EXPERIENCES

Chania has mesmerising beaches that provide a memorable diving experience. Explore the unique biodiversity and morphology of the sea floor and discover reefs, rare species of coral and fish, as well as World War II wrecks. Whether a professional, beginner or inexperienced diver, there is a programme to meet your personal needs. Just pick a specialised diving centre out of many in Chania running instruction services. Consult with us to inform you on diving and swimming schools across the city.

Balos lies 56 kilometres northwest of Chania, near Kissamos and Kastelli. You can reach the famous lagoon either by car or boat, from Kissamos. As soon as you reach Balos, the scenery’s wild and exotic beauty will fascinate you; turquoise waters and white sand. The sea is quite shallow and warm and is suitable families with children. However, the lagoon is ideal for diving and snorkelling, as the waters around the rocky edge are deeper and colder.

Right across from Ballos, you’ll come across Imeri Gramvousa, the island with a famous Venetian castle set at its highest point. This beautiful islet of shallow, emerald waters, a Venetian castle and the chaplet of the Holy Apostles, is only accessible by boat, essentially an organised cruise around Balos and Gramvousa, as road access is not possible. Take a swim at Gramvousa Beach and explore the beautiful seabed.

Elafonissi is located 75 km southwest from the city of Chania and is part of the Natura protected areas. It‘s an islet connected to the land via a sandy peninsula, forming a magnificent, deep blue lagoon. Known all over the world for its beauty akin to exotic landscapes and rightly so, as many call it “the Caribbean Sea of Crete”. Its charm, otherworldly beauty, crystal blue waters and pink sand formed by crushed shells, will surely fascinate you!

Seitan Limania Beach or Stephanos Beach is a beautiful, idyllic spot just 20 km from Chania. Seitan Limania is a fjord-like scenery that will take you aback; namely strips of sea stretching inwards between the rocky shores to create small bays. The beach is partially accessible by car, which then requires a 20-minute hike down a dirt trail. A wildlife paradise with crystal clear waters and a beach of gravel and sand will unfurl before you.

Falassarna beach lies west of Chania and, in the past, had been awarded as best beach of Crete and one of the ten best in Europe. The white sands, crystal blue, turquoise waters and lush landscape reminisce of exotic locations. The beach is 1 kilometre long and actually consists of five smaller, consecutive beaches, which are visited by people in swarms all summer long, something not really of an issue because of their size. Stay late enough in the afternoon to enjoy the stunning sunset, the most beautiful on the island!

Loutraki is located east of the city of Chania, at only 16 km away. The beach is accessible only by car, as there are no local bus routes. The beach is well organized and has one café, a tavern and a seaside bar with lawn, quite popular among young people. Loutraki is the ideal place to enjoy the sea with your children, as the deep blue waters are shallow, while the beach is clean with fine sand. A beautiful swimming spot, close to the city of Chania, really worth visiting.

Marathi is located southeast of the city of Chania at 16 km away from Chania, just like Loutraki. It consists of two beaches, with blue waters, separated in the middle by a small harbour and its pier. These are organized beaches with umbrellas and sunbeds, while there are also cafés and tavernas. Have a coffee or enjoy your meal while admiring the Souda bay shores and the White Mountains. Shallow waters, fine sand and the absence of meltemia (strong etesian winds) make this beach ideal for families with children.

Stavros is a seaside village located 17 km northeast of Chania, in the Akrotiri area. A distinct feature of the area is the camel-shaped hill that towers opposite the harbour and main beach. The famous scenes from “Zorbas the Greek,” starring Anthony Quinn dancing the syrtaki, were shot here in 1964, on this very mountain.

The beach, shaped like a small crescent lagoon, offers turquoise waters and white sand; it’s perfectly protected from winds and ideal for those days when all the other beaches are swept up by winds. The calm beach combined with the wild landscape of the mountain creates beautiful. Get there either by car or catch one of the daily KTEL buses.

Chora Sfakion is the port on the southern coast of Chania at a distance of 75 km. Surrounded by the White Mountains, it includes the Samaria Gorge, one of Crete’s most popular sights. The combination of natural beauty, wild landscape and unique beaches make for a nice and yet subtle choice for a one-day trip.

The area offers many opportunities not only to beach goers but also to trekkers, as Sfakia feature wonderful trekking and mountaineering trails. Should you want, sail on the boat to gorgeous Loutro, with crystal clear waters, and Gavdos, the southernmost island of Europe.

Sougia is a small seaside village located 70 kilometers south of Chania. It has been a favourite destination for hippies, and today is a peaceful summer destination. The village stands out for its large, beautiful fine pebble beach and deep, crystal clear waters. If a fan of nudism, head east of the beach and find your perfect spot. Sougia also features restaurants, taverns, rooms to let, cafés, bars and a mini market.

Paleochora lies 77 km south of Chania and is built on the ruins of the Venetian Castle of the ancient city of Kalamidi. It is a tranquil seaside area, renown since the 1970’s, as a favourite hippie destination. The beach’s crystal clear waters, the picturesque streets and activities on offer, such as surfing and diving, make Paleochora a favourite destination for both locals and tourists.