12 Essential Beaches
The Beaches of Chania
From world-famous lagoons to car-free coves — the complete guide to the best beaches in Chania, with honest local tips for each one.
Shallow turquoise lagoon with pink-tinged sand, framed by dramatic white cliffs. One of the most photographed beaches in the world — and it lives up to every image.
"Go in May or early October. July/August gets 2,000 visitors/day. The boat is easier than the drive."
A small island connected to the mainland by a shallow pink-sand crossing. The water is knee-deep for 200 metres. One of the great beaches of the Mediterranean.
"Arrive before 10am or after 5pm in peak season. The crossing to the island is never more than waist-deep."
Five connected beaches of fine golden sand on the westernmost coast. Consistently voted one of the best beaches in Greece. The sunsets here are legendary.
"The northernmost beach (Livadi) is the biggest and most beautiful. Get there early for a sun lounger."
A dramatic narrow cove cut into white rock on the Akrotiri peninsula. The water is otherworldly electric blue-green in a canyon of white limestone. Not for the faint-hearted.
"Wear shoes for the descent. Go in the morning when the sun hits the water directly."
The circular cove at Stavros is one of the most perfect natural theatres on Crete — enclosed on three sides by a dramatic cliff. Anthony Quinn filmed Zorba the Greek here. The water is impossibly calm.
"The cliff at the back is where Zorba dances in the film. The water here is calmer than almost anywhere on Crete."
A long sandy beach with a natural harbour, fishing boats, and two of the best fish tavernas on the Akrotiri peninsula. Genuinely local, genuinely beautiful.
"Eat at the leftmost taverna — the octopus and grilled sea bream are exceptional."
The longest organised beach near Chania — 3km of fine sand with Theodorou Island directly offshore. Water sports, beach bars, and easy access by bus from the city.
"Walk to the far northern end for fewer people. The island swim is doable for strong swimmers."
Wide sandy beach fronting a charming small town — tavernas and cafés right on the waterfront, a river lagoon at one end, and Souda Bay stretching east.
"Walk along the beach to the river mouth. The breakfast at the bakery in the village square is exceptional."
A broad beach at the mouth of the Almyros river — fresh water and salt water meeting, reeds, ducks, and an eucalyptus-shaded esplanade. A proper small town with a proper beach.
"Walk 1km north along the beach to escape the crowds. The river mouth has flamingoes in spring."
A small town on a peninsula with two different beaches — one sandy with taverna rows, one pebbly facing open sea. One of the most relaxed places on the south coast.
"Stay for at least two nights — Paleochora has a way of extending trips. The evening waterfront walk is beautiful."
Fresh mountain springs emerge from the cliffs directly onto this pebble beach. Accessible only by boat or a 90-minute coastal hike. The remoteness is the entire point.
"Take the boat there and hike back — the coastal path to Sfakia is spectacular."
A tiny white village accessible only by boat or foot. No cars, no noise — just a horseshoe bay of blue water and tiny pebble coves. One of the most serene places in Greece.
"Stay overnight — Loutro is completely different after the day-trippers leave."