7 Best Beaches in Chania (Crete) That You Need to Visit

One of the biggest draw cards in coming to Crete are its stunning coastline and beaches. As such no trip to Crete is complete without checking out its most iconic beaches. After spending some time in Crete over the recent summer, we got to experience some of the best beaches in Chania in Crete, that Greece has to offer.

It is no surprise that people travel from all over the world to Greece for its stunning beaches and the island of Crete is no exception. Northrtn Crete beaches include – Balos Lagoon, Elafonissi Beach, Rethymno Beach, Georgioupolis Beach, Agia Pelagia Beach to name a few. Southern beaches include Matala Beach, Preveli Beach, Sougia Beach, Plakias Beach, Agiofarago Beach.

However for the purposes of this article we will focus on beaches which are close to or accessible from the main city of Chania where most people we’ll find themselves based during their time on Crete. 

This list is by no means completely exhaustive is I’m a 100% sure if I was to go back to Crete each time we would new lesser known gems that are equally, if not more stunning. 

However if you have limited time in which to check out Crete then this is a great go-to list of the best beaches in Chania.

For each beach we also cover all the necessary information you need to plan your visit including: 1. How to get there 2. What beach facilities to expect 3. How much time you need to enjoy and explore and other such useful information.

Best Beaches in Chania (Crete) – Things to Know

First things first when you are planning a holiday to Crete there are few differences to know about the creation coastline compared to other European coastal regions of Italy Spain and Portugal.

What makes the Crete in fact the Greek coastline and beaches unique is their unique unspoiled landscapes traditional white washed village and crystal clear turquoise waters. 

Unlike the larger and perhaps more well-known Greek islands, you will often stumble upon many beaches are equally a stunning but with far less tourists. 

I have structured this list with the most popular well known beaches fist, working down to the lesser known off the beaten path beaches.

Map of the Best Beaches in Chania

1. Balos Lagoon

Best Beach in Crete near Chania for Stunning Scenery and Photography

Balos Lagoon as teh name suggests is more a lagoon than a beach technically, but is known a beach given is many beachlike landscapes surrounding the lagoon waters 

Its a breathtaking natural wonder, known for its turquoise waters, white sandy beaches, and stunning scenery. The lagoon is formed between the Cape Gramvousa and the small Cape Tigani, creating a unique combination of shallow warm waters and deeper cooler areas. The pristine beach and lagoon are surrounded by rugged cliffs, offering a picturesque and serene environment.

Highlights

• Stunning Scenery: Balos Lagoon is renowned for its striking colors, with the white sand creating a beautiful contrast against the turquoise and blue waters. The surrounding cliffs add to the dramatic landscape, making it a photographer’s paradise.
• Unspoiled Nature: As a protected area, Balos Lagoon remains largely unspoiled, offering visitors a chance to experience its natural beauty without the intrusion of large-scale development. The area is home to various plant and animal species, adding to its ecological significance.
• Hiking Trails and Viewpoints: There is an amazing hike up once you reach Balos that offers incredible panoramic views of the lagoon and the surrounding area. There are also additional adjoining hiking trails for a longer hike if you want to combine a beach day with a hike. We were here in peak summer in July and already sweating up just at the viewpoint hike, so opted to skip the additional longer hikes, in favour of lunch and getting a dip in the waters to cool down!

Travel Tips

• Distance from Chania: Balos Lagoon is approximately 52 km (32.3 miles) from Chania, which takes about 1.5 hours by car.
• How to Get There:
  • By Car: Drive to Kissamos Port, following the National Road west from Chania. From Kissamos, you can either take a boat to Balos or continue driving towards the car park at Kaliviani village, followed by a hike down to the lagoon. This definitely is a hike so I would highly recommend carrying walking shoes for this. 
  • By Boat: Regular boat trips depart from Kissamos Port during the tourist season, offering a scenic and relaxing way to reach Balos. The boat trips often include a stop at the nearby Gramvousa Island.
• How Long to Spend: Plan to spend a full day at Balos Lagoon. This allows time for hiking, swimming, relaxing on the beach, and exploring the surrounding areas.
• What to Bring: Bring plenty of water, sunscreen, a hat, and snacks, as facilities are limited. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended for the hike.
• Best Times to Visit: Early morning or late afternoon visits offer the best light for photography and fewer crowds. The peak tourist season (July and August) can be quite busy, so consider visiting in the shoulder seasons (May-June or September-October) for a more peaceful experience.
• Facilities and Accessibility: Balos Lagoon has minimal facilities, so it’s essential to come prepared. There are no sunbeds or umbrellas available, and shade is limited. The hike to the beach can be challenging, especially in the heat, so ensure you are prepared for the trek.

2. Elafonissi Beach

Best Beach in Crete near Chania for Pink Sand and Family Fun

This was Elafonissi Beach is renowned for its stunning pink sand and crystal-clear waters, creating a picturesque and unique beach experience. The pink hue of the sand, which results from crushed seashells, contrasts beautifully with the turquoise waters. The beach features shallow waters, making it ideal for families with young children and for snorkeling enthusiasts.

Highlights

• Natural Beauty: Elafonissi Beach is a protected area due to its unique ecosystem and natural beauty. The surrounding landscape includes sand dunes, rare plants, and a lagoon-like area perfect for wading.
• Enjoy the breathtaking natural landscapes of nearby islets and the expansive Cretan sea. The beach’s distinctive pink sand adds a magical touch to the scenery.

Travel Tips

• Distance from Chania: Elafonissi Beach is approximately 75 km (46.6 miles) from Chania, which translates to about 1.5 to 2 hours by car.
• How to Get There: The most common way to reach Elafonissi is by car. Drive via the National Road, heading west towards Kastelli-Kissamos. Continue through Topolia Gorge and follow the signs to Elafonissi. Alternatively, there are buses from Chania to Elafonissi during the tourist season, or you can join an organized tour.
• How Long to Spend: Plan to spend at least half a day at Elafonissi Beach. This allows ample time to explore the beach, swim in the shallow waters, and take in the stunning surroundings.
• Best Times to Visit: The best times to visit are early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid the midday crowds and enjoy a more peaceful experience. Weekdays are generally less crowded than weekends.
• Facilities and Accessibility: Elafonissi Beach is well-equipped with facilities, including sunbeds, umbrellas, and a few snack bars. There are designated parking areas close to the beach, but they can fill up quickly during peak season, so arriving early is advisable. The beach is relatively accessible, though some areas may require a short walk from the parking lot.

3. Falassarna Beach

Best Beach in Crete near Chania for Sunbathing and Watersports

Falassarna Beach is one of the most beautiful and popular beaches in Crete, known for its long stretches of fine sand and crystal-clear waters. What I liked about this beach is thats its divided into several smaller sections, offering a variety of experiences from quiet spots to more lively areas with water sports, you can definitely find a spot that suits you, even if its a busy day with lots of people. The stunning sunsets at Falassarna are particularly famous, so if you are looking for a good sunset spot, then I high recommend this beach!

Highlights

• Expansive Sandy Beach: Falassarna boasts a vast stretch of sandy beach, making it easy to find a perfect spot to relax. 
• Clear Waters: The beach’s waters are incredibly clear and blue, providing excellent conditions for swimming and snorkeling. The shallow areas are perfect for families with children.
• Water Sports Opportunities: Falassarna is a hub for various water sports, including windsurfing, paddleboarding, and kayaking, catering to both beginners and experienced enthusiasts.
• Excellent restaurants nearby: There are some great places to get lunch or dinner while in Falasarna. If you want to combine a sunset view by Falasarna with dinner, I highly recommend booking a balcony table at Taverna Mouraki. We were extremely happy to get the last balcony table after a friend recommended the place for a sunset meal overlooking beach. 

Travel Tips

• Distance from Chania: Falassarna Beach is approximately 58 km (36 miles) from Chania, which takes about 1 hour by car.
• How to Get There:
  • By Car: Drive west from Chania on the National Road towards Kissamos. After reaching Kissamos, follow the signs to Falassarna. The road is well-marked and easy to navigate.
  • By Bus: During the tourist season, there are buses from Chania to Falassarna. Check the local bus schedule for the latest timings.
• How Long to Spend: You can easily spend half to a full day at Falassarna Beach. Especially if you want to do some sort of water sports, hikes or head to one of the many excellent Tavernas nearby for food. 
• Facilities Available: Falassarna Beach is well-equipped with sunbeds, umbrellas, and several beach bars and tavernas offering food and drinks. There are also facilities for renting water sports equipment.
• Best Time to Visit: For fewer crowds and the best experience, visit early in the morning or later in the afternoon. The sunsets are particularly beautiful, so staying until evening is highly recommended.
• Accessibility: The beach is easily accessible with ample parking available. The main sections of the beach have paths that make it easy to reach the sand.

4. Seitan Limania

Best Beach in Crete near Chania for Adventure and Exploration

Seitan Limania, also known as Stefanou Beach locally in Greece, is known as hidden gem tucked away in a narrow cove surrounded by dramatic cliffs. 

The beach is known for its unique beauty, with crystal-clear turquoise waters contrasting against the rocky landscape. This beach definitely has a more secluded atmosphere, and is a more tranquil escape for those looking for some time in the water without large crowds. 

However having been here in peak summer between June to August I can definitely say this is not a hidden gem this time of year! Nonetheless it’s location secluded landscape definitely give it a more ‘hidden’ feel compared to a lot of the longer stretches of beaches you will find near Chania.

Highlights

• The steep cliffs surrounding the beach give a unique and picturesque setting.
• The waters at Seitan Limania are incredibly clear and perfect for swimming and snorkeling. However, unlike the larger beaches like Falassarna though, I did not see a place for renting out snorkeling gear, so its worth bringing your own or checking options nearby to rent out.  
• The surrounding cliffs and layout of the beach make the turquoise waters even more striking. This was the very first beach we drove to when reaching Crete, adjust the site of these turquoise waterers at a distance, had a completely mesmerized on the drive down.

Travel Tips

• Distance from Chania: Seitan Limania is approximately 22 km (13.7 miles) from Chania, about 40 minutes by car.
• How to Get There:
  • By Car: Drive towards the Akrotiri Peninsula, following signs to Seitan Limania. The road is winding and narrow, so drive carefully. Park at the designated area at the top of the cliffs.
  • By Taxi: Hiring a taxi from Chania is also an option, though you will still need to hike down to the beach.
• How Long to Spend: Plan to spend a few hours to half a day. The hike down and up the cliffs is part of the experience, and one which I learnt you definitely need shoes for, given its rocky terrain. 
• Safety Tips: The hike to the beach is steep and rocky. Wear sturdy shoes and be prepared for a bit of a climb. Bring plenty of water, as there are no facilities at the beach.
• Best Times to Visit: Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the heat and potential crowds. The secluded nature of the beach makes it ideal for a quieter, more intimate experience. However if you’re going in peak season June – August, as we did, then it will definitely we busier.

5. Stavros Beach

Best Beach in Crete near Chania for Relaxation and Local Charm

Stavros Beach is a charming circular bay (not technically a beach) which located on the Akrotiri Peninsula. The bay is famous for its calm, shallow waters and scenic backdrop. The beach gained fame as a filming location for the movie “Zorba the Greek,” adding a touch of cinematic history to its natural beauty.

Highlights

• The sheltered bay at Stavros beach ensures calmer and shallow waters, perfect for swimming and ideal for families with young children.
• The beach is framed by impressive mountain backdrop, creating a stunning and picturesque feature – definitely instagram worthy!

Travel Tips

• Distance from Chania: Stavros Beach is approximately 15 km (9.3 miles) from Chania, about 25 minutes by car.
• How to Get There:
  • By Car: Drive towards the Akrotiri Peninsula and follow the signs to Stavros. The route is straightforward and well-marked.
  • By Bus: There are regular buses from Chania to Stavros, especially during the summer season.
• Time to explore: A few hours / Half a day, however staying a little longer to dine at the local tavernas is a good idea!
• Facilities Available: The beach is equipped with sunbeds, umbrellas, and several tavernas and cafes offering local cuisine and refreshments.

6. Marathi Beach

Best Beach in Crete near Chania for a Quiet Retreat and Seafood Dining

Marathi Beach consists of two adjacent sandy beaches with calm, clear waters, making it a favorite for families and those seeking a relaxing beach day. The beach offers stunning views of the White Mountains and is known for its tranquil atmosphere and excellent local seafood tavernas.

We headed here in the late afternoon. I would say this is a good time to go if you want to avoid the larger crowds earlier in the day and the midday sun! Make sure you don’t head down bearfoot from the parking. There is a path a quite a lot of rocks on the way down, so i suggest some appropriate footwear to get down to the sandy part of the beach

Highlights

• Marathi beach actually consistent of two twin Beaches next to each other. These two beaches provide ample space and options for sunbathing and swimming.
• The gentle, shallow waters are perfect for swimming and ideal for young children.
• Nearby tavernas serve fresh seafood and traditional Cretan dishes, a must if you’re heading there around lunchtime. 

Travel Tips

• Distance from Chania: Marathi Beach is approximately 17 km (10.6 miles) from Chania, about 30 minutes by car.
• Time to explore: A few hours / Half a day 
• How to Get There:
  • By Car: Drive towards the Akrotiri Peninsula and follow signs to Marathi. The route is straightforward and easy to navigate.
  • By Bus: There are buses from Chania to Marathi, especially during the tourist season.
• Facilities Available: Sunbeds, umbrellas, and showers are available. Several tavernas and cafes line the beach, providing meals and refreshments.

7. Agia Marina Beach

Best Beach in Crete near Chania for Vibrant Atmosphere and Nightlife

Agia Marina Beach is a lively and popular beach located close to Chania town. In fact its the closest of all the beaches on this list. Agia Marina is known for its long stretch of sandy shore, vibrant nightlife, and numerous beach bars. The beach is perfect if you are looking for somewhere that very close to Chania itself but still want the full beach experience. The beach has plenty of sunbeds and is also known for watersport activities, including snorkeling.

One thing to note is that this beach is pebbly, unlike a lot of other beaches around Crete which are gold sand beaches.

Highlights

• The beach is known for its lively atmosphere, with plenty of beach bars, restaurants, and nightlife options.
• A variety of water sports are available, including jet skiing, windsurfing, and paddleboarding.
• The beach bars and clubs along Agia Marina come alive in the evening and offer a vibrant social scene.

Travel Tips

• Distance from Chania: Agia Marina Beach is approximately 10 km (6.2 miles) from Chania, about 20 minutes by car or bus.
• Time to explore: A few hours / Half a day 
• How to Get There:
  • By Car: Drive west from Chania along the coast road. The route is direct and well-signposted.
  • By Bus: Frequent buses run from Chania to Agia Marina, making it easily accessible without a car.
• Facilities Available: The beach is well-equipped with sunbeds, umbrellas, beach bars, restaurants, and water sports facilities.

There you have it – the best beaches in Chania (Crete) worth visiting! I hope you enjoy Chania and Crete as much as I did.

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