Hidden gem
Seitan Limania
A dramatic zig-zag cove squeezed between sheer cliffs on the Akrotiri peninsula.
Secluded coves · Chania
Beaches
Lagoons, pink sand, secret coves
Crete has more than a thousand kilometres of coastline, and almost every type of beach you can imagine: shallow turquoise lagoons in the far west, pink-tinged sand at Elafonisi, palm-fringed river mouths on the south coast and tiny coves you reach on foot. As a rule of thumb, the north coast is easier to reach and well organised, while the south coast (the Libyan Sea) is wilder, quieter and often calmer when the summer meltemi wind blows from the north.
Agioi Apostoloi Beach
Two small sheltered coves on a green little peninsula just west of Chania town.
Sandy beaches · Chania
Chrissi Akti (Golden Beach)
A golden sandy beach just 2.5 km from Chania town, with lifeguards and watersports.
Sandy beaches · Chania
Nea Chora Beach
The town beach of Chania, a short walk west of the old Venetian walls.
Sandy beaches · Chania
Stavros Beach
A round lagoon-like bay under a big mountain on Akrotiri, where Zorba the Greek was filmed.
Sandy beaches · Chania
Kalathas Beach
A pretty sandy bay on the Akrotiri peninsula with a small islet you can swim to.
Sandy beaches · Chania
Marathi Beach
Two small sandy beaches by a fishing harbour on Souda bay, with fish tavernas.
Sandy beaches · Chania
Kalamaki Beach
A sandy beach with shallow water at Galatas, surrounded by orange and olive groves.
Sandy beaches · Chania
Souda Beach
Shallow water and golden sand next to the port of Souda, with fish tavernas close by.
Sandy beaches · Chania
Hidden gem
Kouloura Lagoon
A small natural rock pool in Halepa, Chania, that looks like a turquoise swimming pool.
Pebble beaches · Chania
Koum Kapi Beach
The sandy seafront just outside the old town walls of Chania, great for a drink by the water.
Sandy beaches · Chania
Hidden gem
Macherida Beach
A small secluded bay on Akrotiri next to a knife shaped cape.
Secluded coves · Chania