The 10 Best Beaches in Chania

Beaches › Chania › The 10 Best Beaches in Chania

The beaches near Chania are among the best in Crete, renowned for their wide sandy shores and blue-green waters. The western region of Chania on Crete, which bears the same name as the city of Chania, is so diverse that even the longest holiday is not enough to see them all. Beaches with soft sand, beaches with pebbles, endless beaches, hidden bays, world-famous beaches – there are so many that you can completely lose your mind when exploring.

Table of Contents

The beaches of Balos and Elafonisi are at the top of the list because they have made Crete famous all over the world. Have a look at the rest, each of them is different and special in its own way. I will take you to the 10 best beaches in Chania, so your holiday in the sun can begin.

Map of the best beaches in Chania

Overview:

• Balos Beach
• Falasarna Beach
• Golden Beach
• Stavros Beach
• Seitan Limani Beach
• Marathi Beach
• Loutraki
• Elafonisi Beach
• Palaiochora Beaches
• Kedrodasos Beach
• Fragokastelo Beach

The coast of Chania is located on the north-western side of the island of Crete, about 140 kilometres west of Heraklion. During the summer months, you can expect temperatures around 35 °C, while spring and autumn bring milder weather. The good news is that you can enjoy the beach almost all year round!

Where to stay in Chania

Blending Venetian, Ottoman, and Greek influences, Chania features different neighborhoods, each with its distinct character:

Chania – Beaches close by

Balos Beach

• Location: Balos Beach (Παραλία Μπάλος)

This world-famous double-sided lagoon beach and its surroundings at the north-western tip of Chania are a nature reserve (Natura 2000) for endangered species, and it’s not easy to get here. But once you reach the Instagram-worthy viewpoint, you’ll understand why.

Balos Beach consists of crushed pink shells and fine white sand, and the shallow water (ideal for children and families) shimmers like a turquoise rainbow.

• Amenities: Sun loungers and umbrellas, snack bar, car park
• Access: Via the road (including 1km dirt road) and a 20-minute hikedown to the beach or a 30-minute boat trip from Kissamos
• Distance from Chania: 55 km

Falasarna

On the west coast of Crete is Falasarna – Chania’s all-inclusive beach – with a wide range of water sports (jet skiing, SUP, windsurfing, paragliding) to keep children and adults happy.

• Location: Falasarna Beach

Falasarna Beach consists mainly of one large and several smaller sandy beaches and offers big waves when it is windy (on calmer days it is more suitable for families) and some of the clearest waters you will ever see. Cocktails at sunset taste better than ever.

• Amenities: Sun loungers and umbrellas, beach bars, water sports, parking, tavernas
• Access: Via the road
• Distance from Chania: 50 km

Golden Beach Chania (Chrissi Akti)

Golden Beach (Chrisi Akti) is located just 4 km west of Chania and offers golden sand and clear, shallow water. Sun loungers and parasols are provided by the beach bars on site. Changing rooms and showers are also available. You can walk here in about 40 minutes or jump on a bus like I did. 

• Amenities: Beach Bars, Sun loungers and parasols
• Access: By Car or Bus via road
• Distance from Chania: 4 km

In close proximity, you can find more beaches such as Yannis Beach, Iguana Beach and Agii Apostoli Beach, all with golden sand and very shallow waters. On weekends, the Chania beaches are very popular due to their proximity to the town, but parking spaces are limited.

Seitan Limani Beach

Another star among the region’s bathing beaches (this time on the north coast, east of Chania) is Seitan Limani beach, which, like a good cup of coffee, is best enjoyed early in the morning or late in the afternoon when the crowds have thinned out. Despite its gruesome origins (the name literally means ‘devil’s harbour’ because of the strong currents) and the 15-minute descent to the beach, it is a must-see when you are in Chania.

The small beach itself is located in a secluded bay between steep cliffs and is as small as it is charming. The best beach in Chania? Perhaps. The most idyllic? Definitely. Keep an eye out for native Kri-Kri goats.

• Amenities: Snack bar on the plateau
• Access: Via the road and a 20-minute walk
• Distance from Chania: 22 km

Agii Apostoli Beach Chania

Near the village of the same name, named after a chapel, there are three breathtaking bays. They are the ideal destination for beach holidaymakers who love peace and nature. As the beach is lined with rocks, the conditions are perfect for exploring the underwater world. Afterwards, let the soothing sun dry you off!

Surfers are rarely seen here, as the wind and waves are too gentle for their liking. However, the western section is very well suited for kayaking. Equipment can be hired. This also applies to anyone who wants to try pedal boating or stand-up paddling. To ensure that even beginners are safe, the area is supervised by lifeguards from April to October, which is particularly good news for families with children. In the east, there is also a playground for the latter and volleyball courts in the central area.

Marathi Beach

To conclude our overview of the best beaches in Chania, there are a few more options near Chania town, close to Seitan Limani. First, we have Marathi Beach, which combines comfort and beauty. Here you can enjoy water sports such as kayaking and SUP and admire the small island of Paleosuda (you can swim to it).

The fine sandy beach is divided in two by a jetty and offers calm, shallow waters that are ideal for children. And if you get hungry, there are tavernas serving seafood on the shore. Also worth mentioning is the nearby Loutraki Beach, located in a cosy sandy bay, which also has calm, shallow waters that you’ll want to dive into right away.

• Amenities: Sun loungers and umbrellas, beach bars, tavernas, water sports, parking
• Access: Via the road
• Distance from Chania: 18 km

Stavros Beach

Stavros Beach (also known as Chrissi Akti and Gold Coast Beach) is located near the settlement of Stavros, right next to the small harbour of Galini. The sandy beach is sheltered from the wind in a lake-like lagoon and benefits from shallow, green-blue water and nearby tavernas, which are very popular with families. The icing on the cake is the view of Mount Vardies behind the beach.

• Amenities: Sun loungers and parasols, beach bar
• Access: Via the road
• Distance from Chania: 16 km

Chania – Beaches to the South

Loutraki

South of Chania town lies the small fishing village of Loutro, which lives far beyond its means. It takes about an hour to reach by boat from Hora Sfakion (other options are Sougia, Gavdos, Paleohora and Agia Roumeli), but the route is magical and the destination is picture-postcard perfect.

There are numerous beaches here, most of which you can explore freely (Glyka Nera, Marmara and Perivolakia are highly recommended). The snorkelling opportunities are also fantastic, so pack your mask and, as you’re on a discovery tour, there are some impressive Venetian ruins nearby.

• Amenities: Sun loungers and umbrellas, water sports, tavernas, cafés
• Access: By boat

Elafonisi Beach

• Location: Elafonissi Beach

Elafonisi Beach is similar to Balos in that it also looks like a lagoon with shallow, turquoise water and pink sand – perfect for small children to splash around in. Located at the southwestern tip of Chania, it is as popular with families and children as it is with wind and kite surfers. It is also a nature reserve – but that’s where the similarities with Balos end, as it is located on a small island connected by a narrow causeway.

• Amenities: Sun loungers and parasols, snack bar, water sports, car park
• Access: Via the road or the E4 hiking trail from Paleochora
• Distance from Chania: 75 km

Kedrodasos Beach

Kedrodasos Beach (named after a nearby cedar forest) is located near Elafonisi and is a secluded little nature paradise with fine dark sand, green-blue water and a few juniper trees that provide natural shade. It’s a wonderful place to relax and unwind or go snorkelling along the coast, and when the wind picks up, it becomes a popular spot for windsurfers and kitesurfers. As it is one of the most striking beaches in Chania, it quickly becomes crowded, so early risers are rewarded at Kedrodasos Beach. Take the essentials with you, as there are no amenities.

• Amenities: Car park
• Access: Via the road and a short walk
• Distance from Chania: 75 km

Fragokastelo

East of Loutro lies Fragokastelo, one of the most distinctive beaches in Chania, with a 14th-century fortress (hence the name) visible from the beach. Fragokastelo Beach is blessed with sand and shallow, clear waters (ideal for families). With the fortress in the background, it looks like a postcard motif. This beach invites you to take a walk in the surrounding area. There are great tavernas serving seafood if you get hungry.

• Amenities: Sun loungers and parasols, snack bar, car park
• Access: Via the road
• Distance from Chania: 80 km

Palaiochora Beaches

Paleochora is located on the south coast and is a picturesque little coastal town that rewards you with a large dose of beach fun. The main beach here is Pachia Ammos – large, sandy and Blue Flag certified, with amenities and shallow waters, ideal for children. About 5 km further west is the sandy beach of Grammenos with crystal clear waters and more amenities. Further away is the wild, secluded and pebbly Karavopetra Beach.

Psilos Volakas Beach is located in a small, rocky cove with shallow blue waters and a pebble beach, and Krios Beach (also organised) is ideal if you are looking for peace and quiet. East of Paleochora is Gialiskari (or Gianniskari) beach, with a mixture of fine pebbles and crushed shells, which exudes a unique and relaxing atmosphere. And just 3 km from Gialiskari is Astropelekita – wild and unspoilt, with underwater caves and even more seclusion.

• Amenities: (Pachia Ammos): Sun loungers and umbrellas, beach bars, parking
• Access: Via the road
• Distance from Chania: 71 km

Getting to Chania by rental car

Chania is best reached by rental car via the Crete Island Highway. Coming from Heraklion or Rethymnon, take the Chania/Souda exit in the east, which will take you through the port town of Souda into the city. Alternatively, we recommend taking the Chania/Omalos exit in the west of the city.

Chania is a wonderful place to get around on foot. Buses and taxis are available for other routes. A hire car is a good alternative if you want to make lots of trips to more distant areas.

Distances to Chania

• Heraklion (airport) – Chania: 140 km (2 h drive)
• Rethymno – Chania: 65 km (1 h)
• Agios Nikolaos – Chania: 200 km (3 hrs)
• Ierapetra – Chania: 240 km (3.5 hrs)

Best time to travel

Crete boasts a Mediterranean climate and over 300 days of sunshine a year. July and August are best for perfect beach weather with temperatures around 30 degrees Celsius, but you can also have a great time on the beach in the quieter off-season. The months of September and October, April and May are ideal for outdoor activities such as hiking and cycling. If you want to really relax, you should stay for a week or two.

Autumn is my personal favorite time to visit the beaches in Chania, especially during late September to October. The summer crowds disappear and the sea is warm for swimming with temperatures around 25°C.

Best things to do in Chania

• Wander through the alleys of the Old Town: Lose yourself in the maze of narrow streets lined with beautiful old buildings, local tavernas and small shops.
• Explore the Old Venetian Harbor: Stroll along the waterfront of Chania, admire the historic lighthouse and enjoy the charming atmosphere during sunset.
• Visit the Nautical Museum of Crete: Discover Crete’s maritime history and explore exhibits ranging from ancient times to modern days.
• Archeological Museum of Chania: Housed in a former Venetian monastery, this museum displays a variety of artifacts from different periods of Cretan history.
• Botanical Gardens of Crete: Just outside Chania, this park offers a peaceful retreat with a rich variety of plants and a lovely restaurant serving dishes made from local produce.
• Hike the Samaria Gorge: For your day trip from Chania, this is a must-do for nature lovers and hikers, with its stunning scenery and unique landscape.

Recommended