Crete Locals

Chania lifts swimming ban at Nea Chora beach, keeps restriction near Kladissos river

· By CreteLocals Editorial Team
Chania lifts swimming ban at Nea Chora beach, keeps restriction near Kladissos river

The Nea Chora beach in Chania is now considered suitable for swimming, following laboratory analysis of water samples, the Regional Unit of Chania announced. However, a swimming ban remains in place at the section of the coast near the Kladissos river.

According to the Regional Unit’s announcement, an amendment was issued to the previous decision that had declared the Nea Chora beach unsuitable for swimming. The change followed on-site health inspections and sampling carried out on 13 and 14 August 2026 by the Directorate of Public Health and Social Welfare, and the subsequent results of laboratory analysis of water samples taken at points along the swimming beaches.

Swimming is now permitted along the Nea Chora coast, except in the area near the Kladissos river, specifically within 200 metres on either side of the river’s mouth, where the ban continues “in order to ensure the protection of bathers and users of the sea area and the protection of public health,” the Regional Unit said.

The Regional Unit added that the restriction near the Kladissos river will remain in force until water quality is confirmed to have been restored, based on further sampling by the Directorate of Public Health and Social Welfare, at which point a new decision will be issued.

Municipality cites repair of sewage pipe fault

In its own statement, the Municipality of Chania said the swimming ban at Nea Chora beach was lifted following the Regional Unit’s decision, issued on Sunday, 16 August 2026. The municipality said the decision came after the same health inspections and water sampling conducted on 13 and 14 August by the Regional Unit’s Directorate of Public Health and Social Welfare, whose laboratory results led to the amendment of the earlier unsuitability decision.

The municipality confirmed that the ban remains in effect specifically in the area near the mouth of the Kladissos river, within 200 metres on either side, describing the measure as precautionary and aimed at protecting public health. It said the responsible directorate will carry out new sampling at that location, and once full restoration of swimming water quality is confirmed, a new decision will follow.

The municipality also referred to a sudden fault that had occurred in the area’s main sewage pipe, stating that crews and staff of the Chania Municipal Water and Sewerage Company (DEYAX) worked continuously to repair it and that the network has since returned to full, normal operation. The municipality said there had been ongoing cooperation with the relevant Regional Unit of Chania services throughout the preceding days for the necessary inspections and monitoring of water quality.

The Municipality of Chania and DEYAX thanked residents, business operators and visitors to Nea Chora for their understanding and cooperation during the preceding days.

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