Staying in the Chania area in Crete is one of the best decisions, as I genuinely believe it’s the best place to stay. One of the main reasons I keep telling people that the Chania region and West Crete should be your first choice for accommodation is that this area has the best beaches in Crete and some of the best beaches in Greece. Here is the ultimate list of the best Chania beaches (for most of them, you need a car to visit them):
Since Crete is a pretty big island (the size of Hawaii’s big island) and not your typical Mamma Mia-like Greek island where you can walk everywhere (more or less… but you get my point!). The main thing I would advise you, though, for the Chania beaches is this:
You must drive a car to explore Chania beaches as best as possible. To be honest, you can take the local bus, but it would be tiring and probably involve a lot of walking, so I highly recommend renting a car (Rentalcars is the best website for renting a car in Greece, in my opinion).
READ ALSO:
- Where to Stay in Crete
- Best Hotels in Chania
- Best Villas in Chania
- How to Get From Crete to Santorini
- Crete in May
- Best Beach Villas in Crete
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So, the best Chania beaches are:
- Balos (Google Maps)
- Elafonissi (Google Maps)
- Falasarna (Google Maps)
- Stavros (Google Maps)
- Marathi (Google Maps)
- Loutraki (Google Maps)
- Seitan Limania (Google Maps)
- Souda (Google Maps)
- Stalos (Google Maps)
- Frangokastello (Google Maps)
- Platanias (Google Maps)
- Pahia Ammos (Google Maps)
- Sougia (Google Maps)
- Kalathas (Google Maps)
VERY IMPORTANT TO KNOW
- When You Can Swim in the Sea in Chania: the sea water is perfect in Chania between May and October (and including these 2 months), so if you are not visiting between these months, it’s probably going to be too cold to swim anywhere in Crete.
- The Best Beach of Chania: All of them are nice, but Falassarna, because of its accessibility and golden sand, is (in my opinion) the best. Elafonissi and Balos are more exotic and prettier, but they’re difficult to access, and you need a car to access them.
- Best Beach for Families and Kids: If you are staying in Chania, then I believe that Marathi beach, with its excellent beach bar and amenities around, is ideal for families
- Best Beach Hotel of Chania:Domes Noruz Chania Hotel
- Best Beach Villa of Chania:Velvet Breeze Superior Villa
1. Balos Beach
Balos Beach Information
How to get to Balos Beach: you can take a ferry from Kissamos town, which will take you to the island of Gramvoussa (you can book this ferry here); you can also drive to Balos, but I DO NOT RECOMMEND IT! The road is horrible, and you need a 4×4 and excellent driving skills to avoid the massive rocks along the way and the occasional chilled wild mountain goat (they are called kri-kri in Crete) on the way there.
I warned you that you have no reason to drive from Chania to Balos. However, if you feel particularly adventurous, you can try the three-hour hike (trekking) from the village of Kaliviani. You can even try a Private RIB Cruise from Kissamos to Balos lagoon or a Sailing Cruise to Balos with Lunch on board, which would be the most expensive but breathtaking experience.
Best Restaurant near Balos Beach: Gramboussa Restaurant is a fantastic place with excellent Cretan food, just a few minutes’ drive outside of Kissamos town
My Opinion:
Balos is one of the most famous beaches not only in Crete but also in Europe. With exotic waters and golden sand, it feels like the Maldives or a tropical paradise island, and many people even call it the pink beach of Crete (yes, the sand may look pink in some areas).
It is tricky to reach it, and as I said before, please do not attempt to drive. This is a very well-protected Natura 2000 site (these are EU places with unparalleled natural beauty that are home to scarce animals and plants), and you may encounter some rare Caretta caretta sea turtles and lots of scarce plants. This area is of massive ecological importance for Crete and a spectacular landscape.
2. Elafonissi
Elafonissi Beach Information
How to get to Elafonisi Beach: The only way to get to Elafonisi Beach is by driving there from Chania (a 1.5-hour drive) or getting a private day trip from anywhere you stay to Elafonisi: from Chania, from Heraklion, or Rethymno.
Best Restaurant near Elafonisi Beach: There is only a canteen on Elafonissi beach, so you need to drive to go to the best restaurant around, which is Glykeria Restaurant, with excellent views of the Elafonissi lagoon
My Opinion:
Of course, Elafonissi Beach is Crete’s second most famous beach after Balos, and they are similar. Elafonissi, though, is easier to access, and you can drive there with your car, as there is no need for a 4×4.
The beach is endless, and the waters are amazing but very shallow, as you would expect from a lagoon like this. The only thing you need to be aware of is that you need to bring your umbrella for sun protection if you are planning to spend the whole day there, as there are only very few sunbeds with umbrellas that get occupied quickly (especially in the summer months of June, July, and August).
You must also bring your food and drinks because even though there is a small canteen, it might not be enough (especially if you visit with kids). So, be very well prepared and try to be there as early as possible (preferably before 11 a.m.), as this is when most people arrive in the summer.
3. Falassarna
Falassarna Beach Information
How to get to Falassarna Beach: The best way to get to Falassarna is by driving, but you can also take the local bus from Chania, which will take you there in about 1 hour (here is the Chania KTEL Buses website)
Best Restaurant near Falasarna Beach:Captain Nikolas has awesome seafood (and not only)
My Opinion:
Falassarna has been my favourite beach for years. When I visit Chania, I will return.
The beach is perfect in my opinion as it’s got everything: it is very wide, it has amenities such as showers and beach bars with sunbeds, it has golden sand, and you can be there in less than an hour. There is also civilization around (unlike Elafonissi and Balos, for example) and a few small villages and towns with good meal opportunities.
4. Stavros
Stavros Beach Information
How to get to Stavros Beach: The best way to get to Stavros is by driving for about 30 minutes, but you can also take the local bus from Chania, which will take you there (here is the Chania KTEL Buses website).
Best Restaurant near Stavros Beach:Almyriki Restaurant has a yummy menu in a stunning location overlooking the beach.
My Opinion:
Stavros Beach became famous worldwide in the 1960s when the Oscar-winning movie Zorba the Greek was shot there. The film shows Anthony Quinn dancing syrtaki on the sandy beach underneath the impressive rock. A sign on the beach shows where that dance took place.
In case you are wondering I am talking about that scene and song. The beach is big and wide, with lovely waters and golden sand.
5. Marathi
Marathi Beach Information
How to get to Marathi Beach: the best way to get to Marathi is by driving for about 20 minutes, but you can also take the local bus from Chania, which will take you there (here is the Chania KTEL Buses website).
Best Restaurant near Marathi Beach:Patrelantonis restaurant on the beach won’t disappoint you
My Opinion:
In my opinion, Marathi Beach is the best family-friendly beach near Chania. If you have kids, this is the beach to spend your day on. Marathi has everything regarding amenities, toilets, restaurants, and cafes literally meters away from the sea, and overall, it is a very well-protected bay.
You can even rent a SUP at Marathi or do other water sports on the beach. This is a perfect environment for any family, and a day can easily be spent in Marathi doing lots of things and feeling great.
You don’t have to worry about much, and everything you may need is around. And that’s a day well spent in my opinion…
6. Loutraki
Loutraki Beach Information
How to get to Loutraki Beach: Loutraki is very close to Marathi, so the best way to get there is by driving for about 20 minutes. However, you can also take the local bus from Chania, which will take you there (here is the Chania KTEL Buses website).
Best Restaurant near Loutraki Beach:Loutraki Beach Restaurant is your best option
My Opinion:
Loutraki is close to Marathi, so you may even want to visit them on the same day. The beach is pretty small with sand, but there is a lovely area on the rock with sunbeds (not free) and showers on the grass, which is ideal for relaxing.
You will see lots of locals in that beach bar, but the great thing is that you will be surprised by the colour of the sea water underneath once you dive in. As this is a rocky area, there is no easy way of getting into the water other than diving through a small platform with metal steps. However, you can also stay in the sandy area of the beach.
7. Seitan Limania
Seitan Limania Beach Information
How to get to Seitan Limani Beach: Seitan Limani is a very remote beach that can only be accessed by car and then a 15-minute rough hike/climbing or by boat; it is very difficult to access the beach in general, so it’s not recommended for anyone with kids or seniors.
Best Restaurant near Seitan Limania: there is no restaurant or any other building around; you should go back to Chania town and have a meal there
My Opinion:
Seitan Limania is only for those who want to take the adventure and are in good shape. It’s tough, so don’t say I haven’t warned you. It’s a magical location, but unfortunately, very difficult to reach, and it’s been like this, so it’s as unspoiled as possible.
The beach itself has small (and some large) pebbles. If it’s windy, the waves might become rough, and nobody can save you, so you have to be very careful. Overall, I would say it is an exceptional experience, and you will be better off visiting it on a private tour by boat.
8. Stalos
Stalos Beach (Agia Marina) Information
How to get to Stalos Beach: Stalos and Agia Marina beaches are very close to Chania, so the best way to get there is either by driving for about 15 minutes or by taking the local bus from Chania, which will take you there (here is the Chania KTEL Buses website).
Best Restaurant near Stalos Beach: you will have hundreds of options around the area as it’s one of the most developed areas of Crete, but if I had to pick one, then I would say Nostos Restaurant ticks all the boxes with fantastic Cretan food
My Opinion:
Stalos and Agia Marina are very close to Chania in one of the most developed areas of the island, with hundreds of hotels, Airbnbs, restaurants, and shops around. With all its buzzing environment, this is the opposite of Seitan Limania, but it is still a great sandy beach perfect for families and kids. There are many options for food around, and if that’s what you are looking for, you may come back to Stalos as it’s a great environment overall and very close to Chania town.
9. Frangokastello
Frangokastello Beach Information
How to get to Frangokastello Beach: Frangokastello is very far from Chania, so the best way to get there is either by driving for about 1.5 hours or by taking the local bus from Chania, which will take you there in about 2 hours (here is the Chania KTEL Buses website).
Best Restaurant near Frangokastello Beach: There are a few options around, but if you want something special, you’d better try Posidonio Restaurant on the hills behind Frangokastello
My Opinion:
Frangokastello means “Venetian Castle” in Greek, so it’s pretty obvious what the castle’s ruins on the beach used to be. This beautiful landscape is a few minutes’ drive from Hora Sfakion (but 2 hours from Chania), a famous, remote village on the south side of Crete.
The beach is massive and very wide, with a couple of cafes and not much else. However, the local beach bars have umbrellas and sunbeds that you can rent daily (usually around 10-15 euros per pair—always ask before you sit).
10. Platanias
Platanias Beach Information
How to get to Platanias Beach: Platanias Beach is very close to Chania, so the best way to get there is either by driving for about 15 minutes or by taking the local bus from Chania, which will take you there (here is the Chania KTEL Buses website).
Best Restaurant near Platanias Beach: There are tens of restaurants around with plenty of options, but my favourite one is the Romeos Family Taverna
My Opinion:
Platanias continues the Stalos and Agia Marina beach, the same long beach. It is mostly a thick sand beach with very few pebbles here and there.
There are many umbrellas and sunbeds on the beach that you can rent, and there are many beach bars, hotels, cafes, and restaurants around. Even though this area of Chania becomes very busy in the summer months (mostly July and August), there is always space for you to sit on the beach, and it never feels crowded.
11. Pahia Ammos
Pachia Ammos Beach Information
How to get to Pachia Ammos Beach: You can drive for about 1.5 hours from Chania to Pachia Ammos Beach, or you can take the local bus from Chania to Paleochora, which will take you there in about 1.5 hours (here is the Chania KTEL Buses website).
Best Restaurant near Pahia Ammos Beach: Paleochora has plenty of great options for restaurants, but in my opinion, Aristea’s Kitchen is one of the best in town
My Opinion:
Pachia Ammos means “thick sand” in Greek, so what to expect from that beach is clear. This is Paleochora’s main beach, and it’s great and very family-friendly.
There are lots of options for water sports and food on the beach. Also, since it’s in Paleochora’s main town, you have many options for a restaurant afterwards.
12. Sougia
Sougia Beach Information
How to get to Sougia Beach: The only option is to drive there from Chania, as no local bus can take you there. Be prepared for some windy mountain driving…
Best Restaurant near Elafonisi Beach: There are a few options just behind the beach, but Polifimos is the best.
My Opinion:
Sougia Beach is a lovely white, black, green, red, and grey pebble beach on the south side of Crete. It is famous for its lovely waters and the cute seaside village behind it. This remote and calm place will make you forget all your troubles.
If you are looking for sand, this is not your beach. The sea water is obvious and usually warm, but it gets deep quickly. A few umbrellas and sunbeds on the beach will cost you around 10 euros for 2 for the whole day.
13. Kalathas
Kalathas Beach Information
How to get to Kalathas Beach: This beach is only a 20-minute drive from Chania or a 30-minute bus ride from the center of Chania.
Best Restaurant near Kalathas Beach: You will be better off if you go back to Chania to eat, as there is not much choice around
My Opinion:
Kalathas is another personal favourite when it comes to beaches in Chania. This is a very well-protected bay with a lovely beach bar, and as a bonus addition, there is a rock on the right side of the beach for diving.
This sandy beach with crystal clear waters is only 20 minutes from Chania town and generally accessible by car. There is also a small island in front of the beach where you can swim.
This is ideal for families, kids, and seniors. There are also showers and toilets on the beach.
CONCLUSION
These are the best Chania Beaches. If you only have time for one or two beaches, let those be Balos or Elafonisi, as they are truly spectacular natural landscapes.
However, suppose you don’t want to drive miles from Chania or are looking for a small family-friendly beach with amenities. In that case, I highly recommend Marathi Beach, Kalathas Beach, or Platanias Beach, which are close to Chania and have many restaurants and cafes. In my opinion, they are ideal for families.
FAQs
Do I Need A Car To Visit Chania’s Best Beaches?
You need a rental car or a long-distance KTEL bus to reach the famous west coast beaches like Elafonisi and Falassarna. However, if you are staying in Chania Town without a vehicle, you can easily reach excellent local beaches like Nea Chora, Iguana Beach, and Agii Apostoli via a 10 to 15-minute city bus ride.
Which Is Better: Balos Or Elafonisi?
Elafonisi has warmer, shallower water and you can drive directly to the parking lot, making it much better for families. Balos requires either a booked boat trip from Kissamos port or driving down a rough 8-kilometer dirt road followed by a steep 25-minute hike. Choose Elafonisi for ease and swimming, or Balos for dramatic, rugged scenery.
Are The Beaches In Chania Sandy?
Yes, the majority of the popular beaches in the Chania region feature soft sand, unlike the pebble beaches common in the Ionian or eastern Crete. Elafonisi and Falassarna are famous for fine, occasionally pink-tinted sand, while Agii Apostoli offers soft golden sand just outside the city center.
What Is The Best Beach Near Chania Town Without A Car?
Nea Chora is the closest option, located just a 15-minute walk west of the Venetian Harbor. For better water quality and wind protection, take the local city bus to Agii Apostoli or Golden Beach (Chrissi Akti). Both are sheltered coves located about 10 minutes from the city center by bus.
