Situated approximately 20km east of the city of Chania, Kera beach can be found on the southern coastline of Souda Bay, near the scenic villages of Kalives and Plaka. This beach, adorned with soft sand and the occasional pebble, is nestled amidst a breathtaking landscape of towering cliffs. The sea at Kera is shallow and boasts crystal clear waters. Although it lacks organization, the surrounding area offers numerous choices for lodging and dining. Those preferring less crowded spots will find Kera an ideal choice. The beach offers a striking view of Karga island and features a unique elongated rock in the sea towards its west end. This rock, named Karavos (meaning ship) by the locals, resembles a boat.
Close to the beach is the 19th-century church of Panagia Kera (or Dame Virgin Mary), erected on the location of a former monastery. According to local legend, when pirates once tried to invade the area, the inhabitants sought divine intervention from the church of Panagia Kera. In response to their prayers, the Virgin Mary turned both the pirates and their boat to stone.
Almyrida beach sits about 23 km east of Chania, on the south shore of Souda Bay near Cape Drapanos in the Apokoronas region. Almyrida is really 2 shallow, sandy beaches that stay calm enough for children on windless days, backed by a row of tavernas, sunbeds and a watersports centre. A small rocky peninsula topped with a white chapel separates the two bays, and the uninhabited islet of Karga lies just offshore.
Almyrida beach lies on the south shore of Souda Bay, about 23 km east of Chania and close to Cape Drapanos. The beach belongs to the Apokoronas region of north-west Crete, set among olive groves and open countryside. The village of Plaka sits about 1 km inland to the east, and the resort of Kalyves is about 2 km to the west. The nearest airport is Chania International on the Akrotiri peninsula, about 32 km away.
Almyrida has 2 sandy beaches with shallow, clear water that is safe for children on calm days. The two beaches meet at a small rocky peninsula crowned by a white chapel, where a lifeguard watches the swimming area. The water is blue and usually calm, and the sandy seabed shelves gently on the eastern, main beach. The western side is rockier, with a third, pebble beach just before the village that has no facilities, so water shoes help on that stretch.
Almyrida beach suits families with young children, because the water stays shallow and calm close to the shore. The eastern beach has the softest sand and the gentlest entry into the sea. Parents should keep to the sandy eastern side and away from the rockier west end, where the seabed is stonier underfoot. On-site sunbeds, showers, a lifeguard and tavernas make a full beach day with children straightforward.
Almyrida beach is well organised, with sunbeds and umbrellas to hire and beach bars and tavernas set just behind the sand. The tavernas line the seafront and are known for fresh fish and traditional Cretan food, with cafes, mini-markets and shops a few steps away across the coastal road. The beach has showers and a lifeguard on the main bay, and parking sits close to the sand. Hotels, apartments and villas stand within a short walk, so the beach works for a quick swim or a longer stay.
Almyrida beach is a popular spot for windsurfing, because the bay catches the area’s afternoon winds. A watersports centre on the shore rents equipment and runs lessons for windsurfers and beginners. Calmer water suits a paddle board or a canoe, snorkelling over the rockier patches, or a boat trip along the coast. Boat trips leave from the small fishing harbour and head to the sea caves around Souda Bay and Cape Drapanos.
Karga is a small uninhabited islet that lies directly opposite Almyrida beach. The islet is a habitat for birds and a target for fishing and short boat excursions from the shore. Strong swimmers sometimes swim across to it on calm days. Traces of ancient Phoenician walls and shelters built by German forces in the Second World War still survive on Karga.
The best time to visit Almyrida beach is between June and September, when the sea is warm and the weather is settled. Almyrida stays calmer and less crowded than the larger resorts of Agia Marina and Platanias west of Chania, which is why families and couples favour it. Mornings are the quietest time for the sunbeds and the water in peak season. Late spring and early autumn stay pleasant for swimming and quieter still.
To reach Almyrida beach, drive east from Chania on the national road, turn off toward Kalyves, then follow the paved road on to Almyrida. Regular buses and taxis also connect Almyrida and Plaka with Chania, though they run less often than a car allows. The nearest airport is Chania International on the Akrotiri peninsula, about 32 km away. Parking sits close to the beach and is easiest to find in the morning through the summer.
A day at Almyrida beach is easiest with your own car, because buses between the airport and the coast run only a few times a day. A car lets you arrive early for the shaded sunbeds, carry beach gear and water shoes for the rockier west end, and move on to Kera or Kalives beaches when you want a change. The wider Apokoronas coast, from the sea caves near Cape Drapanos to the villages inland, opens up once you can drive between stops. For the most flexible way to reach Almyrida and the beaches around it, book a car rental in Crete.
Almyrida beach is on the south shore of Souda Bay, about 23 km east of Chania, in the Apokoronas region of Crete. The village of Plaka lies about 1 km east and Kalyves about 2 km west.
Almyrida beach has two sandy beaches with shallow, clear water, plus a rockier pebble beach on the western side. The eastern, main beach has the softest sand and the gentlest entry into the sea.
Yes, Almyrida beach suits families, because the water is shallow and calm near the shore and the main beach has a lifeguard. Keep to the sandy eastern side, where the entry is gentlest, and away from the rockier west end.
Almyrida beach is organised, with sunbeds and umbrellas to hire, showers, a lifeguard, and beach bars and tavernas behind the sand. Cafes, mini-markets and parking sit a few steps away, and hotels and apartments stand within a short walk.
Yes, Almyrida beach is a windsurfing spot with a watersports centre on the shore that rents gear and gives lessons. Calmer days suit paddle boarding, canoeing, snorkelling and boat trips to the Souda Bay sea caves.
The best time to visit Almyrida beach is between June and September, when the sea is warm and the weather is settled. Mornings, late spring and early autumn are the quietest times for the sand and the water.
To get to Almyrida beach, drive east from Chania and turn off the national road toward Kalyves, or take a bus or taxi from Chania. The nearest airport is Chania International, about 32 km away, and parking sits close to the sand.
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.
Koutalis, also known as Koutalas beach, is positioned 25km to the east of the metropolis of Chania, situated near Cape Drepano and approximately 1km north of Kokkino Chorio. The region is notable for its extraordinary caves, such as the Elephants’ Cave and Petsis Cave. Adjacent to Koutalis, Kokkino Chorio is recognized for the WWII cavernous shelters erected by the Germans on Drapanokefala hill to safeguard Souda Bay, its charming traditional residences, and a collection of wells for water collection. This location also served as a filming location for “Zorba the Greek.”
Being relatively secluded, Koutalis beach is a familiar starting point for local scuba divers exploring the nearby sea caves. The beach is nestled at the end of a rocky gorge and cradled within a narrow bay, characterized by its large, round pebbles and stones. It’s the perfect spot for fishing and solitude, but ensure to pack essentials like umbrellas, food and water. To reach this location, head north from Kokkino Chorio village towards Drepano Cape, then onto the road leading to Faros (Lighthouse). Roughly 700m further north, look for the sign to Koutalas. A manageable dirt path will lead you directly to the beach, which might well be totally deserted. A large cave can be found next to the beach.
Vraskos Beach
A hidden gem between Koutalis and Almirida is Vraskos beach. Similar to Koutalis, Vraskos is located at the end of a short narrow gorge, but no road leads directly to it. The sea bed is quite rocky with patches of sand.
Loutraki is a small, sheltered sandy beach on the Akrotiri peninsula, about 16 kilometres east of Chania, with fine sand and shallow, crystal-clear water that suits families. Loutraki sits in a calm cove on the north-east edge of Souda Bay, right next to Marathi, and is organised with sunbeds, umbrellas and taverns under the shade of the trees along the shore.
Loutraki beach lies on the Akrotiri peninsula, about 16 kilometres east of Chania city, close to the naval base of Souda. Loutraki fills a small bay on the north-east edge of Souda Bay and shares the eastern side of Akrotiri with the neighbouring beach of Marathi. The water stays calm and protected from the wind on most days, because the rocky hills wrap around the cove. The beach is a short drive from Chania town, which makes it a favourite with locals as well as visitors.
Loutraki beach has fine, soft sand and shallow, crystal-clear water with a bright blue colour. Loutraki keeps a calm sea surface for much of the summer, because the surrounding hills shelter the bay, so the shallow entry suits children and less confident swimmers. Tall trees line the back of the beach and give natural shade through the hottest hours. The cove is small and can get busy at weekends and in high summer, yet the sheltered water and soft sand keep it a comfortable family spot.
Loutraki beach is an organised beach with the standard seaside facilities for a full day by the water. Loutraki offers sunbeds and umbrellas to hire, showers, and taverns and beach bars where you can eat local dishes close to the sand. Water sports run in season, including stand-up paddle (SUP) tours across the calm bay. The shallow, gentle water and soft sand make Loutraki a family beach, and the shade from the trees behind the sand helps on hot days.
To reach Loutraki beach, drive east from Chania for about 16 kilometres onto the Akrotiri peninsula, since there is no public bus to the cove. A paved road runs down to the beach, and a large parking area sits right behind it, shaded by tall eucalyptus trees. The beach lies close to Chania International Airport, so it works well as a first or last stop on an Akrotiri trip. Follow the signs for Akrotiri and Marathi out of Chania, and Loutraki is a short, well-marked drive from the city.
The best time to visit Loutraki beach is from June to September, when the sea is warm and the sunbeds, taverns and water sports are all running. Loutraki is busiest at weekends and through high summer, so an early start means easier parking under the eucalyptus trees and calmer, quieter water. Late spring and early autumn stay warm enough for swimming and draw smaller crowds, which makes May and September good months for a relaxed visit.
Loutraki beach sits within easy reach of several Akrotiri highlights that pair well with a swim. Loutraki is next to Marathi, whose two sandy coves and calm, shallow water make another good family stop a short drive or walk away. The Akrotiri peninsula is also home to historic monasteries, and the most notable are the Agia Triada (Holy Trinity) and Gouverneto monasteries, both a short drive inland from the coast. A morning at the beach and an afternoon at the monasteries make a full, varied day on Akrotiri.
A day at Loutraki is easiest with your own car, because there is no bus to the cove and the beach sits away from Chania’s main routes. Driving lets you arrive early for a shaded parking spot, combine Loutraki with Marathi and the Akrotiri monasteries, and carry beach gear for the whole family without waiting on timetables. The short hop from Chania International Airport also makes the beach an easy first stop straight after landing. For that flexibility across Akrotiri and the wider Chania coast, book a car rental in Crete.
Loutraki beach is on the Akrotiri peninsula, about 16 kilometres east of Chania, on the north-east edge of Souda Bay. The beach sits in a small, sheltered cove next to Marathi, close to the naval base of Souda.
Yes, Loutraki beach has fine, soft sand and shallow, crystal-clear water. The gentle blue water and soft sand make it comfortable for walking into the sea and for children to play.
Yes, the water at Loutraki beach is shallow, clear and usually calm. Rocky hills shelter the cove from the wind, which keeps the sea gentle for swimming on most summer days.
Yes, Loutraki beach suits families, because the water is shallow and calm and the sand is fine and soft. Shade from the trees behind the sand and nearby taverns make a long day with children easier.
Yes, Loutraki beach is organised, with sunbeds and umbrellas to hire, showers, taverns and beach bars. Water sports such as stand-up paddle run in season across the calm bay.
Drive east from Chania for about 16 kilometres onto the Akrotiri peninsula, as there is no bus to the beach. A paved road leads to a large, eucalyptus-shaded parking area right behind the sand, close to Chania International Airport.
Yes, Loutraki beach has a large parking area behind the sand, shaded by tall eucalyptus trees. The shade keeps cars cool through the hottest hours of a summer day.
Near Loutraki beach you can visit Marathi’s sandy coves and the Akrotiri monasteries of Agia Triada and Gouverneto. All lie a short drive from the beach, which makes an easy half-day combination with a swim.
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.
Ombros Gialos (also spelled Omprosgialos or Ombrosgialos) is a small, rocky bay on the east coast of the Drapanokefala peninsula, 26km east of Chania. Ombros Gialos sits near the villages of Kefalas and Paleloni, and it centers on a little harbour whose dock lets swimmers step straight into deep, clear water. This is an unorganized cove built for people who want blue-green sea, a single well-known fish tavern, and calm surroundings rather than sunbeds and busy beach bars.
Use this guide to decide if the bay fits your day, then plan how to reach it.
Ombros Gialos is a rocky beach with rocks in places rather than a wide sandy shore. The water runs deep blue and green right off the shore, and the small harbour includes a dock that swimmers use as a diving point into the crystal sea. The bay stays quiet and feels remote, because it lies well away from large resorts and organized beach services. You get scenery and swimming here, so treat it as a spot for a relaxed dip rather than a full day of loungers and amenities. The rocky character of the shoreline shapes everything about a visit, from where you enter the water to what shoes you pack, and the shore counts among the Crete beaches with rocks in places.
Ombros Gialos is reached by car on the asphalt road that starts from Paleloni. The paved route makes the drive straightforward once you are near the village, and the road leads down toward the harbour on the east coast of Drapanokefala. A boat trip is the other option, since you can arrive by private boat from a nearby port. Georgioupolis and Kalives both work as departure points for that short sea approach, and Georgioupolis in particular is an easy base if you are already exploring the wider stretch of coast covered in the guide to the Georgioupolis beaches.
Having your own vehicle gives you the most flexibility for a remote cove like this one, so many visitors combine the trip with other stops in Apokoronas by renting a car in Crete.
Ombros Gialos is not well organized, and it sits quite far from well-organized accommodation choices. One tavern stands next to the harbour, and it is very famous for its fish dishes. The taverna keeps food and water available on site, which covers the essentials for a visit. Beyond the taverna, plan to bring what you need, because the bay is a natural, low-key spot rather than a serviced beach.
The sea around Ombros Gialos is ideal for snorkelers and scuba divers. Deep, clear water sits right at the harbour dock, and swimmers commonly dive in from that dock into the blue sea below. The rocky seabed and deep-blue water make the cove a strong choice for anyone who wants to explore underwater rather than lie on sand. Enter carefully over the rocks, since the shoreline is stony in places and the water gets deep quickly near the dock. Water shoes help you cross the rocks comfortably and protect your feet at the entry points.
Ombros Gialos suits swimmers, snorkelers, and divers who prefer a quiet, scenic cove over an organized resort beach. The bay rewards visitors who value deep clear water, a good fish taverna, and calm surroundings. It is a weaker match for families who need sunbeds, umbrellas, and shallow sandy shallows for young children, because the shore is rocky and the services are minimal. Choose this cove for a relaxed swim and a seafood lunch, and pick a sandier, organized beach elsewhere if you want full facilities. Travelers who enjoy dramatic, off-the-beaten-path Chania coves often pair a visit here with a stop at the striking cliffs of Seitan Limania beach.
Ombros Gialos is on the east coast of the Drapanokefala peninsula, 26km east of Chania, near the villages of Kefalas and Paleloni.
Ombros Gialos is a rocky beach with rocks in places, and the water turns deep blue and green close to shore.
The bay is unorganized and has one taverna next to the harbour that is famous for its fish dishes and provides food and water on site.
Drive the asphalt road that starts from Paleloni, or arrive by private boat from a nearby port such as Georgioupolis or Kalives.
The deep, clear sea around the harbour is ideal for snorkelers and scuba divers, and swimmers dive straight in from the dock.
June to September is the best window for swimming and warm, settled conditions. For more coves along this coast, browse the wider collection of Crete beaches.
Seitan Limania beach is a dramatic, fjord-like cove on the eastern side of the Akrotiri peninsula, 22 km northeast of Chania, reached on foot down a steep path. Seitan Limania beach fills a narrow inlet between sheer cliffs with deep-blue water, has no facilities of any kind, and rewards the climb with clear water for swimming and snorkelling inside a sheltered cove.
Seitan Limania means “Devil’s Harbours” in Turkish, a name that dates to the Ottoman period on Crete, where “Seitan” means devil and “limani” means harbour. The name comes from the strong sea currents and the wild, cliff-walled landscape that once made these coves dangerous for boats. Three narrow, parallel coves cut into the eastern Akrotiri coast here, all well sheltered from the wind, and the northern cove holds Stefanou beach, the one most visitors mean by Seitan Limania.
To reach Seitan Limania beach, drive across the Akrotiri peninsula from Chania and finish on foot, a trip of about 30 to 40 minutes by car plus a short walk down. The road is steep and curvy but recently paved, so it suits anyone who has driven mountain roads before. Three steps get you to the sand:
A boat trip from Chania reaches the cove from the sea and skips the hike, which suits visitors who would rather not tackle the path.
Seitan Limania beach is a small strip of fine pebbles and sand where the water turns deep blue just a few steps from shore. Fine pebbles and sand line the cove, carried down through the Diplochachalo canyon from a nearby quarry. The water inside the cove is clear and usually calm and good for swimming and snorkelling, because the marble cliffs on either side block the wind and waves. The open sea beyond the inlet carries the strong currents the beach is named for, so it is safest to swim inside the sheltered cove and not strike out past the rocks. Cliff jumping happens from the rocks around the cove, though no one supervises it, so check the water depth before any jump. Friendly goats wander the sand and the path down, and often come looking for food.
Seitan Limania beach has no sunbeds, umbrellas, toilets, cafe, or lifeguard, so pack everything you need for the day and carry all your litter back out. Bring these essentials:
Seitan Limania beach is quietest in late spring and mid-autumn, when the water is warm enough to swim and the crowds thin out. The beach has drawn steady crowds since about 2010, when a new asphalt road made the descent far easier to reach. August is the busiest month, so arrive early in the morning to find a space in the small parking area and a spot on the narrow shore.
Seitan Limania beach sits within a short drive of several other Akrotiri beaches and monasteries worth pairing with your visit. The nearest beaches are listed below by distance:
The medieval monasteries of Agia Triada Tsangarolon, Gouverneto, and Katholiko sit on the same peninsula, so many visitors pair the beach with a monastery stop.
Seitan Limania beach lies at the end of a steep peninsula road with no beach bus, so your own car is the simplest way to reach it and to link it with the monasteries and quieter beaches across Akrotiri. A rental car also lets you arrive early, before the small parking area fills in peak season, then move on to Marathi or Loutraki on your own schedule. You can compare rates and book on our car rental in Crete page.
Seitan Limania beach is on the eastern side of the Akrotiri peninsula, 22 km northeast of Chania and 2 km east of the village of Chordaki.
Drive across Akrotiri toward Chordaki, park high by the church of Agios Spyridon, and walk the steep 10 to 15 minute footpath down to the cove. A boat trip from Chania reaches the beach from the sea and skips the hike.
Yes, the water inside the cove is clear and usually calm and good for swimming and snorkelling. The open sea beyond the inlet carries strong currents, so stay inside the sheltered cove.
No, Seitan Limania beach is unorganised and has no sunbeds, umbrellas, toilets, cafe, or lifeguard, so bring your own water, food, and shade.
Seitan Limania beach is hard to reach down a steep, slippery path and has no facilities, so it does not suit young children or anyone with limited mobility.
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.
Kalivaki beach is the westernmost beach of Georgioupolis bay, on the north coast of Crete, 38 km east of Chania and 21 km west of Rethymno. Kalivaki sits at the mouth of the Almyros river, where the river meets the sea, so its sandy shore stays sheltered from the wind and its shallow water runs noticeably cool. This sheltered, family-friendly setting makes Kalivaki a good choice for children, especially on days when the wind stirs up the more open beaches nearby.
Kalivaki beach lies at the western edge of Georgioupolis bay, west of the Georgioupolis port and the church of Agios Nikolaos, 38 km east of Chania and 21 km west of Rethymno. Kalivaki sits at the exit of the Almyros river, joined by the smaller Boutakas stream, and both keep a steady flow of fresh water into the sea all year. The beach faces the open north coast, so its surface is calm in the sheltered corner near the river and turns wavy further out when the wind picks up. This position, tucked at the protected western end of the bay, is what sets Kalivaki apart from the longer, more exposed Georgioupolis beach to the east.
The water at Kalivaki is noticeably cooler than the open sea because the Almyros river and freshwater springs push cold water into the shallows. This cool current is strongest at the parts of the beach closest to the river mouth, where the cold river water meets the warmer sea. Many families come to Kalivaki for exactly this refreshing dip, which feels sharper and cooler than a swim on the neighbouring sandy beaches. Swim towards the eastern side of the beach, away from the river outflow, if you prefer warmer water.
Kalivaki is a sandy beach with soft sand and small dunes behind the shore, and its shallow, sheltered water suits families with young children. Kalivaki usually stays less crowded than the other Georgioupolis beaches, though visitor numbers rise on summer weekends. The sheltered cove keeps the water calm on windy days, when the longer beaches to the east grow choppy, so Kalivaki works well as a fallback when the wind is up. Where the Almyros river meets the sea the outflow can create a noticeable current and colder water, so keep children in the calmer, sheltered part of the cove and take extra care on windy days.
Kalivaki gives visitors umbrellas and sunbeds to rent, with beach bars and taverns nearby for food and water a few steps from the sand. Parking sits close to the shore and the beach is free to enter, so a family beach day here needs little planning. Services such as showers, changing rooms and a lifeguard are not a guaranteed feature at Kalivaki, so check what is open on arrival if you rely on them. Most of the beach services run mainly through the summer season, and they thin out in the quieter spring and autumn months.
Kalivaki beach is a recorded nesting point for the loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta), which lays its eggs in the sand in the warm months. Keep clear of the soft dry sand and any marked nests, and avoid digging or pushing umbrella poles deep into the sand near the back of the beach. Take your litter home with you, because a single nest can sit just below the surface. These small steps let the turtles and their eggs stay undisturbed while you enjoy the beach.
Reach Kalivaki beach in a few simple ways from Georgioupolis and the main coast road:
Kalivaki sits between Chania and Rethymno, so a beach morning here fits easily with Lake Kournas, the Georgioupolis waterfront, and the quieter coves along the Apokoronas coast. Reaching them all on your own schedule is simplest with your own vehicle, which you can compare on our car rental in Crete page.
Kalivaki beach is the westernmost beach of Georgioupolis bay, on the north coast of Crete, 38 km east of Chania and 21 km west of Rethymno.
Yes, Kalivaki beach suits families, because the water is shallow, the cove is sheltered from the wind, and the beach stays calmer than the neighbouring Georgioupolis beaches. Keep children near the calmer part of the cove and away from the stronger current at the river mouth.
The water at Kalivaki is cold because the Almyros river and freshwater springs feed cool water into the shallows, and the effect is strongest close to the river mouth.
Kalivaki beach has umbrellas and sunbeds to rent, with beach bars and taverns nearby for food and water, and free parking close to the shore. Showers, changing rooms and a lifeguard are not guaranteed, so check what is open on arrival.
Drive or take a local bus to Georgioupolis, then follow the paved road or walk west from the port to the river mouth at the western end of the bay.
The main season runs from June to September, when the weather is warm and the beach services are open, while late spring and early autumn stay quieter for a calmer visit.
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