Golden sands, crystal-clear waters, and endless sunshine: this is the captivating charm you’ll experience when visiting Crete and exploring the best beaches in Chania.
While Crete is full of historical towns and mesmerizing landscapes, it’s the island’s breathtaking coastline that sets it apart, making you want to return time after time.
If you’re staying in Chania you’re in luck as you’ll be close to some of the most beautiful beaches on Crete. Some only a short drive away, some requiring a little further travel but nevertheless, you’ll be spoilt for choice!
So, without further ado, let’s explore the most beautiful beaches near Chania that you shouldn’t miss!
🏡 Book your accommodation in advance – find the best hotel deals for Chania here.
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🚗 Rent a car – the best and easiest way to get around Crete is by renting a car.
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Best beaches near Chania
1. Agii Apostoli Beach
Agii Apostoli Beach is known for its golden sands and blue, shallow waters. Its calm setting is perfect for families, offering a safe environment for younger swimmers.
But it’s not just about the swimming, here you can also try your hand at volleyball, explore the waters on a paddle board, or simply enjoy a quiet moment at one of the beachside cafés.
It’s a great place to sunbathe and relax, not too far away from Chania’s town centre.
2. Yannis Beach Place
Located right next to Agii Apostoli is Yannis Beach Place, a charming beach nestled within a scenic bay.
The defining rock formations on its edges not only frame the beach beautifully but also it’s also a great spot for snorkelling.
Once you’ve had you’ve had enough of the sea, there are a couple of cafes nearby for the perfect spot to unwind and enjoy the views.
If you’re in Chania and looking for a more local and calm beach just outside the main tourist spots, Yannis beach is perfect for you.
3. Seitan Limania Beach, Crete
Tucked away on the northeastern coast of the Akrotiri peninsula near Chania, Seitan Limania (also often called ‘the goat beach’) is a charming little beach that has become quite popular in recent years.
Characterized by its unique, narrow cove between steep cliffs, the beach is the perfect blend of turquoise waters and rugged landscape.
The path down to Seitan Limania is quite adventurous, involving a descent down a winding path through the side of the mountain with quite sketchy barriers.
Once you reach the bottom, you’re very likely to encounter the beach’s resident mountain goats that are performing their impossible stunts on the mountain cliffs. Some of them actually like roaming around the beach and are always curious to check what treats you’ve brought for lunch 🐐😅
4. Marathi Beach
If you’re looking for a relaxed vibe with clear waters and soft sand, Marathi Beach is a great choice. Located on the Akrotiri peninsula, it’s a local favourite with calm waters perfect for swimming and enjoying a quiet afternoon. The nearby taverns serve up fresh seafood, making it a great spot for lunch or dinner.
Tip: Get there early to snag a sun bed, especially during peak season.
5. Stavros Beach
Stavros Beach is famous for its cinematic landscapes, reminiscent of the movie “Zorba the Greek.” With its clear turquoise waters and dramatic mountain backdrop, it’s a beautiful spot to soak up the sun and enjoy the water.
The beach offers calm lagoon-like waters for a leisurely swim. And if you want to break a sweat and get more active you could also do a short but steep hike up to Stavros mountain’s cave overlooking the beach. It’s one of my favourite things to do and one of the best hikes in Crete.
There are several tavernas around where you can grab a bite or a drink. If you’re visiting in the summer, an early start will secure you the best spot on the beach.
6. Loutraki Beach, Chania
Loutraki Beach is another gem on the Akrotiri peninsula. Sheltered by its natural bay with calm waters, it’s a perfect spot for swimming or snorkelling.
The sandy stretch is fairly small so needless to say it does get busy in the peak summer months like all beaches around Chania, so do come early to save a spot near the water.
Moreover, the nearby cafes serve up some delicious local dishes, and trust me, there’s nothing like enjoying a Greek salad with that sea view.
7. Agia Marina Beach
Agia Marina Beach offers a lively tourist atmosphere with long stretches of sand.
It’s great for sunbathing, swimming, and paddleboarding. The small island of Agii Theodori just off the beach adds to the beautiful views.
Located 15 minutes from Chania, the beach is surrounded by a thriving tourist area with numerous hotels, shops, and restaurants around.
If you’re looking for a place to stay near Agia Marina Beach, I can highly recommend Vergina Beach Hotel. We had an incredible experience – beautiful rooms with their own private jacuzzi, stunning sea views and delicious breakfast. One of my favourite places I’ve ever stayed! Book your stay with them here.
8. Nea Chora Beach
Nea Chora Beach is a peaceful urban beach situated walking distance to Chania’s Old Town. If you’re staying in Chania and don’t rent a car, it’s probably the main place you’ll spend your days chilling and enjoying the Mediterranean sun.
With its convenient location, sandy shoreline and calm waters, it’s a favorite among both locals and tourists. Lined with a variety of restaurants and taverns, may I say some of the best in Chania, you also get to savour some local dishes while enjoying the beautiful views.
As you can imagine, it gets quite busy in the summer due to its convenient location, so make sure to venture out to some of the other beaches to experience more than the busyness of Nea Chora.
9. Koum Kapi Beach
Another beach located close by to Chania’s historic harbour, Koum Kapi Beach offers a mixture of sea and cityscape with its convenient location. It’s a great spot to also enjoy the vibrant nightlife of Chania after sunset.
Other beautiful beaches near Chania
Beyond the beaches in Chania’s close vicinity, there are numerous beaches located 1 hour – 1.5 hours drive from Chania that are hard not to mention.
The extra drive is absolutely worth it to explore some of the most unique and beautiful beaches in Crete.
Here’s a list of the best beaches to explore near Chania.
10. Falassarna Beach
Set on Crete’s western edge, Falassarna Beach is known for its extensive golden sands beach strip and crystal-clear waters. The unique coast, combined with the ancient ruins nearby, offers both natural beauty and a taste of Crete’s rich history.
Not to mention the delicious fresh food and refreshing cocktails from the local tavernas and beach bars.
Swimming here was one of my favourite things and I just loved spending the whole day at the beach, admiring the stunning blue waters.
11. Balos Lagoon
A mixture of turquoise waters, wild natural beauty, and spectacular landscapes, Balos Lagoon is truly a must visit beach in Crete.
The journey here is an adventure in itself involving either an off-road drive combined with a hike or a boat trip that takes you directly to the beach. Either option takes you to one of the most breathtaking lagoons that seems straight out of a postcard.
With its shallow, warm waters and fine white sand, Balos is a dreamy escape only about an hour away from Chania. The best way to visit the beach is by booking a day trip from Chania to Balos for a hassle free experience.
12. Elafonissi Beach
Arguably the most famous beach on Crete, Elafonissi is known for its pink-hued sands – a result of crushed seashells – and pristine turquoise waters.
This beach offers a one-of-a-kind seaside experience that you can’t find in many places. The shallow lagoons and soft sand make Elafonissi perfect for relaxation, swimming and enjoying the weather.
Elafonissi is a couple of hours away from Chania and there’s two ways to get here: either by booking an organised day trip from Chania to Elafonissi or by renting a car and driving there yourself.
13. Preveli Palm Beach
Preveli Palm Beach is one of the most unique beaches in Crete.
Located at the mouth of the Kourtaliotiko Gorge, what’s special about this beach is the fresh river flowing into the sea and a unique palm forest framing its edges.
It’s a true nature paradise, giving you the opportunity to swim in both the fresh waters of the river and the crystal clear waters of the Libyan sea.
For an added touch of adventure, the journey down the winding steps to reach the beach is a small trek, but the view from above is absolutely worth it.
The best way to visit Preveli Palm Beach is by booking an organised tour from Chania.
14. Kedrodas
Leaving my favourite beach on Crete for the end, Kedrodas is a lesser-known gem tucked away a few short minutes drive from Elafonissi.
It’s a true paradise, characterised by its cedar forest that blends into the sea. The beach offers a unique blend of woodland and coastline.
With fewer crowds and a calm atmosphere than Elafonissi, Kedrodas is perfect if you’re happy to go a bit off-the-beaten track, with no facilities around – just pure natural beauty.
Tips for enjoying the best beaches in Chania
Best times to visit to avoid crowds
While Chania’s beaches are gorgeous all year-round, the early morning or late afternoon during the shoulder months (May and October) are ideal.
Not only do you get to avoid the midday sun, but you’ll also experience the beaches without the typical tourist crowd.
Getting around Chania
Renting a car is definitely the best way to get around Crete. It gives you the freedom to visit multiple beaches on your own schedule, go to places that are inaccessible by public transport and just enjoy your days as you wish.
If you’re leaning towards public transport, there are buses that connect Chania to most nearby beaches. You can check the KTEL website for the latest bus timetable and routes.
And if you prefer a hassle-free experience, there are organised tours that take you directly to some of the best beach spots. There are plenty of day trips to Chania’s best beaches, including Elafonisi and Balos.
Where to stay in Chania
When considering a stay in Chania, the Old Town and Nea Chora stand out for their blend of atmosphere, choice for tavernas and bars, and proximity to the historical buildings.
Nea Chora itself has a beautiful beach steps away from a small promenade with traditional seafood tavernas. If you’re travelling as a couple and are looking for a luxury escape, check this guide for the 10 Best 5 Star Adults Only Hotels in Crete.
However, if you’re leaning towards more holiday and all-inclusive type of accommodations with direct beach access, Agia Marina offers a bigger variety of hotels and resort, making it ideal if you’re looking to unwind and enjoy a splash of luxury.
We stayed at Vergina Beach Hotel in Agia Marina and had an incredible experience. Beautiful rooms with their own private jacuzzi, stunning sea views and delicious breakfast. Definitely one of my favourite places I’ve ever stayed! Book your stay with them here.
Local delicacies to try
No trip to Crete is complete without diving into the delicious Greek food. In fact, just the food is enough to make you plan a trip to Crete!
After a refreshing swim, head to a local taverna to enjoy a delicious plate of calamari rings, “dakos” (a Cretan rusk with tomatoes and cheese) or shrimp saganaki (fresh tomatoes fried with feta cheese and shrimps). Mouthwatering and delicious, you will be obsessed from the first bite!
And for a sweet finish “Loukoumades” (honey doughnuts) is a must-try.
Beach preservation
There’s no question that Crete’s natural beauty is absolutely stunning with endless white sand beaches and blue waters, to breathtaking gorges and countless nature hikes. As visitors, it’s our duty to do our best to preserve nature and leave no trace behind us.
Always follow marked paths, avoid removing sand or shells, and use trash bins provided. Some beaches may have specific rules regarding umbrella placements or activities to protect the dunes and local fauna.
Being informed and respectful ensures these beaches remain pristine for everyone to enjoy for generations to come.
Final thoughts
Chania, with its blend of history, culture, and natural splendour, offers an unmatched seaside experience.
From secluded coves to vast stretches of soft golden sand, if you’re a sea lover you will quickly fall in love with the stunning beaches in Chania and will understand why so many come back here year after year.
Whether you’re a seasoned traveller or exploring Crete for the first time, Chania’s beaches promise a slice of paradise that will make you wish you could stay here forever.
Read my other Crete articles
⋙ 18 Best Hikes in Crete – Top Hiking Trails + Map
⋙ The 10 Best 5 Star Adults Only Hotels in Crete
⋙ Preveli Beach, Crete: Ultimate Guide to Visiting Preveli Palm Beach
⋙ Kourtaliotiko Gorge Hike & Waterfalls: Detailed Guide
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