The coastal resort of Kalamaki, situated 6km west of Chania city, serves as the beachfront extension of Galatas village. Nestled within a rich, fertile plain adorned with citrus and olive groves, Galatas once relied heavily on agriculture; however, tourism now drives the region’s economy.
Kalamaki marks the western end of an extensive beach that begins 1km eastwards at Agii Apostoli. Its attractive shoreline features fine sand and gentle waters, offering a well-equipped and organized beach experience. Facilities include beach umbrellas, showers, lifeguard services, accommodation, dining, beach bars, and water sports. Additionally, a tiny, secluded cove exists next to the beach’s western edge, set apart from the main beach by a slim sand strip. Regular city bus services from Chania center provide easy access to Kalamaki.
Galatas is the birthplace of Mikis Theodorakis, a distinguished modern Greek composer and activist, who suffered poisoning under the military dictatorship that seized Greece in April 1967. He was also a nominee for the Nobel Peace Prize. During the Turkish Occupation, Galatas was a Christian-inhabited village, while the nearby Daratsos was occupied by Ottomans.
Glaros Beach
Glaros Beach, characterized by its spacious bay stretching from Holy Apostles to Kalamaki, boasts soft sand and crystal-clear, shallow waters. Tamarisk trees providing natural shade line the beach, contributing to its status as one of Chania’s most popular beaches. However, its northern exposure means it can get windy, making the sheltered coves of Holy Apostles a suitable alternative. Its excellent facilities, stunning beach, and convenient access to and from Chania make Glaros an ideal holiday destination.
The Glaros beach, a coastal front for the village of Kato Daratsos in the Kidonia province, is situated 5 kilometres to the west of Chania city, within the Makris Tihos area. It’s flanked by Kalamaki on its western side and the Agii Apostoli beaches to its east. A narrow land strip, terminating at the cape home to the Holy Apostles’ church, separates it from the Agii Apostoli’s western beach.
Boasting of fine sand and abundant tamarisk trees for those seeking shade instead of renting umbrellas, Glaros beach is a popular destination due to its proximity to Chania city. It’s exposed to the northern winds, which means if the waves get too high, you can relocate to the sheltered bays of Agii Apostoli nearby.
Situated 7km west of Chania, nestled between Kalamaki and Agia Marina, lies Stalos. This well-developed location magnetizes a significant amount of tourists each summer. The coastal region of Stalos, known as Kato Stalos, boasts a stunning sandy beach that is not only well-equipped but also provides all necessary touristic amenities. This makes it a yearly recipient of the coveted blue flag award.
Situated 150m to the south is Pano Stalos, a charming traditional village that is enveloped by lush green hills and striking rock formations.
Stalos serves as a perfect holiday destination due to its proximity to the city of Chania and its ability to cater to all the needs of its visitors. There are also frequent bus services to the city of Chania.
The name ‘Stalos’ is steeped in Cretan mythology, believed to be derived from Talos, a bronze giant who guarded the island from enemies by circling it thrice daily. Legend has it that Talos had his base in Stalos. However, it is more likely that the name ‘Stalos’, originates from the Greek verb stalizo, meaning to stop for rest. This is where local shepherds would halt with their flocks for rest, hence the English word ‘stall’ shares the same Greek roots.
The Agii Apostoli, also known as the Holy Apostles, is home to two breathtaking beaches situated merely 3km west of Chania. The first beach, nestled next to the eastern edge of Glaros beach, boasts soft sand, full amenities, and ample parking, making it easily accessible. The beach is shielded from winds by a small peninsula to its west, which also houses a picturesque park ideal for leisurely walks and the iconic chapel of the Holy Apostles, the namesake for the surrounding area.
A stone’s throw to the east, a second equally enchanting semicircular cove emerges, featuring stunning green-hued waters and fine sandy beaches. The awe-inspiring rock formations that flank the beach only add to its allure. Adjacent to the eastern end of this beach, a small pine grove stretches out towards Chrissi Akti.
Both coves can be accessed either by bus from Chania or by foot. Additionally, Agii Apostoli is perfect for cyclists and pedestrians alike, thanks to the expansive paved road. With an array of high-grade hotels nearby, accommodation options are plentiful in the area.
Chrissi Akti, or Golden Beach, is an organised sandy beach about 2.5 kilometres west of Chania, in the Agii Apostoli area of Crete. Chrissi Akti takes its name from its fine golden sand and ranks among the closest good beaches to Chania town, with shallow, clear water that stays calm on most days. The beach is well organised with sunbeds, umbrellas, showers and beach cafes, and it holds a Blue Flag.
Chrissi Akti beach lies on the north coast of western Crete, about 2.5 kilometres west of Chania city, next to the beaches of Agii Apostoli. The beach sits in the Daratso area of the Kydonia region, so it is an easy trip from the city centre by road or on foot. The whole Agii Apostoli area is dotted with small parks full of pine and eucalyptus trees, which give shade and green space right behind the coast. Golden Beach is one of two sandy coves here, separated by a low band of rocks from the quieter Aptera beach next to it.
Chrissi Akti has fine golden sand and shallow, crystal-clear water that gives the beach its name. The main beach runs about 500 metres along the shore, and the sand continues further east toward Chania. The sea here is usually calm with few waves, because the beach is well protected from the west and summer winds. When the north wind picks up, the water can turn choppier, so many visitors move to the more sheltered coves of Agii Apostoli nearby.
Chrissi Akti is made up of 2 sandy beaches split by a line of rocks, and each one has a different character. Golden Beach, the west cove, is the main and most popular stretch, and it is very well organised with sunbeds, umbrellas, showers, changing cabins, cafes and water sports. Aptera beach, the east cove closer to Chania, is quieter and less developed, so it suits visitors who want a calmer spot within a short walk of the city. Both coves share the same fine golden sand and shallow water.
Chrissi Akti beach suits families with young children, because the water is shallow and calm and the sand is soft and fine. The organised part of the beach has sunbeds and umbrellas to hire, showers, changing cabins and beach cafes, and a lifeguard watches the main beach in summer. A children’s playground sits close to the sand, and there are water sports such as windsurfing for anyone who wants an active day. Golden Beach can get busy at weekends and through the peak summer season, yet the beach is long and wide enough to find space.
Reach Chrissi Akti beach from Chania in a few easy ways, whether you have a car or not:
Parking is available near the beach, so arriving by car is straightforward outside the busiest hours. Golden Beach is free to visit, and you only pay if you hire a sunbed and umbrella on the organised stretch.
Visit Chrissi Akti beach between June and September, when the weather is warm and the sunbeds, cafes and water sports all run. The beach fills up at weekends and in high summer, so arrive earlier in the day for more space, easier parking and calmer water. Spring and early autumn stay quieter and are still pleasant for swimming, which makes May, June and September good months for anyone who prefers fewer people.
Chrissi Akti sits within a short walk of several other beaches on the west side of Chania. The beaches of Agii Apostoli lie about 0.8 kilometres away, in sheltered coves backed by a park and the chapel that gives the area its name. Nea Chora beach, about 1.5 kilometres east toward the old harbour, is the closest sandy beach to the city centre and is known for its seafood taverns. The pine and eucalyptus parks between these beaches make the whole coast easy and shaded to explore on foot or by bike.
A day at Chrissi Akti beach is easy to combine with the other beaches and villages west of Chania when you drive yourself, since bus timetables and coastal parking fill up fast in summer. Having your own car lets you reach Golden Beach early, move on to Agii Apostoli or Nea Chora when the north wind rises, and carry beach gear for the family without waiting for a service. For the most flexible timing along the Chania coast, book a car rental in Crete.
Chrissi Akti, or Golden Beach, is on the north coast of western Crete, about 2.5 kilometres west of Chania city, next to Agii Apostoli. The beach sits in the Daratso area of the Kydonia region and is one of the closest sandy beaches to Chania town.
Chrissi Akti beach is sandy, with fine golden sand that gives the beach its name. The soft sand and shallow water make it comfortable for walking into the sea and for children to play.
Yes, the water at Chrissi Akti beach is shallow and clear and stays calm on most days. The beach is protected from the west and summer winds, though the sea can turn choppier when the north wind blows.
Yes, Chrissi Akti beach suits families, because the water is shallow and calm and the sand is fine and soft. A children’s playground sits near the beach, and a lifeguard watches the main stretch in summer.
Yes, sunbeds and umbrellas are available to hire on the organised part of Golden Beach. The same stretch has showers, changing cabins and beach cafes, and the beach itself is free to enter.
Reach Chrissi Akti beach from Chania by city bus, on foot along the coast in about 20 to 30 minutes, or by taxi, car or bike. The beach lies only about 2.5 kilometres west of the city, and there is parking nearby.
Golden Beach is the main, well-organised west cove, while Aptera beach is the quieter, less developed east cove closer to Chania. The two share the same golden sand and shallow water and are separated by a low line of rocks.
The best time to visit Chrissi Akti beach is between June and September, when the weather is warm and all the beach services run. The beach is busiest at weekends and in high summer, so mornings and the shoulder months of May and September are quieter.
No, Chrissi Akti is an organised family beach and is not a designated naturist beach. It has sunbeds, umbrellas, a lifeguard and beach cafes, and it is used mainly by families and day visitors from Chania.
Agia Marina beach is a long, organized sandy beach on the north coast of Crete, 9 km west of Chania, facing the protected islet of Thodorou. Agia Marina beach has shallow, calm, blue water, a full row of sunbeds, umbrellas and water sports, and man-made stone piers that keep swimming sheltered on windy days. It is one of the busiest and most popular beaches near Chania, with beach bars, tavernas and hotels lining the shore.
Agia Marina beach lies 9 km west of Chania city, on the coast road that runs out toward Kolymbari. The beach is part of a long sandy strip where Stalos, Agia Marina and Platanias run into one another, so the sand stretches east into Stalos and west toward the port of Platanias. Agia Marina beach takes its name from the local church of Agia Marina, which holds its festival on 17 July. Straight out from the shore sits the protected islet of Thodorou, which gives the beach its distinctive view.
Agia Marina beach is soft sand with clear blue water that stays shallow and calm close to the shore, so children can paddle safely. The beach faces north and lies open to the wind, which keeps the water fresh but can raise a chop in the afternoon. Man-made stone piers near the Platanias end shape small coves that stay sheltered, so you can swim there even on breezy days. Mornings are usually the calmest time to get in the water.
Agia Marina beach is a well-organized beach with a full set of services along the sand. Agia Marina beach offers sunbeds and umbrellas to rent, showers and lifeguards in season, and it flies a Blue Flag. Beach bars, tavernas, cafes and restaurants line the shore and stay lively into the night. Water sports run from the beach through the summer, including jet skiing, windsurfing, parasailing, banana-boat rides and stand-up paddleboarding. Trees shade parts of the sand, and the shore is a marked nesting point for loggerhead sea turtles.
Agia Marina beach looks straight out at Thodorou, a small protected islet that is a nature reserve. Thodorou is home to the endangered Cretan wild goat, the kri-kri, relocated here from the White Mountains near the Samaria Gorge. Approaching the island is forbidden, and only a limited number of boat trips run to it each year with special permission from the Forest Service. About 1.5 km south of the village lies the Nerospilia cave, which holds stalactites and stalagmites and was a place of worship in the Middle Minoan period. The cave stands on private land, so it is closed to visitors. The village also keeps a small folklore museum worth a look.
The same sandy coast holds several more beaches on either side of Agia Marina, listed below by distance.
Agia Marina beach sits 9 km west of Chania on the coast road, so it is quick to reach from the town and from Chania International Airport. Frequent KTEL and city buses stop close to the sand and take about 20 minutes from Chania, and a taxi, bike or car covers the same run easily. A beach day here pairs well with the old town of Chania, the nearby resorts of Stalos and Platanias, and the quieter coves further west. The simplest way to string them together on your own schedule is by car, which you can compare on our car rental in Crete page.
Agia Marina beach is on the north coast of Crete, 9 km west of Chania city, on the sandy strip that links Stalos and Platanias.
Frequent KTEL and city buses run from Chania to Agia Marina beach in about 20 minutes, and you can also drive, take a taxi or ride a bike along the coast road.
Yes. The water is shallow and calm close to the shore, lifeguards watch the beach in season, and the sheltered coves by the piers stay quiet on windy days.
Agia Marina beach has sunbeds, umbrellas, showers, lifeguards and a Blue Flag, plus beach bars and tavernas. Water sports include jet skiing, windsurfing, parasailing, banana-boat rides and stand-up paddleboarding.
No. Thodorou is a protected nature reserve for the kri-kri wild goat, so landing is forbidden; only a few boat trips run each year with special permission from the Forest Service.
Lazaretta islet, situated across Nea Chora, functioned as a leprosarium for the Venetians in the 17th century, similar to most islets in Crete’s cities. Its moniker is derived from Lazarus, whom the Roman Catholic Church recognizes as the lepers’ patron saint.
Historically, it has been identified as a burial site, presumably for patients, and the site still exhibits the remnants of buildings that the Turks demolished in 1645 to install a sizeable cannon to assist their siege of Chania’s stronghold at the harbour entrance. In certain areas, fragments of bombs dropped during the German military operations in World War II can still be observed.
The islet is home to a Saint Nicholas shrine, constructed by a local man in 1954. This man suffered a sunstroke on the island but was able to swim to Nea Chora and survive. The island features a small sandy beach, favored for snorkeling and often visited by local diving schools and seafaring tour boats. In the 1950s, long-distance competitive swimmers frequently selected Lazaretta as their starting point for races, with the inner harbour of Chania serving as the finish line.
Nea Chora, a picturesque sandy beach, lies just a kilometer west of Chania city center along Akti Papanikoli Street, opposite the Lazaretta islet. A short 15-minute stroll from Chania’s old harbor, this beach boasts a well-maintained main area with several facilities at hand. While mostly sandy, Nea Chora also features rocky patches. It’s the perfect spot for those who prefer to stay nearby the city center. East of the beach, you can still spot the old soap factory’s towering chimney and the former sanatorium of Chania. Nea Chora is a favorite among locals for its seafood taverns, but there are also plenty of restaurants, snack bars, and cafes to choose from. Every summer, the beach hosts the “Sardine Festival”, complete with traditional music, dancing, and free fish for attendees.
Kladissos beach
Further along the river Kladisos, a second beach unfolds all the way up to Aptera beach. Kladisos beach is a lengthy sandy bay, interspersed with pebbly areas. Despite its proximity to Chania and its appealing beauty, the beach remains relatively secluded and unspoiled. The simplest way to access this beach is by crossing the Kladisos river via the pedestrian bridge.
Platanias beach is a long, organised, Blue-Flag sandy beach on the north coast of Crete, 11 km west of Chania. Platanias beach lines the front of the Platanias resort, so sunbeds, beach bars and water sports stay a few steps from the sand, while the old village on the hillside behind looks out over the sea and the islet of Thodorou.
Platanias beach sits 11 km west of Chania city, on the north coast of western Crete. Platanias grew from a small hillside village into a lively suburb of Chania, and frequent buses from the city make it one of the easiest beaches to reach near Chania. The beach runs for about 2 km, starting at the edge of Agia Marina and reaching west to the mouth of the Keritis river.
Platanias beach is a long stretch of sand with small pebbles in parts. The water is clear and deepens fairly quickly over a partly rocky seabed, so it suits confident swimmers as well as families who stay near the shallower sections by the shore. The beach faces north, so afternoon winds can raise short waves, and mornings are usually the calmest time to swim. The western end near the Keritis river is quieter and less built-up, which gives swimmers more space away from the busiest stretch.
Platanias beach is well organised along most of its length. Platanias beach offers sunbeds and umbrellas, beach bars, snack bars, showers and lifeguards on duty in season. Much of the shore is free public beach where you can set your own spot, so the beach mixes organised sections with open stretches. On the east side of the local harbour, close to Agia Marina, several small man-made coves give sheltered spots for a swim.
Platanias beach offers a wide choice of water sports through the summer. Visitors can try jet skiing, stand-up paddleboarding, parasailing, banana-boat rides and beach volleyball along the organised sections. After dark, the nightclubs of Platanias fill with Greek and foreign visitors who dance until dawn, which has made the resort one of the main nightlife spots west of Chania.
Platanias beach is a nesting point for loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta). The turtles nest on this coast from May to September, so keep clear of any marked nests and leave the dry sand undisturbed after dark. Tamarisk trees along parts of the beach give natural shade for hot afternoons.
The coast on either side of Platanias beach runs into several more sandy beaches, listed below by distance.
Platanias beach lies 11 km west of Chania on the north-coast road. Frequent buses run from Chania to Platanias through the season, the approach road is paved, and the beach has handicap-friendly access. A beach day here pairs well with the nearby beaches at Agia Marina, Stalos and Maleme and with the Botanical Park and Gardens of Crete inland, and the easiest way to reach them on your own schedule is with a rental car, which you can compare on our car rental in Crete page.
Platanias beach is on the north coast of western Crete, 11 km west of Chania, on the stretch of coast that runs from Agia Marina to the Keritis river.
Platanias beach is 11 km west of Chania city, reached by a short drive or by the frequent bus from Chania to Platanias.
Yes. Platanias beach is a long sandy beach with small pebbles in parts, running about 2 km between Agia Marina and the Keritis river.
Yes. Families can use the shallower sections near parts of the shore, and lifeguards are on duty in season, though the water deepens fairly quickly and afternoon winds can bring short waves.
Platanias beach has sunbeds and umbrellas, beach bars, snack bars, showers and lifeguards, along with water sports and free public stretches where you can set your own spot.
Platanias beach offers jet skiing, stand-up paddleboarding, parasailing, banana-boat rides and beach volleyball along its organised sections in summer.
Take a bus from Chania on the frequent Platanias service, or drive 11 km west along the paved north-coast road, and a rental car also makes the nearby beaches at Gerani, Stalos and Maleme easier to reach.
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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