Crete Island Marathon

  • Paid
  • Event has ended
  • Culture, Sport
  • National Sports Center of Chania

Embark on a memorable journey through the historic streets and breathtaking scenery of Chania, one of Crete’s most enchanting towns, at the Crete Marathon 2025! This exceptional event offers participants the chance to explore one of Crete’s oldest cities, renowned for its rich history, Venetian architecture, and stunning harbour.

As you run along a flat, scenic route, you’ll be surrounded by magnificent natural landscapes and preserved monuments, offering a unique blend of culture and nature. Chania’s charm as a top tourist destination is further enriched by its archaeological sites and historic landmarks, ensuring that your marathon experience is as captivating as it is challenging.

Race Categories:

  • 2.5 km: Perfect for beginners or those looking for a fun, relaxed run.
  • 5 km & 10 km: Ideal for intermediate runners who want to push their limits.
  • Full Marathon (42.195 km): A rewarding challenge for seasoned runners.

Whether you’re an experienced athlete or a casual runner, the Crete Marathon is an extraordinary opportunity to immerse yourself in the romance and magic of Chania while enjoying an unforgettable running adventure.

Mark your calendar and join us for this thrilling event!

Gallery

marathon Crete Greece

Accomodations near Crete Island Marathon

Find below list of stays near Crete Island Marathon:
  • 8.7 / 10
  • 4 Ανθίμου Λελεδάκη

Set in Chania Town, 300 metres from Nea Chora Beach and 2 km from Koum Kapi Beach, Sea Side View Home steps from the beach & city offers air conditioning. This property offers access to a balcony and free private parking.

With free WiFi, this 2-bedroom apartment offers a flat-screen TV, a washing machine and a kitchen with an oven and fridge. Towels and bed linen are offered in the apartment.

Popular points of interest near the apartment include Firkas Fortress, Etz Hayyim Synagogue and Municipal Art Gallery of Chania. The nearest airport is Chania International Airport, 14 km from Sea Side View Home steps from the beach & city.

  • 130 m
  • 9.5 / 10
  • Ακτή Κανάρη

Located in Chania Town and only 300 metres from Nea Chora Beach, Thalia’s House provides accommodation with sea views, free WiFi and free private parking. The air-conditioned accommodation is 700 metres from Firkas Fortress.

This holiday home is equipped with 3 bedrooms, a kitchen with a microwave and a fridge, a flat-screen TV, a seating area and 1 bathroom equipped with a shower. Towels and bed linen are provided in the holiday home.

The holiday home offers a sun terrace.

Popular points of interest near Thalia’s House include Etz Hayyim Synagogue, Municipal Art Gallery of Chania and Mitropoleos Square. The nearest airport is Chania International Airport, 14 km from the accommodation.

  • 160 m
  • 9.7 / 10
  • 7 Akti Kanari

Situated within the Nea Hora district in Chania Town, EUPHORIA Luxury Apartment has air conditioning, a balcony, and city views. It features pool with a view, free bikes, pool views and free WiFithroughout the property.

The apartment with a terrace and sea views has 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 available in the apartment.

At the apartment guests are welcome to take advantage of a hot tub. A a baby safety gate is also available for guests at EUPHORIA Luxury Apartment.

Popular points of interest near the accommodation include Nea Chora Beach, Kladissos Beach and Chryssi Akti. The nearest airport is Chania International Airport, 14 km from EUPHORIA Luxury Apartment.

from

€227

/night

  • 160 m
  • 9.7 / 10
  • 7 Akti Kanari

Featuring air-conditioned accommodation with a private pool, pool view and a patio, UTOPIA luxury apartment is set in Chania Town. This beachfront property offers access to a balcony, free private parking and free WiFi.

The apartment is fitted with 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, bed linen, towels, a flat-screen TV with streaming services, a dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, and a terrace with sea views.

At the apartment guests are welcome to take advantage of a hot tub. A a baby safety gate is also available for guests at UTOPIA luxury apartment.

Popular points of interest near the accommodation include Nea Chora Beach, Firkas Fortress and Etz Hayyim Synagogue. The nearest airport is Chania International Airport, 14 km from UTOPIA luxury apartment.

from

€263

/night

  • 160 m

Other upcoming events in Crete

  • Starts in 2 days

The Traditional Strata is a music and dance event held by the Municipality of Chania on Tuesday evenings through the summer. The Traditional Strata gathers more than 1,500 dancers and musicians from over 20 traditional associations, from across Crete and other countries, who move through the narrow streets of Chania’s old town in traditional costume.

In 2026, the event runs on Tuesdays from June for several months, and August 11, 2026 is one of the listed dates. Each evening follows the same route through Chania Old Port and begins at 8:00 PM.

What is the Traditional Strata?

The Traditional Strata is a procession of music, dance, and song organized by the Municipality of Chania. The Traditional Strata represents the customs of Chania through costumes, instruments, and vocal performances from member associations, including groups from Crete and international regions.

When is the Strata in Chania in 2026?

The Strata takes place on Tuesday evenings from June for several months in 2026, and August 11, 2026 is one of the scheduled dates. The programme begins at 8:00 PM, so early evening is the time to arrive.

The route and times

The procession follows one route through Chania Old Port each evening, in three stages. The main stages of the evening are listed below.

  1. First, the festivities begin at 8:00 PM at the Neorio Moro Chania Sailing Club.
  2. Second, by 8:30 PM the procession reaches the Yiali Mosque (Giali Tzami).
  3. Third, at 9:00 PM all groups gather at Cathedral Square of the Presentation of the Virgin Mary (Trimartiri Cathedral) for their final performances.

The harbour and squares of the old town fill with spectators on Strata evenings, and the surrounding tavernas make the event easy to combine with dinner. For more on the area and where to stay, see the guide to Chania.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Traditional Strata in Chania?

The Traditional Strata is a traditional music and dance event organized by the Municipality of Chania. More than 1,500 performers from over 20 associations parade through the old town in costume.

When is the Strata in Chania in 2026?

The Strata runs on Tuesday evenings from June for several months in 2026, and August 11, 2026 is one of the listed dates. The evening programme starts at 8:00 PM.

Where does the Strata take place?

The Strata takes place in Chania Old Port and the streets of the old town. It begins at the Neorio Moro Chania Sailing Club and ends at Cathedral Square by the Trimartiri Cathedral.

Who organizes the Traditional Strata?

The Municipality of Chania organizes the Traditional Strata. Member associations from Crete and other countries take part.

How many groups take part in the Strata?

More than 20 traditional associations take part, with over 1,500 dancers and musicians in total. The groups include performers from Crete and international regions.

  • Chania Old Port
  • Culture
  • Dance
  • Music
Aug
11
  • Starts in 6 days

The Feast of the Dormition of the Theotokos on August 15th is one of the most significant holidays in the Greek Orthodox calendar, celebrating the “falling asleep” and Assumption of the Virgin Mary. Neapoli hosts the largest festival in the prefecture, attracting thousands of visitors and Cretan musicians.

Celebrations begin on August 14th with a cycle race and a long-distance run ending in Neapoli’s central square. After the evening church service, young men race up and down the steep mountainside to the Timios Stavros summit. The square transforms into a lively party with traditional singing, dancing, live music, and a market offering toys, icons, and clothing, continuing into the early hours.

On August 15th, a lengthy church service is followed by a grand procession of the Virgin Mary’s icon through the town, accompanied by priests, dignitaries, and the Neapoli Town Band. The festivities, combining religious, sporting, and cultural events, make this a unique and vibrant two-day celebration.

  • Neapoli
  • Culture
  • Dance
  • Gastronomy
Aug
15
  • Starts in 3 weeks

Rethymno Rocks! #5 returns to Fortezza Castle from 27 to 30 August 2025 with four nights of live rock and metal. Fans created the festival for fans, bringing leading acts and diverse sounds to one of Greece’s main summer stages.

  • On Wednesday 27 August, Treha Sektori, INsCissorS and Anglachel perform at St. Paul’s Bastion. Doors open at 18:30 and entry is free for everyone.
  • On Thursday 28 August, 1000mods, Kalte Nacht, Automaton and GNAAL take over the Hill Stage. Doors open at 18:30.
  • On Friday 29 August, Moonspell present a “Wolfheart and other stories” special set, Onslaught mark 40 years of Power from Hell, joined by SiXforNinE and Project Renegade. Performances start at 18:30 on the Hill Stage.
  • On Saturday 30 August, Firewind, Primordial, Triumpher and Toxic Terror close the festival on the Hill Stage. Doors open at 18:30.

Tickets for Thursday, Friday and Saturday start at €20 (£17, $22) and are available online.

  • Rethymno
  • Music
Aug
27

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