Best things to do in Agia Marina Nea Kydonias in 2024: Activities and Attractions
Agia Marina Nea Kydonias is a coastal resort on the north coast of Crete, 9 km west of Chania on the road out towards Kolymbari. The resort sits on a long sandy strip where Stalos, Agia Marina and Platanias run into one another, so the sand carries on in both directions without a break. Beach bars, tavernas and hotels line the shore, and the protected islet of Thodorou stands offshore in front of the beach.
Chania airport is the nearest airport to Agia Marina. The resort is built for a beach holiday within reach of the city: 5 beaches lie within 4 km, 12 tavernas, restaurants and bars sit inside 300 m of the centre, and 2 gorges in the White Mountains give the inland day out.
Things to do in and around Agia Marina
Six outings start from the resort, listed below from nearest to furthest.
- Swim at Agia Marina beach. The beach 600 m from the centre is long, sandy and organised, with a full row of sunbeds and umbrellas, water sports and shallow, calm blue water. Man-made stone piers along Agia Marina beach keep swimming sheltered on windy days, and it ranks among the busiest beaches near Chania.
- Spend an evening in Platanias. The resort 1.5 km away is the busiest on this coast, built on a hill above the sea with a view over Thodorou. Platanias keeps its bars and restaurants open late and its shops sell clothing, home decor, artwork and ceramics, and its Blue Flag beach runs about 2 km west from the edge of Agia Marina.
- Walk into Kato Stalos. The neighbouring resort 2.1 km away has a well-equipped sandy beach that takes a blue flag every year. Behind Stalos beach, 150 m to the south, Pano Stalos keeps its traditional village character among green hills and rock formations.
- Find the turtle beach at Gerani. The beach 3.7 km away is one of the widest and calmest near Chania, a long stretch of sand and fine pebbles between Maleme and Platanias. The sand at Gerani is a protected nesting ground for Caretta caretta turtles from May to September, and long unorganised sections of it stay quiet even in high summer.
- Drive up to the Therisso Gorge. The canyon runs 6 km through vertical cliffs and heavy greenery near Chania, and it is reachable by car. Pair Therisso with the village of the same name at the foot of the White Mountains, 15 km from Chania, which has a population of just over 100 and a large place in the modern history of Crete.
- Hike the Cyclamen Gorge. The route starts at the Aletrouvari settlement at 300 m and ends at the village of Vandes at 50 m, passing east of Agios Georgios. Cyclamen, also called the Agios Georgios or Vandes gorge, takes about 2 hours from Aletrouvari or 1 hour from Agios Georgios, and its stream draws water from the Drakona area into small ponds. Novice hikers should pick another walk.
Beaches near Agia Marina
Five beaches lie within 4 km of Agia Marina, all of them on the same run of coast west of Chania. Stalos, Agia Marina and Platanias run into one another, so those 3 can be walked as a single strip.
- Agia Marina begins 600 m away, sunbeds, water sports, shallow water and stone piers, facing the islet of Thodorou.
- Stalos lies 2.1 km away, 7 km west of Chania between Kalamaki and Agia Marina, a blue-flag beach with full facilities.
- Platanias sits 2.1 km away, 11 km west of Chania, about 2 km of Blue-Flag sand with beach bars and water sports along the resort front.
- Gerani stands 3.7 km away, 13 km west of Chania, sand and fine pebbles with sunbeds and showers on part of it and turtle nesting from May to September.
- Kalamaki is 4 km away, 6 km west of Chania, fine sand and gentle water with lifeguards, showers and beach bars. A small secluded cove sits at its western edge.
Where to eat in Agia Marina
Eating in Agia Marina needs no car, because the tavernas, restaurants and bars sit within 300 m of the centre. The list below runs from the closest outwards.
- Rustic Garden stands 100 m from the centre.
- Meraki Tavern sits 100 m from the centre.
- Neraida Restaurant lies 200 m out.
- Cosy Restaurant is 200 m out.
- Isida Market Cafe & Bakery opens 300 m out.
Getting to Agia Marina
Agia Marina sits on the coast road that runs west out of Chania towards Kolymbari. The city is 9 km east along that road, which makes Chania the usual arrival point for anyone staying here.
Chania airport is the nearest airport to the resort. Buses run frequently from the city to neighbouring Platanias, 1.5 km away, and Gerani 4.6 km west is reached from either the Old National Road or the new national road.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Agia Marina Nea Kydonias?
Agia Marina Nea Kydonias lies on the north coast of Crete, 9 km west of Chania city. The resort stands on the coast road towards Kolymbari, between Stalos to the east and Platanias to the west.
Is Agia Marina beach organised?
Agia Marina beach is fully organised. The sand carries a complete row of sunbeds and umbrellas, water sports operate along it, and beach bars, tavernas and hotels line the shore behind.
Is Agia Marina suitable for children?
The water at Agia Marina is shallow and calm. Man-made stone piers keep the swimming sheltered on days when the wind gets up.
What is the island in front of Agia Marina?
Thodorou is the protected islet that Agia Marina beach faces. The old hillside village of Platanias, 1.5 km west, looks out over the same islet.
How far is Platanias from Agia Marina?
Platanias is 1.5 km from Agia Marina, and the 2 beaches touch. Platanias beach begins at the edge of Agia Marina and runs about 2 km west along the resort front.
Which airport is closest to Agia Marina?
Chania airport is the closest airport to Agia Marina. Chania city sits 9 km east of the resort on the same coast road.
Where Agia Marina Nea Kydonias is
Best things to do in Agia Marina Nea Kydonias in 2024 is located at Agia Marina Nea Kydonias. The map below shows the exact spot; Google Maps and Waze give turn-by-turn directions.
