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Nea Chora, a picturesque sandy beach, lies just a kilometer west of Chania city center along Akti Papanikoli Street, opposite the Lazaretta islet. A short 15-minute stroll from Chania’s old harbor, this beach boasts a well-maintained main area with several facilities at hand. While mostly sandy, Nea Chora also features rocky patches. It’s the perfect spot for those who prefer to stay nearby the city center. East of the beach, you can still spot the old soap factory’s towering chimney and the former sanatorium of Chania. Nea Chora is a favorite among locals for its seafood taverns, but there are also plenty of restaurants, snack bars, and cafes to choose from. Every summer, the beach hosts the “Sardine Festival”, complete with traditional music, dancing, and free fish for attendees.
Kladissos beach
Further along the river Kladisos, a second beach unfolds all the way up to Aptera beach. Kladisos beach is a lengthy sandy bay, interspersed with pebbly areas. Despite its proximity to Chania and its appealing beauty, the beach remains relatively secluded and unspoiled. The simplest way to access this beach is by crossing the Kladisos river via the pedestrian bridge.
Get directions to Nea Chora beach
There are various activities available at Nea Chora beaches, including swimming, sunbathing, beach volleyball, and water sports such as jet skiing and parasailing.
Yes, there are several restaurants and cafes located near Nea Chora beaches, offering a variety of food and drinks.
Yes, it is generally safe to swim at Nea Chora beaches. However, it is always important to be aware of any potential hazards such as strong currents or jellyfish.
Yes, there are lifeguards on duty at Nea Chora beaches during the summer months.
No, there is no fee to access Nea Chora beaches.
Yes, pets are not allowed on Nea Chora beaches during the summer months. However, there are designated areas where pets are allowed outside of the Nea Chora beaches area.
Yes, there is parking available near Nea Chora beaches, although it can be limited during peak season.
The water colour of the Nea Chora beaches is blue.
The Nea Chora beaches has sand, with rocks in some places.
The water at the Nea Chora beaches is shallow.
The surface of the sea at the Nea Chora beaches is usually calm.
Yes, the Nea Chora beaches is a crowded place.
The Nea Chora beaches has accommodation options, food and water nearby, umbrellas and beds, sports facilities, a lifeguard, showers, and a Blue Flag.
The Nea Chora beaches can be accessed by bus services, a paved road, and is handicap friendly.
Yes, there is tree shade available at the Nea Chora beaches.
Find below list of things to do near Nea Chora beach:
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.
When you choose to snorkel with Chania Diving, you can be sure that you are getting the best service and experience available.
Our staff are passionate about snorkeling and the marine environment, and strive to provide our customers with the best and unparalleled Snorkeling in Chania experience possible.
Enjoy swimming on the surface of the water in our 4 hours tour and explore the beautiful waters of Chania with it’s crystal-clear waters and experience some of the best snorkeling sites that can be only in Chania, such as Marathi Island, Minewaska Shipwreck, Blue Wall, Blue Cave and the Canaries.
All of these sites feature stunning reefs, variety of sponges, abundant marine life and breathtaking views.
Snorkeling is a very relaxing and the same time enjoyable experince for all level of swimmers and all ages up to 6 years old.
After gathering at the tour meeting point, begin your adventurous fishing trip with some of the best fishermen in Chania. Departing from the shore, your skippers and experienced fishermen will take you off the coast and out to the open water.
Once out at sea your guides will show you different techniques such as jigging, spinning, and bottom fishing. Your main targets throughout the experience will be groupers, snappers, dentex, squid, and other smaller fish.
Your guides will provide you with all the fishing equipment necessary to best enjoy this experience. Once you are done learning how to fish from the finest fishermen in Crete, your boat returns to shore where you’ll disembark.
Our tour starts at noon, we pick you up from your accommodation and bring you to Falasarna, one of the 10 best beaches in Europe at the most western point of Crete. A snow-white sand beach, famous for the clear turquoise blue sea. There you can enjoy an afternoon swim, use the sunbeds and relax by the beach and choose from a big selection of cocktails culminating in an enchanting sunset overlooking the shores of Falasarna.
We start around 16:30 from your hotel in Chania area.
Return to the hotel around 21.30.
With beautiful waters and a legendary coastline, northwest Crete is an ideal location for getting on the water—if you have a boat to spare. This half-day boat rental makes getting on the water as easy as possible: board your 16-foot boat (five meters) with a 30-horsepower engine and explore the east side of Chania at your leisure. A boating license is not required. A half-day boat rental from Kalyves in Crete Rent a 16-foot boat (five meters) boat with 30 horsepower Explore the east side of Chana at your leisure Don’t stress about packing gear: Use of snorkeling gear included
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Find below the list of hotels near Nea Chora beach:
Set within the Nea Hora district in Chania Town, Aquadia Beach Apartment has air conditioning, a patio, and city views. This property offers access to a balcony, free private parking and free WiFi.
The apartment 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 1 bathroom with a walk-in shower. Towels and bed linen are featured in the apartment.
A bicycle rental service is available at the apartment.
Popular points of interest near Aquadia Beach Apartment include Nea Chora Beach, Municipal Art Gallery of Chania and Firkas Fortress. The nearest airport is Chania International Airport, 14 km from the accommodation.
Boasting sea views, BeCrete – vista Lazareta offers accommodation with a balcony and a coffee machine, around 100 metres from Nea Chora Beach. This beachfront property offers access to a terrace, free private parking and free WiFi.
This air-conditioned apartment is fitted with 3 bedrooms, a satellite flat-screen TV, a dining area, a kitchen with a dishwasher, and a living room. Towels and bed linen are offered in the apartment.
At the apartment guests are welcome to take advantage of beauty services. Guests can enjoy the infinity pool at BeCrete – vista Lazareta.
Popular points of interest near the accommodation include Kladissos Beach, Chryssi Akti and Municipal Art Gallery of Chania. The nearest airport is Chania International, 14 km from BeCrete – vista Lazareta, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.
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Situated in Chania Town, 100 metres from Nea Chora Beach and 600 metres from Kladissos Beach, Rika’s Sea View Apartment features air-conditioned accommodation with a balcony and free WiFi. Guests staying at this apartment have access to a patio.
The apartment features 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, bed linen, towels, a flat-screen TV, a dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, and a terrace with sea views.
Popular points of interest near the apartment include Chryssi Akti, Municipal Art Gallery of Chania and Firkas Fortress. The nearest airport is Chania International Airport, 14 km from Rika’s Sea View Apartment.
Located in Chania Town, 100 metres from Nea Chora Beach and 600 metres from Kladissos Beach, Rika’s seaside apartments offers air conditioning. It features inner courtyard views and free WiFithroughout the property.
The apartment comes with 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, bed linen, towels, a flat-screen TV with streaming services, a dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, and a balcony with sea views.
Staff at the apartment are always available to provide guidance at the reception.
Popular points of interest near Rika’s seaside apartments include Chryssi Akti, Municipal Art Gallery of Chania and Firkas Fortress. The nearest airport is Chania International Airport, 14 km from the accommodation.
Situated in Chania Town, 100 metres from Nea Chora Beach and 2.8 km from Kladissos Beach, Rika’s Luxury seaside apartment features air-conditioned accommodation with a balcony and free WiFi. With inner courtyard views, this accommodation provides a patio.
The apartment with a terrace and sea views has 1 bedroom, a living room, a flat-screen TV, an equipped kitchen with an oven and a fridge, and 1 bathroom with a walk-in shower. Towels and bed linen are available in the apartment.
The apartment can conveniently provide information at the reception to help guests to get around the area.
Popular points of interest near Rika’s Luxury seaside apartment include Municipal Art Gallery of Chania, Firkas Fortress and Mitropoleos Square. The nearest airport is Chania International Airport, 14 km from the accommodation.
Located in Chania Town, 100 metres from Nea Chora Beach and 500 metres from Kladissos Beach, Avanti Chania Luxury Apartment provides air-conditioned accommodation with a balcony and free WiFi. It is situated 1.4 km from Chryssi Akti and features a lift.
The apartment is equipped with 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom, bed linen, towels, a flat-screen TV with streaming services, a dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, and a terrace with garden views.
Popular points of interest near the apartment include Municipal Art Gallery of Chania, Firkas Fortress and Mitropoleos Square. The nearest airport is Chania International Airport, 14 km from Avanti Chania Luxury Apartment.
Find below list of beaches near Nea Chora beach:
Lazaretta islet, situated across Nea Chora, functioned as a leprosarium for the Venetians in the 17th century, similar to most islets in Crete’s cities. Its moniker is derived from Lazarus, whom the Roman Catholic Church recognizes as the lepers’ patron saint.
Historically, it has been identified as a burial site, presumably for patients, and the site still exhibits the remnants of buildings that the Turks demolished in 1645 to install a sizeable cannon to assist their siege of Chania’s stronghold at the harbour entrance. In certain areas, fragments of bombs dropped during the German military operations in World War II can still be observed.
The islet is home to a Saint Nicholas shrine, constructed by a local man in 1954. This man suffered a sunstroke on the island but was able to swim to Nea Chora and survive. The island features a small sandy beach, favored for snorkeling and often visited by local diving schools and seafaring tour boats. In the 1950s, long-distance competitive swimmers frequently selected Lazaretta as their starting point for races, with the inner harbour of Chania serving as the finish line.
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.
Koum Kapi is a roughly 1km strip of sand and a cafe and bar district on the eastern edge of Chania’s old town, just beyond the Venetian port. It is best known for its long coastal street lined with cafes and nightclubs rather than for classic beach days, and it stays unorganized, with no sunbed or umbrella setup. People do swim on the sandy east side, though many locals still hold back after years when swimming here was banned. Come for a seafront coffee, a sunset drink, and an easy walk from the old town; treat the swim as a bonus rather than the reason to visit.
Koum Kapi sits at the eastern edge of the scenic port of Chania, directly in front of the historical Bedouin district. The area was once home to African economic migrants who lived in rush-made huts during the Ottoman period, having first arrived on the island as slaves. None of those huts remain today. The only visible structures now are the buildings along a long coastal street lined with cafes and nightclubs.
The name comes from the Turkish phrase Kum Kapisi, meaning the Gate of Sand. This was a gate on the Venetian Walls that stood next to the sandy beach, and the district still carries that name. Backed by the old town and open to the sea, Koum Kapi reads more as a lively urban waterfront than a resort beach.
The heart of Koum Kapi is its seafront promenade. A long coastal street runs beside the water, lined with cafes and nightclubs, and this is where most visitors spend their time. It works through the whole day, from morning coffee to late-night drinks, with the sea and the old-town backdrop in view.
The strip sits within easy reach of the Venetian harbour and the old town, so it pairs naturally with a wider evening out. Browse guided walks, tours, and other bookable options to build a full day around the waterfront on the Crete Locals list of things to do in Chania and across the island.
Koum Kapi stretches for about 1km to the east, running beneath a pedestrian road. To the west, the sea meets the road’s wall with no beach in between, so there is little room there. On the east side, a strip of sandy beach forms, and this is where most people swim. Further east, a beautiful cove takes shape, though locals still tend to avoid swimming in it.
The sand is soft, the water reads blue, and the shallows stay shallow close to shore, with a sea surface that is usually calm. In earlier years Koum Kapi was a popular swimming spot in Chania, but declining seawater quality led to a swimming ban. Recent upgrades to the city’s biological cleaning infrastructure have improved the water, and the city’s Water Supply and Sewerage Authority considers it safe for swimming again. Even so, the beach stays unorganized and is still not fully trusted by many locals, so it is sensible to check conditions on the day before you get in.
Koum Kapi lies within the city of Chania, on a paved road at the eastern edge of the old town, which makes it one of the easier spots to reach on foot from the centre. Bus services run to the area, and the paved-road access means you can also drive in.
There is a parking area near the beach, but it fills up and gets crowded in peak season, so arriving early helps. Compare rental options through Crete Locals car rental in Crete when you want the freedom to move between beaches and villages across the wider region.
Koum Kapi fits travellers staying in or near Chania old town who want a seafront base for coffee, food, and drinks without leaving the city. It is family friendly, with shallow, usually calm water on the east-side sand, and it suits anyone who values atmosphere and walkability over a fully organized beach.
It is a weaker choice if you want sunbeds, umbrellas, and beach services, or a long stretch of open sand. For a more conventional swim close to town, the sandy bays just west of the harbour are a better match than Koum Kapi.
A short way east, in the Halepa suburb of Chania beside the Agia Kyriaki chapel and beach, you will find Kouloura, a small rocky pond. It serves as a favoured natural pool among Halepa residents, many of whom have their own story about the place.
Koum Kapi also sits close to some of the city’s landmarks, including the Venetian Harbour, the Archaeological Museum of Chania, and the Municipal Market of Chania. When you are ready to swim somewhere more open, nearby options include Lazaretta islet, Vlites beach, Chrissi Akti beach, and the sandy Nea Chora beach just west of the port. You can plan a wider coastal route from the full Crete Locals guide to beaches in Crete.
Koum Kapi beach is in the city of Chania, on the island of Crete, Greece, at the eastern edge of the old town in front of the historical Bedouin district.
Yes, Koum Kapi beach is suitable for swimming, and the city’s Water Supply and Sewerage Authority considers the water safe after infrastructure upgrades. It is still recommended to check the water conditions before entering the sea.
The beach has sand, the water colour is blue, the water near shore is shallow, and the surface of the sea is usually calm.
Visitors can swim on the east-side sandy strip and enjoy the several cafes and restaurants along the coastal street.
Koum Kapi beach is unorganized, so it has no sunbeds or umbrellas, but there are accommodation options and food and water available nearby.
The beach is reached by bus services and by a paved road, and there is a parking area nearby that can get crowded in peak season, so it helps to arrive early.
Yes, nearby attractions include the Venetian Harbour, the Archaeological Museum of Chania, and the Municipal Market of Chania.
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.
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