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.
Things to do in and around Stalos
Six outings lie within about 10 km of the resort, listed below from nearest to furthest.
- Swim at the village beach. The sandy beach at Kato Stalos is 1.6 km away and comes fully equipped with tourist amenities. Stalos beach takes the blue flag award year after year.
- Walk west along the sand to Agia Marina. The beach 1.9 km away faces the protected islet of Thodorou and has shallow, calm water. Man-made stone piers keep swimming sheltered at Agia Marina on windy days, and the sand there runs east into Stalos without a break.
- Spend an evening in Platanias. The resort 2.8 km away sits on a hill above the sea and keeps its bars and restaurants open late. Platanias fronts one of Crete’s longest beaches, a sandy stretch of about 7 km, and its shops sell clothing, home decor, artwork and ceramics.
- Visit Chania old town. The city lies 7.5 km east, close enough that Stalos works as a base for it. Chania keeps its traditional architecture along with Venetian and Turkish monuments, and the harbour, the lighthouse and the old town are what most visitors come for.
- Hike the Cyclamen gorge. The route 9.7 km away starts at the Aletrouvari settlement at 300 m and ends at Vandes at 50 m, taking about 2 hours. The Cyclamen gorge suits experienced walkers rather than beginners, and small ponds form along its stream.
- Drive the Therisso gorge. The 6 km canyon 10 km away has vertical cliffs and heavy greenery, and a road runs through it. Pair the Therisso gorge with the village of Therisso at the foot of the White Mountains, which has just over 100 residents and a place in the modern history of Crete.
Beaches in and around Stalos
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.
- Stalos lies 1.6 km away, a sandy, fully organised beach at Kato Stalos that holds a blue flag every year.
- Agia Marina sits 1.9 km away, a long organised sandy beach facing the islet of Thodorou, with sunbeds, umbrellas, water sports and stone piers that shelter the swimming.
- Kalamaki is 3.2 km away, the beachfront of Galatas village, with fine sand, gentle water, showers, a lifeguard, beach bars and a tiny cove at its western edge.
- Platanias lies 3.4 km away, a Blue Flag beach about 2 km long that starts at the edge of Agia Marina and runs west in front of the resort.
- Glaros sits 3.7 km away at Kato Daratsos, fine sand with tamarisk trees for shade, exposed to the northern wind, with the sheltered bays of Agii Apostoli next door when the waves get up.
Where to eat in Stalos
Eating in Stalos means tavernas, restaurants and cafés spread between the village and the beach road, all within about 1.6 km.
- Leventis Taverna serves taverna cooking, 0.1 km from the centre.
- Bonatsa Family Restaurant lies 1.4 km out, towards the shore.
- Kri-Kri Restaurant sits 1.4 km out.
- Platia Traditional Cafe serves coffee, 1.4 km out.
- Meraki Tavern is a second taverna, 1.6 km out.
Getting to Stalos
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.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Stalos in Crete?
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.
Does Stalos have a beach?
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.
What is the difference between Kato Stalos and Pano Stalos?
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.
How far is Stalos from Chania airport?
Chania airport is 19.6 km east of Stalos, on the far side of the city, and Chania itself is 7.6 km away.
Which beaches are within walking distance of Stalos?
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.
Stalos Map
Discover Stalos is located at Stalós, in the Chania region of Crete. The map below shows the exact spot; Google Maps and Waze give turn-by-turn directions.
