Best things to do in Tavronitis in 2024: Activities and Attractions
Tavronitis is a village on the northwest coast of Crete, about 18 km west of Chania, in the Chania region. The village stands one kilometre inland from its own beach, and the Tavronitis river that gives the beach its name flows nearby. Tavronitis sits on the long open shoreline that runs from Kolimbari in the west towards Stalos and Chania in the east.
Chania airport lies about 30 km east and Kissamos 15 km west, which puts the village between the two ends of the Chania coast. Tavronitis keeps everyday village services alongside its beach, and the historic Maleme airport next to the shore gives the area a second reason to stop.
Things to do in and around Tavronitis
Six outings lie within 10 km of the village, listed below from nearest to furthest.
- Swim at Tavronitis beach. The beach lies 1.1 km north of the village, on the western side of the Maleme airport, and it is long and pebbly. Calm weather suits Tavronitis beach most, because this coast often runs with waves, and hotels, tavernas and restaurants stand close by.
- See the Maleme domed tomb. The tomb stands 1.2 km from the village at Maleme. Our Maleme Domed Tomb page covers the site.
- Take children to the waterpark. Chrispy Waterpark Chania sits 2 km from Tavronitis, the closest outing away from the sand.
- Walk east to Maleme. The sandy beach 2.1 km away is well developed, with amenities near the shore, and the quieter end of it lies west beside the old military airport. Maleme is thought to take its name from “Malama”, meaning gold, after a gold mine that may have worked here in ancient times, though that has never been settled.
- Spend a day at Kolimbari. The seaside town 3.6 km west holds over 5,000 residents and sits on the eastern edge of the Rodopos Peninsula, and its beach runs east all the way to Tavronitis. Small coves near the Gonia Monastery, 1 km northwest of Kolimbari, are quieter than the main sand.
- Hike the Roka Gorge. The gorge runs 2 km from Deliana village to Roka village, 9.7 km from Tavronitis, and the walk takes about two hours along a riverbed that dries out in summer. Plane trees shade Roka Gorge, its vertical sides rise high in places, and Trouli hill above it carries the remains of a Byzantine fortress.
About Tavronitis and its setting
Tavronitis is a village set one kilometre back from the sea on the coastal plain west of Chania. Tavronitis shares its name with the river beside it and with the beach north of it, and the village keeps cafés, restaurants and rooms within about 2 km of the centre. The coastline it belongs to is one continuous open shoreline rather than a series of separate bays.
The area carries a piece of wartime history as well. Maleme airport, immediately east of Tavronitis beach, was the site of a significant resistance against the German forces in 1941. Inland, a river that starts on Mount Anavos runs through the Mesavlia, Deliana and Roka gorges before it reaches the sea at Nopigia.
Beaches in and around Tavronitis
Five beaches lie within 6 km of Tavronitis, all on the same unbroken stretch of coast.
- Tavronitis lies 1.1 km north, a long pebbly beach named after the river, with hotels, tavernas and other facilities nearby and calm-weather swimming.
- Maleme sits 2.1 km east, sandy and well developed, exposed to frequent northerly winds, with a quieter western end by the old military airport.
- Rapaniana is 2.4 km west, a calm mix of sand and pebbles that stays uncrowded and keeps village services close, with a seabed of fine pebbles.
- Kolimbari stands 3.6 km west, sandy with small pebbles and shallow water that turns wavy in the open conditions typical of northern Crete.
- Gerani closes the list 5.9 km east, one of the widest and calmest beaches near Chania, part of it organised with sunbeds and showers, and a protected nesting ground for Caretta caretta turtles from May to September.
Where to eat in Tavronitis
Eating in Tavronitis means cafés and village restaurants, with the nearest a couple of hundred metres from the centre.
- Cross Road Cafe sits 100 m from the centre.
- Knack Cafe & Snacks serves snacks and coffee, 200 m out.
- Papaderos 365 combines a coffee lab and vegan market, 1.3 km out.
- Paliomylos cooks traditional dishes, 1.6 km out.
- Mistral Restaurant and Bar is 1.8 km from the centre.
Getting to Tavronitis
Reach Tavronitis from either the old national road or the new national road that run along this coast, 18 km west of Chania. Chania airport lies about 30 km east, Kissamos 15 km west and Rethymno 63 km east.
Two coastal neighbours lie east along the same road. The village of Gerani, 5.1 km away, splits into Kato Gerani by the beach and Palaio Gerani inland, and it stays quieter than the resorts around it. The resort of Platanias, 8.1 km away, sits on a hill above about 7 km of sandy beach and is one of the busiest places on this coast, with late-opening bars and restaurants.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Tavronitis in Crete?
Tavronitis lies on the north coast of western Crete, about 18 km west of Chania and 15 km east of Kissamos, in the Chania region. The village stands one kilometre inland from its beach, between Kolimbari to the west and Maleme to the east.
Does Tavronitis have a beach?
Yes, Tavronitis beach lies 1.1 km north of the village and carries its name. The beach is long and pebbly, forms one segment of the coastline running from Kolimbari to Stalos, and swims most easily in calm weather.
How far is Tavronitis from Chania airport?
Chania airport is about 30 km east of Tavronitis. Chania city lies 18 km east and Rethymno 63 km east.
What is Maleme airport near Tavronitis?
Maleme airport is a historic airfield immediately east of Tavronitis beach, and it was the site of a significant resistance against the German forces in 1941. The western end of Maleme beach runs alongside the old military airfield and stays quieter than the rest of the sand.
What is there to do near Tavronitis with children?
Chrispy Waterpark Chania sits 2 km from the village, the closest outing that does not depend on the sea. Gerani beach, 5.9 km east, is one of the widest and calmest beaches near Chania and has sunbeds, umbrellas and showers along part of its length.
Where Tavronitis is
Best things to do in Tavronitis in 2024 is located at Tavronitis. The map below shows the exact spot; Google Maps and Waze give turn-by-turn directions.
