Thinking of booking a trip to Gerani on Crete? Here’s what to expect from this spacious beach resort near Chania.
Where is it?
Gerani is on the north coast of Crete not far from Chania, between Platanias and Maleme.
What’s the vibe like?
Gerani is small and quiet. In fact, it can be considered a quieter extension of Platanias, its busy neighbour to the east.
It forms part of Chania’s western beach resort area. The busiest section is between Stalos and Platanias, which basically forms one long strip. At Gerani it becomes quieter.
Platanias and Gerani are divided by a small river, although it’s possible to walk across the beach. From here the main road splits in two and the landscape becomes flat and marshy.
Gerani is dominated by a few large resort hotels. There’s a small village and a handful of tourist amenities.
If you’re looking to stay in a family-friendly resort and will probably spend most of your time in the hotel then Gerani is a good option. It’s within striking distance of busier Platanias. It’s also a good choice if you prefer a vast and quiet beach.
You can walk into Platanias in around 30 minutes.
What’s the beach like?
The beach at Gerani is a mix of sand and pebble, with sand in the upper parts and small pebbles where it meets the sea. It’s a bit wavier and more exposed than at Platanias.
It’s also significantly wider. There are has few sections with sun loungers but is otherwise unorganised. There are some trees on the beach at the western end where it becomes Maleme.
Activities and amenities
Gerani has a handful of amenities – a mini market, a souvenir shop, a bakery, a pharmacy, and a few restaurants – but the village feels functional rather than atmospheric.
There is an old village located behind the highway but you’re unlikely to end up there unless you’re renting a holiday home in this part of Gerani.
It’s an easy bus trip or a 30-minute walk into Platanias for more restaurants and watersports.
The tourist train which connects the main beach resorts with some of the attractions in the wider rural area starts and ends here. You can use it to get into Platanias/Agia Marina. Note that it doesn’t run into Chania itself.
Transport and accessibility
From the airport:
Gerani is a 35-minute drive from Chania International Airport.
Prices for a private airport transfer to Gerani are around €47.
Public transport:
Gerani is on the Chania City Bus route to Kolymbari which runs from the city to the beach resorts along the west coast – see the Chania Bus website for timetables.
However, the bus leaves from the main KTEL bus station – not the main city bus stop.
The buses are bendy buses and are frequent throughout the day, especially in July and August, but they do get very busy – especially at the end of the day and early evening.
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.
The regional KTEL coach from Chania to Kissamos (the port for Balos) also passes through Gerani although less frequently.
To reach the airport by bus you’ll have to change at Chania.
Accessibility:
The main part of Gerani near the beach is flat but it is very sparse and spread out. Most businesses are located along the main road near the bus stops. It’s a 10-minute walk to the beach from here.
The roads in Gerani are quiet though, with plenty of space for parking. There is a pavement with tactile paving along the main road only.
Prices
Prices for food and souvenirs in Gerani are average for Crete.
Where to stay
There’s a big package tourism presence here, centred around the TUI Atlantica Creta Paradise and the TUI Atlantica Caldera Beach. Both are packed with family facilities.
Not after a package holiday? 4-star Silver Beach Hotel & Apartments (pictured above) are directly on the beach.
On a budget? 2-star Vagia Mare has simple rooms around a pool.
Read more about Crete:
Where to Stay in Chania Near the Beach
How to Get Around Chania By Bus
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
