Seaside exploration
Beaches
Elafonisi is located 76km west of Chania and 5km south of Chrysoskalitisa Monastery, in the southwesternmost tip of Crete. Elafonisi is an oblong peninsula, which often breaks in two parts by water giving the impression of being a separate island. It is a Natura 2000 protected area. The island is full of sand dunes with sea daffodils and jupiners. The endangered loggerhead sea turtle and several more rare animals and plants find shelter on the island; it is strictly forbidden to remove any plants, animals, shells and sand from the area.
Exotic beaches with white sand and turquoise water, reminding of the Caribbean, are formed on either sides of the peninsula. The sand is pinkish in many places, taking its color from millions of crushed shells. Near the breaking point of the peninsula, the sea water does not exceed 1m in depth, creating a small lagoon, ideal for children. You can easily cross the lagoon in order to reach the opposite site of the peninsula, while carrying your staff with you, because the water is very shallow there.
362 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Elafonissi Beach
Elafonisi is located 76km west of Chania and 5km south of Chrysoskalitisa Monastery, in the southwesternmost tip of Crete. Elafonisi is an oblong peninsula, which often breaks in two parts by water giving the impression of being a separate island. It is a Natura 2000 protected area. The island is full of sand dunes with sea daffodils and jupiners. The endangered loggerhead sea turtle and several more rare animals and plants find shelter on the island; it is strictly forbidden to remove any plants, animals, shells and sand from the area.
Exotic beaches with white sand and turquoise water, reminding of the Caribbean, are formed on either sides of the peninsula. The sand is pinkish in many places, taking its color from millions of crushed shells. Near the breaking point of the peninsula, the sea water does not exceed 1m in depth, creating a small lagoon, ideal for children. You can easily cross the lagoon in order to reach the opposite site of the peninsula, while carrying your staff with you, because the water is very shallow there.
The famous lagoon of Balos is located approximately 56km northwest of Chania and 17km northwest of Kissamos, formed between the Cape Gramvousa and the small Cape Tigani and below the range of Platiskinos. Balos is surely the mostly photographed beach in Crete, a very favorite subject of all tourist guides for Greece. It is no coincidence that Prince Charles and Princess Diana visited Balos with their private yacht many years ago.
Balos is famous for its turquoise waters, the wild natural beauty and the beautiful exotic scenery. During the summer, it is visited by thousands of people, who arrive mostly by the ferries running from Kissamos port. If you do not like crowds, you’d better avoid to visit the beach in July and August. Also, a perfect idea is to arrive at Balos in the morning, before the boats arrive from Kissamos. These few hours of remoteness in such a heavenly place will remain etched in your memory forever.
Access
Balos can be accessed in three ways. The first and easiest way is to take the morning ferry from Kissamos (around 25 to 30 Euros). You'll have the chance to see the wild shores of peninsula Gramvousa and the marks from their lifting up for 6-9m after a strong earthquake in 365AD. If you're lucky, you might be accompanied by dolphins. Furthermore, the ferry will leave you for a swim in the exotic beach of Imeri Gramvousa islet, where you will see the old fortress and the wrecked ship.
If you do not want to come by boat and have a car or motorbike, you can drive in the dirt road, starting from Kaliviani and running along the Cape Gramvousa. Near Kaliviani you have to pay a small fee destined for the protection of the Gramvousa Reserve and preservation of the road. After 10km the road stops at a wide parking area, next to a canteen, just over the lagoon. The panoramic view of Balos and the island of the Gramvousa is breathtaking. From there, you can walk down in the 1km longpath leading to the beach or, better, in heaven! Return to the parking area is quite strenuous and tiring due to the inclination.
However, the most exciting way to access Balos is by trekking for three hours from Kaliviani, crossing the rough and dry landscape of Gramvousa and the range of Platyskinos. Do not forget to wear a hat and have plenty of water with you. If you come in Balos, you can visit the small chapel of Saint George located in Tigani. At Tigani, you could also visit the large cavern where many women and children were slaughtered during the Turkish massacres in 1825. The Christians were hiding in the cave, but the Turks soon discovered their shelter, thus killed them all. There is a commemorative sign at the site where the bones of the victims were found. Also, north of Balos, in Cape Korykon there are remains of the small Roman town of Agnio with the temple of Apollo. Today, there is the picturesque chapel of Saint Sozon.
515 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Playa Balos
The famous lagoon of Balos is located approximately 56km northwest of Chania and 17km northwest of Kissamos, formed between the Cape Gramvousa and the small Cape Tigani and below the range of Platiskinos. Balos is surely the mostly photographed beach in Crete, a very favorite subject of all tourist guides for Greece. It is no coincidence that Prince Charles and Princess Diana visited Balos with their private yacht many years ago.
Balos is famous for its turquoise waters, the wild natural beauty and the beautiful exotic scenery. During the summer, it is visited by thousands of people, who arrive mostly by the ferries running from Kissamos port. If you do not like crowds, you’d better avoid to visit the beach in July and August. Also, a perfect idea is to arrive at Balos in the morning, before the boats arrive from Kissamos. These few hours of remoteness in such a heavenly place will remain etched in your memory forever.
Access
Balos can be accessed in three ways. The first and easiest way is to take the morning ferry from Kissamos (around 25 to 30 Euros). You'll have the chance to see the wild shores of peninsula Gramvousa and the marks from their lifting up for 6-9m after a strong earthquake in 365AD. If you're lucky, you might be accompanied by dolphins. Furthermore, the ferry will leave you for a swim in the exotic beach of Imeri Gramvousa islet, where you will see the old fortress and the wrecked ship.
If you do not want to come by boat and have a car or motorbike, you can drive in the dirt road, starting from Kaliviani and running along the Cape Gramvousa. Near Kaliviani you have to pay a small fee destined for the protection of the Gramvousa Reserve and preservation of the road. After 10km the road stops at a wide parking area, next to a canteen, just over the lagoon. The panoramic view of Balos and the island of the Gramvousa is breathtaking. From there, you can walk down in the 1km longpath leading to the beach or, better, in heaven! Return to the parking area is quite strenuous and tiring due to the inclination.
However, the most exciting way to access Balos is by trekking for three hours from Kaliviani, crossing the rough and dry landscape of Gramvousa and the range of Platyskinos. Do not forget to wear a hat and have plenty of water with you. If you come in Balos, you can visit the small chapel of Saint George located in Tigani. At Tigani, you could also visit the large cavern where many women and children were slaughtered during the Turkish massacres in 1825. The Christians were hiding in the cave, but the Turks soon discovered their shelter, thus killed them all. There is a commemorative sign at the site where the bones of the victims were found. Also, north of Balos, in Cape Korykon there are remains of the small Roman town of Agnio with the temple of Apollo. Today, there is the picturesque chapel of Saint Sozon.
The exotic beach of Falassarna is located 59km west of Chania city and almost 17km west of Kissamos, at the western base of peninsula Gramvousa. At the northern end of the beach there are the ruins of the ancient Grecoroman city of Phalassarna.
Falassarna bay hosts some of the most famous beaches in Greece, which has been awarded as the best beach of Crete and voted as one of the 10 best beaches in Europe several times in the past. Falasarna spans a large area and consists actually of five consecutive beaches, with the two most central being the most favorite.
The sand in Falassarna is whitish, making the water color tropical. Indeed, if you're lucky and be here on a day that is not blowing from the west (rare in west Crete) you will be enchanted by the beach and its turquoise waters.
337 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Playa de Falassarna
The exotic beach of Falassarna is located 59km west of Chania city and almost 17km west of Kissamos, at the western base of peninsula Gramvousa. At the northern end of the beach there are the ruins of the ancient Grecoroman city of Phalassarna.
Falassarna bay hosts some of the most famous beaches in Greece, which has been awarded as the best beach of Crete and voted as one of the 10 best beaches in Europe several times in the past. Falasarna spans a large area and consists actually of five consecutive beaches, with the two most central being the most favorite.
The sand in Falassarna is whitish, making the water color tropical. Indeed, if you're lucky and be here on a day that is not blowing from the west (rare in west Crete) you will be enchanted by the beach and its turquoise waters.
Coastal villages
The seaside village of Platanias is located 11km west of Chania city. The area has faced a great development in tourism during the last decades and the small viillage has now turned into a lively suburb of Chania. The proximity to Chania, the beautiful beach and the regular bus services from Chania have made Platanias the most popular beach near Chania city. The old village is built on a hillside with fantastic view of the sea and the islet of Thodorou.
The beach of Platanias is a lovely long sandy beach, along which there are many hotels of all categories and all the usual touristic facilities. On the beach you will find everything that is provided on well organized beaches, such as beach bars, umbrellas, showers, snack bars, lifeguards, water sports etc. On the east side of the local harbor, close to Agia Marina, you can enjoy swimming in the several small artificial coves. During summer nights, the night clubs in the area host thousands of people, both Greeks and foreigners, who dance till dawn.
113 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Platanias
The seaside village of Platanias is located 11km west of Chania city. The area has faced a great development in tourism during the last decades and the small viillage has now turned into a lively suburb of Chania. The proximity to Chania, the beautiful beach and the regular bus services from Chania have made Platanias the most popular beach near Chania city. The old village is built on a hillside with fantastic view of the sea and the islet of Thodorou.
The beach of Platanias is a lovely long sandy beach, along which there are many hotels of all categories and all the usual touristic facilities. On the beach you will find everything that is provided on well organized beaches, such as beach bars, umbrellas, showers, snack bars, lifeguards, water sports etc. On the east side of the local harbor, close to Agia Marina, you can enjoy swimming in the several small artificial coves. During summer nights, the night clubs in the area host thousands of people, both Greeks and foreigners, who dance till dawn.
Georgioupolis is a seaside resort located 38km east of Chania and 21km west of Rethymnon. It is a small coastal town, situated in a lush valley filled with rivers and springs. The town lies on the western edge of a vast long beach with 10km length. Georgioupolis beach stretches 2km to the east, starting from the river Almiros and ending in Kavros beach, which is a natural extension of the first beach. Georgioupolis beach is sandy with dunes in places and shallow waters.
It is very well organized with lifeguards and is ideal for children. However, if it is windy, high attention is required because of the sea currents. Umbrellas, showers, food and drinks are available on the beach. 700m east of the port, the beach "breaks" into two parts, because of the river Perastikos. From there, the beach continues to the east with greater width. On the other end, west of the port of Georgioupolis, near the exit of Almyros river. lies the nice beach of Kalivaki.
140 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Georgioupoli
Georgioupolis is a seaside resort located 38km east of Chania and 21km west of Rethymnon. It is a small coastal town, situated in a lush valley filled with rivers and springs. The town lies on the western edge of a vast long beach with 10km length. Georgioupolis beach stretches 2km to the east, starting from the river Almiros and ending in Kavros beach, which is a natural extension of the first beach. Georgioupolis beach is sandy with dunes in places and shallow waters.
It is very well organized with lifeguards and is ideal for children. However, if it is windy, high attention is required because of the sea currents. Umbrellas, showers, food and drinks are available on the beach. 700m east of the port, the beach "breaks" into two parts, because of the river Perastikos. From there, the beach continues to the east with greater width. On the other end, west of the port of Georgioupolis, near the exit of Almyros river. lies the nice beach of Kalivaki.
The beach of Pahia Ammos (i.e. Coarse Sand) is located on the west side of Paleochora, 79km south of Chania city. It is the main beach of Paleochora, well organized and in close proximity to all touristic amenities. The beach is almost 500m long, which makes it always seem empty. It has fine soft sand and shallow water, ideal for children. However, when westerly or southerly winds blow, the waves are quite big and need attention for kids.
Umbrellas, bars, snack bars, bars, water sports equipment, showers and lifeguard tower are some of the provided services. Also, the western part of the beach is secluded and is mainly preferred by nudists.
185 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Palaiochora
The beach of Pahia Ammos (i.e. Coarse Sand) is located on the west side of Paleochora, 79km south of Chania city. It is the main beach of Paleochora, well organized and in close proximity to all touristic amenities. The beach is almost 500m long, which makes it always seem empty. It has fine soft sand and shallow water, ideal for children. However, when westerly or southerly winds blow, the waves are quite big and need attention for kids.
Umbrellas, bars, snack bars, bars, water sports equipment, showers and lifeguard tower are some of the provided services. Also, the western part of the beach is secluded and is mainly preferred by nudists.
Sougia is a small village located 75km west of Chania city, at the exit of the beautiful Gorge of Agia Irini. A favorite destination for hippies in the 70s', today it is a perfect choice for peaceful holidays in a beautiful landscape with all the basic amenities provided. In Sougia you will find many restaurants, taverns, rooms, coffee shops, bars, mini market, etc. However, you will not find gas station, hospital, pharmacy or bank.
In front of the village lies a lovely quiet long beach with coarse sand and crystal clear deep water. The beach starts from the small harbor of Sougia (west) at exit of Lissos Gorge and stretches to the east for 1.5km. The beach ends in a small cove, hidden between rocks well protected from prying eyes. This part of the long beach is not organized and is preferred almost exclusively by naturists. Instead, the beach in front of the village offers umbrellas, showers, sports and a lifeguard tower. Along the beach there are plenty of tamarisk trees where you can find shade.
72 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Sougia
Sougia is a small village located 75km west of Chania city, at the exit of the beautiful Gorge of Agia Irini. A favorite destination for hippies in the 70s', today it is a perfect choice for peaceful holidays in a beautiful landscape with all the basic amenities provided. In Sougia you will find many restaurants, taverns, rooms, coffee shops, bars, mini market, etc. However, you will not find gas station, hospital, pharmacy or bank.
In front of the village lies a lovely quiet long beach with coarse sand and crystal clear deep water. The beach starts from the small harbor of Sougia (west) at exit of Lissos Gorge and stretches to the east for 1.5km. The beach ends in a small cove, hidden between rocks well protected from prying eyes. This part of the long beach is not organized and is preferred almost exclusively by naturists. Instead, the beach in front of the village offers umbrellas, showers, sports and a lifeguard tower. Along the beach there are plenty of tamarisk trees where you can find shade.