Crete Locals logo

Hiona beach

About Hiona beach

Chiona is located 91 km east of Agios Nikolaos and 22km east of Sitia, 2km east of the small town Palekastro. It is a nice sandy beach with whitish sand and shallow blue water. The beach is not too long but is renowned for its beauty and serenity.

Chiona means carob storehouse in the Cretan dialect and is taken after the storehouses that were usually built next on the Cretan beaches in order to transfer carobs with ships; roads were almost absent. Indeed the area was known for trading carobs.

Here you can have a perfect day, especially if you combine your visit to Chiona with eating at the famous local fish taverns. The beach is slightly organised (near the taverns) but there are some tamarisk trees along the coast, offering shade. East of the main beach, there are several small coves, where you can find a quiet place to swim alone and nude. The first sandy beach is called Bondalaki and is an amazing beach. maybe the best in the entire area.

Opposite of Chiona you will see the small islands Grandes. Moreover, in the position of Roussolakkos, just next to the beach, you can visit the remains of an ancient Minoan port and settlement. North of Chiona, you will meet the long beach of Kouremenos, the most famous spot for windsurfing in Crete. Moreover, you can walk to the top of the hill Kastri on the west end of the beach, where you’ll meet the ruins of an old fort and have amazing views of the sea.

Photos

Ads

FAQ

What is the meaning of the name Hiona (Chiona) beach?

The name Hiona (Chiona) beach comes from the Greek word “χιώνα” which means “snowy” due to the white sand on the beach.

Is Hiona (Chiona) beach suitable for swimming?

Yes, Hiona (Chiona) beach is suitable for swimming as the water is clear and calm.

Are there any water sports activities available at Hiona (Chiona) beach?

No, there are no water sports activities available at Hiona (Chiona) beach.

Is there any shade available at Hiona (Chiona) beach?

Yes, there are some trees and umbrellas available for shade at Hiona (Chiona) beach.

Is Hiona (Chiona) beach accessible for people with disabilities?

No, Hiona (Chiona) beach is not accessible for people with disabilities as there are stairs to access the beach.

Is there any parking available at Hiona (Chiona) beach?

Yes, there is a small parking area available near Hiona (Chiona) beach.

What is the water colour of the beach?

The water colour of the beach is blue.

What type of sand is found on the beach?

The beach has sand.

How deep is the water at the beach?

The water at the beach is shallow.

What is the surface of the sea like at the beach?

The sea surface at the beach is usually calm.

What is the crowd like at the beach?

The beach has normal crowds.

What facilities are available at the beach?

The beach has accommodation options, food/water nearby, showers, and a Blue Flag.

How can the beach be accessed?

The beach can be accessed via a paved road.

Is the beach nudism friendly?

Yes, the beach is nudism friendly.

Is there tree shade available at the beach?

Yes, there is tree shade available at the beach.

Beach facilities

  • Accommodation options
  • Food / water nearby
  • Showers
  • Blue Flag

Crowds

  • Normal

Water depths

  • Shallow

Beach sand type

  • Sand

Sea surface

  • Usually calm

Water colour

  • Blue

Accessibility

  • Accommodation options

Other information

  • Nudism friendly
  • Tree Shade

Review stats

/5
Hiona beach has received 0 reviews with an average rating of  out of 5

Excellent

0%

Very good

0%

Good

0%

Fair

0%

Poor

0%

Reviews

Gorge Location

Get Your Guide

Crete Locals © All rights reserved.