5 of the Best Beaches Near Chania, Crete

When planning my holidays – having never been drawn to beachy destinations – I’ve always preferred culture-filled city breaks or scenic road trips (or better yet, a mixture of the two!). However, after everything 2020 has thrown our way, a friend and I decided that with Greece opening its borders to sun-and-sand-seeking tourists once more, what we needed was a relaxing beach break in beautiful Crete. With Chania offering agreeable flight times (being one of two international airports on the island), we decided to go for it and before we knew it, we were being hit by the welcome wall of hot air as we stepped off the plane at our destination!

After ditching our bags and freshening up, we were on the beach (which was steps from our accommodation) by midday and immediately, could tell we’d made the right decision. Here are my top recommendations for the best beaches near Chania, as well as some info on must-try dishes and the odd Greek driving tip…

Sunset over Nea Chora

We’ll start close to home (well, our temporary Cretan home that is!). Nea Chora, which translates to New Town, is the main beach of Chania. The bustling Venetian Harbour and Old Town, is only a 10-20 minute walk away, but here there is a relaxed beachfront vibe, with plenty of sunbeds to rent (at a very reasonable 3-5 euros for two beds and a brolly) and a selection of inviting restaurants and cafés. The Five was a particularly great spot to sip a cocktail (or three) and enjoy a front row seat to a gorgeous sunset. Or, for a truly amazing meal, try Portes. They have a varied menu full of Cretan goodies, with the halloumi wedges being a firm favourite, washed down with a Lefkas – a Cretan craft beer which can only be found on the island!

Halloumi with a chilli chutney, fava bean dip with caramelised onions and dakos (Greek bruschetta)

Luckily, you don’t have to hire a car to get to these little slices of paradise! Whilst driving to Balos Beach is an option, the roads are pretty hairy, and many car rental companies have a firm “No Balos” policy. The good news is that you can hop in a cab or drive to Kissamos Port (roughly 40 minutes from Chania) and enjoy a relaxing boat trip instead! The ferry runs twice a day from May to October, taking you first to the famous Balos Beach – a gorgeous lagoon with a postcard-perfect mountainous backdrop and warm, shallow waters. Next up (and my favourite) is Gramvousa Island. This spot was like a little piece of heaven, with soft, white sand and the most stunningly clear, turquoise waters I’d ever seen! You’d be forgiven for thinking you were in a swimming pool. And, with such great clarity, marine life aplenty, and a small shipwreck close to shore, this lagoon really is a snorkellers’ dream. 

Arriving at Gramvousa Island

Recommended by locals and tourists alike, Falasarna was on our radar as soon as we arrived. Having rented a car, we could easily make the hour-long drive from Chania for a visit to this expansive stretch of beach. The majority of the drive was down one of the main highways connecting the island, so was pretty stress-free with lovely views (top tip – there is only one lane but you often drive down/straddle the hard shoulder so that other cars can overtake- which seems to work well!). Falasarna has quite an exposed location and can be extremely windy (as was the case when we were there), so be sure to check the weather before you visit.

Appreciating the beautiful location and the awesome surfing taking place but not wanting to be blown away, we decided to hop back in the car and nip down the coast to Kapetan Nikolas, a taverna we’d spotted on Google Maps. It didn’t disappoint. We were delighted to find a quiet spot, sheltered from the wind, with impressive views back over Falasarna!

Lunch at Kapetan Nikolas

After enjoying some pita with skordalia dip (a Greek speciality consisting of creamed potatoes, plenty of garlic and olive oil) we ventured round the corner to find the most adorable little beach, aptly named Tiny Beach, Pink Sand – the colour coming from the crushed red shells of tiny oysters called foraminifera. This mini lagoon offered warm, still waters and with only a handful of other people around, it felt very much like a real hidden gem.

View from Tiny Beach, Pink Sand

Roughly 30 minutes east of Chania, Loutraki is a small beach located in a sheltered cove. Offering natural shade from the trees that line the beach, clear and still waters, and a beachfront café (be sure to have some cash) that also provides sunbeds and umbrellas. Popular with locals, music drifted on the breeze from the villa complex on the southern side of the bay, providing a lovely atmosphere as well as a landscaped lawn space and beach bar. Only five minutes down the road (if you can tear yourself away) you’ll also find family-friendly Marathi Beach, which offers more space and water sports, with two lovely beaches only separated by a small pier for fishing boats. And where there’s fishing boats, there’s fresh seafood! With plenty of taverns along the seafront, you’ll find a variety of dining options boasting Greek specialities, served up alongside gorgeous views of the White Mountains – best enjoyed with a happy hour cocktail we reckon!

The Sea or giant infinity pool? Who can tell! – Loutraki Beach

Seitan Limania may translate to “Satanic Harbours”, but this beach is actually a little slice of heaven. It’s best suited to the more adventurous traveller and those not opposed to early starts. Despite being only a 40-minute drive from Chania, the journey to get to this tiny inlet involves winding, steep roads, and a short hike – so proper footwear is certainly advised! The stunning views over the rocky cliffs and vivid turquoise waters however are more than ample reward for your efforts. With a recent rise in popularity, be sure to set off early and avoid peak times, such as weekends and national holidays. With room for only a handful of lucky beachgoers, this spot can quickly feel overcrowded. The remote feeling of the beach is one of its main draws, but equally this means you have to come prepared. Be sure to pack your food for the day (stored safely away to avoid theft by goats), plenty of water, and, of course, take your rubbish home with you.

Walk down to Seitan Limania