Stavros beach is situated 17km northeast of Chania on the farthest point of Cape Akrotiri, is known for its distinct, camel-shaped mountain, Vardies. This towering landmark gained recognition in the film “Zorba the Greek” as the backdrop for Anthony Quinn’s iconic Sirtaki Dance in 1964. Once a quaint fishing hamlet, Stavros has since transformed into a bustling tourist hub, complete with numerous hotels and top-tier tourist facilities. The area’s popularity is further boosted by its two stunning beaches.
The primary beach lies to the village’s east, nestled at the base of the Vardies mountain and adjacent to the scenic harbour. It forms a protected, semi-circular lagoon with pristine white sands and shallow, turquoise waters. The contrast between the rugged mountain and the tranquil beach provides a unique and enchanting swimming experience. As anticipated, the beach is well-equipped with all the necessary amenities.
200 meters northwest of the main beach, you’ll find Stavros’ secondary beach, a mix of sandy stretches and rocky areas. It’s less developed and cleaner than its counterpart, but its exposure to the elements can lead to wavy seas. The peninsula separating the two beaches holds historical significance, housing remnants of an ancient quarry that provided limestone for Chania’s Venetian-era Walls (13th- 17th century).
Beyond beaches, Stavros offers an array of other services including accommodation, eateries, mini markets, shops, cafes, and regular bus connections to Chania city.
Get directions to Stavros beach
There are various activities you can do at Stavros beach such as swimming, sunbathing, snorkeling, and beach volleyball.
Yes, Stavros beach is suitable for families with children as the water is calm and shallow, making it safe for kids to swim.
Yes, you can go fishing at Stavros beach, but you need to obtain a fishing license first.
Yes, there are hiking trails near Stavros beach that offer stunning views of the surrounding mountains and coastline.
Yes, you can rent a boat or kayak at Stavros beach and explore the nearby coves and beaches.
Yes, Stavros beach offers a beautiful sunset view that you can enjoy while relaxing on the Stavros beach or having a drink at one of the nearby bars.
The water colour of the Stavros beach is blue and green.
The Stavros beach has sand.
The water at the Stavros beach is shallow.
The surface of the sea at the Stavros beach is usually calm.
The Stavros beach has normal crowds.
The Stavros beach has accommodation options, food/water nearby, umbrellas/beds, sports, showers, and a Blue Flag.
The Stavros beach can be accessed by bus services and a paved road.
Find below list of things to do near Stavros 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
We start our van tour from Chania at the pick up point that we have both agreed on. We then start going towards Ag. Triada the first monastery that you will be able to visit. You can spend some time there and then we continue our tour to Gouvernetou Monastery where you can also have the chance to visit and buy local products from the monks. You can even follow a path called The Bear’s Path that leads you to a cave. It’s quite interesting and you will be delighted by the view of the sea! Then, upon request, we can even take you to Marathi beach or Seitan Limani for a swim or eat at the local restaurants.
Start your trip to Elafonissi Beach with a convenient pickup from your accommodation in Chania. Then, sit back and enjoy the views as you make your way towards the southwestern part of the island.
Once you arrive at your destination, you get to choose how to spend your free time here. Lie back and soak up the sun on the beach or go for a walk and admire the rare flowers that grow in the sand dunes.
Explore the lagoon that connects the tiny islet to dry land and take advantage of the SUP board and snorkeling equipment included in your day trip. (SUP is available from May the 1st).And if you’re feeling parched, enjoy some of the complimentary water, juice, and fresh fruit provided.
Finally, once your day at the beach comes to an end, hop back aboard your private vehicle for a comfortable return journey to your accommodation in Chania.
We are an authorized company employing professional drivers for your safety and comfort. We primarily handle transfers to and from the airport, but we also cater to private excursions and transportation for weddings or other events. Our drivers are trained to serve you with professional courtesy. Our mission is to provide discreet, quality transportation with a driver at competitive prices, managing all requests with a high level of responsibility and responsiveness, whether it’s a simple transfer from the airport/port or a multi-day exclusive VIP transfer. Upon your arrival at the airports or ports of Crete, our driver will be waiting for you at the arrivals exit to offer you cool and refreshing water. They will escort you to the vehicle and provide you with wet wipes. You can then sit comfortably and enjoy the journey to the hotel. Our vehicle is equipped with USB and Type-C ports, as well as free Wi-Fi.
We are an authorized company employing professional drivers for your safety and comfort. We primarily handle transfers to and from the airport, but we also cater to private excursions and transportation for weddings or other events. Our drivers are trained to serve you with professional courtesy. Our mission is to provide discreet, quality transportation with a driver at competitive prices, managing all requests with a high level of responsibility and responsiveness, whether it’s a simple transfer from the airport/port or a multi-day exclusive VIP transfer. Upon your arrival at the airports or ports of Crete, our driver will be waiting for you at the arrivals exit to offer you cool and refreshing water. They will escort you to the vehicle and provide you with wet wipes. You can then sit comfortably and enjoy the journey to the hotel. Our vehicle is equipped with USB and Type-C ports, as well as free Wi-Fi.
WELCOME TO THE MAGICAL WORLD OF SAILING!!!:-)
DAILY SAILING CRUISES
COMFORT – RELIABILITY – ECONOMY FARE
Do you want a day away from crowds on crystal clear waters?
Our trip will start for the departure port of Souda. And together we will feel the most beautiful sailing experience. Always depending on wind direction we sail alongside the coast with a fort view high up on the hill and a prison fort below it, with the White mountains scenery with the outstanding hillside view of Kalami area, past a small uninhabited island with a fort, with its cannon ports, where the Venetians kept the pirates out of the bay. Some of the destinations that we will visit is Mpali, Panormos, Loutraki-Marathi-Seitan limania- Obrosgialos-Water caves-Brascos-Karavotopos.
In our trip you will have time to relax onboard and tanning and to swimming or snorkeling. As our priority is to offer you the best we offer you meal and drinks on board Upon request and with extra fee we handle special events like wedding.
Send us your booking request or any question you may have through.
And let the adventure begin!
We wish you to spend a beautiful time on the sailing boat, with good mood, appetite and imagination.
And always have nice memories.
Good dives to have.
Happy Summer!
With appreciation.
Skipper – Giannis
Find below the list of hotels near Stavros beach:
Located in a flowered garden, 30 metres from the beach of Stavros in Crete, Alexis Apartments offers self-catering accommodation with free WiFi and furnished balcony or patio overlooking the Cretan Sea, the mountains or the garden.
All the air-conditioned apartments at the Alexis offer a kitchenette with cooking facilities and a seating area. Each has a private bathroom comes with a bath or shower.
Chania Town and the scenic Venetian Port are within 15 km from the property. Souda Port is 17 km away.
Featuring mountain views, Art_emis casa provides accommodation with a balcony and a coffee machine, around 80 metres from Gold Coast Beach. It features a terrace, sea views and free WiFithroughout the property.
This apartment comes with 2 bedrooms, a kitchen with an oven and a fridge, a flat-screen TV, a seating area and 2 bathrooms equipped with a shower. Towels and bed linen are featured in the apartment.
Stavros Beach is 90 metres from the apartment, while Sunset Beach is 500 metres away. The nearest airport is Chania International Airport, 9 km from Art_emis casa.
from
€144
/night
Boasting garden views, Levanda Home features accommodation with a patio and a coffee machine, around 100 metres from Stavros Beach. The air-conditioned accommodation is 100 metres from Gold Coast Beach, and guests benefit from private parking available on site and free WiFi.
The holiday home with a terrace and mountain views has 2 bedrooms, a living room, a flat-screen TV, an equipped kitchen with an oven and a microwave, and 1 bathroom with a shower. Towels and bed linen are available in the holiday home.
The holiday home features a barbecue and a garden, which can be enjoyed by guests if the weather permits.
Sunset Beach is 500 metres from Levanda Home, while The Holy Monastery of Agia Triada is 8.2 km from the property. The nearest airport is Chania International Airport, 9 km from the accommodation.
from
€115
/night
Boasting mountain views, Villa Amina features accommodation with a private beach area, a seasonal outdoor swimming pool and a terrace, around a few steps from Gold Coast Beach. This beachfront property offers access to free WiFi and free private parking.
The villa has 2 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, bed linen, towels, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, and a balcony with sea views.
The villa offers a barbecue. Both a bicycle rental service and a car rental service are available at Villa Amina, while cycling can be enjoyed nearby.
Stavros Beach is 300 metres from the accommodation, while Sunset Beach is 700 metres from the property. The nearest airport is Chania International, 9 km from Villa Amina, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.
from
€469
/night
Featuring garden views, Niso Home by Plakoures Home provides accommodation with a private beach area, a garden and barbecue facilities, around 300 metres from Stavros Beach. The air-conditioned accommodation is 60 metres from Sunset Beach, and guests benefit from complimentary WiFi and private parking available on site.
The apartment with a patio and mountain views features 1 bedroom, a living room, a flat-screen TV, an equipped kitchen with an oven and a fridge, and 1 bathroom with a shower. Towels and bed linen are provided in the apartment.
Gold Coast Beach is 400 metres from the apartment, while The Holy Monastery of Agia Triada is 8.5 km away. The nearest airport is Chania International Airport, 9 km from Niso Home by Plakoures Home.
NaTa Home, a property with a garden, is set in Stavros, less than 1 km from Gold Coast Beach, a 12-minute walk from Stavros Beach, as well as 7.9 km from The Holy Monastery of Agia Triada. The air-conditioned accommodation is 300 metres from Sunset Beach, and guests benefit from complimentary WiFi and private parking available on site.
The villa with a terrace and garden views features 3 bedrooms, a living room, a flat-screen TV, an equipped kitchen with an oven and a microwave, and 2 bathrooms with a bath. Towels and bed linen are featured in the villa.
House-Museum of Eleftherios Venizelos is 13 km from the villa, while Archaeological Museum of Chania is 13 km away. The nearest airport is Chania International Airport, 9 km from NaTa Home.
Find below list of beaches near Stavros beach:
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.
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.
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.
Katholiko Bay, nestled in northwest Crete, is just a 30-minute drive from Chania. This captivating destination promises an adventurous hike that showcases numerous caves, a historic abandoned monastery, a stunning Avlaki gorge, and finally culminates at the picturesque Katholiko Bay. This beach once served as a port for the Katholiko Monastery, where monks used to dock and mend their boats. Its strategic location also made it a prime target for pirate invasions, leading to the monastery’s abandonment in the 16th century.
To embark on this adventure, start at the Gouverneto Monastery. A 30-minute trek will lead you to the deserted Katholiko Monastery. Venture below the bridge, traverse the Avlaki gorge, and in another 20 minutes, the mesmerizing beach awaits. While it’s a rocky haven devoid of sand, the crystalline waters more than compensate. With towering cliffs enclosing the beach, it’s an ideal spot for cliff-diving enthusiasts. Note that the area lacks shade, but there’s a quaint cave on the mountainside for some respite.
© All rights reserved. Crete Locals
