Agios Onoufrios, a serene seaside village located 8km north of Chania and close to Kounoupidiana, is a hidden gem worth visiting.
The beach of Agios Onoufrios is quiet and sandy, and well protected from the winds, as it is located in a deep bay, along with a picturesque small port. Although not well-organized, it’s a popular spot for locals who come for the picturesque landscape and traditional taverns. The only downside is the fuel tanks located northwest of the beach, which break the peaceful atmosphere.
Despite this, the beach is equipped with sunbeds, parasols, showers, changing rooms, and a lifeguard service. For sports enthusiasts, there are two volleyball courts available. Overall, Agios Onoufrios is a great destination for those looking for a quiet beach away from the crowds.
Get directions to Agios Onoufrios Beach
Agios Onoufrios Beach is located in the village of Agios Onoufrios, on the northwestern coast of Crete, Greece.
Yes, Agios Onoufrios Beach is suitable for swimming. The water is clear and calm, and there are no strong currents or waves.
No, there are no water sports activities available at Agios Onoufrios Beach.
No, there is no nightlife near Agios Onoufrios Beach. The village is small and quiet, with only a few taverns and cafes.
Yes, there are several hiking trails near Agios Onoufrios Beach. The surrounding hills offer beautiful views of the sea and the village.
Yes, Agios Onoufrios Beach is suitable for families with children. The water is shallow and calm, and there is a playground nearby.
Yes, there is a small parking area near Agios Onoufrios Beach. However, it can get crowded during peak season.
The water colour of the Agios Onoufrios Beach is blue.
The Agios Onoufrios Beach has sand.
The water at the Agios Onoufrios Beach is shallow.
The sea surface at the Agios Onoufrios Beach is usually calm.
The Agios Onoufrios Beach usually has normal crowds.
The Agios Onoufrios Beach has accommodation options, food/water nearby, umbrellas/beds, and a Blue Flag.
The Agios Onoufrios Beach can be accessed via a paved road.
Yes, there is tree shade available at the Agios Onoufrios Beach.
Find below list of things to do near Agios Onoufrios Beach:
Classic Sail Yacht 40feet long*
Full Day PRIVATE Cruise out of the old venetian harbor of Chania
Check in: 10am
Check out: 5pm
Description: A Sailing cruise around the gulf of Chania will give your vacations a different view of the city! We set sails every morning at 10am in the Old Venetian Harbour of Chania making a cruise around the gulf of Chania. We will make two stops, anchoring for swimming and relaxation, one at the nearby island of Ag.Theodori which is a protected area of “Natura” as it hosts many birds as well as the wild Cretan goat named “KRI-KRI”, and the second stop will be in a secluded beach named “Maherida” and has beautiful turquoise waters. During the stops we will offer you traditional Cretan snacks, season fruits, drinks from the open bar and of course lunch that will be prepared onboard. snorkelling equipment will be provided as well to those who wish to explore the seabed!!! At about 5pm we will be back to the old Venetian port for disembarkation!!!
Destination: Sailing around the gulf of Chania making stops for swimming and relaxation, anchoring at Maherida bay and the nearby island of Ag.Theodori.
Icluded: snacks (Cretan traditional dakos), fruits, drinks (soft drinks, beverages, wine and bottled water) and lunch onboard (home-made cooked, based on the local Mediterranean cuisine)
Must have: Have with you, your swimsuits, sea towels and your very best mood. Leave the rest to us!!!
*Maximum participation 8people
Make the most of your time in Chania and discover the wonders of the Old City on this Segway tour through the Kasteli and Splantzia districts. Meet your friendly guide at the local partner’s office and get kitted out with the necessary Segway gear then set out onto the charming streets of Chania where adventure awaits.
Head into the Eastern part of Chania’s Old City and discover the remainders of the Ottoman rule as you explore the Turkish neighborhoods here. Glide along traditional cobble streets and narrow alleys while learning about the fascinating history of the districts throughout the ages. Along the way, see the most iconic sights and landmarks, including the impressive Venetian walls and Koum Kapi.
Live a unique experience of the city of Chania. Floating by the Lighthouse and the beautiful buildings of the harbour, Giali Tzami and the old shipyards. Our meeting point is the beach called Honolulu and there is a bus stop right above it. We will start paddling after a small introduction to sea kayaking. The part of the city where the local tanneries used to be called Tambakaria is our first stop and from there we will kayak to Koum Kapi, and enter the Venetian port. From the lighthouse we will continue to Lazareto island for a small stop fro swimming.
Chania is by far the most beautiful prefecture of Crete and surely one of the most beautiful areas in Greece. The coastline is a gem for the area from its rugged and colourful rock formations until the gold sand beaches. On a kayak you are the lucky one to explore the remote areas and the famous spots and beaches escaping traffic, queues and crowds. Chania city can be full of surprises wether wondering around the old city alleys or having drinks with the famous Chania lighthouse (Faros).
Explore Chania’s Rich History and Vibrant Culture on Two Wheels
Dive into the heart of Chania with an e-bike city tour that combines the ease of electric biking with the depth of cultural exploration. Starting from the Old Market, this tour takes you through historic sites, beautiful beachfront areas, and introduces you to the local flavors and traditions of Crete. It’s the perfect way to see the city’s highlights while enjoying the freedom and fun of riding an e-bike.
This e-bike tour is an ideal way to experience the historical richness, cultural depth, and natural beauty of Chania. It offers a unique perspective on the city, combining leisure and learning in an eco-friendly adventure. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, this tour promises a new and exciting way to explore Chania.
Walk through a beautiful route of the city, discover hidden gems and visit 10+ of the most important attractions and spots. Learn some introductory information about each place and interesting stories about the city in general.
Download the ‘World City Trail ‘app from the store and login. Read the instructions and head to the starting location. Unlock photos of the exterior and the interior of the location.
Read some information regarding the attraction and continue walking to the next checkpoint. Note what you liked and did not like and create your bucket list for the next days!
Start your walk any time, without a schedule. Pause it for lunch, have a drink, visit an attraction of your choice, and continue later or even another day. With the maps feature, you will never get lost.
Start your tour of the Memorial to the Fallen with a meaningful punch to the stomach. Explore the Gate of Sand and admire its view. Marvel at the architecture and unique location of Yali Jamisi. Then, head to the Maritime Museum of Crete to learn about the history of Crete and Hellenism at sea. Next, be enchanted by the old castle of Chania with its unique history. Admire Talos Square, named after the mythical hero. Learn about the historic Synagogue and the intriguing history of the old Archaeological Museum of Chania. Take tons of photos of the miraculous Metropolitan Church of Chania. The icing on the cake is Saint Nicholas with its incredible architecture as it is the only functioning Christian church with a Mosque.
Download the ‘’World City Trail ‘’ app from the store. Then start your tour and enjoy!
Explore the picturesque city of Chania, the freshwater of Lake Kournas and your boat trip from Souda bay, on this day trip from Rethymno.
Enjoy pickup from your hotel and the scenic journey to Lake Kournas. Once there, explore the lake or tuck into a delicious meal at a local taverna. Enjoy the relaxing views beneath looming mountains. Look out too for the local wildlife – moorhens, eels, and turtles are among the permanent residents of this friendly wetland.
Then, head for Chania, the charming city perched on Crete’s north west coast. Admire the lively port of the Old Venetian Harbour and its imposing lighthouse. Stroll the atmospheric narrow streets of the city, filled with shops, churches and tavernas.
Pick up some traditional local products like cheese or pastries at the municipal market. Shop for leather goods and souvenirs at the famous Halidon Street.
After your free time thereyou are off for Souda bay where your boat will be waiting for you. Experience a relaxed and refresing round, where you will be provided with masks and you will be free to snorkel into the blue sea.
Arrive at marathi beach and enjoy your bath and sunbath there. Take pleasure in being out in nature amongst this beautiful scenery, before hopping back in the vehicle for your journey back to Rethymno.
Find below the list of hotels near Agios Onoufrios Beach:
Set in Agios Onoufrios in the Crete region with Agios Onoufrios Beach nearby, OLISEA APTS offers accommodation with free private parking.
Featuring free WiFi, the units have a washing machine and a flat-screen TV. There is a fully equipped kitchen and a private bathroom.
The apartment has a garden and sun terrace.
House-Museum of Eleftherios Venizelos is 7.4 km from OLISEA APTS, while Archaeological Museum of Chania is 7.8 km from the property. The nearest airport is Chania International Airport, 9 km from the accommodation.
from
€189
/night
Featuring air-conditioned accommodation with a patio, Elixsea Villa – Unlimited view of the Blue sea is set in Kounoupidhianá. This property offers access to a balcony, free private parking and free WiFi.
The villa with a terrace and sea views features 2 bedrooms, a living room, a flat-screen TV, an equipped kitchen with a dishwasher and an oven, and 2 bathrooms with a bath. Towels and bed linen are featured in the villa.
The reception at the villa can provide tips on the area.
Elixsea Villa – Unlimited view of the Blue sea offers a picnic area. Guests can also relax in the garden or in the shared lounge area.
Agios Onoufrios Beach is 800 metres from the accommodation, while House-Museum of Eleftherios Venizelos is 7.4 km away. The nearest airport is Chania International, 9 km from Elixsea Villa – Unlimited view of the Blue sea, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.
from
€512
/night
Set in Agios Onoufrios and only 700 metres from Agios Onoufrios Beach, Pandis Palace offers accommodation with sea views, free WiFi and free private parking. This villa provides air-conditioned accommodation with a terrace.
Featuring a PS4, the villa has a kitchen with a dishwasher, an oven and a microwave, a living room with a seating area and a dining area, 6 bedrooms, and 6 bathrooms with a walk-in shower and a hot tub. A flat-screen TV with satellite channels, game console and DVD player, as well as an iPod docking station and a CD player are featured.
At the villa guests are welcome to take advantage of a hot tub. Both a bicycle rental service and a car rental service are available at Pandis Palace.
House-Museum of Eleftherios Venizelos is 6.9 km from the accommodation, while Archaeological Museum of Chania is 7.2 km away. The nearest airport is Chania International, 9 km from Pandis Palace, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.
from
€75
/night
Boasting mountain views, Vista Residence offers accommodation with a balcony and a coffee machine, around 1.3 km from Agios Onoufrios Beach. This villa has a private pool, a garden, barbecue facilities, free WiFi and free private parking.
The villa is fitted with 4 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, bed linen, towels, a flat-screen TV with streaming services, a dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, and a terrace with sea views.
Both a bicycle rental service and a car rental service are available at the villa, while cycling can be enjoyed nearby.
House-Museum of Eleftherios Venizelos is 7.6 km from Vista Residence, while Archaeological Museum of Chania is 7.9 km from the property. The nearest airport is Chania International Airport, 9 km from the accommodation.
from
€483
/night
Boasting air-conditioned accommodation with a private pool, Tholaria Villa is situated in Chania Town. This property offers access to a balcony, ping-pong, free private parking and free WiFi.
The villa has 4 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, bed linen, towels, a flat-screen TV with streaming services, a dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, and a terrace with sea views.
The villa offers a barbecue. A outdoor play equipment is also available at Tholaria Villa, while guests can also relax in the garden.
Agios Onoufrios Beach is 1.3 km from the accommodation, while House-Museum of Eleftherios Venizelos is 7.6 km from the property. The nearest airport is Chania International Airport, 9 km from Tholaria Villa.
from
€53
/night
Κatakis Villas features mountain views, free WiFi and free private parking, located in Agios Onoufrios, 1.1 km from Agios Onoufrios Beach. The accommodation is air conditioned and has a private pool, a spa bath and a hot tub.
The villa provides guests with a terrace, sea views, a seating area, satellite flat-screen TV, a fully equipped kitchen with a dishwasher and an oven, and a private bathroom with walk-in shower and bathrobes. A microwave, a toaster and fridge are also provided, as well as a coffee machine and a kettle.
Κatakis Villas offers a range of wellness facilities including a hot tub and a beauty services.
A car rental service is available at the accommodation, while hiking can be enjoyed nearby.
House-Museum of Eleftherios Venizelos is 7 km from Κatakis Villas, while The Holy Monastery of Agia Triada is 7.2 km away. The nearest airport is Chania International, 9 km from the villa, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.
from
€199
/night
Find below list of beaches near Agios Onoufrios Beach:
The seaside village of Kalathas is located 12km northeast of Chania city, in a natural bay at Cape Akrotiri, which is open to the north winds. Current Kalathas is a relatively new village, which has been inhabited by residents of Chania who wanted to live away from the city centre.
The beach in front of the village is beautiful, with fine sand and shallow crystal clear water. Opposite Kalathas, there is a small island which you can easily reach by swimming.
The beach is very well organized with umbrellas, water sports, restaurants, hotels, lifeguards, mini markets, etc.
West of the main bay, beyond the rocky end, there is a secluded sandy bay. This is not organized and is ideal for those who do not like crowded places.
Tip: If you continue towards the far right of the beach, you will find a rather remote beach with usually hardly any people should you wish to avoid the crowded part of the beach.
Tersanas is a charming coastal village situated 13km northeast of Chania, tucked away in a small cove on the west side of Cape Akrotiri. While it serves as the harbour for the neighbouring village of Chorafakia, Tersanas is a well-developed area and a popular holiday destination.
The beach at Tersanas is nestled within a natural harbour that faces southwest. With its white, fine sand and crystal-clear shallow waters, it’s a small beach that can get crowded, especially on weekends. Visitors can take advantage of the available sunbeds, umbrellas, showers, and snack bars. Its calm waters and proximity to tourist facilities make it perfect for families, and there are buses from Chania that stop at Tersanas.
Macherida, a small beach, is situated 14km northeast of Chania and 1km west of Chorafakia village, in close proximity to Tersanas. Its name is derived from the Greek word “machairi” meaning “knife,” inspired by the knife-like appearance of a rocky cape at its northern end. Another theory suggests it was named after the Gladiolis italics flower, known as “macherida” in Greek.
The bay, facing southwest, is typically calm. At the heart of the bay lies a beautiful beach with white sand and turquoise water, enclosed by sharp rocks. The water clarity here is exceptional due to the sea currents that frequently change direction, sweeping away any rubbish. While the beach isn’t developed, there has been some residential construction in the vicinity in recent years. Macherida beach, with its seclusion, is a popular spot for nudists and is one of the preferred beaches for the gay community in Chania.
The surrounding coastline serves as a unique habitat for various wild species. Close to the main road, amidst the rocks, is the Macherida pond that resembles a crater with saltwater springs. This provides a sanctuary for water snakes, turtles, and seagulls. The city bus route to Stavros passes through Tersanas and runs close to Macherida beach.
Koum Kapi is a roughly 1km strip of sand and a cafe and bar district on the eastern edge of Chania’s old town, just beyond the Venetian port. It is best known for its long coastal street lined with cafes and nightclubs rather than for classic beach days, and it stays unorganized, with no sunbed or umbrella setup. People do swim on the sandy east side, though many locals still hold back after years when swimming here was banned. Come for a seafront coffee, a sunset drink, and an easy walk from the old town; treat the swim as a bonus rather than the reason to visit.
Koum Kapi sits at the eastern edge of the scenic port of Chania, directly in front of the historical Bedouin district. The area was once home to African economic migrants who lived in rush-made huts during the Ottoman period, having first arrived on the island as slaves. None of those huts remain today. The only visible structures now are the buildings along a long coastal street lined with cafes and nightclubs.
The name comes from the Turkish phrase Kum Kapisi, meaning the Gate of Sand. This was a gate on the Venetian Walls that stood next to the sandy beach, and the district still carries that name. Backed by the old town and open to the sea, Koum Kapi reads more as a lively urban waterfront than a resort beach.
The heart of Koum Kapi is its seafront promenade. A long coastal street runs beside the water, lined with cafes and nightclubs, and this is where most visitors spend their time. It works through the whole day, from morning coffee to late-night drinks, with the sea and the old-town backdrop in view.
The strip sits within easy reach of the Venetian harbour and the old town, so it pairs naturally with a wider evening out. Browse guided walks, tours, and other bookable options to build a full day around the waterfront on the Crete Locals list of things to do in Chania and across the island.
Koum Kapi stretches for about 1km to the east, running beneath a pedestrian road. To the west, the sea meets the road’s wall with no beach in between, so there is little room there. On the east side, a strip of sandy beach forms, and this is where most people swim. Further east, a beautiful cove takes shape, though locals still tend to avoid swimming in it.
The sand is soft, the water reads blue, and the shallows stay shallow close to shore, with a sea surface that is usually calm. In earlier years Koum Kapi was a popular swimming spot in Chania, but declining seawater quality led to a swimming ban. Recent upgrades to the city’s biological cleaning infrastructure have improved the water, and the city’s Water Supply and Sewerage Authority considers it safe for swimming again. Even so, the beach stays unorganized and is still not fully trusted by many locals, so it is sensible to check conditions on the day before you get in.
Koum Kapi lies within the city of Chania, on a paved road at the eastern edge of the old town, which makes it one of the easier spots to reach on foot from the centre. Bus services run to the area, and the paved-road access means you can also drive in.
There is a parking area near the beach, but it fills up and gets crowded in peak season, so arriving early helps. Compare rental options through Crete Locals car rental in Crete when you want the freedom to move between beaches and villages across the wider region.
Koum Kapi fits travellers staying in or near Chania old town who want a seafront base for coffee, food, and drinks without leaving the city. It is family friendly, with shallow, usually calm water on the east-side sand, and it suits anyone who values atmosphere and walkability over a fully organized beach.
It is a weaker choice if you want sunbeds, umbrellas, and beach services, or a long stretch of open sand. For a more conventional swim close to town, the sandy bays just west of the harbour are a better match than Koum Kapi.
A short way east, in the Halepa suburb of Chania beside the Agia Kyriaki chapel and beach, you will find Kouloura, a small rocky pond. It serves as a favoured natural pool among Halepa residents, many of whom have their own story about the place.
Koum Kapi also sits close to some of the city’s landmarks, including the Venetian Harbour, the Archaeological Museum of Chania, and the Municipal Market of Chania. When you are ready to swim somewhere more open, nearby options include Lazaretta islet, Vlites beach, Chrissi Akti beach, and the sandy Nea Chora beach just west of the port. You can plan a wider coastal route from the full Crete Locals guide to beaches in Crete.
Koum Kapi beach is in the city of Chania, on the island of Crete, Greece, at the eastern edge of the old town in front of the historical Bedouin district.
Yes, Koum Kapi beach is suitable for swimming, and the city’s Water Supply and Sewerage Authority considers the water safe after infrastructure upgrades. It is still recommended to check the water conditions before entering the sea.
The beach has sand, the water colour is blue, the water near shore is shallow, and the surface of the sea is usually calm.
Visitors can swim on the east-side sandy strip and enjoy the several cafes and restaurants along the coastal street.
Koum Kapi beach is unorganized, so it has no sunbeds or umbrellas, but there are accommodation options and food and water available nearby.
The beach is reached by bus services and by a paved road, and there is a parking area nearby that can get crowded in peak season, so it helps to arrive early.
Yes, nearby attractions include the Venetian Harbour, the Archaeological Museum of Chania, and the Municipal Market of Chania.
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