Galatas is a village on the coastal plain west of Chania in western Crete, 4.3 km from the city and 0.3 km from its own beachfront at Kalamaki. Galatas sits in a fertile plain of citrus and olive groves, and farming was what the village lived on before tourism took over as the mainstay of the local economy. The coastal resort of Kalamaki serves as the beachfront extension of the village, which puts sand, sunbeds and tavernas within a few minutes of the houses.
Chania airport lies 16.3 km east, on the far side of the city. Galatas works as a quiet base on the edge of Chania, with the old town a short trip east and the beaches of the Agii Apostoli and Daratso coast a few hundred metres north.
Things to do in Galatas
Six outings lie within about 8 km of the village, listed below from nearest to furthest.
- Swim at Kalamaki. The beach 0.3 km away is the village’s own seafront, with fine sand and gentle water. Kalamaki is organised with umbrellas, showers, a lifeguard, dining, beach bars and water sports, and a tiny secluded cove sits at its western edge.
- Walk to Glaros beach. The sand 0.4 km away fronts the village of Kato Daratsos in the Makris Tihos area. Glaros has tamarisk trees for shade instead of rented umbrellas, and it lies open to the northern wind, so the sheltered bays next door take over on rough days.
- Explore the two coves at Agii Apostoli. The beaches 1 km away are separated by a small peninsula that carries a park for walking and the chapel of the Holy Apostles. The western beach at Agii Apostoli has soft sand, full amenities and parking, while the semicircular cove to the east has green-hued water and rock formations on either side.
- Swim at Golden Beach. The beach 1.7 km away is named for its fine golden sand and holds a Blue Flag. Chrissi Akti has shallow, clear water that stays calm on most days, along with sunbeds, umbrellas, showers and beach cafes.
- Visit Chania old town. The city 4.2 km east is the capital of the Chania prefecture and one of the oldest cities on the island. Chania keeps traditional architecture alongside Venetian and Turkish monuments, and its harbour, lighthouse and old town are the reason most visitors make the trip.
- Hike the Cyclamen gorge. The route 8 km away runs down the northern slopes of the White Mountains, from the Aletrouvari settlement at 300 m to Vandes at 50 m. The Cyclamen gorge takes about 2 hours from Aletrouvari and suits experienced walkers rather than beginners.
Beaches near Galatas
Five beaches lie within 2 km of Galatas, strung along the coast west of Chania. They run from the village’s own seafront at Kalamaki to the resort sand at Stalos.
- Kalamaki lies 0.3 km away, the beachfront extension of Galatas and the western end of a long beach that begins 1 km east at Agii Apostoli.
- Glaros is 0.4 km away at Kato Daratsos, fine sand with natural shade, flanked by Kalamaki to the west and Agii Apostoli to the east.
- Agii Apostoli sits 1 km away, two beaches either side of a small peninsula, sheltered from the wind and named after the chapel of the Holy Apostles on the cape.
- Chrissi Akti follows 1.7 km away in the Agii Apostoli area, a Blue Flag beach of fine golden sand with shallow, clear water, reachable from Chania on foot.
- Stalos lies 2 km away between Kalamaki and Agia Marina, the sandy, fully equipped front of the Stalos resort.
Where to eat in Galatas
Eating in Galatas means a cluster of restaurants and beach cafes between the village and the Kalamaki seafront, all within 700 m.
- Nesaki is 0.2 km from the village centre.
- Restaurant Orexi sits 0.5 km out, towards the beach.
- Siroccos Restaurant is also 0.5 km out.
- Kuzina Galerie serves traditional cooking 0.6 km out.
- Golden Bay Bar Restaurant stands 0.6 km out, on the seafront side.
Getting to Galatas
Reach Galatas on the coast road that runs west out of Chania, with the village set just inland of the Kalamaki seafront. Chania city lies 4.3 km east and the airport 16.3 km, so both ends of a journey stay short.
Two resort neighbours sit along the same shore. The coastal strip of Kato Daratso begins 0.8 km away, on the shore of the inland village of Daratsos, and Platanias lies 5.6 km west. Kissamos is 28.6 km west of the village and Rethymno 49.1 km east.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Galatas in Crete?
Galatas lies 4.3 km west of Chania on the north coast of western Crete, on a fertile plain of citrus and olive groves just inland from the beach at Kalamaki.
Does Galatas have a beach?
Kalamaki, 0.3 km away, is the beachfront extension of Galatas. The sand there is fine, the water gentle, and the beach carries umbrellas, showers, a lifeguard, beach bars and water sports through the summer.
How far is Galatas from Chania airport?
Chania airport sits 16.3 km east of Galatas, beyond the city, and Chania itself is 4.3 km away.
What is there to do in Galatas?
5 beaches sit within 2 km of the village, and Chania old town is 4.2 km east. Kalamaki, Glaros, Agii Apostoli, Chrissi Akti and Stalos line the coast in that order, and the Cyclamen gorge 8 km inland gives the area its nearest walk.
Is Galatas a quiet place to stay?
Galatas is a village rather than a resort strip, with the hotels and beach bars concentrated on the Kalamaki seafront 0.3 km away. The busier nightlife of Platanias lies 5.6 km west, so it stays at arm’s length.
Galatas Map
Uncover Galatas is located at Galatas, in the Chania region of Crete. The map below shows the exact spot; Google Maps and Waze give turn-by-turn directions.
