Stalos is a coastal resort on the north coast of western Crete, 7.6 km west of Chania and set between Kalamaki and Agia Marina. Stalos comes in two parts: Kato Stalos on the shore, which holds the sandy beach and the tourist amenities, and Pano Stalos behind it, a traditional village ringed by green hills and rock formations. The resort is well developed and draws a large number of visitors each summer.
Chania airport lies 19.6 km east, which keeps transfers short at both ends of a holiday. Stalos works as a base close enough to Chania for city evenings while sitting on the long sandy strip that runs west towards Platanias.
Six outings lie within about 10 km of the resort, listed below from nearest to furthest.
Stalos has its own sandy beach at Kato Stalos, and 4 more lie within 4 km along the same coast. Stalos, Agia Marina and Platanias run into one another here, so the sand is close to continuous from one resort to the next.
Eating in Stalos means tavernas, restaurants and cafés spread between the village and the beach road, all within about 1.6 km.
Reach Stalos on the coast road that runs west out of Chania towards Kolymbari, with the resort arriving between Kalamaki and Agia Marina. Chania city lies 7.6 km east and its airport 19.6 km, so both are inside a short drive.
Kissamos sits 25.4 km west and Rethymno 51.9 km east for longer day trips. The neighbouring resort of Kato Daratso lies 4 km back towards the city and belongs, like Stalos, to the coast west of Chania, while frequent city buses serve Platanias 2.8 km along the shore.
Stalos lies 7.6 km west of Chania on the north coast of western Crete, between the beaches of Kalamaki to the east and Agia Marina to the west.
Stalos has a sandy beach at Kato Stalos, its coastal quarter. The beach is fully organised, carries a blue flag year after year, and joins the sand of Agia Marina to the west without a break.
Kato Stalos is the coastal part of the resort and Pano Stalos the traditional village behind it. The beach, the hotels and the tourist amenities sit in Kato Stalos, while Pano Stalos keeps its village character among green hills and rock formations.
Chania airport is 19.6 km east of Stalos, on the far side of the city, and Chania itself is 7.6 km away.
Agia Marina, 1.9 km away, is the closest beach after the resort’s own. The sand runs east into Stalos from there, so the two can be walked as one stretch, while Kalamaki at 3.2 km and Platanias at 3.4 km need a short drive or a bus.
Orestis Hotel Sea View Apartments are situated on the hillside in the picturesque village of Upper Stalos, 9 km from the center of Chania, 14 km from Souda harbour and 23 km from Chania airport.
The hotel comprises of 2 buildings housing 12 apartments enjoying views of the sea and the mountains, a garden and a swimming pool.
All apartments feature marble tiled floors, cream coloured walls and elegant furnishings. Each is equipped with air condition, kitchenette with fridge, living room with coffee table and sofa and terrace.
Upper Stalos offers plenty of choices for food, shopping, daily excursions and entertainment. The nearest beaches are within walking distance. Other beaches like Agii Apostoli, Chrissi Akti, Platanias, Gerani are at a 5 to 10 minutes’ drive. Private and public parking are available at the hotel.
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Boasting a shared seasonal outdoor swimming pool and welcoming guests with local products, Villa Eftichia offers accommodation in Stalós with free WiFi and sea views. The Stalos Beach is within 1.3 km of the villa.
The villa comes with 2 bedrooms, a flat-screen TV and a fully equipped kitchen that provides guests with an oven, a microwave, and a washing machine. The villa also has 2 bathrooms with a bath.
Speaking Greek and English at the reception, staff are always at hand to help.
The villa offers a terrace.
The nearest airport is Chania International Airport, 23 km from the property.
Set 2.4 km from Stalos Beach and 4.4 km from Platanias Square, Evora Suites in Chania Town offers air-conditioned accommodation with views of the mountain and free WiFi.
The accommodation comes with a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with walk-in shower and a hair dryer, while the kitchen has an oven, a microwave and a fridge. Kitchenware is also offered, as well as a coffee machine and a kettle.
The apartment offers a terrace.
Agios Dimitrios Church is 4.9 km from Evora Suites, while Municipal Garden is 6.6 km from the property. The nearest airport is Chania International Airport, 22 km from the accommodation.
Located in Stalós in the Crete region and Stalos Beach reachable within 1.3 km, Aristos Apartments & Suites provides accommodation with free WiFi, BBQ facilities, a garden and free private parking.
The apartment provides guests with a patio, sea views, a seating area, cable flat-screen TV, a fully equipped kitchen with a fridge and an oven, and a private bathroom with shower and a hairdryer. A stovetop is also featured, as well as a kettle and a coffee machine.
Aristos Apartments & Suites offers a terrace.
A car rental service is available at the accommodation.
Agia Marina Beach is 1.9 km from Aristos Apartments & Suites, while Platanias Beach is 2.9 km away. The nearest airport is Chania International Airport, 23 km from the apartment.
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Boasting an outdoor pool, Villa Dimosthenis is located in Pano Stalos village. It offers split-level, self-catering accommodation opening to a balcony and terrace with Cretan Sea and mountain views. Free Wi-Fi is available in all areas.
Featuring beamed ceilings and warm tones, Dimosthenis Villa has 4 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms. The living room comes with a fireplace and flat-screen, satellite TV. A fully equipped kitchen and a dining area are also provided.
A children’s pool and a library are also found in the premises. Guests can also benefit from the barbeque facilities provided and enjoy a meal in the furnished terrace.
Kato Stalos Beach can be reached in 2 km. The scenic town of Chania lies within 9 km and Chania International Airport is 22 km away. Free private parking is available on site.
Located in Stalós and only 1.4 km from Stalos Beach, Villa Stafidaki provides accommodation with mountain views, free WiFi and free private parking. This villa offers air-conditioned accommodation with a balcony.
The villa is equipped with 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, bed linen, towels, a flat-screen TV with cable channels, a dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, and a terrace with sea views.
Guests can enjoy the outdoor swimming pool and garden at the villa.
Agia Marina Beach is 2.1 km from Villa Stafidaki, while Platanias Square is 5.2 km away. The nearest airport is Chania International Airport, 21 km from the accommodation.
This trip combines entry to Aqua Creta Limnoupolis with a shared hotel transfer from Chania or Rethymno and a two-course lunch. Limnoupolis sits inland from Chania with the White Mountains visible from the sunbeds, and the package covers the gate, a sunbed and one of three set meals. Cretanholidays runs it from €40, and the transfer is optional at booking. The trip holds a 3.72 rating across 33 reviews, the lowest score of any experience we list.
The day is a shared coach run to the park and back, with the hours in between unstructured. Three elements make up the package.
First is the transfer, which collects guests from multiple points across the Rethymno and Chania areas before continuing to the park, so your journey time depends on where you sit in the daily route, not on the distance. Second is the park itself, with freefall slides, a black hole tunnel, a lazy river and a large pool area, plus sunbeds looking towards the White Mountains. Third is lunch, chosen from three fixed meals.
The three meal options are a burger, cheeseburger or hot dog with fries and one scoop of ice cream; a slice of pizza with salad and ice cream; or spaghetti Neapolitan with ice cream. Lunch is not available for children under 2.
The transfer runs the north coast between the two western cities and turns inland to the park.
The price covers transport, entry, a sunbed and one meal, and it excludes every drink.
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We recommend Limnoupolis with a caveat attached, and we would rather say so than sell it hard. It is a genuinely pleasant mid-sized water park in a good setting, and the reviews agree on its real strength: it does not get crowded. Guests visiting in peak July and August repeatedly describe short queues and a relaxed atmosphere, which is not what you get at the larger parks on the Heraklion side. If a calm day matters more to you than the biggest slide list, that trade is worth making.
Reviewers also consistently praise the staff and the guides, with one naming their guide directly, and several describe the included lunch as better than they expected.
Now the honest part, because this trip scores 3.72 out of 5 and three specific things drag it there.
The transfer is the weakest element, at 3.6 out of 5. Because the coach collects from many points across two cities before heading inland, journey times vary widely, one reviewer travelling from Rethymno reported over two hours each way, and another was surprised to end up with only 4.5 hours actually inside the park. If you are at the Rethymno end of the route, budget accordingly.
Value for money also scores 3.6. Reviewers point out that drinks cost €3.50 at the bar but €1.50 at the shop by the entrance, that food is priced up, and that tickets bought directly on the park’s own website work out cheaper than the package. One reviewer said plainly they would not bother with the lunch inclusion again.
The park is small. Several reviewers describe it as fine but not large, with one noting there are not always enough rings or mats when it gets busy. And one guest rating the day three stars described a dispute at the lunch counter over whether ice cream was included, even though it is listed.
Buy your drinks at the shop, take the Chania pick-up if you have the choice, and check the direct price before you book the package.
The transfer is shared, and guests are collected from several points across both the Rethymno and Chania areas before the coach continues to the park. Transfer times vary with your pick-up point and the daily route, this is the detail that decides how long your day at the park actually is.
Bring swimwear, a towel and sunscreen. Lunch is not available for children under 2, and the transfer is optional, so you can book entry and lunch alone if you have a car.
Time in the park varies with the coach route, and one reviewer reported 4.5 hours inside after a long shared transfer.
One two-course meal is included, chosen from a burger and fries, a pizza slice with salad, or spaghetti, each with a scoop of ice cream. Drinks are not included.
Reviewers travelling from Rethymno report over two hours each way, because the coach collects from multiple points across two cities before heading inland.
Limnoupolis is mid-sized rather than large. Reviewers describe short queues even in peak season but also note the park is small and can run short of rings and mats.
Yes, the transfer is optional at booking, which suits anyone with a hire car who wants only entry, a sunbed and lunch.
Value scores 3.6 out of 5, its joint-weakest mark. Reviewers flag drink pricing at the bar and note the park’s own website can be cheaper than the package.
Check dates and prices for the Limnoupolis water park trip from Chania or Rethymno.
This cruise leaves Chania’s Old Venetian Harbour and spends 4.5 hours at two islands west of the city: Agioi Theodoroi, a protected reserve for the Cretan wild goat, and Lazaretta, with its two sandy beaches. Manos Cruises runs the Ferryman boat from Akti Enoseos, prices start at €38, and the tour holds a 4.91 rating across 799 reviews with a perfect 5.0 on guiding, transport and value alike.
The boat heads west from the Old Port, makes three stops and returns past the harbour for the view back at the city. Each stop has a distinct purpose.
First comes a 20-minute anchorage off Agioi Theodoroi beside the wreck of a German aircraft from the Second World War, destroyed and lying in clear water. Swimmers go in to see it, this stop is for swimmers only, with no landing. Second, the boat moves to a small gulf on the same island for around 30 minutes, where the kri-kri goats are often visible on the slopes. Third is Lazaretta, a small island opposite Nea Chora, where two sandy beaches and clear water make the longest stop of the trip.
The return leg runs past the Venetian harbour, giving you the lighthouse and the walled fortresses from the water. Homemade raki is poured on the way.
The route covers two islets off the Chania coast, both within sight of the city.
The fare covers the boat, the guiding, snorkelling kit and a light snack, and it leaves out towels and hotel transfer.
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Oversize luggage and large bags are not allowed on board.
We recommend this cruise as the easiest way to get off the Chania seafront and into clear water without committing a whole day. We rate the stretch west of the Old Port as underused, most visitors look east towards the beaches and never notice that two islands sit twenty minutes from the harbour wall. The wreck stop in particular is the kind of thing you normally need a dive licence to see, and here it is a swim.
The review record is the strongest argument. A 4.91 average across 799 reviews with 5.0 on every measured dimension is close to the ceiling. Reading through them, three things recur. The crew are named personally, Manos and Lucas come up repeatedly, and described as attentive rather than merely competent. The history commentary is mentioned as often as the swimming, so the guiding is real rather than decorative. And several people describe booking it last-minute as a filler and rating it the day of their trip.
Two honest caveats.
GetYourGuide’s own summary of the verified reviews says the included lunch is basic and that travellers would like more substantial snacks and drinking water. The inclusion list is a sandwich, a juice and raki, so treat it as a snack, eat beforehand and bring your own water.
The second is the swimming itself. The first stop has no landing at all, it is a swim-only anchorage, and the second beach is reachable only by swimming or by the tender. One reviewer flagged sea urchins between the rocks. Confident swimmers get the most out of this trip; hesitant ones will spend it on deck.
Bring your own water, wear something on your feet in the water, and take the morning sailing for the calmest sea.
The boat leaves from Akti Enoseos 5 in Chania, on the Old Port waterfront. Bring comfortable shoes, sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear and a towel.
Two points about access matter when you choose this trip. The first stop at Agioi Theodoroi is for swimmers only, and the second stop’s beach can be reached only by swimming or by taking the tender boat. The trip is flagged as likely to sell out, so book ahead in July and August.
The cruise runs 4.5 hours, covering two stops at Agioi Theodoroi and a longer stop at Lazaretta.
Yes, by swimming to it. The boat anchors for about 20 minutes beside a destroyed German aircraft from the Second World War, in water clear enough to see it from the surface.
A sandwich, juice and raki are included. GetYourGuide’s review summary notes travellers would prefer more substantial snacks, so eat before you board.
Non-swimmers see the islands but not the stops. The first anchorage has no landing, and the second beach is reached only by swimming or by tender boat.
The boat departs Akti Enoseos 5 in Chania, on the Old Venetian Harbour waterfront.
Sightings are likely rather than certain. Agioi Theodoroi is a protected reserve for the endangered Cretan goat, and the second stop is positioned where they are most often visible.
Check dates and prices for the Chania boat cruise to Agioi Theodoroi and Lazaretta.
Enjoy a boat cruise from the old port of Chania Town to the islands of Thodorou and Lazaretta. Captain Nestor will take care of you, especially the children, fetching starfish and octopus, and helping you explore the world underwater.
At the natural reserve of Thodorou island, also known as “Goat Island”, Nestor takes you around to spot the wild Kri Kri goat, stopping for a while at the decaying wreck of a World War II German airplane. From there you continue to the island of Lazaretta where you can relax and enjoy a picnic on the beach, swim or just chill out on the boat gazing through the window to the depths below. The boat will return later to the port of Chania.
This cooking class takes you from Chania up into the White Mountains for 6 hours on a working family farm, where you pick from the garden, cook a Cretan meal and eat it with the family’s own wine. The class runs in a small group with hotel pick-up, a local driver-guide and an air-conditioned minivan, and it starts at €110. GS tours holds a 4.93 rating across 681 reviews, the highest score of any experience on this page.
The day moves through the farm in sequence: garden, mountain, kitchen, table. Four stages fill the 6 hours.
First, you walk the vegetable garden and learn which herbs go into which dish, handling the produce before it becomes an ingredient. Second, a mountain walk takes you to a shepherd’s enclave, where the olive harvest is explained on the ground rather than in a classroom. Third, you cook, appetisers first, with ntakos and tzatziki, then the main dishes. Fourth, you sit down to the meal you made, paired with regional wines, and finish on traditional preserved-fruit desserts.
Cheese and wine tasting comes before the cooking rather than after. Reviewers who came expecting a kitchen session report honey tasting as well, which is not listed but recurs often enough to expect.
The class runs in the mountain villages inland from Chania, with pick-up along the coast.
The €110 covers everything from the door of your hotel to the end of the meal, which is unusually complete for a Crete day trip.
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We recommend this class above every other food experience we have looked at in western Crete, and the numbers are the reason to start with. A 4.93 average across 681 reviews is exceptional for any tour, and the guiding scores a flat 5.0 out of 5, we have not seen a perfect dimension score anywhere else in this set.
Read the reviews and the same thing comes back: this is a family home, not a venue. Guests write about being welcomed into the house, about the conversation as much as the food, about the mountains around the farm and the sheep on it. Several call it the best thing they did in Crete rather than the best meal, which is a different and more telling compliment. Guides are named individually and praised by name, a pattern we take seriously.
The practical point we would add from our own side: the White Mountains are the reason Cretan cooking looks the way it does. Doing this in the mountains rather than in a Chania kitchen puts the greens, the cheese and the olive oil in the landscape that produced them, and that is worth the drive.
Two things to know before you book.
The one criticism GetYourGuide’s own review summary reports is that some travellers wanted more hands-on cooking time. The day covers a garden walk, a mountain walk, a tasting and a meal, so the cooking itself is a portion of the six hours rather than the whole of it. Come for the day, not for a masterclass.
The second is scheduling. This is a half-day that starts in the afternoon, as one reviewer notes plainly, so it takes out your evening rather than your morning. The tour is also flagged as likely to sell out, and at 681 reviews and a 4.93 average that is believable.
Book well ahead, come with an appetite, and carry a layer for the altitude.
Pick-up and drop-off are included from Chania-area accommodation, and the class runs for 6 hours in the afternoon and evening. Bring comfortable shoes, sunglasses and a jacket.
Everything you cook with is provided, including the apron and the utensils, so nothing needs carrying up the mountain. Gratuities are the only cost not covered, and they are optional.
The class runs 6 hours in total, including the drive up into the White Mountains and back.
The class is an afternoon and evening half-day, so it finishes with dinner rather than lunch.
You cook Cretan appetisers and a main meal, with ntakos and tzatziki among the dishes and preserved-fruit desserts to finish.
Hotel pick-up and drop-off are included, in an air-conditioned minivan with a local driver-guide.
Cooking is one stage of four. The day also covers a garden walk, a mountain walk to a shepherd’s enclave and a wine and cheese tasting, and GetYourGuide’s review summary notes that some guests wanted more hands-on kitchen time.
Wine is included, both in the tasting before the class and paired with the meal you cook.
Check dates and prices for the Chania cooking class in the White Mountains.
Embark on a captivating journey through the heart of Apokoronas with our tour, featuring convenient pickup points in the Chania area. Traverse the picturesque landscapes and immerse yourself in the charm of authentic villages. Your adventure begins as you depart from Chania, setting the stage for a day filled with exploration and discovery across the diverse highlights of Crete. Pause to savor the rich flavors of a Greek coffee, unraveling the secrets behind crafting the perfect cup. A visit to a local cheese factory awaits, where you’ll indulge in the delectable tastes of graviera, mizithra, and an array of cheese varieties. Make a delightful stop at a traditional bakery to sample local culinary treasures. The tour culminates in an idyllic village, where you’ll relish a leisurely lunch at a traditional “kafeneio” or Greek café. Engage in conversations with locals, gaining insights into the rhythm of countryside life. This immersive experience offers a genuine taste of Cretan culture and hospitality. As the day concludes, return to your designated pickup point, cherishing the memories of a day spent exploring the hidden gems of Apokoronas.
Paratriking is a powered parachute flight in a two-seat trike: you sit in front of the pilot, both of you wear intercom helmets, and the engine lifts you off the ground in about a minute. No experience is required and the pilot handles everything. Paragliding Crete Power Fly run 15-minute flights near Chania from €150, with a 4.88 rating across 70 reviews and a perfect 5.0 for both the pilot and the equipment.
The flight is short and the preparation is the rest of it. Three stages.
First is the briefing on the ground, where the pilot fits your helmet and explains the take-off and landing. Second is the take-off itself, which takes roughly a minute from engine-on to airborne. Third is the flight: the coast below, the White Mountains and Psiloritis on the horizon, Lake Kournas inland, and the intercom running the whole time so you can talk to the pilot and ask what you are looking at.
Loggerhead turtles are visible from the air along this coast. A British reviewer reported seeing a great many of them about a mile offshore.
The flight stays over the coast and the plain behind it.
The €150 buys the flight, the pilot and the gear. Everything else is extra.
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We recommend this for people who want the view without the commitment of learning to fly, and especially for people who think they are too nervous. That is the pattern in the reviews and it is worth taking seriously.
A Dutch guest said plainly that he is somewhat afraid of heights and that the pilot made both him and his girlfriend feel safe and secure. A British reviewer called it relaxing and said they felt very safe. A German visitor said they felt safe the whole way through. For an activity that involves being strapped to a parachute with a propeller behind you, “safe” is the word that comes up most, which says something about how it is run.
The pilot is scored perfectly. Guide quality and equipment both sit at 5.0 out of 5, and reviewers name George repeatedly. A Polish guest called it the best piloting they had seen, with a smooth take-off and a soft landing. An Irish reviewer praised the pilot’s knowledge and professionalism.
The operator also flexes. One British guest staying in Rethymno reported the pilot moving closer to them for the day rather than making them travel across.
Two honest points, and the first is the one that matters.
Fifteen minutes is short for €150. That works out at about €10 a minute, and a Polish reviewer who rated the flight five stars still said 15 minutes is too short to take full advantage of the activity. Value for money is the weakest dimension at 4.8, still high, but it is the one people mark down. Go in knowing you are paying for a short, high-quality flight rather than a long one.
The flight is weather-dependent and not fixed in advance. The operator contacts you a few days before to confirm whether conditions allow it, and to set the time and the location. If your trip is short, build in a spare day.
Dress warm, leave the hat behind, and keep a spare day.
The meeting point is next to the Euphoria hotel car park; the operator sends the exact location by map once you have booked. Hotel transfers are not included.
Bring warm clothing, a windbreaker or jacket, sunglasses and sports shoes. Hats are not allowed and smoking is not permitted at the site or in the vehicle.
The flight lasts 15 minutes, with a briefing and preparation on the ground beforehand.
No experience is required. The pilot flies the trike and gives all the equipment and instruction before take-off.
A paratrike is a three-wheeled vehicle with two seats and a powered parachute, which lifts off in about a minute.
Yes, both helmets are wired with an intercom, so you can talk throughout the flight.
The coast, the White Mountains, Psiloritis and Lake Kournas, and reviewers report spotting loggerhead turtles offshore.
No, it depends on the weather. The operator contacts you a few days before to confirm the time and location.
Check dates and prices for the Chania paratriking flight.
Situated 7km west of Chania, nestled between Kalamaki and Agia Marina, lies Stalos. This well-developed location magnetizes a significant amount of tourists each summer. The coastal region of Stalos, known as Kato Stalos, boasts a stunning sandy beach that is not only well-equipped but also provides all necessary touristic amenities. This makes it a yearly recipient of the coveted blue flag award.
Situated 150m to the south is Pano Stalos, a charming traditional village that is enveloped by lush green hills and striking rock formations.
Stalos serves as a perfect holiday destination due to its proximity to the city of Chania and its ability to cater to all the needs of its visitors. There are also frequent bus services to the city of Chania.
The name ‘Stalos’ is steeped in Cretan mythology, believed to be derived from Talos, a bronze giant who guarded the island from enemies by circling it thrice daily. Legend has it that Talos had his base in Stalos. However, it is more likely that the name ‘Stalos’, originates from the Greek verb stalizo, meaning to stop for rest. This is where local shepherds would halt with their flocks for rest, hence the English word ‘stall’ shares the same Greek roots.
Agia Marina beach is a long, organized sandy beach on the north coast of Crete, 9 km west of Chania, facing the protected islet of Thodorou. Agia Marina beach has shallow, calm, blue water, a full row of sunbeds, umbrellas and water sports, and man-made stone piers that keep swimming sheltered on windy days. It is one of the busiest and most popular beaches near Chania, with beach bars, tavernas and hotels lining the shore.
Agia Marina beach lies 9 km west of Chania city, on the coast road that runs out toward Kolymbari. The beach is part of a long sandy strip where Stalos, Agia Marina and Platanias run into one another, so the sand stretches east into Stalos and west toward the port of Platanias. Agia Marina beach takes its name from the local church of Agia Marina, which holds its festival on 17 July. Straight out from the shore sits the protected islet of Thodorou, which gives the beach its distinctive view.
Agia Marina beach is soft sand with clear blue water that stays shallow and calm close to the shore, so children can paddle safely. The beach faces north and lies open to the wind, which keeps the water fresh but can raise a chop in the afternoon. Man-made stone piers near the Platanias end shape small coves that stay sheltered, so you can swim there even on breezy days. Mornings are usually the calmest time to get in the water.
Agia Marina beach is a well-organized beach with a full set of services along the sand. Agia Marina beach offers sunbeds and umbrellas to rent, showers and lifeguards in season, and it flies a Blue Flag. Beach bars, tavernas, cafes and restaurants line the shore and stay lively into the night. Water sports run from the beach through the summer, including jet skiing, windsurfing, parasailing, banana-boat rides and stand-up paddleboarding. Trees shade parts of the sand, and the shore is a marked nesting point for loggerhead sea turtles.
Agia Marina beach looks straight out at Thodorou, a small protected islet that is a nature reserve. Thodorou is home to the endangered Cretan wild goat, the kri-kri, relocated here from the White Mountains near the Samaria Gorge. Approaching the island is forbidden, and only a limited number of boat trips run to it each year with special permission from the Forest Service. About 1.5 km south of the village lies the Nerospilia cave, which holds stalactites and stalagmites and was a place of worship in the Middle Minoan period. The cave stands on private land, so it is closed to visitors. The village also keeps a small folklore museum worth a look.
The same sandy coast holds several more beaches on either side of Agia Marina, listed below by distance.
Agia Marina beach sits 9 km west of Chania on the coast road, so it is quick to reach from the town and from Chania International Airport. Frequent KTEL and city buses stop close to the sand and take about 20 minutes from Chania, and a taxi, bike or car covers the same run easily. A beach day here pairs well with the old town of Chania, the nearby resorts of Stalos and Platanias, and the quieter coves further west. The simplest way to string them together on your own schedule is by car, which you can compare on our car rental in Crete page.
Agia Marina beach is on the north coast of Crete, 9 km west of Chania city, on the sandy strip that links Stalos and Platanias.
Frequent KTEL and city buses run from Chania to Agia Marina beach in about 20 minutes, and you can also drive, take a taxi or ride a bike along the coast road.
Yes. The water is shallow and calm close to the shore, lifeguards watch the beach in season, and the sheltered coves by the piers stay quiet on windy days.
Agia Marina beach has sunbeds, umbrellas, showers, lifeguards and a Blue Flag, plus beach bars and tavernas. Water sports include jet skiing, windsurfing, parasailing, banana-boat rides and stand-up paddleboarding.
No. Thodorou is a protected nature reserve for the kri-kri wild goat, so landing is forbidden; only a few boat trips run each year with special permission from the Forest Service.
The coastal resort of Kalamaki, situated 6km west of Chania city, serves as the beachfront extension of Galatas village. Nestled within a rich, fertile plain adorned with citrus and olive groves, Galatas once relied heavily on agriculture; however, tourism now drives the region’s economy.
Kalamaki marks the western end of an extensive beach that begins 1km eastwards at Agii Apostoli. Its attractive shoreline features fine sand and gentle waters, offering a well-equipped and organized beach experience. Facilities include beach umbrellas, showers, lifeguard services, accommodation, dining, beach bars, and water sports. Additionally, a tiny, secluded cove exists next to the beach’s western edge, set apart from the main beach by a slim sand strip. Regular city bus services from Chania center provide easy access to Kalamaki.
Galatas is the birthplace of Mikis Theodorakis, a distinguished modern Greek composer and activist, who suffered poisoning under the military dictatorship that seized Greece in April 1967. He was also a nominee for the Nobel Peace Prize. During the Turkish Occupation, Galatas was a Christian-inhabited village, while the nearby Daratsos was occupied by Ottomans.
Glaros Beach
Glaros Beach, characterized by its spacious bay stretching from Holy Apostles to Kalamaki, boasts soft sand and crystal-clear, shallow waters. Tamarisk trees providing natural shade line the beach, contributing to its status as one of Chania’s most popular beaches. However, its northern exposure means it can get windy, making the sheltered coves of Holy Apostles a suitable alternative. Its excellent facilities, stunning beach, and convenient access to and from Chania make Glaros an ideal holiday destination.
Platanias beach is a long, organised, Blue-Flag sandy beach on the north coast of Crete, 11 km west of Chania. Platanias beach lines the front of the Platanias resort, so sunbeds, beach bars and water sports stay a few steps from the sand, while the old village on the hillside behind looks out over the sea and the islet of Thodorou.
Platanias beach sits 11 km west of Chania city, on the north coast of western Crete. Platanias grew from a small hillside village into a lively suburb of Chania, and frequent buses from the city make it one of the easiest beaches to reach near Chania. The beach runs for about 2 km, starting at the edge of Agia Marina and reaching west to the mouth of the Keritis river.
Platanias beach is a long stretch of sand with small pebbles in parts. The water is clear and deepens fairly quickly over a partly rocky seabed, so it suits confident swimmers as well as families who stay near the shallower sections by the shore. The beach faces north, so afternoon winds can raise short waves, and mornings are usually the calmest time to swim. The western end near the Keritis river is quieter and less built-up, which gives swimmers more space away from the busiest stretch.
Platanias beach is well organised along most of its length. Platanias beach offers sunbeds and umbrellas, beach bars, snack bars, showers and lifeguards on duty in season. Much of the shore is free public beach where you can set your own spot, so the beach mixes organised sections with open stretches. On the east side of the local harbour, close to Agia Marina, several small man-made coves give sheltered spots for a swim.
Platanias beach offers a wide choice of water sports through the summer. Visitors can try jet skiing, stand-up paddleboarding, parasailing, banana-boat rides and beach volleyball along the organised sections. After dark, the nightclubs of Platanias fill with Greek and foreign visitors who dance until dawn, which has made the resort one of the main nightlife spots west of Chania.
Platanias beach is a nesting point for loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta). The turtles nest on this coast from May to September, so keep clear of any marked nests and leave the dry sand undisturbed after dark. Tamarisk trees along parts of the beach give natural shade for hot afternoons.
The coast on either side of Platanias beach runs into several more sandy beaches, listed below by distance.
Platanias beach lies 11 km west of Chania on the north-coast road. Frequent buses run from Chania to Platanias through the season, the approach road is paved, and the beach has handicap-friendly access. A beach day here pairs well with the nearby beaches at Agia Marina, Stalos and Maleme and with the Botanical Park and Gardens of Crete inland, and the easiest way to reach them on your own schedule is with a rental car, which you can compare on our car rental in Crete page.
Platanias beach is on the north coast of western Crete, 11 km west of Chania, on the stretch of coast that runs from Agia Marina to the Keritis river.
Platanias beach is 11 km west of Chania city, reached by a short drive or by the frequent bus from Chania to Platanias.
Yes. Platanias beach is a long sandy beach with small pebbles in parts, running about 2 km between Agia Marina and the Keritis river.
Yes. Families can use the shallower sections near parts of the shore, and lifeguards are on duty in season, though the water deepens fairly quickly and afternoon winds can bring short waves.
Platanias beach has sunbeds and umbrellas, beach bars, snack bars, showers and lifeguards, along with water sports and free public stretches where you can set your own spot.
Platanias beach offers jet skiing, stand-up paddleboarding, parasailing, banana-boat rides and beach volleyball along its organised sections in summer.
Take a bus from Chania on the frequent Platanias service, or drive 11 km west along the paved north-coast road, and a rental car also makes the nearby beaches at Gerani, Stalos and Maleme easier to reach.
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.
Positioned near the city of Chania, the Therisso Gorge (also known as Eleftherios Venizelos) is an awe-inspiring sight. This six-kilometre-long canyon is adorned with impressive vertical cliffs and lush greenery, rivalling any other gorge in the Chania region. Accessible by car, it’s worth combining a trip to the gorge with a visit to the historic village of Therisso, nestled at the foot of the White Mountains, just 15 kilometres from Chania. This village, steeped in history, offers an unforgettable experience to any visitor.
With a population of just over 100, the valiant village of Therisso has held a significant role in Crete’s modern history, mainly due to the resilience of its inhabitants against Turkish invasions. In 1866, the village was burnt by Mustapha Pasha Naili, forcing many, including the mother of future Greek Prime Minister, Eleftherios Venizelos, to relocate to Kythera and the Peloponnese. Therisso gained further historical prominence in 1905 when Eleftherios Venizelos and his allies initiated a revolution against the autocratic rule of Prince George, imposed by the Great Powers, charting a course for Crete’s union with Greece. Notably, the heroic Halides brothers, key figures in the 1821 revolution, also hailed from Therisso.
In the mountainous region of Kydonia near Chania, nestled at the base of the White Mountains, you’ll find the picturesque Kydoni gorge. Named after the area, not the Greek word for “quince” which is also kydoni, this gorge is one of the most verdant in Crete, boasting lush vegetation with trees towering over twenty meters high. The journey begins in the village of Karanou, starting at the site of an ancient fountain. A downhill path takes you through a breathtaking centuries-old olive grove, past the church of Saint Demetrius (Agios Dimitrios) with its remnants of old frescoes, and finally to the stream bed. The greenery is abundant throughout the gorge, with sunlight only filtering through in a few places, making it a perfect spot for a cool walk on a hot, sunny day.
The trail that traverses the gorge is one of the most well-marked in Crete, with signs posted every 500 meters indicating the distance. The entire route is 2 km long, ending where the Kydoni stream meets the Platanias river tributary, Mavropiliotis, in the Mavra Pila area. The name Mavra Pila translates to “dark muddy soil” in the Cretan dialect, a fitting description for the blackish soil that turns into black mud when wet.
The trail continues from the end of the Kydoni gorge into the Boriano gorge, which runs parallel to Kydoni and originates from the Boriana neighborhood in Karanou. The Kydoni stream is typically dry throughout the year, only filling with water during the heavy rains of winter. Along the route, there are 2-3 small waterfalls, with the tallest one crossed by a charming wooden bridge that leads to a rock shelter adorned with small stalactites. The descent through Kydoni takes about an hour of hiking. Towards the bottom of the gorge, you’ll find two old trails leading to the nearby settlement of Skordalou.
The verdant Boriano canyon, more commonly referred to as Karanou Gorge, begins in the Boriana neighborhood of Karanou village and extends for 1800 meters until it merges with the Mavropiliotis River via an attractively laid out path. The trail features a dilapidated watermill, caves, and the entrances to the old iron ore quarries (locally referred to as the Averof quarries), along with a charcoal furnace and tunnels. The gorge runs parallel to the Kydoni Gorge, and it’s common for hikers to explore both gorges simultaneously.
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