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Saint Paul, or Agios Pavlos, is a stunning, hidden gem of a beach nestled in a scenic cove on the Rodopos Peninsula, situated 40km northwest of Chania city. The simplest route to this spot is by taking a boat from either Ravdoucha or Kissamos. It’s also accessible by car, following a lengthy dirt road that begins at Rodopos village and ends at the ancient monastery of Saint Paul, which overlooks the beach. Along the way, you’ll encounter the picturesque monastery of Saint John Gionas, a significant historical site in western Crete.
The beach takes its name from the quaint, historic Saint Paul monastery, renowned for its striking frescoes and the abundance of inscriptions left by pirates, sponge fishermen, travellers, and Venetian rulers. This secluded beach boasts clear pebbles and refreshingly deep, cool waters. It’s the perfect spot for solitude, particularly on calm, windless days. However, the lengthy drive may not be worthwhile if the beach alone is your sole purpose for visiting.
Get directions to Agios Pavlos beach, Ravdoucha
Yes, the Agios Pavlos beach, Ravdoucha is suitable for swimming, but it is recommended to be cautious as the water can be deep in some areas.
No, there are no water sports activities available at the Agios Pavlos beach, Ravdoucha.
No, there is no lifeguard on duty at the Agios Pavlos beach, Ravdoucha.
Yes, pets are allowed on the Agios Pavlos beach, Ravdoucha, but it is recommended to keep them on a leash.
There are no restaurants or cafes near the Agios Pavlos beach, Ravdoucha, so it is recommended to bring your own food and drinks.
Yes, there is a parking area near the Agios Pavlos beach, Ravdoucha, but it can get crowded during peak season.
Yes, there are hiking trails near the Agios Pavlos beach, Ravdoucha that offer stunning views of the surrounding area.
No, the Agios Pavlos beach, Ravdoucha is not accessible for people with disabilities as there are no facilities available for them.
The water colour of the Agios Pavlos beach, Ravdoucha is blue.
The Agios Pavlos beach, Ravdoucha has pebbles and rocks in some places.
The water depth of the Agios Pavlos beach, Ravdoucha is normal.
The surface of the sea is usually wavy at the Agios Pavlos beach, Ravdoucha.
The Agios Pavlos beach, Ravdoucha is usually quiet.
There are no facilities available at the Agios Pavlos beach, Ravdoucha.
The Agios Pavlos beach, Ravdoucha can be accessed via a dirt track.
Yes, the Agios Pavlos beach, Ravdoucha is nudism friendly.
The Agios Pavlos beach, Ravdoucha is ideal for snorkeling and spearfishing.
Find below list of things to do near Agios Pavlos beach, Ravdoucha:
Explore the wild natural beauty and the crystal-clear waters of two majestic hidden beaches on this guided cruise from Kolymbari to Menies and Chironisia. Use the provided snorkeling gear to uncover the remains of a sunken gun and carriage from WWII.
Choose from a tour that meets on the boat in the harbor of Kolymbari or that includes convenient hotel pickup and drop-off from select locations in north Chania. Set off a comfortable and spacious boat.
Feel the wind in your hair as you glide to Menies beach which is on the site of ancient Diktynna, where the most important temple of the goddess Vritomartis was located. See the remains of the ancient Roman temple as well as a 9th century abandoned monastery of St. George.
Put on your snorkel gear to explore some underwater items from WWII before heading to Chironisia Bay, a small hidden bay that is only accessible by the sea. Plunge into the deep blue waters where you can venture into small caves with the snorkel gear.
On our Kayak Morning Tour, you will have the opportunity to paddle in a stunning sea gulf, visit a shipwreck and some other very interesting spots and reach out to a small private beach for rest and snorkel!
Our Kayak Morning Tour starts from a beach very close to Kissamos city.
After the reservation, a small form is sent to you with extra details that we will need in order to have the kayaks adjusted and ready for our small kayak adventure.
We start by meeting all together in our starting point, fitting the safety equipment and taking instructions on how to kayak and being safe in the sea!
When all the participants take place in their kayaks, we will start our tour by heading for our first point of interest, which is a shipwreck (Manassa Rose) in the middle of Kissamos Bay!
You will hear the story of this shipwreck and after that we will take our course heading to the next point of interest that is some metal mine ruins from 1905!
On the way, we will paddle through a beautiful coast line and hear some interesting facts about the area!
Distant small chapels are along our way and very nice rocky natural formations!
Reaching the mine ruins, we will hear the small story of them and straight after we will head for a small private beach accessible only by sea!
There we have a stop for rest, drink some beverages, swim and snorkel its amazing underwater formations.
Right after we leave the small beach, we will have the opportunity to explore the sea cave of Ravdoucha.
On our Kayak Sunset Tour, you will have the opportunity to paddle in a stunning sea gulf, visit the shipwreck that rests in middle of Kissamos bay, the old Ravdoucha metal mine ruins, a very interesting sea cave and reach out to a small private beach for rest and snorkel!
The Kayak Sunset Tour starts in the afternoon, on a beach very close to Kissamos city. After the reservation, a small form is sent to you with extra details that we will need in order for us to have the kayaks adjusted and ready for our small kayak adventure.
We start by meeting all together in our starting point, fitting the safety equipment and taking instructions on how to kayak and being safe in the sea!
When all the participants take place in their kayaks, we start our tour by heading for our first point of interest, which is a shipwreck (Manassa Rose) in the middle of Kissamos Bay!
You will hear the story of this shipwreck and after that we will take the course heading to the next point of interest that is some metal mine ruins from 1905!
On the way, we will paddle through a beautiful coast line and hear some interesting facts about the area!
Distant small chapels are along our way and very nice rocky natural formations!
Reaching the mine ruins, we will hear the small story of them and straight after we will head for a small private beach accessible only by sea!
There we have a stop for rest, swim and snorkel its amazing underwater formations.
Right after we leave the small beach, we will have the opportunity to explore the sea cave of Ravdoucha.
When we are ready and the sunset light is getting ready to lay down its colors, we start paddling back to the starting point in the lights of the Sunset.
A total paddling time is around 3 hours and the total tour is around 4,5 hours!
No kayaking experience is required since all our equipment is beginner friendly and instructions are provided before our tour!
Find your rigid inflatable boat (RIB) vessel at Chania’s old port to begin a memorable half-day boat trip. Your experienced skipper will sail you to the first stop, Menies Beach. Anchor here for one hour and enjoy turquoise waters and ancient ruins as you swim or sunbathe.
Afterward, continue towards the northwestern part of the Chania prefecture, at the end of the land. Arrive at the island of Gramvousa and see its Venetian fortress and a sunken ship. Take memorable photos while your skipper anchors. Have approximately one hour on the island so that you explore on your own and perhaps even take a 40-minute roundtrip hike to the fortress.
Finally, continue on for 15 minutes to the famous Balos Beach. Have another two hours to enjoy the breathtaking view of the coast and the sea. Your skipper will call you for the return trip back to Chania’s old port. Depending on the weather conditions, the skipper will let you visit one or two secluded bays and beaches on the way back to Chania.
Book a private rigid inflatable boat (RIB) vessel and an experienced skipper to explore the western parts of Crete with your family or friends. Departing from Kissamos Port, board your boat and ride the waves to the famous Balos Lagoon and to the historic Gamvousa Island. The skipper will take you on an adventurous or relaxed ride (according to your preferences) and provide drinks and snacks on the way.
At your first stop, Balos, you’ll anchor and explore the area’s white sand beaches and vivid turquoise waters for 1.5 hours. You’ll then head to Gramvousa, an island with a medieval fortress at the top of the hill. There, you can sunbathe, snorkel, and swim for another 1.5 hours before returning to Kissamos.
Start your day with pick-up from the nearest point to your hotel. Drive towards the west side of Crete in a bus to reach the port of Kissamos Kasteli. After your escort gives you all the necessary information about the cruise, arrive at the port to board the ferry boat to Gramvousa. Your escort will collect the money for the boat tickets from you so you can skip the lines at the ticket offices.
At about 10:30 AM, set off for the island of Gramvousa on the ferry, which has a restaurant with self-service meals and snacks. Sit back on a deck chair or in the lounge for the journey of approximately 45 minutes. During the cruise, marvel at the cliff edges of the wildest part of Crete and learn about the history of the island with the onboard commentary played through the speakers in various languages.
Upon arrival in Gramvousa, either have a swim or take a hike to the top of the island to the Venetian fortress. Enjoy 2.5 hours on Gramvousa before you continue to the lagoon of Balos, which is 20 minutes away.
As soon as you arrive at the lagoon, you’ll have a little less than 3 hours to enjoy the area. You may go back to the boat at any time for food or also hire umbrellas if the heat is too intense. In the early evening, board the boat to head back to the port of Kissamos, where a bus will be waiting to return you to your hotel area.
Find below the list of hotels near Agios Pavlos beach, Ravdoucha:
Located in Rodhopós, 19 km from Kissamos / Kasteli Port and 19 km from Platanias Square, Christine Countryside House – Fully renovated with all modern comforts offers barbecue facilities and air conditioning. This property offers access to a balcony, free private parking and free WiFi.
The holiday home with a terrace and mountain views features 2 bedrooms, a living room, a flat-screen TV, an equipped kitchen with a dishwasher and an oven, and 2 bathrooms with a shower. Towels and bed linen are featured in the holiday home.
Agios Dimitrios Church is 20 km from the holiday home, while Municipal Garden is 28 km away. The nearest airport is Chania International Airport, 43 km from Christine Countryside House – Fully renovated with all modern comforts.
Set in Ravdhoúkha and only 500 metres from Ravdoucha Beach, Sunset Traditional House offers accommodation with mountain views, free WiFi and free private parking. This villa features air-conditioned accommodation with a balcony.
The villa is fitted with 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, bed linen, towels, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, and a terrace with sea views.
The villa offers a barbecue. If you would like to discover the area, snorkelling and fishing are possible in the surroundings and Sunset Traditional House can arrange a car rental service.
Kissamos / Kasteli Port is 20 km from the accommodation, while Platanias Square is 22 km away. The nearest airport is Chania International Airport, 46 km from Sunset Traditional House.
from
€177
/night
Located in Chania Town and only 1.2 km from Afrata Beach, La Casa de Alexandros provides accommodation with mountain views, free WiFi and free private parking. This apartment features air-conditioned accommodation with a balcony.
The apartment with a terrace and sea views features 2 bedrooms, a living room, a flat-screen TV, an equipped kitchen with an oven and a microwave, and 1 bathroom with a shower. Towels and bed linen are featured in the apartment.
The apartment offers a barbecue. A car rental service is available at La Casa de Alexandros.
Platanias Square is 18 km from the accommodation, while Agios Dimitrios Church is 19 km away. The nearest airport is Chania International, 42 km from La Casa de Alexandros, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.
from
€128
/night
Built among olive trees, Villa Georgia Heated Pool & Jet-Tub offers a private swimming pool with hydromassage jets and children’s section. It is located in Afrata Village, 34 km from Souda Port.
The air-conditioned villa consists of 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms and an open-plan kitchen with living room. Facilities include free WiFi, a spa bath, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels and a PS3.
At Villa Georgia Heated Pool & Jet-Tub you will find a garden and BBQ facilities. An outdoor dining area is suitable for al fresco meals.
Chania International Airport is 40 km away. The property offers free private parking.
from
€414
/night
Boasting a private pool and mountain views, Chania Village Villa Charoupia & Villa Dapnhe is located in Afráta. Guests may go for a swim in the outdoor pool.
The holiday home has a flat-screen TV, a well-equipped kitchen with an oven and 1 bathroom with a shower.
Chania Village Villa Charoupia & Villa Dapnhe offers a terrace.
The lively Platanias Village is 18 km away, while Afrata Beach is just 1 km away. Chania Town is 31 km from the accommodation. The nearest airport is Chania International Airport, 45 km from Chania Village Villa Charoupia & Villa Dapnhe.
from
€145
/night
Set in Afráta, 1.5 km from Afrata Beach and 18 km from Platanias Square, Villa Rosemari, Anatoli Apartment offers air-conditioned accommodation with a balcony and free WiFi. With mountain views, this accommodation features a patio.
The apartment with a terrace and sea views features 2 bedrooms, a living room, a flat-screen TV, an equipped kitchen with an oven and a toaster, and 1 bathroom with a shower. Towels and bed linen are featured in the apartment.
Guests at the apartment can enjoy cycling nearby, or make the most of the garden.
Agios Dimitrios Church is 19 km from Villa Rosemari, Anatoli Apartment, while Kissamos / Kasteli Port is 20 km away. The nearest airport is Chania International Airport, 42 km from the accommodation.
from
€228
/night
Find below list of beaches near Agios Pavlos beach, Ravdoucha:
Ravdoucha’s beachfront, situated approximately 21km west of Chania and close to the village of Ravdoucha on the peninsula Rodopos’ western coast, offers truly splendid scenery. The area is characterized by its towering mountains, rugged rocks, and olive groves, and is peppered with several small bays featuring beautiful rock formations and pebbly beaches. The sea, regularly influenced by the western winds, provides an excellent spot for snorkelling. Ravdoucha also boasts several renowned fish taverns and basic tourist facilities. Although there are no umbrellas on the beach, shade can be found under the trees.
One can reach Ravdoucha by car via a well-maintained paved road from the Chania – Kisamos highway. The village is constructed on a height, providing an overlook to the sea. En route to the beach, travellers will encounter the cave-like chapels of St Marina and St Onoufrios, which are worth photographing.
The northernmost beach in the area, named Neratzia after a small tavern of the same name, is a peaceful sandy beach. There’s a small pier on the side that serves as a modest harbour.
Afrata is a quaint village nestled 3.5km north of Kolymbari and 28km west of Chania, situated at Cape Rodopos. Just 1km east of the village, within a serene bay, you’ll find the charming beach of Afrata.
The beach, with its pebbly terrain and appealing water hues, is a popular spot among locals, as it remains untouched by the area’s winds. The raw beauty of Rodopos Cape, coupled with the tranquil sea and the picturesque village, makes Afrata an ideal destination for a peaceful getaway. The beach features a small canteen for food and water purchases, and shade is provided by umbrellas and tamarisk trees.
The road to Afrata from Kolimbari is paved with asphalt, but caution is advised due to its narrowness. After passing through the village, the road leads to the beach via a stunning gorge. Along the way, just below Odigitria Gonia monastery, you’ll encounter the quiet, rocky coves of Odigitria.
The route from Kolymvari to Afrata also takes you past the historic Panagia Odigitria Gonia Monastery and the Orthodox Academy. The Monastery is a significant part of the island’s history. The Turkish occupation of Crete began here in 1645, and in 1897, it was the landing point of the Greek army, triggering the Greek-Turkish war. Located near Kolymbari port, the Monastery comprises the main temple, an inner courtyard, monks’ cells, and walls that served to protect against pirates, Turks, and other invaders. On the northeast side, within the walls, you can still see the damage caused by the Turkish gunfire against the Monastery.
Additionally, north of Afrata is the Ellinospilios cave, an archaeological treasure trove. However, the path to the cave, due to the region’s rocky landscape, is rather challenging and recommended for experienced walkers only. Specialized knowledge and equipment are necessary for cave entry. The cave’s entrance is positioned just above sea level and the path continues northeast.
Skotini, a stunning beach, is nestled between Ravdoucha and Agios Vasilios at Cape Sideris, near Panagia Myrtidiotissa at Choni. It is found at the end of a narrow, steep gorge. The beach is reachable via a striking trail that begins at Saint Marina (Agia Marina) in Ravdoucha and extends to Nopigia. Approximately 20-25 minutes into the hike, after passing the rock above Ravdoucha beach, you divert from the path and descend towards the dilapidated iron ore transhipment facilities that were operational in the early 20th century. Historically, there existed a small settlement, Skotini, inhabited by mining workers.
Before arriving at the rugged coastline, you’ll discover a sizable cave that provides refuge for the local goats. After cautiously navigating through the mine and natural saltpans, you will reach Skotini beach, noted for its rocks and cavities, and also referred to as Metalio (mine). The beach features pebbles and crystal blue waters. However, it is significantly impacted by the west winds that carry litter across the Kissamos bay. The beach provides an idyllic relaxation spot during the south winds, when the waters are clear.
Within the region spanning from Ravdoucha to Nopigia, numerous hidden coves with petite beaches emerge, primarily featuring pebbles and a rocky seabed. The road from Nopigia runs parallel to the coastline, offering breathtaking sea views until it reaches the church of Panagia Myrtidiotissa at Choni location, and it continues only a short distance further. From this point, a walk will lead us to the renovated chapel of Saint Basil situated on the beach. To get there, we first hike up a rather rough dirt road and then descend towards the beach where the chapel is roughly in the center. This beach is adorned with large pebbles and an eye-catching rocky seabed.
To the north of Agios Vasilios, a minor stream forms that can be accessed on foot from the Ravdoucha region. Where this stream meets the sea, the small pebbled beach of Skotini takes shape, counted amongst the most stunning hidden beaches in Western Crete. A few meters further north, at the edge of a peninsula, remnants of an early 20th-century iron ore mine can be found. The base of the loading platform still stands in the sea. In the past, a small community of mine workers resided here, but it is now abandoned.
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