Gerani is a charming village situated on the northwestern coast of Crete, located between Platanias and Maleme, and easily accessible from the Old National Road and the new national road. The village is spread out along the coast, with the new part of the village, Kato Gerani, located along the beach and the old Gerani, Palaio Gerani, further inland. The village is 14 km west of Chania and has a small river running through it.
Gerani is a great option for those looking for a peaceful vacation spot. Although it is not as developed for tourism as Platanias, Gerani offers a variety of accommodation options, including big hotels and small family-run businesses renting rooms, studios, and apartments. There are also several taverns, cafes, supermarkets, a bakery, a butcher shop, a hairdresser/barber, a pharmacy, and a petrol station in Kato Gerani. Additionally, there is a regular bus service to Chania and Kolimbari for those who want to explore beyond the village.
The beach in Gerani is a mix of coarse sand and pebbles, with the former covering most of the expanse and the latter restricted to the waterline and a few meters inwards. It is recommended to wear bathing shoes due to this. There are sections of the beach where visitors can rent sun beds, parasols, showers, and changing facilities. During busier seasons, a lifeguard is stationed at the busiest area of the shore. While there are a few restaurants along the beach, most visitors prefer to eat at their hotels.
For those who want to explore the surrounding areas, Gerani has a regular bus service to Platanias, which has sandy beaches and amenities such as doctors, banks, chemists, supermarkets, bakeries, and tavernas. It is also possible to walk two kilometers along the road or the beach. Chania town is a 20-minute drive away, and the international airport is about 40 minutes away.
Gerani village Map
Explore Gerani village is located at Gerani village, in the Chania region of Crete. The map below shows the exact spot; Google Maps and Waze give turn-by-turn directions.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Gerani located?
Gerani is a small village located on the northwestern coast of Crete, between Platanias and Maleme, right off of the Old National Road.
How far is Gerani from Chania?
Gerani is located 14 km west of Chania.
What are the two parts of Gerani?
Gerani is spread out along the coast, with the new part of the village located along the beach (called Kato Gerani, or lower Gerani) and the old Gerani (Palaio Gerani) further inland.
What amenities are available in Kato Gerani?
In Kato Gerani, you'll find a few taverns and cafes, supermarkets, a bakery, a butcher shop, hairdresser/barber, a pharmacy, and a petrol station. There is also a regular bus service running to Chania and Kolimbari.
What is the beach like in Gerani?
The beach in Gerani is composed of both coarse sand and pebbles, with the former type covering most of the expanse and the latter restricted to the waterline and a few meters inwards into clearer waters. It is recommended to wear bathing shoes. There are also sections where one can rent sun beds and parasols, as well as showers and changing facilities.
Are there restaurants along the beach in Gerani?
There are a few restaurants along the beach in Gerani, but most of the visitors live in Gerani and eat at their hotels.
Is there a regular bus service to Platanias?
Yes, there is a regular bus service from Gerani to Platanias, which has sandy beaches and amenities including doctors, banks, chemists, supermarkets, bakeries, tavernas, etc.
How far is Chania town from Gerani?
Chania town is a 20-minute drive from Gerani.
How far is the international airport from Gerani?
The international airport is about 40 minutes from Gerani.
