Fantastic Beaches in Akrotiri, Chania

Akrotiri Peninsula is a large circular cape northeast of Chania town. The densely populated area is home to an International Airport, the Port of Souda, and the Technical University of Crete. NATO naval bases are also inside the Bay of Souda. 

General Information About Akrotiri in Crete

Some of the most beautiful beaches on the northern coast of Crete are hidden among the rocky cliffs of the peninsula. The area also has some important historical landmarks, monasteries, and a winery, all of which are worth a visit. 

During the last five years, the different villages in Akrotiri have seen rapid development. More villas for rent and hotels are opening every year, and the cape’s residential atmosphere makes it a good place to live all year round.

There are enough facilities and shops to save you a trip to Chania, and it’s still close to the city center for a night out. These characteristics, plus a few rather unknown blue flag beaches, make Akrotiri a comfortable residential area and an excellent place for relaxing holidays.

In this article, I will mainly focus on the beaches in Akrotiri. You will also find information about where you can stay and eat, as well as a few places to see.

Akrotiri Peninsula Maps

All the beaches in this post are located on this map:

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It was unknown—even to most locals—until a few years ago, when Stefanou Beach made its way to Instagram. The place became a hit.

No matter how hard it was to access, the alluring clear shades of blue contrasting the bare rocks of the cove proved irresistible.

The original name of this tiny beach is Stefanou. Still, now everyone knows it as Seitan Limania (or the Devil’s Ports). The famous name refers, in fact, to the broader area and to the group of three different narrow coves, one next to the other.

Stefanou Beach is the only of these coves that can be accessed by land. To visit the other two, you need a boat. The beach is enclosed by impressive cliffs. The sea is subject to strong streams making it dangerous for swimmers and boats. Therefore, several yacht owners have stopped sailing to Seitan Limania.

Nothing of what I’ve just mentioned stopped people from attempting to visit Stefanou Beach. This magnificent shore has small pebbles mixed with clear sand and the characteristic shape of a lightning bolt. Notice that the beach had only pebbles originally, sand was transferred here not long ago.

The beach of Seitan Limania is crowded most of the high season, but you can find it empty in April, May, and October. The beach is too small. Don’t consider this beach if you hate crowds or have difficulties hiking.

Once you have climbed up the hairpin turns of the asphalt road, you will need to park and face a 20-minute steep descent in the company of goats and… more tourists!

One of the most popular beaches on the peninsula of Akrotiri is Stavros or Gold Coast Beach and is loved by locals and visitors. This is a very shallow and calm bay, well protected from the winds and usually waveless.

It has a wonderful emerald color and fine white sand, and it’s especially safe for kids or those who can’t swim. Stavros Beach is on the north coast of Akrotiri, about 16 km from the city center of Chania, and it’s fairly well organized.

One area allows you to rent sun loungers and umbrellas, while another is completely free and unorganized. Near the beach, there are showers, bars, and tavernas. Free parking is also available.

Stavros is a small and very quiet village with a few hotels, several villas, and houses to rent. There’s an imposing mountain standing opposite the beach with clear paths and caves that tourists sometimes venture to explore (despite the locals usually advising against it).

Stavros Beach is virtually a closed bay, opening to the sea on the west. There the landscape is rocky and harsh, and it can be explored provided you have tennis shoes.

The unmarked path is very slippery. There’s also a tiny fishing port and a place to rent kayaks.

The mountain standing behind the beach is famous because scenes from the 1964 film Zorba the Greek, for example, the one in which Anthony Quinn dances the Sirtaki Dance, were shot here.

Kalathas is the place where I realized I had fallen in love with Crete. I remember lying on this exact beach thinking “I will move here one day”. In the end, it happened. Now I live less than 2 km from Kalathas and I couldn’t be any happier.

This is also the beach that my kids (and all their schoolmates) choose when I say “Today we’re going to the beach”. Kids simply love Kalathas.

Popular essentially among locals, but lately also discovered by tourists, Kalathas Beach is a wide semi-circular shore less than 10 km from the center of Chania.

It used to be a fine sandy beach, but during the last two seasons, we started seeing more and more pebbles.

The water is transparent, and there’s a small island opposite the shore, less than 200 meters away. Children and adults alike love to reach the islet swimming.

If you go snorkeling close to the islet you can easily spot sea urchins, different fish, and — provided you pay good attention — even octopus! Rumors say that this tiny islet used to be a WWII bunker, but I still haven’t found any official confirmation.

The beach is organized. It’s possible to rent kayaks, SUP surfs, and boats. There’s a taverna as well as a good beach bar (known for the hotdogs and Greek salads). If you prefer, just across the street, there’s another traditional Greek taverna with convenient prices and a view of the bay.

Those who venture to explore the area will discover a beautiful cove on the left of the beach, with a few rocks and shallow waters. Here, you can swim and even sunbathe.

Kalathas is a beach loved by the extensive community of ex-pats residing in the area. In December 2017, we spotted dolphins in the sea, close to the islet. Yes, we also go to Kalathas in December. My kids love this beach to play sports in winter because it’s sunny until late, virtually empty, and huge.

In summer, if you manage to arrive early in the morning, you can take advantage of the few trees on the beach that provide shade. And don’t leave soon, the sunsets in Kalathas are beautiful!

Tersanas Beach is located in Chorafakia, on the way to Stavros. It’s in a hidden position, so pretty much unknown to tourists.

This very shallow, narrow bay is ideal for children since it’s in a protected position, usually not affected by dangerous currents or strong winds. On one side of the beach, there’s a small fishing port, once serving the village of Chorafakia.

The beach is organized, there are umbrellas and showers as well as a bar very close to the shore. Tersanas gets crowded especially during the weekends. This is when local families and groups of teenagers reach the area to play volley or tennis on the sand, swim, and sunbathe.

Those who don’t want to rent an umbrella will find plenty of space for their beach towel on one side of the beach.

Places to Stay Near Tersanas Beach

The lodging offer in Tersanas is very wide and it ranges from very economical places to exclusive (and expensive) villas.

• Alianthos Suites is just meters from the beach and it offers self-catered units, a swimming pool, and a private bay overlooking the Cretan Sea. There’s a tennis court right next to the sea, a children’s playground, and barbecue facilities.
  >> BOOK HERE

• Nostalgia Villas is 400 meters from Tersanas. It features an outdoor pool with a sun terrace and a garden. The apartments have balconies with a sea view.
  >> BOOK HERE

• Chrysiida Suites is 300 meters from Tersanas. It features an outdoor pool with a sun terrace and offers self-catering accommodation with a dining area, a kitchen with a microwave, a dishwasher, and a refrigerator.
  >> BOOK HERE

One of the most hidden jewels of the Akrotiri Peninsula is the beach of Maxairida. This is a very tiny cove, protected by high rocks, with a small but beautiful sandy beach.

The beach is completely unorganized, and if you want to find where to stay, my suggestion is to arrive very early in the morning. I’ve seen people leave (rather frustrated) at 10 a.m. because there was no place where to put their beach towels.

Being so unspoiled, and virtually unknown, Maxairida Beach is popular among naturists. And it’s also hard to find kids on this beach because there’s no place for them to run or play.

The water is transparent and very shallow, with stunning shades that go from turquoise to deep blue. This is a rather exclusive area, and it’s not uncommon for private yachts to anchor on this shore for a day or two.

The sunset hour in Maxairida is very pretty, the beach receives the direct sun from the West, so the colors on the sea are amazing. To reach the seaside, you have to drive inland from Tersanas Beach for about a kilometer, park close to the road, and then hike down for about 10 minutes until you see the beach.

It’s a dirt path with rocks, abundant oregano, and thyme bushes, so it’s always better to wear tennis shoes rather than flip-flops. Since there’s no organization, carry your drinks and pack a lunch.

• Villa Afeidia is only 6 minutes from Maxairida Beach. It offers accommodations with two bedrooms, a living room, and an equipped kitchen.
  >> BOOK HERE

• Lake and Sea Villa is only steps from the beach and features accommodations with a seasonal outdoor swimming pool, a garden, and barbecue facilities. The villa has five bedrooms, a terrace with sea views, a well-equipped kitchen, and four bathrooms.
  >> BOOK HERE

Agios Onoufrios is our beach! It’s the place my kids go after school or where I go after I come back from work. We have lived in this village for the last 7 years and we don’t intend to go anywhere else!

The village has a fantastic little beach at the end of a long narrow bay.

The sea is extremely safe and shallow, and the beach is completely organized. Although Agios Onoufrios is tiny and unknown, there are tennis and beach volley courts and spaces to play soccer.

There are showers, a lifeguard service, and a tiny beach bar managed by a Jamaican guy who organizes reggae nights and full-moon beach parties often. And still, the beach is one of the most peaceful in Akrotiri.

During the summer months, the local authorities mount a platform for safe access to the beach for people with mobility issues. There’s a tiny fishing harbor, and from here depart different excursions to do immersions off the bay.

Unfortunately (well… it’s a fortune for us, locals!), at the end of one side of the bay, about a km from the shore, there are a few fuel tanks that prevent tourists from trusting that the beach is truly clean.

What they don’t know is that, despite those tanks not being aesthetic, they guarantee that water quality controls remain a high priority for the neighbors.

The beach has been awarded a blue flag for several years in a row.

Just opposite the beach, there’s a nice taverna and a tiny church which gave the name to the beach and the village. The church of Agios Onoufrios celebrates its day on June 12th with a huge barbecue on the beach.

• This tiny village lacks hotels and resorts, but there are many houses, apartments, and villas you can choose from to plan your stay. >> Click here to book accommodation at Agios Onoufrios Beach.

You might also want to read about other beautiful beaches in West Crete.

Marathi Beach

📍 Marathi, Sternes, Akrotiri (35.505203 N, 24.173665 E)
⛱️ Sandy beach – Organized.

On the side of the peninsula that faces the Bay of Souda, Marathi is a popular beach with shallow and clear waters and soft sand. Marathi can get crowded in summer since it’s a rather narrow shore and lacks a bit of space. In the area, it’s possible to practice water sports.

Local teens and kids adore this beach since it’s shallow and very clean. There’s a big parking space as well as a few kiosks to rent boats and pay for your SUP surfing hour. In front of the beach, there is a sidewalk with good restaurants and beach bars.

On a clear day, you can even spot the castle standing on top of the Archaeological Site of Aptera from Marathi. A few meters from the beach, there is a small port for fishing and recreational boats.

Marathi has a relaxed atmosphere, and it’s a favorite among locals. During the weekends it’s almost impossible to find a free table for lunch in the many tavernas at the beachfront.

• Marathi Panorama Rooms features terrific views and is a good solution for couples and families. It is just 300 meters from the beach, restaurants, and cafes.
  >> BOOK HERE

• Villa Marathoula is a magnificent property with stunning views of the bay, offering access to a patio, two bedrooms, a fully equipped kitchenette, and a terrace with sea views.
  >> BOOK HERE

Loutraki Beach

📍 Loutraki, Sternes, Akrotiri (35.500633 N, 24.166476 E)
⛱️ Sandy beach with small pebbles – Organized.

There’s a lot of debate going around in Chania on whether this is a beach to love or to hate. Some people really love Loutraki Beach, and others a bit less. I’m in the second group, and down below you can read why.

Loutraki Beach is just a few hundred meters from Marathi, but unlike this last one, instead of having a favorable position, the sun goes down really early on Loutraki.

So, while the place might be good for the morning, I don’t usually go in the afternoons since the sea tends to get chilly. Besides, it’s a preferred spot for teens and groups of young kids, which means it’s safe but somewhat noisy at times.

The beach is fairly well organized, and there’s a free ample parking place at the entrance, opposite a restaurant (which I cannot recommend since I’ve never eaten there). On the beach, there’s a bar and it’s possible to rent canoes.

On both sides of the bay, there are hotels with private access to the beach. You can rent umbrellas and sun lounges, or just place your beach towel on the sandy-pebbled beach.

• Cap Bleu Seafront Holiday Home is an exclusive property offering a terrace and garden view 300 meters from Loutraki Beach. The accommodation provides airport transfers. The apartment with a patio and sea views has two bedrooms, a living room, and an equipped kitchen.
  >> BOOK HERE

• Crete View is only meters from Loutraki Beach. It features an outdoor pool, a garden, and private parking. Accommodation is possible for up to 10 guests.
  >> BOOK HERE

Where to Eat Near the Beaches in Akrotiri, Crete

There are dozens of places to eat on the peninsula, but since I live and really know the area, I am leaving here a restricted list of those places I consider to be the best ones.

These are the ones we usually visit when I’m not in the mood for cooking, the ones we choose to take away, and, some of them, are ideal for special occasions.

Patrelantonis, Tersanas Beach

This restaurant is located a few meters from the beach and I usually pick it up for special dinners. Here, try their spaghetti with salmon and their octopus salad with avocado.

Almyriki, Stavros Beach

The place is perfect for an afternoon beer with fried fish and other finger food. There are great views at sunset. Try their gavdos marinatos (marinated small fish) and their fried shrimp in kataifi pastry, perfect with a cold beer.

Zorbas Taverna, Stavros Beach

This is my absolute favorite, no-frills place in the area. It’s not located right on the beach road of Stavros, so it’s not so well-known. It has a relaxed and familiar atmosphere and you can eat the most amazing fried sardines under the lush red grapes of their patio. Try their homemade spoon sweets with yogurt or the homemade biscuits with raki!

Taverna Irini, Tersanas (Chorafakia)

A favorite among locals and visitors alike, this is a typical Greek taverna serving delicious local food. Taverna Irini is open all day long until late at night.

Kounoupidiana Area

(Close to the beaches of Kalathas and Agios Onoufrios)

Mitsos: This is a great place for grilled meat, when choosing Mitsos, don’t miss their spinach salad with local graviera cheese.

Ta Gourounakia: Another favorite of our family, also to take away. It has great gyro and souvlaki that kids love, while my favorite dish is their pork kontosouvli (on the spit).

Coffee with a View

Carte Postale: This is a farily new entry in the neighborhood, with beautiful views of the port of Chania. It’s an all-day lounge serving coffee, lunch, and dinner.

Koukouvaya: The most traditional cafeteria in Chania with stunning views of Chania’s Lighthouse. Normally crowded in every season, Koukouvaya is loved among locals and visited from every corner of the island. Their cakes (especially the hot chocolate cake Zoumero) are delicious.

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Guide to The Best Beaches in Akrotiri, Crete

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