10 Most Beautiful Beaches Near Chania | The Mediterranean Traveller

Are you heading to Chania this year? Here are 10 of the best beaches near Chania to check out on your travels.

Some of them are close to the city, and others are a bit further afield (but worth the trek).

If you’re looking to stay close to the beach then you should also read Best Beach Resorts in Chania as many of the beaches listed below are in undeveloped areas.

Golden Beach

Chania’s nearest city beaches are Nea Chora and Koumkapi, right in the city, but it’s worth the short distance out of town to reach the beautiful Golden Beach.

It’ll take around 40 minutes to walk from the Old Town, or you can bike or hop on a bus. But the vibe here is much better than the city beaches – it’s chilled but family-friendly, and the sand is lovely and fine.

There are plenty of pine trees in the area providing shade, and it’s a short walk from here to the beaches of Agii Apostopoli (more details below).

Stavros

Stavros is one of the most famous beaches in the area, having been used for the filming of that dancing scene in the 1964 smash hit Zorba the Greek.

The sits at the foot of a small barren hill providing an interesting backdrop. The water here is a serene jade colour, shallow and crystal clear with some smooth flat rocks on the seabed.

It’s a popular day trip for families and there are lifeguards on duty. You’ll find a few tavernas and cafes and several smaller (and quieter beaches) in the area.

There is free parking and a bus runs from Chania KTEL bus station.

Seitan Limani

Seitan Limani has shot to fame over the past decade thanks to social media. This zigzag of bright blue was made for Instagram and Youtube.

It’s located on the same Akrotiri Peninsula as Stavros but has a remote location. There is a bus from the city in high summy (July/August) only. Otherwise, you’ll need to drive here yourself. Beware of the steep parking and descent to the beach (and the goats that will try to steal your food).

There are no facilities here so make sure to bring plenty of water and a bag for your litter.

Elafonissi

Elafonissi is one of the most popular day trip destinations in Crete thanks to its distinctive sugar-pink sands and shallow turquoise waters.

It’s a reasonable drive from Chania (about 1 hr 20 minutes) but its popularity ensures many options to get there. Bus excursions run every day throughout the summer season, and you can also take the public bus. If you’d rather drive, there is a large car park on-site.

Sure, it does get busy, but there are quieter spots if you’re prepared to wade for a while. It’s a protected area and home to several rare species.

Balos

The other blockbuster beach in western Crete is Balos, a large and shallow lagoon beach with pink sands and jaw-dropping views. It really does look exactly like the photos – no filter was used in the above photograph.

It’s located further north and closer to Chania, but the roads are trickier. There is a car park but it involves an off-road track and a steep hike down to the beach (although this is where you’ll find the best view).

The daily excursions reach Balos by a combination of bus and boat and usually combine it with a trip to the equally stunning Gramvousa island a short distance offshore.

Wondering which to choose out of Elafonissi and Balos if you only have time for one? Personally, I liked Elafonissi best – it’s easier to reach, the sand is perfect, and it feels more relaxing. But if you like to hike and explore then you might prefer Balos.

Falassarna

Falassarna is a beautiful big sand beach on the west coast between Balos and Elafonissi. It has become increasingly popular as a less busy alternative to those two blockbuster beaches.

It’s organised with sun loungers and even some day beds but there’s plenty of room for you to spread out (and 4 smaller beaches to its north). Like Elafonissi and Balos it also has some pink sand although it’s less evident. When the wind is blowing it becomes a popular surfing and windsurfing spot.

Free parking is available and public buses run from Chania.

Agii Apostopoli

The area of Agii Apostopoli is a scalloped section of coastline west of Chania Town which is home to several picturesque sandy beaches. There’s a double-sided beach overlooked by the Chapel of the Holy Apostles, and a small cove enclosed by small golden cliffs.

It’s popular with locals and families and there’s an abundance of activities on offer. I think these are the nicest beaches close to the city.

You can reach Agii Apostopoli on a city bus, walk (around 1 hour), or cycle. There’s also a large municipal car park although it does fill up, especially in the evenings and at weekends.

Read more: A Quick Guide to Agii Apostopoli

Kalathas

Kalathas is a small sandy beach on the Akrotiri Peninsula which isn’t as well-known as most of the beaches on this list and so is usually relatively uncrowded compared to some of the more well-known beaches in the area.

If you like your Greek beaches simple – one cafe, a few sun loungers, crystal clear water, no frills – then you’ll like Kalathas.

There’s a small rocky islet offshore that you can swim to, and it has a small area for free parking. It’s on the bus route to Stavros so it’s often overlooked.

Frangokastello

Frangokastello is a unique beach on the south coast where you can swim with the ruins of a 14th-century castle (and the White Mountains) in view.

If the western beaches are too busy then Frangokastello might be up your street. It’s also a good option if the north coast beaches are windy.

There are some sun loungers on the beach but overall it feels very uncrowded and clean. It’s sandy although the sand is a bit darker than the likes of Balos and Elafonissi.

There are public buses from Chania.

Kedrasos

Here’s another alternative if you like quiet natural beaches. Kedrodasos is in the southwest corner, a little bit south of Elafonissi. It has many small coves of fine sand, bright blue waters and dark rocks and is backed by a forest of juniper trees.

It’s completely unorganised – there are no facilities (that means no toilets or drinks) or sun loungers here – and so is popular with campers. There’s a small free car park.

This is one of the hardest beaches on this list to reach from Chania by public transport but it is possible to walk from Elafonissi along the E4 long-distance path (though it involves some scrambling) in less than an hour. There are also daily water taxis from nearby Paleochora.

Read more about Crete:

The Best Places to Stay in Chania Near the Beach

Where to Stay in Chania’s Old Town

Where to Stay on Crete: Ultimate Beach Resort Guide

10 Most Beautiful Beaches in Crete

How to Get Around Chania By Bus