43 Stunning Beaches in Chania (West Crete) That You Will Love Exploring

Beaches in West Crete

The westernmost region of Crete, Chania, is home to the three best-known beaches of the island, Falassarna, Balos, and the pink sand beach of Elafonisi.

This makes Chania an interesting destination for tourists from all over the world who visit Crete in Summer to discover these three ravishing coasts. Yet, since they’re so popular, they tend to be overcrowded.

The intention of this guide is to shed light on some of the lesser-known beaches of West Crete. This way, you’ll have more alternatives. And you won’t leave the island without seeing other spectacular beaches that populate the region of Chania.

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Over 40 beaches in Chania

Let’s now divide the coast of the Chania region taking into account the northern, wester, and southern coastlines. On the north coast, I will take as a starting point, the old town and city center.

Chania Region North Coast

In contrast to the solitary South coast of Crete, bathed by the Libyan Sea, the northern coast of the island is densely populated. That means you can find numerous resorts and hotels, and a massive number of tourists from May to October, roughly the warmest months on Crete.

While many people believe that the magic of the southern coast is unbeatable, and there is indeed an amazing selection of shores to enjoy, many others prefer to stay closer to lively areas, with activities and things to do at night. If that’s what you prefer too, check out these beaches on the northern coast of the Chania region.

Beaches around Chania City Center: City Beaches in Chania

I was never really a fan of city beaches, I usually find them overcrowded and pretty chaotic, often noisy, and sometimes dirty as well.

However, I was surprised to discover that the beaches located close to the center of Chania were not that bad after all. Let’s check them here.

Nea Chora Beach

📍 35.513727 N, 24.005937 E
🚘 1.5 km from Chania city center
⛱️ Shallow, sandy beach, organized, located within walking distance from the Venetian Port.

The long sandy beach of Nea Chora extends immediately towards the west of the Old Town. It’s a favorite among locals and tourists too. Ideal for small children, the beach is shallow and safe. Opposite the beach lies the small islet of Lazareta. This tiny island has a pretty sandy beach that you can only visit with a private boat.

At the small fishing port of Nea Chora, it’s possible to eat great fresh fish and it’s a pleasant place for a walk during the Summer nights. Along the coast, a pedestrian street hosts several restaurants and small studios for rent.

Nea Chora has become extremely popular during the last few years, with a growing Airbnb offer that keeps attracting visitors. The area is conveniently close to the Old Town with fairly lower price tags than the hotels in town.

At the end of the bay, towards the west, there’s the popular city beach of Chrissi Akti (Golden Beach), very well organized with lounges, umbrellas, and several hotels and tavernas. Chrissi Akti is 2.5 km from the center of Chania.

Koum Kapi

📍 35.516111 N, 24.029239 E
🚘 About 900 m from the Old Venetian Harbor
⛱️ Shallow, sandy beach, not organized, a few meters from Chania Old Town.

Located by Porta Sabbionara, the eastern entrance to the Old Town of Chania, on Akti Miaouli is the Koum Kapi, the closest beach to the city center. It’s good for a quick swim when you’re staying in tow. Koum Kapi is a very shallow, sandy coast, sometimes hit by the northern winds. It’s very popular among locals and tourists staying in the area.

Along the beach, there are several bars and tavernas, crowded at all hours of the day. Here, locals gather for a drink and some music at night to escape from the more crowded bars in the New Marina and the Old Harbor. From Koum Kapi, it’s possible to enjoy the captivating shape of Stavros mountain as well as the nearby coast of Tabakaria.

Kouloura Beach (Chalepa)

📍 35.521777 N, 24.040986 E
🚘 2.5 km from Chania city center
⛱️ Rocky beach, with access by steep stairs, with no sand, and not organized.

Located between Tabakaria and Halepa, this small beach is a local’s favorite. Tabakaria (where you can find Chania’s old tanneries), is a rather abandoned neighborhood in Chania.

It was an active center for leather processing back between the First and the Second World Wars. Halepa, instead, is a rather upscale district, once home to former embassies (Chania was Crete’s capital until 1971) and aristocratic residences, where today you will find the new Chania Archaeological Museu.

Between these two districts, you will find a small pool-like beach known as Kouloura. This name is due to the rocks that create a circle (resembling a koulouri -Greece’s delicious bread ring) protected from the waves. Here, people don’t normally swim, but just rest and enjoy the slightly higher temperatures of the water inside the rocky circle.

Northeast from Chania City Center

Kalyves

📍 35.452052 N, 24.175820 E
🚘 23 km from Chania city center
⛱️ Organized sandy beach. Crystal clear, shallow sea, popular among tourists who visit Crete every year.

The village of Kalyves is in the area of Apokoronas, rather close to the center of Chania, and it’s extremely popular among tourists, many of which have bought houses in the area and have become either permanent residents or frequent visitors.

The beach area, also known as Kalyves, is very well organized. There’re umbrellas, tavernas, and it’s also possible to play different sports. The main beach of Kalyves is divided into two main shores by a rocky formation. In general, it’s a calm beach, good for families, but it’s rather exposed to the northern winds and tends to be very wavy on some days. Close to the area, there’s a river running to the sea (River Xydas), so the water is not as warm.

If you’re driving to Kalyves from Chania, about a kilometer before the beach, you can enjoy the coast known as “Côte d’Azur” or Kyani Akti, quiet and not really populated even in the high season. If you move towards the east, and before reaching Almyrida, there’s the lesser-known Kera Beach, quite isolated and unorganized.

Almyrida

📍 35.449397 N, 24.200807 E
🚘 25 km from Chania city center
⛱️ Sandy beach close to Kalyves, organized, exposed to northern winds.

Another very popular beach in the area is Almyrida (also spelled Almirida), located in the village bearing the same name. There are two sandy beaches separated by a pier with a picturesque church standing at its tip.

Almyirida is a shallow beach, waveless unless the northern winds hit the area, in which case it’s a good idea to get on your car and drive to the opposite coast, on the Akrotiri Peninsula. If you enjoy windsurfing and other water sports, then don’t go anywhere else!

The beach is well organized, with a lot of beach bars, tavernas, and restaurants along the shoreline. The small island of Karga stands opposite the beach. You can visit Karga if you rent a boat at the pier. The islet is popular among fishermen and better known for the shelters left behind by the Germans after WWII.

Koutalas Beach

📍 35.467179 N, 24.232256 E
🚘 32.5 km from Chania city center
⛱️ Pebbled beach with no organization several rocks and caves. Crystal emerald sea.

Koutalas or also Koutalis is a fantastic, rather unknown, rocky beach, hidden in the proximity of Cape Drepanos. This shore is known among those into scuba diving since there’s a collection of sea caves, many of them worth exploring. I’ve written about the magnificent Elephant’s Cave here.

The beach lies at the exit of a small but harsh gorge, and it’s possible to reach the area from the nearby village of Kokkino Chorio, taking the roar that takes north to the Drepanos Peninsula.

Remember that you’ll need to take everything you need to spend a day in Koutalas, and tennis or hiking shoes are also a good idea to visit the area.

About 4 km before reaching Koutalas to the west, there’s another hidden cove in the area known as Zeus Bay. It’s Vraskos Beach, a magnificent and extremely narrow shore, at the exit of a tiny gorge. To reach the area you will need to hike since there’s no official road leading to the beach.

About 4 km before reaching Koutalas to the west, there’s the hidden cove of Zeus Bay. Here lies Vraskos Beach, a magnificent and extremely narrow shore, at the exit of a tiny gorge. To reach it you’ll need to hike since there’s no official road leading to the beach.

Georgioupolis

📍 35.364131 N, 24.262039 E
🚘 43.2 km from Chania city center
⛱️ Organized sandy beach, popular in the high season. There’s another nearby beach good for scuba diving.

Located in Apokoronas, right before Rethymnon, the small village of Georgioupolis features a long, well-organized beach and some solitary shores. Numerous tavernas and cafes gather around the main square and along the coast attracting visitors from all over Europe during the Summer.

Georgioupolis’ main beach is a long and narrow sandy strand with very shallow waters, safe and ideal for families with children. The beach is better known for the small chapel of Agios Nikolaos, located at the end of a long pier, giving the illusion of being in the middle of the sea. There’s also a small pier where picturesque fishing boats dock.

Up north Almyros River, there’s a more solitary sandy beach ending at the mouth River Perastikos, a clear stream that ends at the sea. It’s locally known as Perastikos Beach or Kalyvaki Beach.

The river mixing with the sea provokes a bizarre hot-cold effect when you are in the water. In this part of the beach, there’s a popular diving center. The river is crossed by a small bridge from where small kids love to jump!

Akrotiri Peninsula, Chania Region

If you’re staying in the Akrotiri Peninsula during your holiday in Crete, you’ll certainly find this guide to the beaches of Akrotiri extremely helpful as it includes all the beaches you can visit. I live on the peninsula, and I’m a big fan of Akrotiri beaches. Down below, you’ll find the most remarkable of them.

Seitan Limania Beach

📍 35.552214 N, 24.193368 E
🚘 21 km from Chania city center
⛱️ Beach with no organized facilities, sandy shore mixed with pebbles. Rather difficult access.

Locally known as Stefanou Beach, Seitan Limania has become a popular spot on the peninsula, although it was practically unknown until recently. The beach became famous for the incredible shades of blue that fill the lightning-bolt-shaped cove.

There’s absolutely no organization, so you need to be prepared for a visit, pack a lunch, drinks, and everything you might need for the day. Since you much hike to reach the shore, I suggest wearing comfortable walking shoes.

Stavros Beach

📍 35.591683 N, 24.095326 E
🚘 15.5 km from Chania city center
⛱️ Small, organized sandy shore, with clear green waters, virtually waveless, and protected from the winds.

Stavros is among my favorite beaches in Crete. Many friends have often asked me if I really like the beach, as it’s mostly organized and crowded in Summer. Still, what I love about Stavros is not the beach in itself, but the experience of swimming there.

In Stavros, the sea is shallow close to the coast but gets deeper as you reach the mountain in the background. The water is perfectly transparent, and you can easily spot fish and shades of pink sand near the shoreline. As the beach is almost completely closed to the open sea, there are no waves and the water usually has warmer temperatures during the hot months.

…And what I like the most about Stavros, is that when the north coast of Chania receives strong northern winds and going to the beach is pretty much impossible, Stavros is still calm and quiet.

Marathi Beach

📍 35.504704 N, 24.173256 E
🚘 15.5 km from Chania city center
⛱️ Organized sandy beach with shallow waters. There’s also a small harbor and water sports are available.

Marathi is on the eastern side of the Akrotiri peninsula, right opposite Souda Bay, Chania’s main port. The beach is narrow but very clean so ideal for kids. It’s shallow, safe, and mostly protected from strong winds.

To find a good spot on the beach it’s better to visit in the morning or to arrive as early as you can. On the seaside walk, there are several good fish tavernas and restaurants.

Kalathas Beach

📍 35.554363, 24.086941 E
🚘 9 km from Chania city center
⛱️ Wide organized bay, with a few trees for shadow. The beach is mostly sandy.

Kalathas lies on a large picturesque bay, opposite a small islet. The beach is wide and spacious, and it has lately been discovered by tourists that come from the city center to spend the day (usually by taxi).

Kalathas is great for swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking. On the beach, there are both a bar and a taverna. It’s possible to hire boats and canoes, as well as practice SUP surfing.

Other Beaches in Cape Akrotiri, Chania

For me, Akrotiri is the peninsula that hides some of the top beaches in Chania. And there are at least three more beaches that you should visit in Cape Akrotiri that add to the previous ones.

Tersanas Beach is a shallow, sandy bay ideal for families with kids or for people who cannot swim and is very close to Stavros. Near Tersanas, Maxairida is a romantic, hidden cove, with spectacular sunsets, perfect for couples and naturists. On the opposite side of the peninsula, Loutraki Beach, close to Marathi, is a perfect place for young adults.

😉 RELATED ARTICLE
→ Fantastic Beaches in Akrotiri, Chania

Northwest from Chania City Center

Starting from the beaches closer to Chania townm such as Agioi Apostoloi, Platanias or Agia Marina, to the super famous Balos Beach and Lagoon, this section includes the best beaches west of Chania town, including some hidden gems on the solitary Rodopou Peninsula.

Agii Apostoli (Glaros and Kato Daratso)

📍 35.512766 N, 23.976797 E
🚘 5 km from Chania city center
⛱️ Organized sandy beach, shallow and with amenities.

The small bays in the area of Agioi Apostoloi are worth a visit. The public beach of Agioi Apostoloi (also spelled Agii Apostoli) is a protected sandy shore, with tavernas, lounges, and umbrellas. The bay is quiet, protected from winds, and very shallow.

Another favorite in this area is Iguana Beach, but it can get very crowded during the high season. It is a small bay, well-protected from the wind, and perfect for kids. There’s a good canteen on the beach selling great sandwiches and delicious fruit juices. Opposite the beach, there’s a huge public parking area and many restaurants.

Finally, the last shore you can visit is Glaros Beach, another organized sandy beach, larger than the previous two, and mostly used by the guests staying in seaside hotels in the area.

Kato Stalos – Agia Marina

📍 35.519279 N, 23.935159 E
🚘 11 km from Chania city center
⛱️ Sandy beach with calm and shallow waters. Amenities include bars, umbrellas, loungers, and showers.

Agia Marina and Kato Stalos are located next to each other creating a long sandy strand neat the popular seaside village of Platanias. The whole area is about 2.5 km long and one of the the most popular beaches in West Crete as it’s just a short drive from the city center.

Over here, the waters are shallow and often very calm, which makes it a great place for families with kids. Opposite the beach, the small Theodorou Island offers a great background for unique sunset photos by the sea.

Platanias

📍 35.519577 N, 23.905489 E
🚘 13 km from Chania city center
⛱️ Long sandy beach, with a shallow coastline and organized facilities.

Platanias is a fairly big beach and seaside resort that extends all the way to the next beach of Agia Marina. Both villages have grown so much during the last few years that they now form a virtually unique long beach. Most of the resorts in the area are devoted to hosting package holiday tourists, many of which (sadly enough!) never leave the facilities to explore the rest of the island.

The beaches are sandy and very clean, yet, they can be largely affected by the winds. When this happens, the sea is rough, wavy, and dangerous at times.

Gerani

📍 35.521578 N, 23.885523 E
🚘 15 km from Chania city center
⛱️ Long beach with coarse sand and pebbles. Few beach bars and limited organization.

Gerani is a small coastal village west of Chania featuring a large beach (about 2.5 km) that’s often less crowded than Agia Marina or Platanias. That makes it a local favorite because it’s still largely undiscovered by tourists.

The beach features areas with fine sand and other areas with dark, coarse sand mixed with pebbles. The water is clear and rather shallow, while amenities include beach bars, tavernas, umbrellas, showers, and water sports. However, not the whole beach is organized, you can easily fined more remote and solitary spots to unwind. Along the coastline, tamarisk trees offer shade for those who don’t enjoy sitting under an umbrella.

Tavronitis

📍 35.535472 N, 23.815206 E
🚘 22 km from Chania city center
⛱️ Coarse sand and plenty of pebbles with a few restaurants and tavernas. shallow waters but exposed to the northern winds like most beaches on the northern coast.

Located close to Kolymbari, almost at the end of the Chania Bay, Tavronitis is a small coastal town close to the historic airfield of Maleme (known for its important role in during WWII, theater of the well-known Operation Mercury – Battle of Crete) and an important German War Cemetery

The beach gets its name from the Tavronitis River located in the same area. The pebbly beach is ideal for swimming and sunbathing, yet it can get quite windy. In the area, you can find several family-run hotels as well as good restaurants and traditional tavernas.

Kolymbari (& Rodopou Peninsula)

📍 35.543611 N, 23.781736 E
🚘 25 km from Chania city center
⛱️ Narrow and shallow beach. For a better shore, I suggest driving to Afrata on the Rodopou Peninsula. Here most are pebbled beaches and just a few sandy shores.

The small village of Kolymbari is an important tourist center and a small port at the end of the Bay of Chania, right at the point where the Rodopou Peninsula begins.

There is a fairly developed hotel area, as well as a long sandy beach with small pebbles and shallow waters. The beaches further north of Kolymbari are probably the prettiest, with some beautiful rocky coves close to the fortified Gonia Monastery.

If you keep driving north along the coastal road that from Kolymbari takes you into the Rodopou Peninsula, after about 6-7 kilometers, you reach the impressive but small bay of Afrata, at the end of a green gorge.

AFRATA BEACH (📍 35.573731 N, 23.777020 E)
This is a rather unknown pebble beach on the eastern side of Cape Rodopou. Crystal-clear waters and colorful stones underwater make it a beautiful place to enjoy snorkeling and fishing. Many private boats anchor near Afrata on their way to Menies.

There’s a small taverna and some basic organization on the beach, while in the main village of Afrata, there’s also the possibility to find places to eat and accommodation. The local hospitality, the amazing food (do try the taverna Kali Kardia, in the village!), the impressive roads and the pristine beach make Afrata one of my preferred beaches on West Crete. I really enjoy Afrata even if I’m not a big fan of pebbles.

After a visit to Afrata Beach, you have two possibilities:

• You can drive off-road for about an hour (24 km on a dirt road) to the north of the peninsula and explore the stunning beach of Menies (📍 35.664697 N, 23.767824 E)
• Otherwise, you can drive to the west of Cape Rodopou, and pass through the villages of Rodopou and Aspra Nera to reach the western beaches of Ravdouxa. The trip is about 25 minutes.

RAVDOUXA (📍 35.536108 N, 23.725306 E)
There are two beaches in the area of Ravdouxa (or Ravdoucha), both with the same name. They’re mostly pebbled and it’s difficult to find tourists in the area, while locals seem to like it a lot.

On one of the beaches, there’s just a taverna by the sea. A few meters away, there’s another small cove, with very dark sand and rocks, quite lonely and unimpressive. However, the sea has a stunning rock bottom which makes it ideal for snorkeling. There’s also a rocky pier great for fishing.

Nopigia

📍 35.509330 N, 23.719760 E
🚘 32 km from Chania city center
⛱️ Coarse sand and pebbles, crystal clear waters, subject to strong winds. Some parts of the beach offer organized facilities.

Located on the easternmost extreme of the Gulf of Kissamos, Nopigia is a popular beach close to one of the few camping sites in Crete (and therefore often chosen by campers). The beach area features a rocky landscape and despite some areas with fine sand, the beach is known for its abundant white pebbles.

There are several bars and tavernas on the beach that offer light and traditional meals as well as drinks, coffee, and cocktails. For that yreason, you will just need to pack your sunscreen, beach towel, and water shoes for a visit.

Kissamos

📍 35.498119 N, 23.658812 E
🚘 38 km from Chania city center
⛱️ There are several beaches located on the Gulf of Kissamos, most of them are pebbled beaches or sandy with pebbles. The sea is often hit by northern winds. Some of the beaches are organized.

Kissamos is a rather developed center located halfway between Chania and the beautiful Balos Beach. It’s a popular place for tourists, who usually stay here to reach the westernmost beaches of Falassarna and Elafonisi, or who depart from the port of Kavousi to visit Balos Lagoon on a day trip.

However, there are a few beaches on the coast you could visit. To be honest, these are not my favorite beaches of West Crete, I don’t really enjoy the coast of the Gulf of Kissamos, nor the area of Drapanias, yet they are worth including on this list since many tourists love them. Besides, there are great hotels in the area as well as interesting things to do in Kissamos too.

Korfalonas (also known as Drapanias) is a beach near the village of Drapanias, it has rather big pebbles and there’s some organization.

Telonio Beach is Kissamos’ most popular beach. It’s in the center of the village, opposite a lively seaside promenade with bars, taverns, and hotels. Telonio is a sandy shore with coarse pebbles. From its central position, it’s possible to enjoy privileged views of the whole gulf and the peninsulas. It’s a rather windy beach, with high waves, not the best or safest option for families.

Balos Beach & Lagoon

📍 35.583924 N, 23.589316 E
🚘 52 km from Chania city center
⛱️ Sandy beach with limited facilities and an exotic atmosphere, access can be difficult as hiking is required. It’s also possible to visit by boat.

There’s not much left to be said or written about the famed Balos Beach and Lagoon, on the tip of Cape Gramvousa. The beach and the opposite Cape Tigani form a shallow lagoon with turquoise waters and white sand, a perfect-picture landscape that has become a symbol of the beaches of Crete.

Balos is located on the uninhabited peninsula of Gramvousa, and to visit you will need to travel off-road for over half an hour and then hike down to the beach for at least 20 more minutes. Under the sea, there are different colorful algae and seaweed, both making it a great spot for snorkeling.

The beach is shallow and usually calm, two characteristics that make Balos good for families with kids. If you’re traveling with very small children, though, you might want to consider a day trip by boat in order to avoid hiking the rocky path.

😉 RELATED ARTICLE
→ Why You Should Visit Balos Beach (+ Tips to Get There, Things to Do, and Best Balos Cruises)

Imeri Gramvousa

📍 35.606796 N, 23.578282 E
🚘 68 km from Chania city center
⛱️ Reachable onlyThere are both organized and unorganized beaches on Falasarna Bay, most of them sandy. It’s usual

Reachable only by boat, usually when sailing to Balos Beach and Lagoon, Imeri Gramvousa is an island on the Gramvousa Peninsula featuring a shallow beach with tamarisk for shade and offering a breathtaking landscape.

Ideal for swimming and snorkeling, this is one of the nicest beaches in the region. Next to the coastline, you can see and old shipwreck while, once on the island, you can hike to the highest point to explore an ancient Venetian Fortress. You can get to the beach sailing on a private speed boat from Chania (or Kissamos port) or by boarding a more affordable Balos Daily Cruise.

West Coast of the Chania Region

Falassarna

📍 35.492316 N, 23.580588 E
🚘 54 km from Chania city center
⛱️ There are both organized and unorganized beaches on Falasarna Bay, most of them sandy. It’s usually hit by strong winds making it perfect for water sports, but when the weather is calm, the beach is perfect for swimming.

Falassarna is one of the beaches in West Crete that both my kids prefer, and I like it a lot too, to be honest. Despite its popularity, it never really gives you the impression of being overcrowded as the shores are very wide and the bay extends for a few kilometers.

There are a few different smaller beaches you can visit, the Small Beach is rather isolated, there are a few high rocks and coves by the sea, and it’s a favorite by those who enjoy a beach with no organization.

The Big Beach (Pachia Ammos), is a popular organized shore where visitors can practice a wide variety of sea sports. There are tavernas as well as beach bars, and you can rent an umbrella to spend the day. There are no trees on the beach, so shady areas are very limited.

Sfinari Beach

📍 35.419733 N, 23.564181 E
🚘 58.3 km from Chania city center
⛱️ Quiet sandy beach with small pebbles, with a taverna, parking area and some organized facilities.

Sfinari Beach is located in the homonymous seaside village, about 14 km south of Falassarna. It’s still quite rather off-the-beaten path. The area is surrounded by a beautiful lush landscape of tamarisk trees and olive groves.

The beach is sandy with fine pebbles, and the sea can, at times be windy, but not as much as it gets in the open Falasarna Bay. The landscape is rather green with mountains standing at the back of the beach.

Platanakia

📍 35.413534 N, 23.554739 E
🚘 65 km from Chania city center
⛱️ Small beach quite protected, with coarse pebbles and a few sandy areas. The beach is rather hard to access (hiking) and there’s no organization.

Platanakia is a tiny shore, quite unknown to massive tourism, on the western coast of Crete, a few kilometers from Falasarna Beach. It’s also very close to Sfinari.

The beach can be accessed by hiking along Kambos Gorge. The cove is surrounded by cliffs which make it secluded. Despite not being organized, several trees by the shore provide the necessary shade. There are no tavernas or other stores nearby, so you should pack a lunch and enough water to spend the day. This beach is on the list of naturist beaches in Crete.

South Coast in the Chania Region

Despite living on the northern coast of Chania, I simply love the south of Crete. I believe the best beaches on the island are bathed by the Libyan sea. The water is cleaner (and in some places, colder), the atmosphere authentic and relaxing. It’s a common understanding that the best beaches in Chania are in the south.

I’m always eager to cross the different gorges of the White Mountains to visit the south. If you want to discover the prettiest side of Crete, check these shores.

Aspri Limni

📍 35.309272 N, 23.525078 E
🚘 69.8 km from Chania city center
⛱️ Small sandy beach, shallow and clear waters, and not organized.

Aspri Limni Beach is quite unknown to tourists but locals love the solitaire feel to this tiny beach close to Elafonisi. The name means white lake and it clearly mirrors the shape of the shore, a kind of swimming pool enclosed by stones and high, sharp rocks, with very clear waters.

The beach and the area lack organization. Its isolated nature requires you to organize food and drinks before the visit. There’s no natural source of shade, so you either carry your own umbrella or avoid it during the hottest hours of the day.

This fine white sand beach is within easy walking distance from the monastery of Chrisoskalitissa (you can read about the monastery in my article about Elafonisi. Once in the village, follow the signs to Phoenix theofrasti (the nearby tiny palm date forest). Most locals are reluctant to give you directions as they are rightfully trying to avoid mass tourism to overtake this hidden paradise.

Elafonisi Pink Sand Beach

📍 35.271286 N, 23.541216 E
🚘 73 km from Chania city center
⛱️ Spectacular sandy beach with turquoise waters, shallow shores, and organized.

There’s not much I can add about Elafonisi to what I’ve already described in the practical guide to visit Elafonisi. And other than the guides, I’m a big fan of this beach. In any case, I’ll try to describe the basics of the well-known beach in the paragraphs below.

The fantastic beach of Elafonisi was rightfully added to the list of the world’s most beautiful beaches back in 2014. Since then, tourists have kept coming to Crete with the intention of seeing its pink sand and swimming in the striking blue waters.

Elafonisi is a completely organized beach in one of Crete’s most uninhabited areas. There’s a limited choice of accommodation, so it’s a good idea to book in advance if you plan to spend a few days (you should!). Elafonisi sees a few very windy days during the Summer, don’t let that put you off, and get on the road to explore Crete’s best beach.

😉 RELATED ARTICLE
→ Where to Stay in Elafonisi, Chania

Kedrodasos

📍 35.268496 N, 23.563057 E
🚘 74 km from Chania city center
⛱️ Sandy beach, with rocky coves, and crystal, shallow waters. There are no organized facilities.

In short, Kedrodasos is a magnificent white sand beach on a very shallow shore, with crystal clear waters in all shades of blue. The beach is hard to access (off-road track) and solitaire, usually visited by a few backpackers and campers. To have a better idea about this beach, check this article.

Krios (Paleochora)

📍 35.236545 N, 23.594880 E
🚘 80.2 km from Chania city center
⛱️ Partially organized pebbled beach west of Paleochora.

One of the most popular beaches near Paleochora, Krios is a long beach mixing sand and white pebbles with deep, blue waters, often cold (as in most of the southern coast). A favorite among naturists, Krios offers a few isolated and more private areas for those who enjoy nudism. The central part of the shore, instead, preferred by families, features organized facilities and affordable sunbed and umbrella rental.

Grammeno (Paleochora)

📍 35.233376 N, 23.635969 E
🚘 75 km from Chania city center
⛱️ Long beach featuring sand and pebbles, as well as organized facilities

Also west of Paleochora, this long beach extends for about 500 meters offering some small areas with sand and plenty of pebbled areas as well. The beach features umbrellas and sunbeds for rent and there are also a few good tavernas close to the shore.

Grammeno is a nice beach to spend the day near Paleochora town if you want to avoid the more crowded Pachia Ammos and Chalikia.

Pachia Ammos (Paleochora)

📍 35.232411 N, 23.678029 E
🚘 71 km from Chania city center
⛱️ Organized sandy beach, coarse sand and fairly shallow shore. It has tavernas and umbrellas are available for rent.

A bit more than 75 km from Chania liest the village of Paleochora, it’s one of Crete’s preferred places for relaxing holidays surrounded by a friendly and authentic atmosphere. The village has some of the most beautiful beaches in the South, with a high number of visitors going back year after year.

The main beach is the one opposite the village, Pachia Ammos, also known as Paleochora’s long beach since it’s over 500 m long. This gives it a feeling of never being crowded, super appealing to tourists. Since it’s shallow and it has fine sand, kids love Pachia Ammos, however, if it’s windy (south or west winds), the sea can be wavy and a bit dangerous.

About 10 minutes from Pachia Ammos, the pebbled beach of Chalikia is a great option when the wind blows in Pachia Ammos.

Gialiskari (Paleochora)

📍 35.238532 N, 23.721857 E
🚘 74 km from Chania city center
⛱️ Pebbled beach with organized facilities, cold and clear waters.

In Paleochora there are sandy as well as pebbled beaches. Some of them are organized, and close to the village. Others are more distant, and a few, lack all kinds of facilities.

As you set out from the village to the East, you pass opposite the nudist beach of Anidri, to reach Gialiskari, another popular beach near Parleochora. Featuring amenities such as pedal boat rentals, beach games for kids, a restaurant, and umbrellas, this is a quiet pebbled beach, shallow enough for kids that know how to swim.

Other beaches in the region of Paleochora include Karavopetra is a series of coves by the sea a bit more than one km west of Paleochora. Every cove is usually considered a separate beach, each of them very picturesque, with stunningly clear waters and bizarre rocky formations.

Sougia

📍 35.248088 N, 23.811781 E
🚘 60 km from Chania city center
⛱️ Sandy beach with pebbles, shallow bays. The beach is partially organized, the part of the beach lacking organization is popular with naturists.

The quiet atmosphere of South Crete is at its best in the seaside village of Sougia. In the area you can take long, relaxing walks along the extended coast to enjoy the views of the deep blue sea.

As we’ve previously mentioned in our list of top naturist beaches of Crete, a part of this shore completely lacks organization. Here, the high rocks and hidden coves are ideal for privacy and naturism. The beach opposite the village, however, is well-organized. There’s a nice beach bar and it’s possible to rent lounges and umbrellas.

Agia Roumeli

📍 35.229603 N, 23.9576 E
🚘 Around 70 km from Chania city center. A trip to Agia Roumeli lasts longer since it’s only accessible by boat either from Sougia or Chora Sfakion.
⛱️ There are beaches with small or with coarse pebbles and rocky coves. Most of them are partially organized.

The small village of Agia Roumeli is mostly known and visited as it lies under 2 km away from the exit of the Samaria gorge. Therefore, everyone exiting the gorge needs to hike to Agia Roumeli to take the ferry (either to Sougia or Chora Sfakion) and then get on the road to go back to Chania.

As it’s the norm in the South, the village offers a limited range of things to do. There are a few tavernas and several simple hotels to spend the night. The main beach is close to the harbor and is the most populated of all. It has pebbles and the water is rather deep and coldish.

The beach is a popular choice for naturists since there are several hidden coves of hard access. It’s also a good spot for snorkeling ad exploring the rocky bottom of the sea. Agia Roumeli is perfect for a quiet and isolated holiday.

Marmara

📍 35.196587 N, 24.058256 E
🚘 94 km from Chania city center. You can access by boat or hiking (boats leave from Loutro or Chora Sfakion).
⛱️ Pebbly beach with shallow waters and one taverna onsite. It’s possible to rent umbrellas and sunbeds.

Marmara is a gorgeous white pebbled beach located at the exit of the magnificent Aradena Gorge and a popular hike for those staying in Loutro. The scenic beach features impressive white marble cliffs from where many travelers enjoy diving while snorkeling is another favorite activity in the sea caves that populate the area.

The beach offers minimal organization provided by the on-site taverna which serves legendary Greek yogurt with fruit and Sfakian honey! A delicacy not to miss!

Loutro

📍 35.199567 N, 24.078748 E
🚘 Around 93 km from Chania city center. You can access by boat or hiking (boats leave from Paleochora, Sougia, and Chora Sfakion).
⛱️ Loutro features a shallow pebble beach with transparent turquoise waters. Organized facilities are available.

Loutro is a tiny village with a small pebby beach that you can access mainly by boat (from Chora Sfakion or Sougia) or hiking along part of the coastal E4 path (from the west, starting in Agia Roumeli, or from the east starting in Chora Sfakion).

The beach is the village’s main attraction, along the shore, you will find an endless row of fish tavernas and simple accommodation, so there’s no need to pack a big beach bag. It is possible to rent umbrellas and sun loungers or take a boat ride to visit different shores nearby.

😉 RELATED ARTICLES
→ Tips to Hike from Agia Roumeli to Loutro, Chania
→ Why You Should Visit Loutro in Chania and Why You Will Love this Fishing Village!

Glyka Nera

📍 35.201683 N, 24.107405 E
🚘 Around 78 km from Chania city center. You can access by boat or hiking (boats leave from Loutro or Chora Sfakion).
⛱️ Wide, pebbly bay with cold, clear waters, shallow for the first few meters and then quickly turning into a deep shore.

Glyka Nera (often horribly translated as Sweetwater Beach) is a small, heavenly beach on the southern coast, around two hours by foot east of Loutro. If you plan to hike the coastal path, please wear sturdy hiking boots and carry enough water.

This is a wide bay, mostly pebbled, features and organized area close to the only on-site taverna (serving drinks, snacks and simple meals) with sunbeds and umbrellas. While most of the eastern part of the beach is nudist-friendly and there are a few tamarisk trees providing shade. It’s not odd to find goats on the steep hills standing next to the beach. Around the area, there are several springs with water from the nearby mountains that give name to the shore.

If you take the boat from Loutro, arrange the picking time with the boatman. The boats arrive and depart from the area near the taverna.

Illingas

📍 35.202229 N, 24.124284 E
🚘 72 km from Chania city center.
⛱️ Illingas is a small, secluded beach with pebbles and clear deep waters, ideal for snorkeling and nudist-friendly.

Located at the exit of Kavi Gorge, Illingas is a dreamy shore halfway between Chora Sfakion and Glyka Nera beach that you can reach on foot, hiking the coastal E4 European path, by boat, or by car from Chora Sfakion taking the road that goes to Anopoli.

This secluded, small beach features deep blue waters (just like most southern Crete) often colder than the waters on the northern coast due to the proximity to the White Mountains. The beautiful beach is surrounded by scenic cliffs while different caves offer shade during the hottest hours of the day. Close to the beach, there are also sea caves, that you can explore if you rent a kayak or canoe (at the taverna on the beach).

Despite its remote surroundings, the beach features a snack bar within a cave that rents loungers and umbrellas. There’s also a parking area a few meters before the beach.

Chora Sfakion

📍 35.201119 N, 24.136093 E
🚘 70 km from Chania city center.
⛱️ Chora Sfakion beach is rather small, pebbled, and relatively shallow. Amenities including restaurants, bars and umbrellas are available.

The rather small beach of Chora Sfakion is popular among those visiting the capital of the broader Sfakia Region in the White Mountains. Besides, the small port of Chora Sfakion is the place from where you can board a ferry to visit Gavdos Island, Loutro, and other southern villages, while most boats leaving from Agia Roumeli (at the exit of the Samaria Gorge) arrive in Chora Sfakion, making it a lively small town where it looks like there’s never a time for a calm break!

Many of those that hike Samaria spend the night in Agia Roumeli, while many others prefer to spend a few days in Chora Sfakion where you can enjoy the tasty local food and visit the tiny beach at the end of the village.

Known also as Vrissi Beach, the small shore in Chora Sfakion cannot compete with the stunning beaches on the southern coast. However, it’s also quite popular when, for climatic reasons, boats don’t sail to Loutro, Marmara, or Illingas. It’s organized and lies right next to the waterfront restaurants, fairly close to Chora Sfakion’s old port.

Filaki

📍 35.194213 N, 24.157675 E
🚘 75.5 km from Chania city center.
⛱️ Nudist-friendly beach. Small cove with dark sand and abundant pebbles, and shallow, crystal-emerald waters. Paring area and taverna available.

Filaki is a naturist beach in the Sfakia region within the Chania Prefecture, located east of Chora Sfakion and west of Frangokastello. The area is really private and isolated and houses the only Naturist Resort in Crete, Vitromartis.

This is one of the few beaches to be considered officially naturist-friendly on the island. There is reduced organization including a tavern and a parking lot. Not far you can also exploe the small Agios Charalampos Beach, another small naturist-friendly cove.

Frangokastello

📍 35.180884 N, 24.233772 E
🚘 Around 85 km from Chania city center.
⛱️ Organized sandy beach, shallow sea, beautiful fortress by the beach open to the public.

Frangokastello is a wide sandy beach approximately 14 km east of Chora Sfakion. It’s one of the few beaches in South Crete with fairly shallow waters, which makes it a great shore to enjoy with children. The beach is well-organized but there are also several areas where you can place your beach towel without the need of renting an umbrella.

The main feature of the beach is the beautiful Venetian Castle located right opposite the sea. The village is quiet and rather isolated, great for a relaxing holiday. If your ideal beach is wide, shallow, and with pristine seas, then this could rank as the best beach in Chania for you!

Gavdos Island

📍 34.860702 N, 24.109936 E
⛴️ The sea route Sfakia – Gavdos is operated regularly in the summer and the journey takes 2 hours. The journey from Paleochora to Gavdos is around 4 hours long (with stops in Sougia and Agia Roumeli).
⛱️ The island features dozens of different beaches.

The small island of Gavdos is located off the southern coast of Crete, on the Libyan sea. Gavdos island is home to pristine beaches, some of them really off the beaten track.

If you are interested in planning a visit to the island, you should read this Gavdos’ complete guide which includes tips on accommodation, boat travel, as well as all the beaches on the island.

Instead, if you are into naturism, it’s a good idea to read this guide to nudist beaches on Crete, and the special section dedicated to Gavdos.

As you can see, there are dozens amazing beaches in the Chania region alone… not to mention the rest of the island!

Crete is a fantastic destination for a summer holiday and the westernmost region of the island certainly has its share of unique shores. Have you been to any? And which one are you eager to visit next?

Planning a Crete itinerary that actually works

Because Crete is so large, planning a realistic route can make the difference between a relaxed trip and spending hours every day in the car.

If you’re unsure how to organize your itinerary, which regions to combine, or where to stay to minimize driving, you might find it helpful to start with a customized plan.

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