no stones or slabs nearby. The coast is covered with white and pink sand.
The number of people on the beach is large at any time of year. The main number of tourists relaxing on Elafonissi island come here by buses from surrounding villages, so peak beach attendance is from 11 AM to 4 PM.
Elafonissi Beach is one of the island’s most visited beaches, it’s famous for its pink sand and crystal clear, transparent water
From free beach infrastructure, it’s worth noting the presence of toilets and changing rooms, and for money you can get umbrellas and sun loungers. You can buy soft drinks and have a light snack at the only small cafe (the menu has drinks and sandwiches/hot dogs). There are no organized entertainments here.
Due to the large number of tourists, you often need to stand in line to access beach amenities, and most of what’s available at the cafe runs out before evening. Therefore, before going to Elafonissi beach, we advise stocking up on food and water, and also taking an umbrella or awning with you (there’s almost no natural shade here).
If you’re going to the beach by car, be careful and allow time – a narrow, partially unpaved road leads to Elafonissi, where spontaneous traffic jams are not uncommon. There’s no organized parking in this place.
The number of people on the beach is large at any time of year
Tours to Elafonisi Beach from Chania and other cities
Visiting Elafonisi Beach is a chance to see one of the most beautiful places in Crete. The impossibly turquoise water, the soft pink sand framed by rocks — it looks almost too good to be real. From Chania and Rethymno, there are excellent organised tour options that make getting to Elafonisi a breeze.
Tours to Elafonisi Beach from various cities in Crete offer a wonderful opportunity to spend a day at one of Greece’s most picturesque beaches. Julia and I looked through the available options and picked out a few that we liked most:
- The first option — a bus tour from Chania. This tour costs €35 regardless of season. The price includes a transfer by comfortable coach, a professional guide’s services and photo stops at scenic spots. The trip lasts approximately 12 hours, starting with a morning departure from Chania. In addition to the planned visit to Elafonisi, the itinerary includes a stop at the village of Elos (with free time and the chance to buy local food).
- The second option — a trip from Rethymno. This trip costs €32 throughout the year, unchanged by season. The price includes a transfer by minibus and the services of an experienced guide. The tour lasts 11 hours. The programme includes several stops at scenic spots, perfect for those who love a good photo. Between 4 and 5 hours are dedicated to relaxing on Elafonisi Beach, and with the guide’s tips you can find quieter, more off-the-beaten-track spots to unwind. This option is therefore ideal for those who want to avoid the crowds.
- The last option that caught our attention — a full-day tour departing from Heraklion, priced at €50 regardless of the time of year. It includes a transfer by large air-conditioned coach and the escort of a qualified guide who is very talkative throughout the journey (interesting stories guaranteed). The trip includes a 20-minute break, during which you can stretch your legs or have breakfast at a local café (keep in mind that food at the café must be paid for separately on the spot). This trip is the longest — between 13 and 14.5 hours depending on road conditions — and is therefore ideal for those who want to immerse themselves more deeply in the travel experience.
Regardless of which option you choose, be sure to bring sunscreen and plenty of water. Even in autumn, the sun on Elafonisi Beach can be quite intense, so sun protection is an important part of a comfortable day out.
Kedrodasos Beach
A sandy wild beach with wonderful views. Like Elafonissi, it’s also located on the island’s western coast (the distance between these beaches is only 1.5 km).
This place is paradise for lovers of quiet relaxation and untouched nature. Right by the sea there’s a juniper forest, a bit further – hills and black stones, and massive mountains are visible in the distance.
There are practically no tourists on Kedrodasos, but this place is popular with locals. Those wishing to admire beautiful landscapes need to consider that there’s no infrastructure on the beach at all, so water, food, sunscreens and other things must definitely be taken with you.
We love Kedrodasos beach very much for its picturesque landscapes, for the combination of azure water color with bright saturated greenery of juniper grove, for the fact that after swimming enough at Elafonissi, you can escape here, hide from the crowd, to enjoy the sea and sun in solitude in the shade of juniper
The water at Kedrodasos is warm and transparent. But in summer strong wind often blows here, due to which waves rise in the sea. The only shade on the beach is created by junipers, however they’re often surrounded by large slabs or stones.
The beach’s main disadvantage is its inconvenient location. It’s located 40 km from Kissamos city and can be reached only by car on an unpaved road or on foot (30 minutes from Elafonissi through quite rough terrain).
Since Kedrodasos is a wild beach, there are no such equipped beach attributes as shower or umbrellas with sun loungers
Platanias Beach
The seaside village of Platanias is located 11 km west of Chania. The entire Chania region, during recent decades, has been actively developing thanks to tourism and now Platanias is actually a Chania suburb.
The village is located on a slope from which fantastic views open. During summer nights, most local clubs and disco bars host thousands of visitors who dance in them until dawn.
Most often, young people choose Platanias for relaxation, as there are many discos and nightclubs here
Platanias Beach is a beautiful large sandy beach along which many hotels of any category and all necessary tourist infrastructure have been built. On the beach you’ll find everything necessary to make relaxation here comfortable and safe (beach bars, umbrellas, sun loungers, snack bars, lifeguard towers, water sports equipment rental, etc.).
In the eastern part of the village pier, closer to Agia Marina, you can enjoy swimming in several small artificial bays, especially pleasant to do on windless days.
Short distance from the city, beautiful beach and regular bus services from Chania made Platanias the most popular beach resort near Chania.
Best beaches for snorkeling and diving near Chania
Marmara Beach
Marble beach got its name thanks to beautiful caves located not far from shore. This is the best place for snorkeling and diving; many tourists include it in the list of must-visit places in Crete.
Marmara is a small beach not designed for large numbers of tourists. Here fit only a few dozen paid sun loungers and umbrellas, an excellent tavern with low prices and tasty food, boat rental area.
The beach is covered with small pebbles, entry into water here is convenient, waves are rare. It is a very picturesque place.
No automobile roads lead to Marmara beach, so you can get here two ways:
- by boat, which regularly runs here from Loutro (located 7 km away);
- or on foot, if you’re somewhere nearby.
Mavros Molos Beach
Mavros Molos Beach (i.e. Black Pier) is located right in front of Kissamos, 36 km west of Chania. Mavros Molos is a long bay where remains of ancient Kissamos port were found.
Mavros Molos Beach with wide coastline is equipped with sun umbrellas and sun loungers, changing cabins and showers
This is Kissamos’s main beach, which hosts most of the region’s guests. Large beach with wonderful sand and relatively shallow waters. Near the beach, there are many cafes, restaurants and hotels. As well as umbrellas, sun loungers and lifeguard towers. There are also many tamarisk trees providing natural shade.
To the west, from the main Mavros Molos beach, there’s a small rocky cove covered with pebbles. The cove never gets crowded and is suitable for snorkeling.
Best wild beaches for nudism and active recreation near Chania
Seitan Limania Beach (or Devil's Harbor)
This beach is intended for active tourists for whom climbing steep hills under hot sun seems like a good adventure. On the last descent to the beach, at the mountain’s foot, a piece of turquoise water flaunts – this is the Aegean Sea visible, surrounded on all sides by rocks.
One of the most attractive and quite inaccessible beaches of Crete
This place is not intended for long swims, sunbathing or water entertainment – people come here for new impressions and inspiration. Don’t be surprised if you don’t find cafes or changing rooms here – infrastructure in this place is absolutely undeveloped.
Seitan Limania is one of the few wild beaches that can be reached by bus. Ticket price – from 3 euros. Buses depart three times a day from Bus Station Chania. The beach itself is located 22 kilometers east of Chania and is part of Akrotiri peninsula.
Be sure to go to Seitan Limania in comfortable beach shoes.
This is what the path to Seitan Limania beach looks like
Tours to Seitan Limania Beach
Seitan Limania Beach is a hidden gem, celebrated for its dramatic coastline and crystal-clear water. Due to the difficulty of access by road, it is mostly visited by private boat — which, trust me, is far more enjoyable. We have put together a few tour options for those who want to experience this scenic spot in comfort:
- A private boat trip from Kolymvari to Seitan Limania costs €800 (for a group of up to 7 people), regardless of season. The price includes a boat transfer with a captain’s services, drinks and light snacks on board. The cruise lasts around 4–5 hours, though the duration can be adjusted according to passengers’ preferences. The journey begins in Kolymvari and runs along the western coast of Crete, with a stop for a swim in the bay. This is the ideal option for those seeking privacy and the chance to see the famous Seitan Limania Beach and the Cretan coastline from a different perspective — from the sea.
- Another option — a private boat trip from Marathi, priced at €340 for groups of up to 5 people. The trip lasts 4 hours and includes light snacks and drinks on board (so if you are like me and always feel like a snack on the water, this is a great choice). The route passes through beautiful lagoons with the opportunity to swim and snorkel in clear waters, or simply sunbathe on deck. Worth noting: the stop is not only at Seitan Limania but also at other scenic beaches, including Stavros Bay.
Georgioupolis Beach
In northern Crete is located a historical province named after Prince George of Greece, who constantly came here hunting. He was attracted here by virgin forests covering gentle mountain peaks, with an abundance of various fauna; rivers rich in fish; azure sea expanses.
The past century did not reflect negatively on these beautiful places’ ecology, and the opportunity to engage in active recreation throughout the year attracts many tourists here.
Near the small fishing town of Georgioupolis is located one of Crete’s longest beaches (its length is about 10 km).
Here are excellent swimming conditions: smooth, even bottom, mixture of warm currents, quiet and cozy harbor without large waves. Eucalyptus thickets saturate the air with phytoncides, creating a healing microclimate.
Fishing enthusiasts have places to sit with a fishing rod – rivers (Delphinos and Turtle) are rich in fish. Pleasant impressions remain from hiking in picturesque surroundings, horseback riding and, in general, from all time spent in this blessed paradise corner of Crete.
Entry into sea is gentle, bottom and shore are sandy, coastline is quite narrow
Sougia Beach
Sougia is a small settlement located 75 km southwest of Chania, at the exit from the amazingly beautiful Agia Irini gorge (Saint Irene). In the 70s this was a favorite hippie place; today it’s an ideal choice for quiet relaxation.
Here’s a beautiful landscape with all necessary beach amenities. In Sougia you’ll find many restaurants, taverns, coffee shops, bars, mini-markets, kiosks and ATMs. However, you won’t find a gas station or hospital here.
Here’s a wide coastline, thanks to which a pleasant sense of spaciousness is created and there’s an opportunity to settle with your umbrella wherever you like
In the village’s seaside part is a long, beautiful and calm beach with coarse sand and crystal clear water. The beach starts in the west in a small bay, stretches east for 1.5 km and ends in another bay hidden between rocks and protected from prying eyes.
The eastern part of the long beach is not organized and collects exclusively nudists.
On the central beach, opposite the village, at vacationers’ service are umbrellas, sun loungers, showers, water sports equipment, as well as lifeguard towers. Many tamarisk trees grow along the beach, under which you can find shade or pitch a tent.
In summer, boats run here daily from Hora Sfakion, Paleochora, Agia Roumeli and Loutro. Also, there are regular routes to Gavdos island.
Despite the fact that Sougia is quite a popular resort with good infrastructure, here even in high season there are not many people (verified in different years in July and, especially, in August)
Blue Flag beaches near Chania
Falasarna Beach
This is not just one of Crete’s best beaches, it’s part of a beautiful resort of the same name with a long history.
Falasarna is located 50 km from Chania. On this long, sandy coast, the Blue Flag of Europe has been flaunting for several years, awarded to it for cleanliness. Here, joyful cries of little travelers are heard daily, and adult tourists admire beautiful sunsets.
The beach is fully equipped and has all necessary amenities for vacationers, of whom there are many at any time of year. At Falasarna there are sun loungers and umbrellas, toilets, changing rooms, volleyball court, boat rental area. Nearby are two cafes with decent menus where you can taste Cretan cuisine dishes.
Falasarna is one of western Crete’s most popular beaches
Getting to Falasarna is quite simple – a regular bus runs here from Chania. If you’re traveling by rented car, in this case you also don’t need to worry. The road to the beach is straight and asphalted, there will be a small serpentine only at the end of the route.
Entry into the sea at Falasarna is very convenient – sandy and gentle. Depth increases gradually and over quite a long distance, so it enjoys great popularity among families with children.
The beach’s only disadvantage is water temperature, as it’s always a few degrees colder here than in other corners of Crete.
Tours to Falasarna Beach from Chania
Falasarna Beach on the western coast of Crete is one of the most picturesque and cleanest beaches on the island. Its white sand and turquoise waters make it a true paradise for many. For those staying in Chania, we found several great options for a trip to Falasarna Beach with return transfer.
- The first option — a full-day trip to Falasarna and Elafonisi, priced at €98, lasting 10–10.5 hours. The price includes a coach transfer, guide services and time to relax on two beaches — approximately three hours at each. This is a wonderful opportunity to see two of Crete’s iconic destinations in a single day.
- For those looking for something more exclusive, there is a luxury small-group trip (up to 6 people) by jeep to Falasarna and Balos Lagoon, priced at €150. Transfer is also by jeep, with a personalised approach to each participant (all your preferences are taken into account). Included: lunch at a Cretan taverna, photo stops and drinks during the journey. Duration: 8–9 hours.
- For those who want to experience the romance of a sunset, there is an afternoon group tour to watch the sunset at Falasarna, priced at €42. Departure from Chania is planned for later in the day so you can enjoy the breathtaking view of the sunset over the Aegean Sea. The price includes transfer and guide services. I recommend bringing a picnic snack to enjoy during the sunset. Duration: 5–6 hours — a lovely choice for couples or small groups who want to avoid the crowds and see a landscape straight out of the movies.
Stalos Beach
Stalos village is located 7 km west of Chania, between Kalamaki and Agia Marina. Like this entire region, Stalos is well developed and attracts quite a large number of tourists every summer.
Kato Stalos (i.e. Lower Stalos), which is the coastal part of Stalos village, has a fantastic sandy beach. The beach is very well organized and equipped with all possible tourist amenities. Therefore, this beach is awarded the Blue Flag every year.
Pano Stalos (i.e. Upper Stalos) – the southern part of the village is located 150 m south of the beach. There’s no beach here, but this place is surrounded by green hills and amazing rock formations.
Sandy beach located 7.5 kilometers from Chania city, 34 kilometers from Kissamos settlement, 2 kilometers from resort village Agia Marina, directly in Kato Stalos village
Stalos village is an ideal place to stay during vacation. It’s located close enough to Chania city and offers all necessary tourist services for visitors. Regular bus services to Chania run from here.
Beaches for family vacation near Chania
Gialiskari Beach (Yaliskari)
The beautiful Greek word Gialiskari denotes a complex of beaches located 5 km east of the resort town Paleochora.
Here, on the wide and clean coast, every vacationer will find a place to their liking: pebbles or sand, wild beach without amenities or sunbathing on comfortable sun loungers, peaceful enjoyment of calm sea or jumping into water from large boulders.
From Paleochora to Gialiskari you can get by bus or by car. It’s worth considering that roads leading to the beach are narrow and winding, and organized parking here is paid.
The beach is surrounded by mountains and hills; in some places coniferous trees grow, giving natural shade. Water at Gialiskari is warm, and entry into water is gentle. Here you can have a great vacation with small children.
From available entertainments: catamarans, boats, jet skis, snorkeling.
At Gialiskari there are three beaches: two of them are located in open area, and shade can’t be found here, and on the third tamarisks grow, in whose shade you can take shelter from the sun
Marathi Beach (Marafi)
Marathi is located 17 km east of Chania and 5 km east of the military base in Souda, on the southeastern coast of Akrotiri cape. This is quite a popular resort in the Chania area and it attracts many tourists here every summer.
In Marathi village there are two beautiful beaches with fine sand and calm water. They’re both ideally suited for vacationing with children. The beaches are well protected from wind and face south, thanks to which views of Lefka Ori (White Mountains) open from them. Marathi beaches are separated by a small bay with a marina located in it.
Marathi beaches are well organized and have all necessary vacation amenities nearby.
500 m opposite Marathi is a small island Old Souda (Palaio Souda), which you can swim to or reach by catamaran. On the island there’s a small pine forest, and the western shore is quite steep and popular among diving enthusiasts.
Marathi beaches are well protected from wind, entry into sea here is gentle, so this place is popular with families with children
Besides beach relaxation, Marathi village surroundings can boast historical landmarks.
If you walk northeast along the road going along the shore, near the beach you can see the ruins of ancient Roman Minoa located there, which probably was the port of Aptera city. In the archaeological zone, which is also known as the Little Palace of Minos (although it doesn’t belong to the Minoan era), you can discover remains of Roman baths and ancient military buildings, which are probably connected with the ancient port. Also, on the beach remains part of a semicircular wall that was once washed by the sea.
Continuing to walk along the beach, passing places where wild ducks usually rest, you can reach the Church of Saint Spyridon, where wedding ceremonies and baptisms are traditionally held.
If you go from the ancient Roman port in the southwest direction, you’ll find yourself at the end of a small bay where you can find a beach with large pebbles. The beach in this place is called Sosorides. It’s very popular with locals who are looking for a quiet place to relax without numerous tourists.
An asphalted road also leads to Sosorides, along which, passing Marathi village, you can drive from Chania’s direction.
Not far from Marathi beach are ruins from Minoan times. Excavations here were started back in 1939, thanks to mentions of them in notes of English traveler Robert Pashley
Tours to Marathi Beach from Chania
Marathi Beach, located on the Akrotiri Peninsula, is a peaceful and picturesque spot — ideal for a family holiday or a relaxing break. One of the popular tours to this beach is a motorboat trip along the coast of the Akrotiri Peninsula, visiting Stavros, Seitan Limania and Marathi beaches. This private tour costs €1,350 for groups of up to 6 people and lasts 7 hours. The price includes drinks and light snacks on board, as well as the captain’s services.
Kournas Beach: swimming at a non-sea beach
If during your vacation in Crete you suddenly get tired of the sea – head to the lake.
In beauty, Kournas beach doesn’t yield to sea ones – here’s transparent blue water, around forested mountains, on shore white fine sand. There are no umbrellas and sun loungers on the coast – this is prohibited by law here. But there are taverns, shops and parking. And you can take shelter from the sun in the shade of numerous trees.
Lake Kournas belongs to Chania nome (prefecture). But from Rethymno, it’s closer to this lake – about 20 km
Greeks love this place very much – they come here with whole families; you can often see them walking around the water body and feeding ducks.
Here you can rent a catamaran or kayak to enjoy views from the water side. Catamaran rental cost is 8 euros per hour.
It’s worth considering that this beach is seasonal: in winter water in the lake rises and at this time there’s practically no beach.
Tours to Lake Kournas from Chania and other cities
Here I want to describe several options for visiting the very famous Lake Kournas in Crete. To avoid repeating myself each time, I will say upfront that every trip listed below will take you to Lake Kournas, regardless of the tour’s route.
1. Full-day tour from Heraklion to Rethymno and Lake Kournas
This trip costs €48. It lasts approximately 11–13.5 hours and includes transfer, guide services and free time at Lake Kournas. The route begins in Heraklion with a stop in Rethymno to see the sights. Upon arrival at Lake Kournas, you can also rent a catamaran for a mini cruise on the lake, have a swim and have lunch at one of the small tavernas nearby (lunch is not included in the price).
2. Full-day small-group tour to Lake Kournas and the village of Argyroupolis
This tour costs €25. It lasts approximately 7 hours and includes transfer, guide services and free time at Lake Kournas. The route begins in Chania, with a stop in the traditional village of Argyroupolis, where you can see ancient waterfalls and sample local dishes (Cretan delicacies can be enjoyed at one of the tavernas situated around the lake).
3. Private full-day tour of western Crete from Agios Nikolaos
This private trip costs €690 in season and €340 out of season. It lasts approximately 10 hours and includes transfer (with in-car amenities: mineral water, Cretan fruit and snacks, Wi-Fi, USB sockets and hygiene products). The route begins in Agios Nikolaos, with stops in picturesque villages of western Crete, where you will see traditional houses and taste local wines.
4. Full-day tour from Rethymno to Spili, Matala Beach and Lake Kournas
This private trip costs €650 (for a group of up to 6 people) in both season and out of season. It lasts approximately 10 hours and includes transfer, guide services and free time at Lake Kournas. The route begins in Rethymno, followed by a stop in the village of Spili to see the sights, then continues to Matala Beach, where there will be the chance to cool off in the water. You can stay refreshed on the journey with cold soft drinks, beer, wine and bottled water (included in the price). This tour also offers the chance to enjoy the taste of local kalitsounia — a sweet cheese pastry.
5. Private full-day tour from Chania to Rethymno and Lake Kournas
This private tour costs €440 (for a group of up to 5 people) in both season and out of season. It lasts approximately 6 hours and includes transfer, guide services and free time at Lake Kournas. The route begins in Chania, with a stop in Rethymno to take in the sights. The highlight of this tour, in my view, is the chance to enjoy a unique view of the White Mountains while standing in the water with a cup of traditional Greek coffee in hand.