Set in Agios Onoufrios in the Crete region with Agios Onoufrios Beach nearby, OLISEA APTS offers accommodation with free private parking.
Featuring free WiFi, the units have a washing machine and a flat-screen TV. There is a fully equipped kitchen and a private bathroom.
The apartment has a garden and sun terrace.
House-Museum of Eleftherios Venizelos is 7.4 km from OLISEA APTS, while Archaeological Museum of Chania is 7.8 km from the property. The nearest airport is Chania International Airport, 9 km from the accommodation.
from
€189
/night
Set in Agios Onoufrios and only 700 metres from Agios Onoufrios Beach, Pandis Palace offers accommodation with sea views, free WiFi and free private parking. This villa provides air-conditioned accommodation with a terrace.
Featuring a PS4, the villa has a kitchen with a dishwasher, an oven and a microwave, a living room with a seating area and a dining area, 6 bedrooms, and 6 bathrooms with a walk-in shower and a hot tub. A flat-screen TV with satellite channels, game console and DVD player, as well as an iPod docking station and a CD player are featured.
At the villa guests are welcome to take advantage of a hot tub. Both a bicycle rental service and a car rental service are available at Pandis Palace.
House-Museum of Eleftherios Venizelos is 6.9 km from the accommodation, while Archaeological Museum of Chania is 7.2 km away. The nearest airport is Chania International, 9 km from Pandis Palace, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.
from
€75
/night
Featuring air-conditioned accommodation with a patio, Elixsea Villa – Unlimited view of the Blue sea is set in Kounoupidhianá. This property offers access to a balcony, free private parking and free WiFi.
The villa with a terrace and sea views features 2 bedrooms, a living room, a flat-screen TV, an equipped kitchen with a dishwasher and an oven, and 2 bathrooms with a bath. Towels and bed linen are featured in the villa.
The reception at the villa can provide tips on the area.
Elixsea Villa – Unlimited view of the Blue sea offers a picnic area. Guests can also relax in the garden or in the shared lounge area.
Agios Onoufrios Beach is 800 metres from the accommodation, while House-Museum of Eleftherios Venizelos is 7.4 km away. The nearest airport is Chania International, 9 km from Elixsea Villa – Unlimited view of the Blue sea, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.
from
€512
/night
Boasting mountain views, Vista Residence offers accommodation with a balcony and a coffee machine, around 1.3 km from Agios Onoufrios Beach. This villa has a private pool, a garden, barbecue facilities, free WiFi and free private parking.
The villa is fitted with 4 bedrooms, 4 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 can be enjoyed nearby.
House-Museum of Eleftherios Venizelos is 7.6 km from Vista Residence, while Archaeological Museum of Chania is 7.9 km from the property. The nearest airport is Chania International Airport, 9 km from the accommodation.
from
€483
/night
Κatakis Villas features mountain views, free WiFi and free private parking, located in Agios Onoufrios, 1.1 km from Agios Onoufrios Beach. The accommodation is air conditioned and has a private pool, a spa bath and a hot tub.
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 walk-in shower and bathrobes. A microwave, a toaster and fridge are also provided, as well as a coffee machine and a kettle.
Κatakis Villas offers a range of wellness facilities including a hot tub and a beauty services.
A car rental service is available at the accommodation, while hiking can be enjoyed nearby.
House-Museum of Eleftherios Venizelos is 7 km from Κatakis Villas, while The Holy Monastery of Agia Triada is 7.2 km away. The nearest airport is Chania International, 9 km from the villa, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.
from
€199
/night
Boasting air-conditioned accommodation with a private pool, Tholaria Villa is situated in Chania Town. This property offers access to a balcony, ping-pong, free private parking and free WiFi.
The villa has 4 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, bed linen, towels, a flat-screen TV with streaming services, a dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, and a terrace with sea views.
The villa offers a barbecue. A outdoor play equipment is also available at Tholaria Villa, while guests can also relax in the garden.
Agios Onoufrios Beach is 1.3 km from the accommodation, while House-Museum of Eleftherios Venizelos is 7.6 km from the property. The nearest airport is Chania International Airport, 9 km from Tholaria Villa.
from
€53
/night
Classic Sail Yacht 40feet long*
Full Day PRIVATE Cruise out of the old venetian harbor of Chania
Check in: 10am
Check out: 5pm
Description: A Sailing cruise around the gulf of Chania will give your vacations a different view of the city! We set sails every morning at 10am in the Old Venetian Harbour of Chania making a cruise around the gulf of Chania. We will make two stops, anchoring for swimming and relaxation, one at the nearby island of Ag.Theodori which is a protected area of “Natura” as it hosts many birds as well as the wild Cretan goat named “KRI-KRI”, and the second stop will be in a secluded beach named “Maherida” and has beautiful turquoise waters. During the stops we will offer you traditional Cretan snacks, season fruits, drinks from the open bar and of course lunch that will be prepared onboard. snorkelling equipment will be provided as well to those who wish to explore the seabed!!! At about 5pm we will be back to the old Venetian port for disembarkation!!!
Destination: Sailing around the gulf of Chania making stops for swimming and relaxation, anchoring at Maherida bay and the nearby island of Ag.Theodori.
Icluded: snacks (Cretan traditional dakos), fruits, drinks (soft drinks, beverages, wine and bottled water) and lunch onboard (home-made cooked, based on the local Mediterranean cuisine)
Must have: Have with you, your swimsuits, sea towels and your very best mood. Leave the rest to us!!!
*Maximum participation 8people
Make the most of your time in Chania and discover the wonders of the Old City on this Segway tour through the Kasteli and Splantzia districts. Meet your friendly guide at the local partner’s office and get kitted out with the necessary Segway gear then set out onto the charming streets of Chania where adventure awaits.
Head into the Eastern part of Chania’s Old City and discover the remainders of the Ottoman rule as you explore the Turkish neighborhoods here. Glide along traditional cobble streets and narrow alleys while learning about the fascinating history of the districts throughout the ages. Along the way, see the most iconic sights and landmarks, including the impressive Venetian walls and Koum Kapi.
Live a unique experience of the city of Chania. Floating by the Lighthouse and the beautiful buildings of the harbour, Giali Tzami and the old shipyards. Our meeting point is the beach called Honolulu and there is a bus stop right above it. We will start paddling after a small introduction to sea kayaking. The part of the city where the local tanneries used to be called Tambakaria is our first stop and from there we will kayak to Koum Kapi, and enter the Venetian port. From the lighthouse we will continue to Lazareto island for a small stop fro swimming.
Chania is by far the most beautiful prefecture of Crete and surely one of the most beautiful areas in Greece. The coastline is a gem for the area from its rugged and colourful rock formations until the gold sand beaches. On a kayak you are the lucky one to explore the remote areas and the famous spots and beaches escaping traffic, queues and crowds. Chania city can be full of surprises wether wondering around the old city alleys or having drinks with the famous Chania lighthouse (Faros).
Explore Chania’s Rich History and Vibrant Culture on Two Wheels
Dive into the heart of Chania with an e-bike city tour that combines the ease of electric biking with the depth of cultural exploration. Starting from the Old Market, this tour takes you through historic sites, beautiful beachfront areas, and introduces you to the local flavors and traditions of Crete. It’s the perfect way to see the city’s highlights while enjoying the freedom and fun of riding an e-bike.
This e-bike tour is an ideal way to experience the historical richness, cultural depth, and natural beauty of Chania. It offers a unique perspective on the city, combining leisure and learning in an eco-friendly adventure. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, this tour promises a new and exciting way to explore Chania.
Walk through a beautiful route of the city, discover hidden gems and visit 10+ of the most important attractions and spots. Learn some introductory information about each place and interesting stories about the city in general.
Download the ‘World City Trail ‘app from the store and login. Read the instructions and head to the starting location. Unlock photos of the exterior and the interior of the location.
Read some information regarding the attraction and continue walking to the next checkpoint. Note what you liked and did not like and create your bucket list for the next days!
Start your walk any time, without a schedule. Pause it for lunch, have a drink, visit an attraction of your choice, and continue later or even another day. With the maps feature, you will never get lost.
Start your tour of the Memorial to the Fallen with a meaningful punch to the stomach. Explore the Gate of Sand and admire its view. Marvel at the architecture and unique location of Yali Jamisi. Then, head to the Maritime Museum of Crete to learn about the history of Crete and Hellenism at sea. Next, be enchanted by the old castle of Chania with its unique history. Admire Talos Square, named after the mythical hero. Learn about the historic Synagogue and the intriguing history of the old Archaeological Museum of Chania. Take tons of photos of the miraculous Metropolitan Church of Chania. The icing on the cake is Saint Nicholas with its incredible architecture as it is the only functioning Christian church with a Mosque.
Download the ‘’World City Trail ‘’ app from the store. Then start your tour and enjoy!
Discover Chania: Guided Bike Tours with Ride Around Chania
Join our 2-and-a-half-hour Chania bike tour and uncover more of this enchanting city than you ever could on foot. From historical landmarks to hidden gems, this guided bike tour is the perfect way to explore Chania.
Experience Chania’s Landmarks and Hidden Treasures:
See Chania’s famous landmarks like the Firkas Fortress, the Cathedral of the Virgin Maria, the Giali Tzamisi, and the Venetian architecture. Our unique bike tours guide you through the narrow, twisty streets of the old city, leading you to hidden spots that show the real heart of Chania – places loved by locals and often missed by visitors.
Dive into the Rich History of Chania:
Chania’s history spans from the Prehistoric era through the Byzantine Empire, Venetian Domination, Ottoman era, and Cretan State. Our guided bike tours offer an in-depth exploration of both old and modern Chania, providing insights and visual imagery into the culture, customs, and traditions of our beloved city.
Safe and Secure Touring:
We’ve thoughtfully planned our bike tours to take you through areas free of heavy traffic, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience.
Agios Onoufrios, a serene seaside village located 8km north of Chania and close to Kounoupidiana, is a hidden gem worth visiting.
The beach of Agios Onoufrios is quiet and sandy, and well protected from the winds, as it is located in a deep bay, along with a picturesque small port. Although not well-organized, it’s a popular spot for locals who come for the picturesque landscape and traditional taverns. The only downside is the fuel tanks located northwest of the beach, which break the peaceful atmosphere.
Despite this, the beach is equipped with sunbeds, parasols, showers, changing rooms, and a lifeguard service. For sports enthusiasts, there are two volleyball courts available. Overall, Agios Onoufrios is a great destination for those looking for a quiet beach away from the crowds.
The seaside village of Kalathas is located 12km northeast of Chania city, in a natural bay at Cape Akrotiri, which is open to the north winds. Current Kalathas is a relatively new village, which has been inhabited by residents of Chania who wanted to live away from the city centre.
The beach in front of the village is beautiful, with fine sand and shallow crystal clear water. Opposite Kalathas, there is a small island which you can easily reach by swimming.
The beach is very well organized with umbrellas, water sports, restaurants, hotels, lifeguards, mini markets, etc.
West of the main bay, beyond the rocky end, there is a secluded sandy bay. This is not organized and is ideal for those who do not like crowded places.
Tip: If you continue towards the far right of the beach, you will find a rather remote beach with usually hardly any people should you wish to avoid the crowded part of the beach.
Tersanas is a charming coastal village situated 13km northeast of Chania, tucked away in a small cove on the west side of Cape Akrotiri. While it serves as the harbour for the neighbouring village of Chorafakia, Tersanas is a well-developed area and a popular holiday destination.
The beach at Tersanas is nestled within a natural harbour that faces southwest. With its white, fine sand and crystal-clear shallow waters, it’s a small beach that can get crowded, especially on weekends. Visitors can take advantage of the available sunbeds, umbrellas, showers, and snack bars. Its calm waters and proximity to tourist facilities make it perfect for families, and there are buses from Chania that stop at Tersanas.
Maherida Beach (also spelled Macherida) is a small, secluded white sand beach with turquoise water on the Akrotiri peninsula, about 14km northeast of Chania and 1km west of Chorafakia village, near Tersanas. Maherida sits in a calm southwest-facing bay enclosed by sharp rocks, and it stays undeveloped and quiet, with no sunbeds, umbrellas, or tavernas at the beach itself. The cove is family friendly and nudism friendly, and its clear shallow water suits swimming and snorkeling.
The name comes from the Greek word “machairi,” meaning “knife,” a reference to the knife-like shape of a rocky cape at the northern end of the bay. A second theory traces the name to the Gladiolus flower, known in Greek as “macherida,” which grows in the area.
Maherida is a small, wild cove rather than an organized resort beach. White sand meets turquoise water at the heart of a southwest-facing bay, and sharp rocks enclose the shore on either side. The sea surface here is usually calm, and the water clarity is exceptional because the currents frequently change direction and sweep away any rubbish.
The beach has not been developed, though some residential building has gone up nearby in recent years. Its seclusion makes it a popular spot for nudists, and it is one of the preferred beaches for the gay community in Chania. The crowd is usually quiet, which is much of the appeal for visitors who want a calm swim away from busier organized beaches.
The coastline around the cove is a habitat for wild species. Close to the main road, among the rocks, lies the Macherida pond, a crater-like pool fed by saltwater springs. This pond shelters water snakes, turtles, and seagulls, and it is worth a look on the way to or from the sand.
Maherida Beach is reached from Chania by a paved road across the Akrotiri peninsula, roughly 14km to the northeast. The cove lies 1km west of Chorafakia, near the coastal village of Tersanas, and the map coordinates are 35.57353, 24.07667 for Google Maps or Waze navigation.
Public transport reaches the area as well. The city bus route to Stavros passes through Tersanas and runs close to Maherida beach, so travelers without a car can get within a short walk. A small parking area sits near the beach, and it can fill up during peak season. The most flexible way to reach this quiet cove and the other Akrotiri beaches is with your own vehicle, which you can arrange through Crete Locals car rental partner.
Maherida is an undeveloped beach with no facilities on the sand. There are no sunbeds, umbrellas, showers, toilets, lifeguards, or snack bars at the cove, so plan to be self-sufficient for the day.
Key points to prepare for before you go:
Accommodation and some food and water options are found in the surrounding area and nearby villages, including Stavros and Kalathas. You can compare hotels, villas, and apartments close to the cove on the Crete Locals places to stay listings.
Maherida Beach is suitable for swimming, with usually calm, shallow, turquoise water that is clear enough to see the seabed. The bay faces southwest and stays sheltered, which keeps conditions gentle on most days. No lifeguards are on duty, so swimmers should take their own care.
The clarity and the rocky edges of the bay make Maherida ideal for snorkeling and spearfishing. Snorkelers can explore the sharp rocks that enclose the cove, where fish gather in the clear shallows. Divers and swimmers who want to reach the bay by sea can also arrive on a Chania private sailing cruise, which anchors at Maherida for a swim and snorkel stop.
Maherida suits travelers who prefer a quiet, natural cove over a lively organized beach. The calm shallow water and family friendly setting work well for families with children, provided you bring your own shade, food, and water. Couples and solo visitors looking for seclusion will find the cove peaceful, and it is nudism friendly for those who want it.
The beach is best for snorkelers, swimmers, and anyone comfortable spending a self-catered day at a wild beach. It is a natural pairing with the nearby Akrotiri coves for a slower beach day, and you can plan a wider route through the Crete Locals beaches guide.
Two well-known Akrotiri beaches sit within a short drive of Maherida. Tersanas Beach lies about 0.9km away, a small white sand beach in a natural harbour with sunbeds, umbrellas, showers, and snack bars that make it a good family option, described in full on the Crete Locals Tersanas Beach page. Kalathas beach lies about 2.3km away and is very well organized, with umbrellas, water sports, restaurants, hotels, and lifeguards, covered on the Crete Locals Kalathas beach page.
Boat trips, guided tours, and airport transfers round out the area. The gulf of Chania sailing cruises stop at Maherida and the protected island of Agioi Theodoroi, and you can browse more tours and day trips on the Crete Locals things to do page.
Maherida Beach is on the Akrotiri peninsula, about 14km northeast of Chania and 1km west of Chorafakia village, near Tersanas.
Yes, Maherida Beach is suitable for swimming. The water is usually calm and shallow, but there are no lifeguards on duty, so swim with care.
No, Maherida Beach is undeveloped and has no sunbeds, umbrellas, tavernas, showers, toilets, or lifeguards. Bring your own umbrella, food, and water.
Yes, a small parking area sits near Maherida Beach. It can get crowded during peak season.
Maherida Beach is reached by a paved road across the Akrotiri peninsula, and the Stavros city bus route passes nearby through Tersanas.
Yes, Maherida Beach is family friendly and ideal for snorkeling and spearfishing, thanks to its calm, clear, shallow water. There are no facilities for children, so come prepared.
The best time to visit Maherida Beach is during the summer, from June to September, when the weather is warm and sunny.
Hotels, villas, and apartments are available near Maherida Beach in the surrounding area and nearby villages such as Stavros and Kalathas.
Avlaki Gorge is a 2 km hiking gorge in the Chania region of Crete, walked from Gouverneto Monastery down to Katholiko Bay about 16 km east of Chania city. The route rates 2 on a difficulty scale of 1 to 10, takes roughly 1 hour, drops 280 metres in altitude, and stays generally dry. Hikers reach the sea through a chain of caves, hermitages, and the abandoned Katholiko Monastery, which is why the canyon is also called Katholiko Gorge.
Avlaki Gorge is a short, steep monastic gorge that connects Gouverneto Monastery to the coast at Katholiko Bay. Avlaki Gorge sits in Arkoudovounia, a rugged pocket of the Akrotiri peninsula near Gouverneto Monastery, and it counts among Crete’s most significant canyons for its religious history. The secluded ravine gave refuge to numerous monks and hermits, who lived in its caves for centuries. The same gorge shelters the ancient, abandoned Katholiko Monastery, and that landmark gives the canyon its second name of Katholiko Gorge.
The gorge is not entirely accessible along its full length, so most visitors follow the marked trail rather than the raw riverbed. A signposted path from the monastery carries you on a scenic but steep descent toward Katholiko and the sea. The walk is dry underfoot in normal conditions, because Avlaki Gorge carries no permanent stream. You can preview other routes in the region on the wider Crete gorges guide.
Avlaki Gorge is an easy gorge to time but a steep one to walk. On a scale of 1 to 10, the route rates a difficulty level of 2, which suits reasonably fit walkers rather than technical canyoning. The one-way hike takes approximately 1 hour over its 2 km length, and it loses 280 metres of altitude between the monastery and the bay. The descent is the gentle part of the day; the same 280 metres must be climbed back on the return, so the uphill leg is where the effort concentrates.
Reach the trailhead by driving to Gouverneto Monastery, roughly 16 km east of Chania city on the Akrotiri peninsula. Follow these steps from Chania:
The monastery is the trailhead, so a hire car is the most direct way to reach it and to link Avlaki with other stops on Akrotiri. Renting a vehicle keeps the return climb on your own schedule rather than a tour timetable, which matters when you want to swim at the bay before heading back. Compare vehicles and pickup points through the Crete car rental directory.
The trail passes four monastic and coastal landmarks in sequence, each a short leg apart:
The bay guards one more curiosity worth the descent. A rock formation shaped like a boat stands near the water, and local legend calls it a pirate ship turned to stone by a monastery abbot’s curse. The deep blue water of the fjord makes the coastal finish a natural place to rest before the climb back.
Pack for a steep, dry, and shadeless walk with a coastal reward at the end. Sturdy shoes grip the rocky descent far better than sandals, and they protect ankles on the loose sections toward Katholiko. Water and sun protection matter because the gorge is dry and largely exposed, so carry enough for both legs of the hike. Swimwear is worth adding, since the deep blue fjord at Katholiko Bay invites a swim before the return climb.
What is Avlaki Gorge? Avlaki Gorge is a hiking gorge in the Chania region of Crete that runs from Gouverneto Monastery down to Katholiko Bay.
What type of gorge is Avlaki Gorge? Avlaki Gorge is a hiking gorge, walked on a marked trail rather than descended with ropes.
Is there water in Avlaki Gorge? Avlaki Gorge is generally dry, so the riverbed carries no permanent stream in normal conditions.
How can I access Avlaki Gorge? Access Avlaki Gorge on foot, following the marked trail that starts at Gouverneto Monastery.
How long is Avlaki Gorge? Avlaki Gorge is 2 km long from the monastery to the bay.
What is the difficulty level of Avlaki Gorge? On a scale of 1 to 10, Avlaki Gorge has a difficulty level of 2.
How many hours does it take to hike Avlaki Gorge? Hiking Avlaki Gorge takes approximately 1 hour one way.
What is the altitude difference in Avlaki Gorge? The altitude difference in Avlaki Gorge is 280 metres.
Where does Avlaki Gorge end? Avlaki Gorge ends at Katholiko Bay, a slender rocky fjord with deep blue water, a small Venetian well, and a tiny harbour once used by monks.
Several Chania canyons pair well with an Avlaki visit, each offering a different landscape and difficulty. Diplohahalo Gorge lies about 5.4 km away at the tip of Akrotiri, a technical route ending on the sands of Stefanou Beach. For a greener, car-accessible contrast further inland, the six-kilometre Therisso Gorge climbs toward the historic village of Therisso at the foot of the White Mountains.
Located at the farthest point of Akrotiri Cape lies the Diplochachalo Gorge. This gorge is situated near the village of Chordaki, en route to the renowned Stefanou or Seitan Limania beach. The gorge is a compact, breathtaking, and purely technical canyon featuring six descents, two of which are quite tall. It begins just beneath the quarry that stands out in the area. The gorge’s brief route, apart from the descents, forms dramatic rock shelters and formations with steep slopes. At the centre of the tallest waterfall, which stands at 38m, resides a beautiful cave adorned with stalactites and stalagmites, stretching around 20 meters deep. The gorge’s exit leads directly to the sandy shores of Stefanou Beach.
The Cyclamen Gorge, also known as Agios Georgios Gorge or Gorge Vandes, is nestled on the northern slopes of the White Mountains. Its starting point is the Aletrouvari settlement, situated at an altitude of 300m, and it extends east of Agios Georgios village, ultimately ending at the village of Vandes, which is at an elevation of 50m. The stream that runs through this gorge gathers water from the Drakona area, resulting in the formation of quaint, small ponds at certain spots.
However, this route is not recommended for novice hikers as it requires approximately 2 hours to traverse from Aletrouvari or about 1 hour from Agios Georgios. As visitors journey through this route, they will encounter a diverse landscape that changes along the river, all under the cool shade of towering plane trees and cypresses.
The Diktamos Canyon, nestled within the White Mountains, commences 21km to the east of Chania, near the Katochori village at an elevation of 300m. It concludes 8km further east, at the Faragi village, situated at a height of 40m and in close proximity to the Stylos village in the Apokoronas province. Consequently, it is also referred to as the Katechori Gorge or Stylos Gorge. The canyon’s stream serves as the primary tributary of the Kiliaris River, gathering water from the northern slopes of the Mavri peak and discharging it onto the Kalives beach.
Navigating through the canyon can be challenging, with certain areas requiring extra caution and approximately 3 hours to traverse. The canyon is a stunning, verdant landscape filled with towering trees and steep inclines, home to dittany or diktamos, a herb endemic to Crete. In Stylos, you have the opportunity to explore the ancient church of Apostle John (Agios Ioannis Theologos), refresh yourself at the local springs, and replenish your energy at the village’s taverns.
© All rights reserved. Crete Locals
