Almyrida beach

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.

Where Almyrida beach is

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.

The two beaches, sand and water

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.

Good for families

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.

Facilities and tavernas

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.

Windsurfing and water sports

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 islet, opposite the beach

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.

When to visit and how busy it gets

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.

How to reach Almyrida beach

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.

Getting to Almyrida beach by car

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.

Frequently asked questions

Where is Almyrida beach?

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.

Is Almyrida beach sandy or rocky?

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.

Is Almyrida beach good for families with children?

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.

What facilities does Almyrida beach have?

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.

Can you do water sports at Almyrida beach?

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.

When is the best time to visit Almyrida beach?

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.

How do you get to Almyrida beach?

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.