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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.
Get directions to Agia Marina beach – Chania
Find below list of things to do near Agia Marina beach – Chania:
Enjoy a boat cruise from the old port of Chania Town to the islands of Thodorou and Lazaretta. Captain Nestor will take care of you, especially the children, fetching starfish and octopus, and helping you explore the world underwater.
At the natural reserve of Thodorou island, also known as “Goat Island”, Nestor takes you around to spot the wild Kri Kri goat, stopping for a while at the decaying wreck of a World War II German airplane. From there you continue to the island of Lazaretta where you can relax and enjoy a picnic on the beach, swim or just chill out on the boat gazing through the window to the depths below. The boat will return later to the port of Chania.
This cruise leaves Chania’s Old Venetian Harbour and spends 4.5 hours at two islands west of the city: Agioi Theodoroi, a protected reserve for the Cretan wild goat, and Lazaretta, with its two sandy beaches. Manos Cruises runs the Ferryman boat from Akti Enoseos, prices start at €38, and the tour holds a 4.91 rating across 799 reviews with a perfect 5.0 on guiding, transport and value alike.
The boat heads west from the Old Port, makes three stops and returns past the harbour for the view back at the city. Each stop has a distinct purpose.
First comes a 20-minute anchorage off Agioi Theodoroi beside the wreck of a German aircraft from the Second World War, destroyed and lying in clear water. Swimmers go in to see it, this stop is for swimmers only, with no landing. Second, the boat moves to a small gulf on the same island for around 30 minutes, where the kri-kri goats are often visible on the slopes. Third is Lazaretta, a small island opposite Nea Chora, where two sandy beaches and clear water make the longest stop of the trip.
The return leg runs past the Venetian harbour, giving you the lighthouse and the walled fortresses from the water. Homemade raki is poured on the way.
The route covers two islets off the Chania coast, both within sight of the city.
The fare covers the boat, the guiding, snorkelling kit and a light snack, and it leaves out towels and hotel transfer.
Included:
Not included:
Oversize luggage and large bags are not allowed on board.
We recommend this cruise as the easiest way to get off the Chania seafront and into clear water without committing a whole day. We rate the stretch west of the Old Port as underused, most visitors look east towards the beaches and never notice that two islands sit twenty minutes from the harbour wall. The wreck stop in particular is the kind of thing you normally need a dive licence to see, and here it is a swim.
The review record is the strongest argument. A 4.91 average across 799 reviews with 5.0 on every measured dimension is close to the ceiling. Reading through them, three things recur. The crew are named personally, Manos and Lucas come up repeatedly, and described as attentive rather than merely competent. The history commentary is mentioned as often as the swimming, so the guiding is real rather than decorative. And several people describe booking it last-minute as a filler and rating it the day of their trip.
Two honest caveats.
GetYourGuide’s own summary of the verified reviews says the included lunch is basic and that travellers would like more substantial snacks and drinking water. The inclusion list is a sandwich, a juice and raki, so treat it as a snack, eat beforehand and bring your own water.
The second is the swimming itself. The first stop has no landing at all, it is a swim-only anchorage, and the second beach is reachable only by swimming or by the tender. One reviewer flagged sea urchins between the rocks. Confident swimmers get the most out of this trip; hesitant ones will spend it on deck.
Bring your own water, wear something on your feet in the water, and take the morning sailing for the calmest sea.
The boat leaves from Akti Enoseos 5 in Chania, on the Old Port waterfront. Bring comfortable shoes, sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear and a towel.
Two points about access matter when you choose this trip. The first stop at Agioi Theodoroi is for swimmers only, and the second stop’s beach can be reached only by swimming or by taking the tender boat. The trip is flagged as likely to sell out, so book ahead in July and August.
The cruise runs 4.5 hours, covering two stops at Agioi Theodoroi and a longer stop at Lazaretta.
Yes, by swimming to it. The boat anchors for about 20 minutes beside a destroyed German aircraft from the Second World War, in water clear enough to see it from the surface.
A sandwich, juice and raki are included. GetYourGuide’s review summary notes travellers would prefer more substantial snacks, so eat before you board.
Non-swimmers see the islands but not the stops. The first anchorage has no landing, and the second beach is reached only by swimming or by tender boat.
The boat departs Akti Enoseos 5 in Chania, on the Old Venetian Harbour waterfront.
Sightings are likely rather than certain. Agioi Theodoroi is a protected reserve for the endangered Cretan goat, and the second stop is positioned where they are most often visible.
Check dates and prices for the Chania boat cruise to Agioi Theodoroi and Lazaretta.
This trip combines entry to Aqua Creta Limnoupolis with a shared hotel transfer from Chania or Rethymno and a two-course lunch. Limnoupolis sits inland from Chania with the White Mountains visible from the sunbeds, and the package covers the gate, a sunbed and one of three set meals. Cretanholidays runs it from €40, and the transfer is optional at booking. The trip holds a 3.72 rating across 33 reviews, the lowest score of any experience we list.
The day is a shared coach run to the park and back, with the hours in between unstructured. Three elements make up the package.
First is the transfer, which collects guests from multiple points across the Rethymno and Chania areas before continuing to the park, so your journey time depends on where you sit in the daily route, not on the distance. Second is the park itself, with freefall slides, a black hole tunnel, a lazy river and a large pool area, plus sunbeds looking towards the White Mountains. Third is lunch, chosen from three fixed meals.
The three meal options are a burger, cheeseburger or hot dog with fries and one scoop of ice cream; a slice of pizza with salad and ice cream; or spaghetti Neapolitan with ice cream. Lunch is not available for children under 2.
The transfer runs the north coast between the two western cities and turns inland to the park.
The price covers transport, entry, a sunbed and one meal, and it excludes every drink.
Included:
Not included:
We recommend Limnoupolis with a caveat attached, and we would rather say so than sell it hard. It is a genuinely pleasant mid-sized water park in a good setting, and the reviews agree on its real strength: it does not get crowded. Guests visiting in peak July and August repeatedly describe short queues and a relaxed atmosphere, which is not what you get at the larger parks on the Heraklion side. If a calm day matters more to you than the biggest slide list, that trade is worth making.
Reviewers also consistently praise the staff and the guides, with one naming their guide directly, and several describe the included lunch as better than they expected.
Now the honest part, because this trip scores 3.72 out of 5 and three specific things drag it there.
The transfer is the weakest element, at 3.6 out of 5. Because the coach collects from many points across two cities before heading inland, journey times vary widely, one reviewer travelling from Rethymno reported over two hours each way, and another was surprised to end up with only 4.5 hours actually inside the park. If you are at the Rethymno end of the route, budget accordingly.
Value for money also scores 3.6. Reviewers point out that drinks cost €3.50 at the bar but €1.50 at the shop by the entrance, that food is priced up, and that tickets bought directly on the park’s own website work out cheaper than the package. One reviewer said plainly they would not bother with the lunch inclusion again.
The park is small. Several reviewers describe it as fine but not large, with one noting there are not always enough rings or mats when it gets busy. And one guest rating the day three stars described a dispute at the lunch counter over whether ice cream was included, even though it is listed.
Buy your drinks at the shop, take the Chania pick-up if you have the choice, and check the direct price before you book the package.
The transfer is shared, and guests are collected from several points across both the Rethymno and Chania areas before the coach continues to the park. Transfer times vary with your pick-up point and the daily route, this is the detail that decides how long your day at the park actually is.
Bring swimwear, a towel and sunscreen. Lunch is not available for children under 2, and the transfer is optional, so you can book entry and lunch alone if you have a car.
Time in the park varies with the coach route, and one reviewer reported 4.5 hours inside after a long shared transfer.
One two-course meal is included, chosen from a burger and fries, a pizza slice with salad, or spaghetti, each with a scoop of ice cream. Drinks are not included.
Reviewers travelling from Rethymno report over two hours each way, because the coach collects from multiple points across two cities before heading inland.
Limnoupolis is mid-sized rather than large. Reviewers describe short queues even in peak season but also note the park is small and can run short of rings and mats.
Yes, the transfer is optional at booking, which suits anyone with a hire car who wants only entry, a sunbed and lunch.
Value scores 3.6 out of 5, its joint-weakest mark. Reviewers flag drink pricing at the bar and note the park’s own website can be cheaper than the package.
Check dates and prices for the Limnoupolis water park trip from Chania or Rethymno.
Enjoy an adventure on a semi-submersible boat, immersed in nearly 1.5 meters of water. This modern version of a glass-bottom boat can accommodate up to 12 passengers and 1 crew member. Enjoy views of the sea bottom while looking through large glass windows, safe and dry in your comfortable seat.
See marine life, such as the loggerhead sea turtle, bottom feeders, and a variety of fish. Take in panoramic views of the old harbor with its original Venetian structures and its lighthouse. Within the 35 minutes of the tour, you spend about 25 minutes going all around the old port, and 10 minutes more outside of it (until the rocky wave thruster).
Join this incredible journey on a semi-submarine vehicle for a closer look at the magical underwater world. Gain a better understanding of the significance of the sea environment.
Paratriking is a powered parachute flight in a two-seat trike: you sit in front of the pilot, both of you wear intercom helmets, and the engine lifts you off the ground in about a minute. No experience is required and the pilot handles everything. Paragliding Crete Power Fly run 15-minute flights near Chania from €150, with a 4.88 rating across 70 reviews and a perfect 5.0 for both the pilot and the equipment.
The flight is short and the preparation is the rest of it. Three stages.
First is the briefing on the ground, where the pilot fits your helmet and explains the take-off and landing. Second is the take-off itself, which takes roughly a minute from engine-on to airborne. Third is the flight: the coast below, the White Mountains and Psiloritis on the horizon, Lake Kournas inland, and the intercom running the whole time so you can talk to the pilot and ask what you are looking at.
Loggerhead turtles are visible from the air along this coast. A British reviewer reported seeing a great many of them about a mile offshore.
The flight stays over the coast and the plain behind it.
The €150 buys the flight, the pilot and the gear. Everything else is extra.
Included:
Not included:
We recommend this for people who want the view without the commitment of learning to fly, and especially for people who think they are too nervous. That is the pattern in the reviews and it is worth taking seriously.
A Dutch guest said plainly that he is somewhat afraid of heights and that the pilot made both him and his girlfriend feel safe and secure. A British reviewer called it relaxing and said they felt very safe. A German visitor said they felt safe the whole way through. For an activity that involves being strapped to a parachute with a propeller behind you, “safe” is the word that comes up most, which says something about how it is run.
The pilot is scored perfectly. Guide quality and equipment both sit at 5.0 out of 5, and reviewers name George repeatedly. A Polish guest called it the best piloting they had seen, with a smooth take-off and a soft landing. An Irish reviewer praised the pilot’s knowledge and professionalism.
The operator also flexes. One British guest staying in Rethymno reported the pilot moving closer to them for the day rather than making them travel across.
Two honest points, and the first is the one that matters.
Fifteen minutes is short for €150. That works out at about €10 a minute, and a Polish reviewer who rated the flight five stars still said 15 minutes is too short to take full advantage of the activity. Value for money is the weakest dimension at 4.8, still high, but it is the one people mark down. Go in knowing you are paying for a short, high-quality flight rather than a long one.
The flight is weather-dependent and not fixed in advance. The operator contacts you a few days before to confirm whether conditions allow it, and to set the time and the location. If your trip is short, build in a spare day.
Dress warm, leave the hat behind, and keep a spare day.
The meeting point is next to the Euphoria hotel car park; the operator sends the exact location by map once you have booked. Hotel transfers are not included.
Bring warm clothing, a windbreaker or jacket, sunglasses and sports shoes. Hats are not allowed and smoking is not permitted at the site or in the vehicle.
The flight lasts 15 minutes, with a briefing and preparation on the ground beforehand.
No experience is required. The pilot flies the trike and gives all the equipment and instruction before take-off.
A paratrike is a three-wheeled vehicle with two seats and a powered parachute, which lifts off in about a minute.
Yes, both helmets are wired with an intercom, so you can talk throughout the flight.
The coast, the White Mountains, Psiloritis and Lake Kournas, and reviewers report spotting loggerhead turtles offshore.
No, it depends on the weather. The operator contacts you a few days before to confirm the time and location.
Check dates and prices for the Chania paratriking flight.
Embark on a captivating journey through the heart of Apokoronas with our tour, featuring convenient pickup points in the Chania area. Traverse the picturesque landscapes and immerse yourself in the charm of authentic villages. Your adventure begins as you depart from Chania, setting the stage for a day filled with exploration and discovery across the diverse highlights of Crete. Pause to savor the rich flavors of a Greek coffee, unraveling the secrets behind crafting the perfect cup. A visit to a local cheese factory awaits, where you’ll indulge in the delectable tastes of graviera, mizithra, and an array of cheese varieties. Make a delightful stop at a traditional bakery to sample local culinary treasures. The tour culminates in an idyllic village, where you’ll relish a leisurely lunch at a traditional “kafeneio” or Greek café. Engage in conversations with locals, gaining insights into the rhythm of countryside life. This immersive experience offers a genuine taste of Cretan culture and hospitality. As the day concludes, return to your designated pickup point, cherishing the memories of a day spent exploring the hidden gems of Apokoronas.
Find below the list of hotels near Agia Marina beach – Chania:
Located 100 metres from Agia Marina Beach, Manos Beachside Apartments offers air-conditioned accommodation with a balcony and free WiFi.
Each unit is equipped with a fridge, stovetop, a coffee machine, as well as a kitchenware and kettle. Some of the units include a satellite flat-screen TV, a fully equipped kitchenette with a toaster, and a private bathroom with a shower and a hair dryer.
A car rental service is available at the apartment.
Popular points of interest near Manos Beachside Apartments include Stalos Beach, Platanias Beach and Platanias Square. The nearest airport is Chania International, 22 km from the accommodation, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.
from
€59
/night
Built right next to a sandy beach with crystal clear water, Elia Agia Marina Hotel offers accommodation in Agia Marina Nea Kydonias. The hotel boasts an outdoor swimming pool and a restaurant.
Every room at this hotel is air conditioned and is fitted with a flat-screen TV. Certain units have views of the sea. Every room comes with a private bathroom. For your comfort, you will find slippers and free toiletries.
Greek, international and Mediterranean cuisine can be enjoyed at the on-site restaurant, while the snack-bar offers a variety of beverages and snacks.
You will find room service at the property. Guests will find a restaurant and a supermarket within 100 metres of the property. Chania Town is 8 km from Elia Agia Marina Hotel, while Elafonisi is 44 km from the property. Chania International Airport is 19 km away.
from
€162
/night
Set in Agia Marina Nea Kydonias, a few steps from Agia Marina Beach, Elia Agia Marina Resort offers accommodation with a fitness centre, free private parking, a garden and a shared lounge. Offering a restaurant, the property also has a terrace, as well as a sauna and a hot tub. The accommodation features a 24-hour front desk, airport transfers, room service and free WiFi throughout the property.
At the resort, the rooms have a balcony. Every room has air conditioning and a flat-screen TV, and certain units at Elia Agia Marina Resort have a sea view. The units will provide guests with a wardrobe and a kettle.
A buffet breakfast is available every morning at the accommodation.
Elia Agia Marina Resort offers a hammam.
Stalos Beach is less than 1 km from the resort, while Platanias Beach is 2 km away. The nearest airport is Chania International Airport, 22 km from Elia Agia Marina Resort.
Located in Agia Marina Nea Kydonias, 300 metres from Agia Marina Beach, Abella Hotel provides accommodation with a seasonal outdoor swimming pool, free private parking, a garden and a shared lounge. Providing a bar, the property is located within 600 metres of Stalos Beach. The accommodation features room service, a concierge service and luggage storage for guests.
The hotel will provide guests with air-conditioned rooms with a wardrobe, a coffee machine, a fridge, a safety deposit box, a flat-screen TV, a terrace and a private bathroom with a shower. Every room is fitted with a kettle, while some rooms will provide you with a patio and others also provide guests with city views.
Platanias Beach is 2 km from Abella Hotel, while Platanias Square is 2.1 km away. The nearest airport is Chania International, 22 km from the accommodation, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.
from
€55
/night
Just 50 metres from Agia Marina Beach in Chania and within a short walk from restaurants and mini markets, Thodorou features a pool and a bar amidst its blossomed garden. The family-run property offers self-catering accommodation with a private balcony.
Enjoying views over the garden and the pool or partial views over the Cretan Sea, the rooms of Thodorou have a kitchenette with fridge, cooking hobs and kitchenware. Each unit is equipped with a private bathroom with shower.
The on-site bar serves drinks and coffees throughout the day.
Thodorou is located 8 km from scenic Chania Town and within 16 km from Souda Port. Chania International Airport is at 20 km, while the famous beach of Platanias is 2 km away. Free private parking is possible on site.
from
€55
/night
Situated on the beach of Agia Marina, Thodorou Village features an outdoor swimming pool, garden and sun terrace. All studios include a balcony overlooking the pool. The property is 500 metres from bars and restaurants.
All studios include free WiFi and a flat-screen TV with satellite channels. The kitchen features a fridge. The bathroom has a shower and hairdryer. Air conditioning is available on request and at extra charge.
Guests can relax on the snack bar or the sun loungers offered by the pool. Alternatively, they can visit the city of Chania, 10 km away, with the Archeological Museum.
Thodorou Village is 25 km from Chania International Airport. The property offers free parking on site.
from
€57
/night
Find below list of beaches near Agia Marina beach – Chania:
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.
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.
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.
Gerani beach is a long, quiet stretch of sand and fine pebbles on the north coast of western Crete, about 13 kilometres west of Chania between Maleme and Platanias. Gerani is one of the widest and calmest beaches near the city, and its sand is a protected nesting ground for Caretta caretta sea turtles from May to September. The beach has sunbeds, umbrellas, showers and beach bars along part of its length, while long unorganised stretches stay peaceful even in high summer.
Gerani beach lies on the north coast of western Crete, about 13 kilometres west of Chania city, between the resorts of Maleme and Platanias. The beach belongs to the village of Gerani in the Platanias municipality, set in a green valley of olive and citrus groves that were once the area’s main income before tourism. A small river, the Keritis, separates Gerani from busier Platanias just to the east, and you can walk across the sand between the two. Because the beach faces open sea on the north coast, it is more exposed to the wind than the sheltered coves closer to Chania.
Gerani beach is a mix of sand and fine pebbles, with softer sand in the upper part and small pebbles where the shore meets the water. The beach runs for roughly 2.5 kilometres and is very wide, so there is room to spread out even when the organised section is busy. The sea is clear, but it deepens fairly quickly a few steps in, and it turns wavy when the north wind picks up, so water shoes and care with young swimmers both help. Several tamarisk trees behind the sand give natural shade, and more trees mark the quieter western end towards Maleme.
Gerani beach is a nesting ground for the endangered Caretta caretta loggerhead sea turtle, which lays its eggs in the sand from May to September. The nests are not always marked, so keep clear of the soft dry sand and the low dunes at the back of the beach, especially at night. Do not dig in the sand or push umbrella poles deep near the dunes during the nesting months, because a single nest sits just below the surface. Stay near the water’s edge in the evening, and the turtles and their eggs stay undisturbed.
Gerani beach is partly organised, with paid sunbeds, umbrellas, showers and beach bars along the central stretch and open, unorganised sand on either side. A lifeguard watches the organised part in the summer season, and there are water sports along this coast, with more of them at neighbouring Platanias. The beach suits families who want space and quiet, though the water deepens quickly and can be choppy in the wind, so keep a close eye on small children. For a calmer swim on windy days, the sheltered beaches nearer Chania are a short drive east.
Gerani is a small, functional village rather than a resort strip, with a mini-market, a bakery, a pharmacy, a souvenir shop and a few tavernas near the beach. Platanias, about 1.7 kilometres east, adds many more restaurants, bars and water sports, and you can reach it on foot or by the local tourist train. Maleme, about 3.7 kilometres west, holds the German war cemetery and the wartime airfield from the 1941 Battle of Crete, while Agia Marina and its beach lie about 4.1 kilometres away. This makes Gerani a quiet base within easy reach of the livelier beach resorts on the Chania coast.
Gerani takes its name from an old method of drawing water from a well, using a wooden fork, a horizontal beam, a rope with a bucket at one end and a counterweight at the other. Some researchers link the site to ancient Kydonia and to a temple of the Cretan goddess Vritomartis, a local counterpart of Artemis. In 1867 the village saw a battle against Ottoman forces, in which Cretan rebels won before the Turks returned in reprisal. The Cretan novelist John Kondilakis began his teaching career here in 1885 and 1886, and the school where he taught still stands in Pano Gerani.
Reach Gerani beach from Chania in a few easy ways, whether or not you have a car:
Parking is easy along the access roads that lead down to the beach, so arriving by car is straightforward outside the busiest afternoon hours.
A day at Gerani beach is easy to combine with Platanias, Maleme and the other beaches west of Chania when you drive yourself, since the bus timetables thin out in the evening and the quiet coast rewards an early start. Having your own car lets you reach the wide, unorganised sand before the sunbeds fill, move on to a sheltered cove when the north wind rises, and carry beach gear and water shoes for the whole family. For the most flexible day along the Chania coast, book a car rental in Crete.
Gerani beach forms one link in a long bay that runs from Kolymbari in the west to the edge of Chania, so 7 more beaches lie within 9 kilometres of it. Pano Gerani, the older half of the village set inland, shares this same shoreline, and every beach below sits on the coast road that passes the village.
Gerani beach is on the north coast of western Crete, about 13 kilometres west of Chania city, between Maleme and Platanias. The beach belongs to the village of Gerani in the Platanias municipality and sits in a valley of olive and citrus groves.
Gerani beach is a mix of sand and fine pebbles, with softer sand in the upper part and small pebbles at the water’s edge. The beach is long and very wide, so there is plenty of open space to spread out.
No, the sea at Gerani beach deepens fairly quickly and often turns wavy when the north wind blows. The water is clear, but water shoes help on the pebbles, and swimmers should take care with children on windy days.
Yes, Gerani beach is a nesting ground for Caretta caretta loggerhead sea turtles from May to September. Keep clear of the soft dry sand and the dunes, and avoid digging near them, so the unmarked nests stay safe.
Gerani beach suits families who want a wide, quiet beach with room to spread out, and a lifeguard watches the organised stretch in summer. The water deepens quickly and can be choppy in the wind, so keep a close eye on young children.
7 beaches lie within 9 kilometres of Gerani beach. Platanias sits 1.7 kilometres east, Maleme 3.7 kilometres west, Agia Marina 4.1 kilometres east, Tavronitis 5.6 kilometres west, Stalos 5.8 kilometres east, Kalamaki 7.7 kilometres away and Rapaniana 8.1 kilometres west.
Agia Marina beach, 4.1 kilometres east of Gerani, stays sheltered on windy days because man-made stone piers break the swell. The water there is shallow and calm, and the beach carries a full row of sunbeds, umbrellas and water sports.
Reach Gerani beach from Chania by driving about 13 kilometres west along the coast road in 15 to 20 minutes, or by taking the Chania City Bus or KTEL coach that pass through the village. Chania International Airport is roughly a 35-minute drive away.
Yes, the central part of Gerani beach has paid sunbeds, umbrellas, showers and beach bars, while the stretches on either side stay open and unorganised. The beach itself is free to enter.
No, Gerani is a quiet family beach and is not a designated naturist beach. It has an organised section with sunbeds and beach bars, and long open stretches used by families and day visitors.
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