Kato Daratso is a coastal resort less than 4 kilometres west of Chania town, on the shore of the inland village of Daratsos in western Crete. Kato Daratso lines a strip of organised sandy beaches and holiday accommodation, and it belongs to the municipal unit of Nea Kydonia in the Municipality of Chania.
Kato Daratso at a glance
Kato Daratso sits on the Daratsos coast, a short drive from the old town of Chania. The quick facts about the resort are listed below:
- Location: less than 4 kilometres west of Chania town, on the coast of Daratsos
- Municipal unit: Nea Kydonia, Municipality of Chania, western Crete
- Beaches: Glaros, Iguana, Chrissi Akti (Golden Beach) and Agioi Apostoloi
- Stays: guest houses, apartments and resorts, plus a seaside campsite
- Access: about a 10 to 15 minute drive from Chania town, roughly 15 kilometres from Chania airport
Beaches in Kato Daratso
Kato Daratso fronts a run of sandy, organised beaches with sunbeds and umbrellas. Kato Daratso is bounded by Glaros beach to the west and Chrissi Akti to the east, with 2 smaller coves between them. The 4 main beaches are listed below:
- Glaros beach spreads fine sand and tamarisk trees for shade about 5 kilometres west of Chania, and it faces the northern wind on rougher days.
- Iguana beach is one of the 2 small coves set between Glaros and Chrissi Akti.
- Chrissi Akti (Golden Beach) lies around 2.5 kilometres west of Chania and offers fine golden sand, shallow water, and beach facilities that suit families.
- Agioi Apostoloi holds 2 sheltered coves roughly 3 kilometres west of Chania, protected from the wind by a small peninsula and its chapel-topped park.
When Glaros turns windy, the sheltered coves of Agioi Apostoloi nearby give calmer water. Local providers also run water sports along this coast.
Where to stay in Kato Daratso?
Kato Daratso offers accommodation across every budget, from cozy guest houses and self-catering apartments to pool resorts. Kato Daratso also has a campsite toward the Chrissi Akti end of the resort for travellers who prefer to camp near the beach. Many of the apartments and villas sit within a short walk of the sand and include their own pools. The full list of hotels and apartments in Kato Daratso appears further down the page.
Eating, shops, and amenities in Kato Daratso
Kato Daratso covers the everyday needs of a beach holiday within walking distance of the sand. Kato Daratso has tavernas serving traditional food, seafront cafes, supermarkets, a pharmacy, and car-rental services, and a Chania city bus stops on the coast road. These amenities make the resort practical for a self-catering stay as well as a hotel one.
Getting to Kato Daratso
Reach Kato Daratso by car from Chania town in about 10 to 15 minutes, because the resort sits less than 4 kilometres west along the coast. City buses from Chania run along the coast road, and taxis make the short hop from the centre. Chania International Airport lies roughly 15 kilometres to the east, a straightforward drive on the national road.
Things to do near Kato Daratso
Kato Daratso works as a beach base for day trips around the Chania coast and the White Mountains. The activities within easy reach are listed below:
- Beach days on the sandy coves of Glaros, Chrissi Akti and Agioi Apostoloi
- Boat cruises from the old Venetian harbour of Chania to Lazaretta and Agioi Theodoroi islands
- Gorge walks inland toward the White Mountains, such as the Sarakina Gorge near Meskla
- The old town of Chania, a short drive east for its harbour, shops and tavernas
FAQ
Where is Kato Daratso located?
Kato Daratso sits less than 4 kilometres west of Chania town, on the Daratsos coast in the municipal unit of Nea Kydonia, western Crete.
What are the main beaches in Kato Daratso?
The main beaches are Glaros, Iguana, Chrissi Akti (Golden Beach) and Agioi Apostoloi. All 4 are sandy and organised with sunbeds and umbrellas.
How do you get to Kato Daratso?
Drive or take a taxi from Chania town in about 10 to 15 minutes, or use a city bus along the coast road. Chania International Airport lies roughly 15 kilometres away.
Where can you stay in Kato Daratso?
Stay in guest houses, self-catering apartments or pool resorts, and a campsite sits near the Chrissi Akti end of the resort. Many properties stand within a short walk of the beach.
When is the best time to visit Kato Daratso?
Visit between June and September, when the weather stays warmest for swimming and the beaches are fully organised.
Where can you eat in Kato Daratso?
Eat at the tavernas and seafront cafes along the beachfront, which serve traditional Cretan dishes and lighter meals.
Renting a car for Kato Daratso
Kato Daratso rewards a car most of all, because the beaches, the old town of Chania and the inland gorges all sit within a short drive of the resort. A rental car turns the 4 kilometres to Chania and the 15 kilometres to the airport into an easy loop, and it opens up the quieter coves along the coast that the bus does not reach. Pick up a car rental in Crete.
Kato Daratso Map
Kato Daratso is located at Kato Daratso, in the Chania region of Crete. The map below shows the exact spot; Google Maps and Waze give turn-by-turn directions.
