Location

1. Akrotiri

Akrotiri is the largest circular peninsula extending northeast of the city of Chania. Among the rocky cliffs of the peninsula, there are some remarkable beaches and some important, historical and religious sites, worth visiting. The feature with most beaches on the peninsula is that, although is located in the northern part of Crete, they aren’t affected by the winds, as is the case for other beaches on the north coast. Therefore, have in mind these beaches, when you want to go to a beach where you’ll definitely find a calm sea.

In Akrotiri you can also visit: The Graves of Venizelos, Agia Triada of Tzagarolon, Gouverneto Monastery, The Cave of the Virgin Mary of Arkoudiotissa – The Bear Cave and The Catholic  (or Katholiko).

2. Agios Onoufrios

Agios Onoufrios is a small village, named after the small chapel next to the beach that is dedicated to Saint Onoufrios.The beach of Agios Onoufrios features fine sand and is protected from the winds. It is an organized beach with sunbeds, showers, changing-room, lifeguard services and it has been awarded the Blue Flag.

3. Kalathas

A beach with fine sand and shallow crystal clear water, located northeast of Chania.It is organized with umbrellas and sunbeds, water sports and restaurants. Opposite Kalathas, there is a small island which you can easily reach by swimming.

4. Tersanas Beach

Tersanas beach is located on the west coast of the peninsula of Akrotiri, in the prefecture of Chania, Crete, 12.5 km from the city of Chania. Among the cliffs of the Akrotiri peninsula, nature has created a picturesque, small, sheltered cove with shallow waters. Within the cove, there are two beaches, separated each other by the rocky coast, both very well protected from winds and waves. If you are visiting the prefecture of Chania with your children, then Tersanas is a place you should not miss, especially on windy days.

5. Macherida

The tiny beach of Macherida hidden in a rocky bay is located 14km northeast of Chania. It is not an organized beach with white sand and turquoise clear water surrounded by amazing rocks. To access it you have to walk for 2-5 minutes on a rocky easy trail. A last thing to note is that this secluded beach attracts mainly nudists.

6. Stavros

Stavros is located on the north coast of the peninsula of Akrotiri. A circular bay is formed, fully protected by winds blowing in the region. The lagoon-like bay has marvelous white sand and shallow turquoise waters.

The mountain is famous, because there were filmed scenes for the film “Zorba the Greek”, where Anthony Quinn danced the famous Sirtaki Dance in 1964, when Stavros was a small fishing village.The second beach of Stavros is located north of the village, 200m northwest of the main beach. It has sand and rocks in places and is less organized than the first. The main drawback of this is that it is unprotected and the sea is usually wavy.

7. Marathi

Marathi hosts two beautiful beaches with fine sand and shallow calm waters, ideal place for families with children. They are very well protected from the winds and they are both well organized with sunbeds and umbrellas and nice fish tavernas just behind the beaches.

8. Seitan Limania

The wider area is named Seitan Limania, after the wild landscape, the steep cliffs and the strong sea streams. In the middle of this wild landscape, in the northern cove, an unexpected tranquil and fantastic beach is shaped, with deep azure waters.
There is a narrow steep path leading to the beach (takes 15-20’).Stavros is located on the north coast of the peninsula of Akrotiri. A circular bay is formed, fully protected by winds blowing in the region. The lagoon-like bay has marvelous white sand and shallow turquoise waters.
The mountain is famous, because there were filmed scenes for the film “Zorba the Greek”, where Anthony Quinn danced the famous Sirtaki Dance in 1964, when Stavros was a small fishing village.
The second beach of Stavros is located north of the village, 200m northwest of the main beach. It has sand and rocks in places and is less organized than the first. The main drawback of this is that it is unprotected and the sea is usually wavy.

1. Balos Lagoon

The lagoon of Balos, located in Kissamos (west of Chania), is an area of outstanding natural beauty with shallow turquoise waters. Accessed by boat from the port of Kissamos the journey also includes a visit to the island of Gramvousa and its Venetian Castle.
Alternatively, Balos lagoon could be reached by car from the village of Kaliviani following a short hiking down the path to the beach (30 min).

2. Phalasarna

Phalasarna bay is one of the most popular beaches in Greece. It consists of five consecutive beaches and it is amongst the best spots to watch the sunset!
The ancient settlement of Phalasarna, built around 333 B.C, inhabited from the Early Minoan period onwards, was a major trading centre, with its own coins. The archaeological site of ancient Phalasarna includes the harbour, the acropolis and the cemeteries of the city.

3. Samaria Gorge

The most popular gorge of Crete is 18 km long (the longest in Europe) and is a magnificent natural attraction, situated between the settlement of Omalos on the northern side of the plateau and the village of Agia Roumeli. It starts at an altitude of 1,250m at the northern entrance, and ends at the shores of the Libyan Sea in Agia Roumeli. The gorge became a national park in 1962, particularly as a refuge for the rare Kri-Kri (Cretan goat), which is largely restricted to the park and the island of Theodorou.
There are several other endemic species of flowers and birds in the gorge and surrounding area.

4. Elafonisi

Elafonissi is located on the southeast corner of the island, 43 km from Kastelli and 76 km from Chania. The water is pink from the millions of shells that have been broken into pieces from the waves over the years, giving a special appearance on the sand.