These images are powered by
Tavronitis beach, found 20km west of Chania, is situated on the western side of the historic Maleme airport, one kilometer north of the village of Tavronitis and is named after the Tavronitis river that flows nearby. This long, pebbly beach is just a segment of the expansive coastline that stretches from Kolimbari to Stalos, making it an ideal swimming spot, especially during calm weather as the northern coast of Crete often experiences waves. There are ample amenities nearby, including hotels, tavernas, restaurants, and a variety of tourist facilities.
The beach holds historical significance as it is near Maleme airport, the site of a significant resistance against the German forces in 1941, known as the Battle of Crete. This marked the first time in World War II where the local population fiercely resisted the German army, causing them heavy losses. Despite this, the Germans managed to gain control of a small area east of the Tavronitis river and the airport. Today, visitors can pay their respects at the German cemetery and other monuments dedicated to this historic event.
There are various activities you can do at Tavronitis beach such as swimming, sunbathing, beach volleyball, and beach soccer. You can also rent a paddleboat or a kayak to explore the sea.
Yes, Tavronitis beach is suitable for families with children. The water is shallow and calm, making it safe for children to swim. There is also a playground nearby for children to play.
Yes, you can go snorkeling at Tavronitis beach. The water is clear and there are various fish and other marine life to see.
Yes, there are several restaurants and cafes near Tavronitis beach. You can enjoy a meal or a drink while enjoying the beautiful view of the sea.
It depends on the time of day and the day of the week. Tavronitis beach can get crowded during peak season, especially on weekends. However, it is usually less crowded than other popular beaches in the area.
The water colour of the Tavronitis beach is blue.
The Tavronitis beach has sand and fine pebbles.
The water depth of the Tavronitis beach is normal.
The surface of the sea at the Tavronitis beach is usually wavy.
The Tavronitis beach is usually quiet.
The Tavronitis beach has accommodation options, food/water nearby, umbrellas/beds, sports, lifeguard, and showers.
The Tavronitis beach can be accessed through bus services and a paved road.
Yes, there is tree shade available at the Tavronitis beach.
Yes, there is a seaturtle nesting point at the Tavronitis beach.
Find below list of things to do near Tavronitis beach:
Exploring the Olive Treasures: Begin your day with a visit to an olive mill in Kolymbary, where you’ll witness the olive oil-making process and engage in a flavorful olive oil tasting. Journey to Ano Vouves to encounter a 3000-year-old ancient olive tree, delving into the rich history and significance of olives in Cretan culture.
Wine Tasting and Longevity Secrets: At Karavitakis winery, savor the finest wines while uncovering the secrets of longevity associated with Cretan living. Enjoy an informative wine tasting session amidst stunning vineyard landscapes, immersing yourself in the cultural significance of winemaking in Crete.
Off-Road Adventure and Scenic Beauty: Embark on an exhilarating off-road adventure towards Sebronas village, navigating through picturesque gorges, lush vegetation, and panoramic vistas. Capture the essence of Cretan countryside life with photo opportunities of chapels, livestock, vineyards, and olive groves.
Cretan Gastronomy and Hospitality: Satisfy your appetite at a quaint tavern in Nea Roumata, experiencing the true essence of Cretan hospitality through local platters and authentic cuisine. Immerse yourself in the flavors and warmth of Cretan culture while enjoying a memorable dining experience.
Embark on a unique wine and olive escape, immersing yourself in the famed Greek hospitality and embracing the sights, flavors, and warmth of Cretan culture. Enjoy a professionally guided journey through ancient landscapes and indulge in authentic culinary delights, making this safari tour an unforgettable experience.
Explore the World War II history of Crete and learn about its wider impact in southeast Europe and Greece. Explore the story of the Greek-Italian War of 1940 and the circumstances that lead to Hitler’s Operation Mercury.
Hear how the Battle of Crete and the resistance to the invasion helped revive the morale of the Allied troops around the world. Visit key location sites such as the pretty village of Maleme, where the German paratroopers first landed. Discover remnants of the war at Tavronitis and Galatas, and visit the war cemeteries of the German and Allied troops.
Be amazed as your guide brings history to life and tells you about secret shelters and other monuments from the war. Hear untold stories that take you behind the scenes and explore the role the partisans played as they helped the British, Australian and New Zealand armies change the course of history.
Join us for an unforgettable evening celebrating the rich culture and traditions of Crete! Set in the charming village of Kefalas in Apokoronas, our Authentic Cretan Night offers a unique experience filled with delicious food, live music, and traditional dance.
Pick-up Service:
Begin your evening with the convenience of a pick-up service . Relax as you are transported to Taverna Ortaki , nestled in the heart of Kefalas .
Arrival and Welcome:
Upon arrival, step into the warm embrace of Cretan hospitality. The welcoming atmosphere sets the tone for an unforgettable night filled with cultural delights.
Dinner with Cretan Flavors:
Indulge in a sumptuous Cretan dinner crafted from fresh, locally sourced ingredients. The menu showcases the diverse and mouthwatering flavors of Cretan cuisine, offering a culinary exploration of the region.
Live Music Performance:
Immerse yourself in the soul-stirring melodies of live traditional Cretan music. Local musicians, often featuring instruments like the lyre and laouto, create an authentic ambiance that transports you to the heart of Crete.
Traditional Dance Show:
Be mesmerized by a spirited traditional dance performance, where skilled dancers adorned in vibrant costumes showcase the unique dances of Crete. The rhythmic beats and lively movements tell stories of the island’s rich cultural heritage.
Audience Engagement:
Feel the energy of the performance and join in the fun! The friendly atmosphere encourages audience participation, allowing you to experience the joy of traditional Cretan dances firsthand.
Dessert Delights:
Conclude your gastronomic journey with delectable Cretan desserts, adding a sweet note to your evening. Indulge in treats like baklava or loukoumades, savoring the perfect end to your culinary experience.
Closing and Departure:
Bid farewell to the gracious hosts and fellow guests, leaving with cherished memories of an authentic Cretan night. If you arranged for transportation, enjoy a comfortable drop-off back to your accommodation.
Embark on a cultural odyssey at Taverna ORTAKI , where every element of this Cretan night has been thoughtfully curated to offer an immersive and unforgettable experience. A perfect blend of music, dance, gastronomy, and warm hospitality awaits you.
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!
Head to Kolymvari port, Chania and be greeted by a crew member who will escort you to the vessel. Hop aboard and enjoy a cup of coffee or tea along with some light snacks. Then, after a short safety briefing, set sail towards the Agioi Theodoroi islands.
Sit back and relax as you make your way to the islands, where you can take advantage of a selection of fun activities. Go for a swim, try your hand at snorkeling, or use the SUP boards to go paddling.
If you prefer a more laid-back experience, this cruise also offers the ideal opportunity for some relaxed sunbathing.
A special entertainment area with board games provides some extra fun for those traveling with kids and if your little one needs a nap, the boat has some comfortable cabins at the ready.
Take a break to refuel with lunch aboard the catamaran. The menu is prepared using local, organic products and includes salad, pasta, seafood, and chicken.
Enjoy local white wine, beer, and soft drinks with your food, and savor a selection of homemade sweets and fresh fruit to round out the meal. A kid’s menu of chicken nuggets or pasta ensures that your little ones will be satisfied too.
Finally, benefit from some more free time before making your way back to the marina in Kolymvari where your cruise comes to an end.
Find below the list of hotels near Tavronitis beach:
Featuring a garden, private pool and pool views, Melia Artemis SeaFront Villa, an Evanescence Sea Retreat, By ThinkVilla is located in Tavronitis. This beachfront property offers access to a patio, free private parking and free WiFi.
The villa with a terrace and sea views features 5 bedrooms, a living room, a flat-screen TV, an equipped kitchen with a dishwasher and an oven, and 5 bathrooms with a hot tub. The air-conditioned villa also provides a seating area, washing machine and 5 bathrooms with a hair dryer.
The villa offers a range of wellness facilities including a sauna and a hot tub. If you would like to discover the area, fishing and hiking are possible in the surroundings and Melia Artemis SeaFront Villa, an Evanescence Sea Retreat, By ThinkVilla can arrange a car rental service.
Tavronitis Beach is 600 metres from the accommodation, while Rapaniana Beach is less than 1 km away. The nearest airport is Chania International, 33 km from Melia Artemis SeaFront Villa, an Evanescence Sea Retreat, By ThinkVilla, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.
from
€531
/night
Boasting air-conditioned accommodation with a private pool, pool view and a patio, Melia Amalthia Villa, an Evanescence Retreat, By ThinkVilla is situated in Tavronitis. This property offers access to a terrace, free private parking and free WiFi.
The 5-bedroom villa has a living room with a flat-screen TV with streaming services, a fully equipped kitchen with dishwasher and oven, and 5 bathrooms with bathrobes. Towels and bed linen are offered in the villa.
There is a garden with a barbecue at this property and guests can go fishing and hiking nearby.
Tavronitis Beach is 700 metres from the villa, while Rapaniana Beach is less than 1 km from the property. The nearest airport is Chania International, 33 km from Melia Amalthia Villa, an Evanescence Retreat, By ThinkVilla, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.
from
€448
/night
Featuring pool views, Villa Alex offers accommodation with a patio and a coffee machine, around 600 metres from Tavronitis Beach. This beachfront property offers access to a balcony, free private parking and free WiFi.
The villa comes with 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, 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. Guests can enjoy the infinity pool at Villa Alex.
Rapaniana Beach is less than 1 km from the accommodation, while Platanias Square is 9.3 km away. The nearest airport is Chania International Airport, 33 km from Villa Alex.
Featuring air-conditioned accommodation with a private pool, pool view and a patio, Βίλα Νινέτα is located in Tavronitis. This property offers access to a balcony, free private parking and free WiFi.
The villa comes with 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, bed linen, towels, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, and a terrace with mountain views.
The villa offers a hot tub. Guests can relax in the garden at the property.
Tavronitis Beach is 700 metres from Βίλα Νινέτα, while Rapaniana Beach is less than 1 km away. The nearest airport is Chania International Airport, 33 km from the accommodation.
Set in Tavronitis in the Crete region, with Tavronitis Beach and Rapaniana Beach nearby, Pnoe Villas – Seafront Experience offers accommodation with free WiFi and free private parking, as well as access to a sauna. The accommodation is air conditioned and comes with a sauna.
The villa provides guests with a terrace, sea views, a seating area, satellite flat-screen TV, a fully equipped kitchen with a dishwasher and an oven, and a private bathroom with hot tub and bathrobes. A microwave, a toaster and fridge are also featured, as well as a coffee machine and a kettle.
The wellness area at Pnoe Villas – Seafront Experience is comprised of a hot tub and a fitness room.
In addition to a year-round outdoor pool, the accommodation also features a kids pool.
Platanias Square is 10 km from Pnoe Villas – Seafront Experience, while Agios Dimitrios Church is 10 km away. The nearest airport is Chania International, 33 km from the villa, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.
from
€675
/night
Featuring mountain views, Fivi Luxury Villa, Close to Sea, By ThinkVilla offers accommodation with a balcony and a coffee machine, around 400 metres from Tavronitis Beach. This villa features a private pool, a garden, barbecue facilities, free WiFi and free private parking.
The villa is fitted with 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, bed linen, towels, a flat-screen TV with streaming services, a dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, and a terrace with sea views.
Both a bicycle rental service and a car rental service are available at the villa, while cycling and hiking can be enjoyed nearby.
Rapaniana Beach is 400 metres from Fivi Luxury Villa, Close to Sea, By ThinkVilla, while Platanias Square is 9.4 km away. The nearest airport is Chania International, 33 km from the accommodation, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.
from
€295
/night
Find below list of beaches near Tavronitis beach:
Situated 18km west of Chania, Maleme forms part of the expansive beach that stretches from Kolimbari to the vicinity of Chania. This lengthy bay is adorned with stunning sandy and pebbly beaches, although they are exposed to frequent northerly winds. The beach at Maleme is sandy and the surrounding area is well developed, with all necessary amenities conveniently located near the beach. For those seeking a more secluded spot for a swim, the west end of the beach, adjacent to the old military airport, offers a quieter location.
The name Maleme is believed to derive from the word “Malama”, translating to gold, hinting at the possibility of a gold mine existing in ancient times, although this hasn’t been confirmed. In addition, a domed tomb from the late Minoan period has been discovered near Maleme. Despite having been looted, two cylindrical seals depicting running wild animals were found by archaeologists.
During World War II, Maleme held significant historical importance. It was home to the Allies’ military airport until it was seized by German forces. The Battle of Crete in 1941 saw German paratroopers descend upon Maleme to gain control of the airport. They were met with fierce resistance from local Cretans and Allied forces, leading to substantial casualties on the German side. With only rudimentary weapons at their disposal, the local Cretans dealt a significant blow to the German paratroopers, which drew praise for Cretan patriotism from Hitler himself. This marked the first time in the Second World War where German forces faced strong resistance from a local population. It was also the first large-scale airborne invasion in history, and the last of its kind. The German Cemetery, located on a hill near Maleme, is the final resting place for the 4500 German paratroopers who lost their lives. A monument dedicated to fallen RAF airmen can also be found near Maleme, close to the River Tavronitis bridge.
The expansive beach in Rapaniana, situated 20km west of Chania and 4km east of Kolimbari, is a part of the larger stretch of beach that extends from Peninsula Rodopos to Chania, incorporating the beaches near the villages of Skoutelonas, Minothiana, and Rapaniana. The beach, featuring a mix of sandy and pebbly areas, is a perfect choice for visitors, especially during calm weather, as the northern coastline frequently experiences waves. It is impeccably clean and equipped with essential tourist amenities like umbrellas, showers, and a lifeguard tower.
Rapaniana and its neighboring beaches serve as nesting grounds for the protected loggerhead sea turtle. The village of Rapaniana offers a variety of services including mini markets, restaurants, accommodation facilities, a health centre, pharmacy, dentist, post office, bank, telephone, and car rental services.
Kolimbari, a quaint seaside town housing over 5000 residents, is situated 24km west of Chania, on the eastern edge of the Rodopos Peninsula. This picturesque town is quite developed, primarily due to its stunning, lengthy beach that extends from the village to Tavronitis in the east. The sandy beach at Kolimbari is occasionally dotted with small pebbles, and while the waters are shallow, they tend to be wavy, a typical characteristic of northern Crete’s open beaches. The area adjacent to the beach offers ample choices for accommodation, dining, and entertainment.
For those seeking a more serene beach experience, the tiny coves near the Gonia Monastery, just 1km northwest of Kolimbari, are worth visiting. Boats frequently depart from the Kolimbari port to the Rodopos Cape, renowned for its majestic cliffs and tranquil beaches, with Menzies being the most popular.
The historic Gonia Monastery, reminiscent of a fortress, is located 1km northwest of the town. It’s dedicated to the Virgin Mary Odigitria, also known as the Guide, and houses a notable collection of Byzantine icons. The Orthodox Academy of Crete, a venue for nationwide and global conferences on theological and general topics, is also located near Gonia.
Situated 13 km west of Chania city, nestled between Maleme and Platanias, lies the quaint coastal village of Gerani. The village is nestled in a lush valley filled with olive and citrus groves, which were once the primary source of income for the villagers. Today, tourism drives the economy of Gerani.
Stretching across 2.5 km, Gerani’s beach is known for its beautiful sand and crystal-clear water. The beach is equipped with numerous amenities such as umbrellas, showers, beach bars, water sports facilities, and lifeguards, making it an ideal destination for family vacations. Several tamarisk trees provide shade, and for those preferring less crowded spots, there are unorganized parts of the coast. However, visitors must tread carefully, as the sandy beach serves as a nesting ground for the Caretta caretta turtles from May to September.
The village of Gerani got its name from a simple water-pumping method used in the village. The method involved the use of a wooden fork and a horizontal piece of wood, with a rope tied at one end to a bucket and a counterweight at the other end.
Historically, Gerani is thought to be the site of ancient Kydonia, according to some scientists. It is also believed that the village once housed a temple dedicated to Goddess Vritomartis, the Cretan counterpart of Goddess Artemis.
The village witnessed a battle against the Turks in 1867, where the Cretan rebels emerged victorious. However, fearing retaliation, the locals asked the rebels to leave, leading to the Turks returning and causing havoc. Gerani also holds significance as the place where famed Cretan novelist John Kondilakis started his teaching career in 1885-1886. The school where he taught, located in Pano Gerani, still stands today.
© All rights reserved. Crete Locals
