Thinking of booking a trip to Agii Apostopoli on Crete? Here’s what to expect from this scenic beach area near Chania.
Where is it?
Agii Apostopoli is on the north coast of Crete, just west of Chania and between Nea Chora and Stalos
What’s the vibe like?
Agii Apostopoli (sometimes spelt Agioi Apostopoloi) is a beautiful beach area west of Chania. It’s a city beach and very popular with locals, especially at weekends and on public holidays.
It comprises several small coves of golden sand, the central ones enclosed by small cliffs. It’s a very picturesque area (I think these are the prettiest beaches near Chania) with lots of pine trees, a campsite, and municipal play areas/sports facilities. Volleyball is especially popular here.
Agii Apostopoli is tucked away in between Chania city and the busy beach resorts of Stalos, Agia Marina, and Platanias, and has somehow managed to escape mass tourism development. It’s usually visited from the city or elsewhere – but there are some hotels, especially around Glaros Beach. The wider area is known as Daratsos.
To the west of Agii Apostopoli is an old fishing area called Kalamaki – you’ll find small beaches and seafront tavernas.
What’s the beach like?
There are several beaches in the Agii Apostopoli area:
- Golden Beach (or Chrisi Akti) – this is the closest beach to Chania and is an easy cycle ride from the city. It’s a wide crescent of golden sand with watersports, sun loungers, and a volleyball court. There are several smart beach bars perfect for watching the sunset.
- Iguana Beach – the western Agii Apostopoli cove, named after its resident beach bar/cafe. It has a family-friendly focus. The beach is short but wide and organised with a cafe and pedalos.
- Yannis’ Beach – the eastern Agii Apostopoli cove, unofficially named after its resident beach bar/cafe. It’s a deep cove with cliffs on either side providing snorkelling, caves, and viewpoints. A Seatrac is available for wheelchair access to the sea.
- Glaros Beach – this is the longest and narrowest beach and it feels the most like a traditional beach resort with several tavernas and hotels right by the water.
All of the beaches are popular with local families. The varied headlands provide plenty of options for shelter from the wind.
Activities and amenities
Agii Apostopoli is a great place for families and sporty people. As well as several volleyball courts, it’s also popular with runners, cyclists, outdoor fitness classes, and dog walkers.
Low-key watersports rentals are available such as pedalos, canoes, and stand-up paddleboarding. There’s a basketball court, play area, and football pitch on the municipal ground behind Agii Apostopoli beaches.
You’ll find one or two mini-markets around Glaros and larger supermarkets up on the main road. It’s quiet in the evening and dining options are somewhat limited – there are beach cafes and tavernas to feed you but many people will head into the city in the evening.
Transport and accessibility
From the airport:
Agii Apostopoli is a 30-minute drive from Chania International Airport.
Prices for a private airport transfer to Agii Apostopolis/Daratsos are around €37.
Public transport:
Agii Apostopoli is covered by Chania City Bus number 15 to Kalamaki which travels along the main road, and 21 to Agii Apostopoli – see the Chania Bus website for timetables.
The buses are frequent throughout the day but they do get very busy, especially at the end of the day and at weekends. It’s common to hire a bicycle for the journey between here and Chania although the section between Golden Beach and Nea Chora is an unlit dirt path. It takes between 40 minutes and 1 hour to walk to Chania Old Town.
You can buy tickets on board but it’s cheaper to buy them before you get on at either the Chania bus station or any kiosk/mini-market near the bus stop.
To reach the airport by bus you’ll have to change at Chania.
Accessibility:
The Agii Apostopoli area is gently hilly. There’s a large municipal car park in the centre and you can drive up to all of the beaches. No steps are required to read the sand.
There’s a Seatrac for wheelchair access to the sea at Agii Apostopoli (east beach).
Where to stay
There are a few resort hotels in the area – Agii Apostopoli is bookended by upmarket Domes resorts.
- 5-star Domes Zeen Chania is east of Golden Beach, close to the beach on extensive grounds.
- 5-star Domes Noruz Chania (adults-only) is directly on the sands at Glaros Beach. This is the best beachfront hotel near Chania.
Also right on the beach is the small boutique Ammos Hotel and the larger 5-star TUI Atlantica Kalliston Resort.
If your budget doesn’t stretch that far there are plenty of small family-run 2 and 3-star hotels, guesthouses and villas – browse Booking.com for a selection. The further inland and closer to the main road and highway the more urban it feels.
Read more about Crete:
Where to Stay in Chania Near the Beach
10 Most Beautiful Beaches Near Chania
Where to Stay on Crete: Ultimate Beach Resort Guide
10 Most Beautiful Beaches on Crete
Image credits: All images © The Mediterranean Traveller
