These images are powered by
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.
Get directions to Kalamaki beach – Chania
The best time to visit Kalamaki beach is during the summer months, from June to September, when the weather is warm and sunny.
Yes, Kalamaki beach is suitable for families with children as the water is shallow and calm, and there are plenty of facilities nearby.
Yes, there are several water sports activities available at Kalamaki beach, including jet skiing, parasailing, and banana boat rides.
Yes, there is a lifeguard on duty at Kalamaki beach during the summer months.
Yes, there are several restaurants and cafes near Kalamaki beach, offering a variety of local and international cuisine.
Yes, Kalamaki beach is accessible for people with disabilities, with wheelchair ramps and accessible toilets available.
Yes, there is a parking area near Kalamaki beach, although it can get crowded during peak season.
The water colour of the Kalamaki beach – Chania is blue.
The Kalamaki beach – Chania has sand as its sand type.
The water at the Kalamaki beach – Chania is shallow.
The sea surface at the Kalamaki beach – Chania is usually wavy.
Yes, the Kalamaki beach – Chania is a crowded place.
The Kalamaki beach – Chania offers accommodation options, food/water nearby, umbrellas/beds, sports, lifeguard, showers, and a Blue Flag.
The Kalamaki beach – Chania can be accessed through bus services and a paved road.
No, there is no other information available about the Kalamaki beach – Chania.
Find below list of things to do near Kalamaki 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.
The boat departs from the Old Venetian Harbor and heads out onto the Gulf of Chania. Pass by the island’s famous lighthouse, which was built by the Venetians in the 16th century and later modified by the Egyptians in 1839.
The boat continues to sail west towards Lazaretta Island, a small island close to Chania which provides the best views of the sunset across the Kissamos Mountains. The island has a vast history that predates the Venetian occupation. Listen to your guide share lively commentary about the history of the island and its former inhabitants as you watch the sunset and the sky change color.
Relax on deck as you marvel at the sunset against the Kissamos Mountains or take a short swim, then enjoy a traditional Greek raki. As the boat begins the return journey back to Chania, admire the harbor’s glistening lights reflecting against the water as evening turns to night.
Explore the Old Port of Chania on Agioi Theodoroi and Lazaretta Island on a history-lover’s boat cruise. Learn about the history of Venetian occupation, and see a German plane wreck from WWII. Take time to relax on the beach and swim.
This activity takes you to two islands connected with ancient mythology and the history of the Venetian occupation. Heading west from the Old Port of Chania, your first stop will be Agioi Theodoroi, an island that was used historically to defend the coast of Crete.
Nowadays, it’s a protected area and haven for kri-kri, an elegant and endangered Cretan goat. Your group will drop anchor close to a German airplane wreck (completely destroyed) dated from WWII, and give you the opportunity to dive into the water to see it for yourself.
After approximately 20 minutes, you’ll head on to the second stop on the same island, inside a small gulf with a nice view and a high possibility of seeing the kri-kri goats. The duration of this stop will be approximately 30 minutes.
Head on to Lazaretto (or Lazaretta) island, a small island opposite Nea Xora. Clear waters rich in marine life combined with two beautiful sandy beaches make this the best place to end your trip.
Enjoy options to swim or relax on the beach until the boat leaves back for Chania. On the way back, you’ll get panoramic views of the Old Venetian Harbour with its famous lighthouse and walled fortresses—an excellent view of what the city looks like from the sea.
Grab a paddleboard and journey to the secluded island of Lazareta on this SUP trip from Chania. Experience a water activity that is easy and suitable for everyone. An instructor will teach you the basics of stand-up paddle boarding so you’ll feel confident during the trip.
After learning the basics, follow your instructor to the picturesque oasis, the island of Lazareta, located in front of New Chora beach in the center of Chania. Discover the small beaches of the island and hear about the history that dates back to the Venetian period in the 16th century.
You’ll have time to take a dip in the crystal-clear waters and see a variety of fish. While you’re relaxing in the sun, you can enjoy the breathtaking view above the town, where the White Mountains open wide and big behind.
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.
Embark on a guided hike in the Samariá Gorge on a day trip from Rethymno or Chania. Get your daily dose of exercise, enjoy the panoramic views and take a swim.
Discover the longest gorge in Europe, an area of stunning natural beauty. See its many flowers and herbs and the crystal-clear spring waters that flow from the mountains.
Following an early morning pickup from the nearest point to your accommodation in Rethymno or Chania, travel through the mountains passing the plateau of Omalos.
Arrive at some wooden stairs at the start of Samariá Gorge. You can opt to start the walk straight away or get some breakfast at the taverna before you begin. Hike for approximately 6-7 hours and experience the magnificent landscape on a 16-kilometer walk.
Once you have finished the hike, there will be ample time for a swim and lunch at a taverna in Agia Roumeli.
Find below the list of hotels near Kalamaki beach – Chania:
The beachfront Kalamaki Luxury Suites offers air-conditioned accommodation with free WiFi in Kalamaki.
The property offers a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with free toiletries, a hair dryer and shower. Some units have a seating area and/or a balcony. A hot tub is featured in some units.
Guests can dine in the in-house restaurant, which serves Mediterranean cuisine and also offers vegetarian options.
Chania Town is 6 km from Kalamaki Luxury Suites. The nearest airport is Chania International Airport, 19 km from the property.
from
€86
/night
Sevach is a small, family-run hotel, situated in Kalamaki, 4 km west of Chania, and only 20 metres from the Blue Flag sandy beach. Cafes, bars and restaurants are easily accessed.
Sevach offers air-conditioned studios and apartments, most with a view to the sea. Room facilities include kitchenette with microwave and fridge, large balcony and bathroom with hairdryer.
Guests can sunbathe at the hotel’s roof garden which is equipped with sun beds and umbrellas and offers views to Kalamaki Beach and the nearby islet Thodorou.
Frequent bus service is available only 30 metres away from the hotel.
from
€85
/night
Located on the famous beach of Kalamaki, just 5 kilometres west of Chania and the charming Venetian Harbour, Corinna Mare is built on a peninsula which overlooks the island of Theodorou.
The recently renovated Corinna Mare offers rooms with spacious balconies, most with a view of the sea,. Each is equipped with modern comforts and amenities such as air conditioning, telephone, TV, safety deposit box. Also available are disabled-friendly rooms.
While the central beach is just 50 metres from Corinna Mare, a small private beach is right at the edge of the pool. Three local villages (Galatas, Daratsos, and Stalos) spread out within a 2 kilometre radius, giving the guest a taste of the island.
from
€76
/night
Boasting a year-round outdoor pool, Sonja Beachfront Apartments in Kato Daratso offers accommodation with free WiFi and free private parking for guests who drive.
Each unit has a balcony offering sea views, a satellite flat-screen TV, a well-fitted kitchen and a private bathroom with shower and a hair dryer. For added convenience, the property can provide towels and linens for a supplement.
The apartment offers a sun terrace.
A car rental service is available at Sonja Beachfront Apartments.
Popular points of interest near the accommodation include Glaros Beach, Kalamaki Beach and Iguana Beach. The nearest airport is Chania International Airport, 18 km from Sonja Beachfront Apartments.
from
€71
/night
Situated in Galatás, 200 metres from Glaros Beach and 200 metres from Kalamaki Beach, Evelia Apartment offers a garden and air conditioning. This beachfront property offers access to a balcony and free WiFi.
The apartment with a terrace and garden views has 1 bedroom, a living room, a flat-screen TV, an equipped kitchen with a dishwasher and an oven, and 1 bathroom with an a bath or shower. Towels and bed linen are available in the apartment.
Iguana Beach is 1.6 km from the apartment, while Municipal Garden is 2.7 km from the property. The nearest airport is Chania International Airport, 18 km from Evelia Apartment.
from
€142
/night
Set 100 metres from Kalamaki Beach, Rotunda Suites offers a seasonal outdoor swimming pool, a garden and air-conditioned accommodation with a balcony and free WiFi.
The aparthotel provides guests with a terrace, city views, a seating area, satellite flat-screen TV, a fully equipped kitchen with a toaster and a fridge, and a private bathroom with shower and a hair dryer. A stovetop and kitchenware are also featured, as well as a coffee machine and a kettle.
Glaros Beach is 200 metres from Rotunda Suites, while Iguana Beach is 1.4 km away. The nearest airport is Chania International Airport, 18 km from the accommodation.
Find below list of beaches near Kalamaki beach – Chania:
The Glaros beach, a coastal front for the village of Kato Daratsos in the Kidonia province, is situated 5 kilometres to the west of Chania city, within the Makris Tihos area. It’s flanked by Kalamaki on its western side and the Agii Apostoli beaches to its east. A narrow land strip, terminating at the cape home to the Holy Apostles’ church, separates it from the Agii Apostoli’s western beach.
Boasting of fine sand and abundant tamarisk trees for those seeking shade instead of renting umbrellas, Glaros beach is a popular destination due to its proximity to Chania city. It’s exposed to the northern winds, which means if the waves get too high, you can relocate to the sheltered bays of Agii Apostoli nearby.
The Agii Apostoli, also known as the Holy Apostles, is home to two breathtaking beaches situated merely 3km west of Chania. The first beach, nestled next to the eastern edge of Glaros beach, boasts soft sand, full amenities, and ample parking, making it easily accessible. The beach is shielded from winds by a small peninsula to its west, which also houses a picturesque park ideal for leisurely walks and the iconic chapel of the Holy Apostles, the namesake for the surrounding area.
A stone’s throw to the east, a second equally enchanting semicircular cove emerges, featuring stunning green-hued waters and fine sandy beaches. The awe-inspiring rock formations that flank the beach only add to its allure. Adjacent to the eastern end of this beach, a small pine grove stretches out towards Chrissi Akti.
Both coves can be accessed either by bus from Chania or by foot. Additionally, Agii Apostoli is perfect for cyclists and pedestrians alike, thanks to the expansive paved road. With an array of high-grade hotels nearby, accommodation options are plentiful in the area.
Chrissi Akti, or Golden Beach, is an organised sandy beach about 2.5 kilometres west of Chania, in the Agii Apostoli area of Crete. Chrissi Akti takes its name from its fine golden sand and ranks among the closest good beaches to Chania town, with shallow, clear water that stays calm on most days. The beach is well organised with sunbeds, umbrellas, showers and beach cafes, and it holds a Blue Flag.
Chrissi Akti beach lies on the north coast of western Crete, about 2.5 kilometres west of Chania city, next to the beaches of Agii Apostoli. The beach sits in the Daratso area of the Kydonia region, so it is an easy trip from the city centre by road or on foot. The whole Agii Apostoli area is dotted with small parks full of pine and eucalyptus trees, which give shade and green space right behind the coast. Golden Beach is one of two sandy coves here, separated by a low band of rocks from the quieter Aptera beach next to it.
Chrissi Akti has fine golden sand and shallow, crystal-clear water that gives the beach its name. The main beach runs about 500 metres along the shore, and the sand continues further east toward Chania. The sea here is usually calm with few waves, because the beach is well protected from the west and summer winds. When the north wind picks up, the water can turn choppier, so many visitors move to the more sheltered coves of Agii Apostoli nearby.
Chrissi Akti is made up of 2 sandy beaches split by a line of rocks, and each one has a different character. Golden Beach, the west cove, is the main and most popular stretch, and it is very well organised with sunbeds, umbrellas, showers, changing cabins, cafes and water sports. Aptera beach, the east cove closer to Chania, is quieter and less developed, so it suits visitors who want a calmer spot within a short walk of the city. Both coves share the same fine golden sand and shallow water.
Chrissi Akti beach suits families with young children, because the water is shallow and calm and the sand is soft and fine. The organised part of the beach has sunbeds and umbrellas to hire, showers, changing cabins and beach cafes, and a lifeguard watches the main beach in summer. A children’s playground sits close to the sand, and there are water sports such as windsurfing for anyone who wants an active day. Golden Beach can get busy at weekends and through the peak summer season, yet the beach is long and wide enough to find space.
Reach Chrissi Akti beach from Chania in a few easy ways, whether you have a car or not:
Parking is available near the beach, so arriving by car is straightforward outside the busiest hours. Golden Beach is free to visit, and you only pay if you hire a sunbed and umbrella on the organised stretch.
Visit Chrissi Akti beach between June and September, when the weather is warm and the sunbeds, cafes and water sports all run. The beach fills up at weekends and in high summer, so arrive earlier in the day for more space, easier parking and calmer water. Spring and early autumn stay quieter and are still pleasant for swimming, which makes May, June and September good months for anyone who prefers fewer people.
Chrissi Akti sits within a short walk of several other beaches on the west side of Chania. The beaches of Agii Apostoli lie about 0.8 kilometres away, in sheltered coves backed by a park and the chapel that gives the area its name. Nea Chora beach, about 1.5 kilometres east toward the old harbour, is the closest sandy beach to the city centre and is known for its seafood taverns. The pine and eucalyptus parks between these beaches make the whole coast easy and shaded to explore on foot or by bike.
A day at Chrissi Akti beach is easy to combine with the other beaches and villages west of Chania when you drive yourself, since bus timetables and coastal parking fill up fast in summer. Having your own car lets you reach Golden Beach early, move on to Agii Apostoli or Nea Chora when the north wind rises, and carry beach gear for the family without waiting for a service. For the most flexible timing along the Chania coast, book a car rental in Crete.
Chrissi Akti, or Golden Beach, is on the north coast of western Crete, about 2.5 kilometres west of Chania city, next to Agii Apostoli. The beach sits in the Daratso area of the Kydonia region and is one of the closest sandy beaches to Chania town.
Chrissi Akti beach is sandy, with fine golden sand that gives the beach its name. The soft sand and shallow water make it comfortable for walking into the sea and for children to play.
Yes, the water at Chrissi Akti beach is shallow and clear and stays calm on most days. The beach is protected from the west and summer winds, though the sea can turn choppier when the north wind blows.
Yes, Chrissi Akti beach suits families, because the water is shallow and calm and the sand is fine and soft. A children’s playground sits near the beach, and a lifeguard watches the main stretch in summer.
Yes, sunbeds and umbrellas are available to hire on the organised part of Golden Beach. The same stretch has showers, changing cabins and beach cafes, and the beach itself is free to enter.
Reach Chrissi Akti beach from Chania by city bus, on foot along the coast in about 20 to 30 minutes, or by taxi, car or bike. The beach lies only about 2.5 kilometres west of the city, and there is parking nearby.
Golden Beach is the main, well-organised west cove, while Aptera beach is the quieter, less developed east cove closer to Chania. The two share the same golden sand and shallow water and are separated by a low line of rocks.
The best time to visit Chrissi Akti beach is between June and September, when the weather is warm and all the beach services run. The beach is busiest at weekends and in high summer, so mornings and the shoulder months of May and September are quieter.
No, Chrissi Akti is an organised family beach and is not a designated naturist beach. It has sunbeds, umbrellas, a lifeguard and beach cafes, and it is used mainly by families and day visitors from 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.
© All rights reserved. Crete Locals
