Tavronitis, Crete - What's It Like? | The Mediterranean Traveller

Thinking of booking a trip to Tavronitis on Crete? Here’s what to expect from this quiet beach resort near Chania.

Where is it?

Tavronitis is on the north coast of Crete not far from Chania, between Maleme and Kolymbari.

What’s the vibe like?

Tavronitis is a medium-sized village with a substantial local population and plenty of amenities for its residents – plus a few for tourists too.

It forms part of Chania’s western beach resort area. The busiest section of this coast is between Stalos and Platanias, which basically forms one long strip. Tavronitis is on the quieter western end of the coast. It’s separated from Maleme by a headland with an airstrip and a river.

The village part of Tavronitis is inland from the beach. It has a workaday feel and a few enjoyable shady tavernas. There are villas and small hotels tucked away in the flat land behind the beach.

If you like quiet beaches and local life then you might enjoy Tavronitis. Most of the accommodation here is self-catered.

What’s the beach like?

The quiet beach is a mix of coarse sand and pebbles. The pebbles are bigger where the sand meets the sea.

A small road runs alongside the eastern end of the beach where you’ll find a small chapel and a handful of seafront tavernas and cafes.

As you head west, the beach is quiet and a bit scrappy and eventually merges into Kolymbari to its west.

Activities and amenities

Tavronitis has a few amenities for tourists – tavernas, mini-markets, cafes, a nail salon – as well as businesses geared towards the local hospitality trade such as hardware stores, a tyre shop, and laundry services.

There is a decent selection of restaurants but you’ll struggle to find anything other than Greek food here.

Transport and accessibility

From the airport:

Tavronitis is a 40-minute drive from Chania International Airport.

Prices for a private airport transfer to Tavronitis are around €55.

Public transport:

Tavronitis 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 in Chania – 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 Tavronitis although less frequently.

To reach the airport by bus you’ll have to change at Chania.

Accessibility:

The beach is a 15-minute walk from the main part of Tavronitis village, where most of the businesses are located.

The side roads in Tavronitis are quiet with plenty of space for parking. There is a road running along the eastern end of the beach with some shaded parking spots. Paving is of varying quality.