beaches
There is only one way to enjoy your willing destinations but also the route to them- the beaches of Chania.
Experience the best moments of your vacation on the most beautiful beaches of Chania. Balos, Falasarna, Elafonisi, Stavros, Seitan Ports – a unique and one life experience.
We have also visited some of the most famous beaches in Chania and we have already saved the impressions of the best memories of summer destinations and winter excursions.
So we would like to introduce you locations on the map of Chania, in order to make you shout that “This was the best experience of your life”.
Let us present to you the 7 beaches that we felt in love with: Balos, Elafonisi, Falasarna, Seitan Limania, Stavros, Iligas, Fragokastelo.
Lake Kourna is another treasure located in Chania. While it is just a lake, its shores turn into a magical beach.
Balos
The enchanting lagoon of Chania with its green-blue waters and its white sandy beach may seems utopian, until the moment you see it emerge. The red Foraminifera shells after completing their life cycle, they end up at the beach of Balos, giving it another touch. Suddenly, the white sand it turns into pink.
It is partly an organized beach, consisting of toilets, showers, changing rooms, umbrellas and of course a lifeguard. Along the rest of the beach you may lie on your own towels and your own umbrella. You will find snacks and drinks at the canteen in the car park and at the canteen on the beach.
The waters at Balos beach are shallow so it is suitable for children as well as for beginner swimmers.
Where is Balos beach and how to get there:
The beach of Balos is located at a distance of 53 kilometers from the city of Chania, specifically on the Tigani peninsula and on the western side of Gramvousa.
There are two ways to get there, either driving and then walking a short distance to the beach, or by ferry and disembarking directly at the beach.
In case you choose driving, the route is fantastic, but requires careful driving in the last 6 km due to the dirt road, the goats and the sheep in the surrounding area. However, careful driving, means more time to enjoy the magic view.
Boarding the boat to Balos takes place at the port of Kissamos – 43 kilometers from the city of Chania. You may arrive at the port of Kissamos by bus or by your own car.
Elafonisi
Elafonisi, is another paradise in Crete. We usually mention the word beach, but the truth is that Elafonisi consists of many beaches. This gives you the opportunity, every time you visit Elafonisi, to be able to sit in a different spot. So each visit at this beautiful beach, will always feel like it was the first time.
Blue, green and turquoise waters during summer days, blue waters during winter days. However its beauty with its crystal clear waters remains unchanged all year round. Elafonisi could not miss the red shells that paint the beach pink and make it even more beautiful. This phenomenon of pink sand occurs on almost all the beaches of western Crete, due to the red shells that reach the shores. The beach is shallow for the most part so kids will love it!
The route to Elafonisi is wonderful, full of contrasts and surprises. The lush vegetation of firs and pines in a coastal area will surely enchant you.
As soon as you arrive at the beach you will probably find an easy parking spot and a canteen to stock up on essentials. On the eastern side of the beach there are umbrellas, changing rooms, toilets, showers and an additional canteen. Finally, if you are a fan of water sports you will be able to enjoy wind surfing and kite surfing. You can even take wind and kite surfing lessons at the school of Elafonisi.
Where is Elafonisi and how to get there:
Elafonissi is located 42 kilometers from the city of Kissamos and 73 kilometers on the southwest of the city of Chania. You may access it either by car, or by bus.
Seitan Limania
Seitan Limania – the beach of Chania with the blue waters and the shape of a lightning, as if the god Zeus passed by.
An impressive beach, from all the prespectives. You need a good physical condition and sports shoes to approach it safely, as you will need to descend the rocky mountain. For families with small children, it might not be the ideal excursion. But for those who love the adventure, it will be a unique experience.
At the beach there are no: umbrellas, toilets, lifeguard, showers, changing rooms, refreshments, so the visit may last just a few hours.
Where is Seitan Limania beach and how to get there:
The beach is located northeast of Akrotiri region, 22 kilometers from the city of Chania.
It is accessible by Chania buses during summer months. Otherwise you may visit it with your own means of transport.
Stavros
The beach of Stavros, a beach which was made famous from the film “Alexis Zorbas” with Anthony Quinn. A film which was inspired by one of the best novels of Nikos Kazantzakis.
Stavros is an organized beach with umbrellas, changing rooms, lifeguard, refreshments, cafes and restaurants with very good food. The waters are shallow – suitable for children. It is not affected by the winds, so waves are rare. If you love to swim, then you will certainly enjoy it to the fullest at this beach.
Where is the beach of Stavros and how to get there:
The beach is located on the northwest of Akrotiri area and 15 kilometers from the city of Chania. Either you choose Chania buses, or your own means of transport, the beach is only 30 minutes away.
The beach of Stavros is equally beautiful in the afternoon. You may visit it either for an evening swim or for a walk and a meal. Finally, if you visit Stavros during a full moon night, then you will surely fall in love with the beach of “Alexis Zorbas”.
Iligas
Infinite blue, a large cave, clear waters, pebbles, are only some of the things that you will notice and love straight after you are on the beach of Iligas.
The beach is located only 2 kilometers from Chora Sfakion. A “Country” that has a very strong imprint on the history of Crete and Greece. Do you wonder how the Sfakians achieved this? But of course, with their strong self-denial to submit to anything that did not match their ideas and values.
At the beach there are umbrellas and a small refreshment bar. While near the parking area there is a small tavern.
The beach is not really shallow and there is no lifeguard, so families should pay attention to their children. Nevertheless, if you are a good swimmer and you like swimming, then you will enjoy it for sure.
The beach is beautiful, spotlessly clean and provides an amazing view to the sea. Do not forget to have your eyes open so you don’t miss the wild goats that climb vertically on the rocks.
Where is Iligas beach and how to get there:
The beach is located on the south of the island, at a distance of 74 kilometers from the city of Chania and 2 kilometers from Sfakia.
The route is fantastic, with impressive views of the mountains, the sea and the gorges. The distance from Chania to the beach is only 1 hour, but it will be one of the most beautiful hours of your vacation.
You may visit the beach with your own means of transport or with Chania buses.
Frangokastelo
Frankokastelo, the castle of the Franks. The beach at Frangokastelos takes you back in time. This beach is widely known from the Drosulites phenomenon that takes place at the end of May around the castle.
The waters are shallow, clear and calm. They reflect the colors of the mountains and end up looking grey-green and grey-blue. The feelings are unique, having this stunning view of the castle and the mountains, while you are swimming or relaxing at the beach.
The beach is equipped with umbrellas, toilets, showers, cafeteria and taverns.
Where is Fragokastelo beach and how to get there:
The beach is located on the east of southern Crete. It is 80 kilometers from the city of Chania and 15 kilometers from Sfakia.
You may reach Fragokastelo by bus from the city of Chania or by your own means of transport.
Kournas Lake
Tha Lake of Kournas – the only natural lake in Crete and the most beautiful.
It will enchant you with its colors and its peace. During morning hours you may enjoy a ride on the hydro bikes. The lake is a natural home to rare species of fauna which you will encounter during your walk. You may even swim in the lake as the waters are suitable for swimming. The waters are shallow, so it will be very pleasant to swim, even for children.
Next to the Lake of Kournas, you will find many worthwhile shops with traditional delicacies, as well as special souvenirs for you and your loved ones.
Where is Kournas lake and how to get there:
The Lake is located on the east of the prefecture of Chania, at a distance of only 5 kilometers from Georgioupolis and 45 kilometers from Chania.
You can get there by bus or by your own means of transport.
