The coastal retreat of Loutraki can be found 16km to the east of the city of Chania, nestled near the American military base in Souda. Loutraki, along with the nearby Marathi, are the two primary tourist hotspots in the eastern region of Akrotiri.
Loutraki boasts a tranquil beach with fine, soft sand and crystal clear, shallow waters, making it an ideal spot for children. The beach is well-maintained and equipped with all the standard tourist facilities, all under the cool shade provided by the trees along the beach. Visitors can hire umbrellas, dine in local taverns, rent rooms for their stay, and partake in a variety of water sports.
Additionally, there is a large parking area available for visitors, which is shaded by tall eucalyptus trees.
Situated 17km east of Chania and 5km east of the Creta Naval Base in Souda Bay, Marathi beach can be found on the southeastern coast of Akrotiri. The beach is a well-known resort in the Chania area, drawing a large number of visitors each summer, particularly families and the elderly.
Marathi boasts two exquisite sandy beaches with shallow, calm waters, perfect for children. These beaches are well-shielded from wind due to their southern orientation and offer a stunning view of the Drapanos Cape and the White Mountains. A small pier, which serves as a harbor for fishing boats and small ferries, separates the two beaches. The area is well-equipped with all essential amenities for a comfortable visit.
Opposite Marathi beach, about 500m away, lies the small island known as either Marathi or Palia Souda (Paleosouda). One can swim to reach the island, which is home to a small pine forest. Its western coast is steep, making it a popular destination for scuba divers.
Venturing northwards along the beach road, you will stumble upon the ruins of the Roman town known as Minoa, believed to have been a seaport city of Aptera. The archaeological site, also referred to as the Small Palace of Minos (although it doesn’t date back to the Minoan Times), reveals remnants of buildings and baths likely related to an ancient harbor, military facilities, and a mansion. Notably, a semicircular wall can still be seen on the beach.
Heading northwest from here, after passing a section of the beach frequented by ducks, we come upon the church of St. Spyridon. This spot offers a beautiful seascape perfect for wedding or christening ceremonies.
In contrast, if we head southwest from the port, we reach the end of the harbor’s pebbly beach known as Sosorides. This beach is a local favorite, known for its serene, unfussy atmosphere. Sosorides can be accessed via a paved road that begins a few meters before Marathi when approaching from Chania.
The village of Kalami is situated 15km to the east of Chania city, nestled on the southern shore of Souda Bay and in close proximity to Megala Chorafia village. It boasts a breathtaking panorama of the bay and Souda fort. Moreover, it’s near the ancient city of Aptera and the Turkish forts of Intzedin and Aptera.
A mere 500m north of the village, a delightful beach adorned with rounded pebbles and deep water is found. At the beach’s east end, there’s a small harbour housing various boats. The beach is a favourite spot among the locals, although it’s yet to be fully organized. There are a handful of umbrellas and tamarisk trees scattered about. The village and the surrounding region offer a few accommodation and dining options.
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.
Vlites beach, a well-sheltered spot situated in the grand Souda bay, lies about 5 km to the east of Chania city and holds the title of the longest beach in the bay. This expansive beach takes shape north of the Moronis River’s mouth, extending northwards to the Souda Bay War Cemetery.
The sandy seashore is ideal for kids due to its typically tranquil state and shallow waters. Previously, its closeness to both the Souda Naval Base and Souda’s commercial port led many locals to avoid swimming in its waters. However, chemical analysis has confirmed the water’s cleanliness, assuring that swimming at Vlites beach is entirely safe.
Seitan Limania beach (which translates to “satan harbours”), is situated 22km northeast of Chania and 2km east of the village of Chordaki. This intriguing location is on the eastern side of Akrotiri Cape. Named Seitan Limania due to the untamed landscape, steep cliffs, and powerful sea currents perceived as dangerous, it features three parallel, narrow, well-sheltered coves.
The northern cove is home to the breathtaking Stefanou beach, with its deep, azure waters. The beach is decorated with fine pebbles and sand, carried from a nearby quarry through the Diplohahalo canyon. To the right and left of the cove, towering marble rocks stand guard, protecting the beach from inclement weather. Its reputation has grown quickly since 2010 when an asphalt road made it more accessible; during peak season, it can get crowded, so arriving early is advised.
The road leading to Seitan Limania beach is a bit curvy and steep, but it should not be a problem for those who have driven on mountain roads before. The road has been recently paved, and during the drive, one can enjoy the natural beauty of Crete. The asphalt road descends abruptly and ends at a parking area near the beach. It is essential to put the handbrake on when parking the car and use stones to secure the tires.
To reach the beach, park the car near the church of Agios Spyridon and walk for 10-15 minutes down the path. Wearing trainers is recommended as the path can be slippery, and flip-flops should be avoided.
Seitan Limania beach does not have any amenities, which is why it is not crowded, but it is essential to bring water (at least a litre per person), sunscreen, towels, food, drinks, and entertainment such as headphones or a book.
The beach is magnificent, with soft sand and crystal clear blue waters, and one can also encounter friendly goats.
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.
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.
The coastal resort of Kalives is situated 19km west of Chania, along the southern edge of Souda Bay. This charming village is nestled in a verdant valley where several rivers meander. Its name, which translates to “Huts” in Greek, is thought to have originated from the primitive structures erected by farmers for summer overnight stays. The rivers of Xidas and Mesopotamos flow near the village’s eastern boundary. The combination of these rivers with the sea’s many springs results in a cooler sea temperature.
Adjacent to the Xidas river, both east and west, are two sandy beaches with shallow waters, exposed to northern winds. Named Xidas and Maistrali respectively, these beaches are well-equipped with standard tourist amenities. A petite, picturesque bridge at Xidas river’s mouth connects these two beaches. The scenic harbor of Kalives neighbors Maistrali and is connected to Chania through regular bus services. The area also houses banks, post offices, clinics, shops, and more.
North of Kalives, at the mouth of the Kiliaris river, lies the serene beach of Kiani Akti or Glaros. The Kiliaris river, which carries water from the White Mountains, maintains a year-round flow, a rarity in Crete. This results in cooler seawater near the river.
Kalives’ geographical position and fertile soil have made it a place of habitation since ancient times. It is believed to be the location of the ancient city Amfimatrion. Notable historical events include the construction of the Castel Apicorno fortress in 1206 and the village’s destruction by the pirate Barbarossa in 1538. The village is also close to the ancient city of Aptera and the Ottoman forts of Intzedin and Aptera.
The harbor houses a German cannon concealed in a cave on the other side of a mountain. A small window at the tunnel’s end offers breathtaking views of the cliffs and sea. This is merely one example of the German defensive structures scattered across the broader Apokoronas and Akrotiri Cape area.
Visitors are encouraged to stroll through the village’s picturesque narrow streets, eventually reaching the village’s central square, home to a large plane tree and the Agia Paraskevi church. The church, adorned with frescoes, was constructed during the German Occupation in World War II.
An old Venetian mill, one of Crete’s most complex, is located along the Mesopotamos river. Built from stone and kourasani (a mixture of mortar and ground tile), it is renowned for its durability.
Maherida Beach (also spelled Macherida) is a small, secluded white sand beach with turquoise water on the Akrotiri peninsula, about 14km northeast of Chania and 1km west of Chorafakia village, near Tersanas. Maherida sits in a calm southwest-facing bay enclosed by sharp rocks, and it stays undeveloped and quiet, with no sunbeds, umbrellas, or tavernas at the beach itself. The cove is family friendly and nudism friendly, and its clear shallow water suits swimming and snorkeling.
The name comes from the Greek word “machairi,” meaning “knife,” a reference to the knife-like shape of a rocky cape at the northern end of the bay. A second theory traces the name to the Gladiolus flower, known in Greek as “macherida,” which grows in the area.
Maherida is a small, wild cove rather than an organized resort beach. White sand meets turquoise water at the heart of a southwest-facing bay, and sharp rocks enclose the shore on either side. The sea surface here is usually calm, and the water clarity is exceptional because the currents frequently change direction and sweep away any rubbish.
The beach has not been developed, though some residential building has gone up nearby in recent years. Its seclusion makes it a popular spot for nudists, and it is one of the preferred beaches for the gay community in Chania. The crowd is usually quiet, which is much of the appeal for visitors who want a calm swim away from busier organized beaches.
The coastline around the cove is a habitat for wild species. Close to the main road, among the rocks, lies the Macherida pond, a crater-like pool fed by saltwater springs. This pond shelters water snakes, turtles, and seagulls, and it is worth a look on the way to or from the sand.
Maherida Beach is reached from Chania by a paved road across the Akrotiri peninsula, roughly 14km to the northeast. The cove lies 1km west of Chorafakia, near the coastal village of Tersanas, and the map coordinates are 35.57353, 24.07667 for Google Maps or Waze navigation.
Public transport reaches the area as well. The city bus route to Stavros passes through Tersanas and runs close to Maherida beach, so travelers without a car can get within a short walk. A small parking area sits near the beach, and it can fill up during peak season. The most flexible way to reach this quiet cove and the other Akrotiri beaches is with your own vehicle, which you can arrange through Crete Locals car rental partner.
Maherida is an undeveloped beach with no facilities on the sand. There are no sunbeds, umbrellas, showers, toilets, lifeguards, or snack bars at the cove, so plan to be self-sufficient for the day.
Key points to prepare for before you go:
Accommodation and some food and water options are found in the surrounding area and nearby villages, including Stavros and Kalathas. You can compare hotels, villas, and apartments close to the cove on the Crete Locals places to stay listings.
Maherida Beach is suitable for swimming, with usually calm, shallow, turquoise water that is clear enough to see the seabed. The bay faces southwest and stays sheltered, which keeps conditions gentle on most days. No lifeguards are on duty, so swimmers should take their own care.
The clarity and the rocky edges of the bay make Maherida ideal for snorkeling and spearfishing. Snorkelers can explore the sharp rocks that enclose the cove, where fish gather in the clear shallows. Divers and swimmers who want to reach the bay by sea can also arrive on a Chania private sailing cruise, which anchors at Maherida for a swim and snorkel stop.
Maherida suits travelers who prefer a quiet, natural cove over a lively organized beach. The calm shallow water and family friendly setting work well for families with children, provided you bring your own shade, food, and water. Couples and solo visitors looking for seclusion will find the cove peaceful, and it is nudism friendly for those who want it.
The beach is best for snorkelers, swimmers, and anyone comfortable spending a self-catered day at a wild beach. It is a natural pairing with the nearby Akrotiri coves for a slower beach day, and you can plan a wider route through the Crete Locals beaches guide.
Two well-known Akrotiri beaches sit within a short drive of Maherida. Tersanas Beach lies about 0.9km away, a small white sand beach in a natural harbour with sunbeds, umbrellas, showers, and snack bars that make it a good family option, described in full on the Crete Locals Tersanas Beach page. Kalathas beach lies about 2.3km away and is very well organized, with umbrellas, water sports, restaurants, hotels, and lifeguards, covered on the Crete Locals Kalathas beach page.
Boat trips, guided tours, and airport transfers round out the area. The gulf of Chania sailing cruises stop at Maherida and the protected island of Agioi Theodoroi, and you can browse more tours and day trips on the Crete Locals things to do page.
Maherida Beach is on the Akrotiri peninsula, about 14km northeast of Chania and 1km west of Chorafakia village, near Tersanas.
Yes, Maherida Beach is suitable for swimming. The water is usually calm and shallow, but there are no lifeguards on duty, so swim with care.
No, Maherida Beach is undeveloped and has no sunbeds, umbrellas, tavernas, showers, toilets, or lifeguards. Bring your own umbrella, food, and water.
Yes, a small parking area sits near Maherida Beach. It can get crowded during peak season.
Maherida Beach is reached by a paved road across the Akrotiri peninsula, and the Stavros city bus route passes nearby through Tersanas.
Yes, Maherida Beach is family friendly and ideal for snorkeling and spearfishing, thanks to its calm, clear, shallow water. There are no facilities for children, so come prepared.
The best time to visit Maherida Beach is during the summer, from June to September, when the weather is warm and sunny.
Hotels, villas, and apartments are available near Maherida Beach in the surrounding area and nearby villages such as Stavros and Kalathas.
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