Exploring the Top Sights and Best Beaches in Chania

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The crown jewel of Greece, Chania is celebrated for its fascinating history and world-class beaches. 

Whether you want to trek the lush green countryside, dance the night away, or watch the world go by from your lounger, you’re going to love the best beaches in Chania. 

What Is Chania Like? 

Perched on the northwestern coast of Crete, Chania is a well-preserved medieval town with a rich history of Ottoman, Egyptian, and Venetian influences.

Visiting Chania
Chania, northwestern coast of Crete

Roaming through the winding lanes, you’ll feel like you’ve been transported to another world. 

While Crete is the largest of all the Greek isles and attracts tourists from around the globe, Chania is anything but an overcrowded tourist trap.

Visitors have been arriving in the famous harbor of Chania for more than 5000 years now and still the small city feels like an undiscovered gem. 

How To Get to Chania

There is an international airport in Chania with regular flights throughout the year.

During the high season, running from April to October, you’ll also find a lot of charter flight options in and out of Europe. 

How To Get to Chania
Getting to Chania

While the Chania airport is convenient, you may find better prices and more options at the Athens airport.

It’s worth considering spending a few days in the capital city, then hopping on the ferry. 

Ferries operate daily from the Piraeus port in Athens and arrive at Souda, which is just outside of Chania. 

Getting Around to the Best Beaches in Chania

Once you arrive in Chania, you’ll find a few transport options:

  • Regular buses are traveling from the Souda ferry port to central Chania. From the Chania airport, however, the buses are a bit more limited. You can check out the Chania bus schedule, or hop in one of the taxis you’ll find all around Chania.
  • If you’re looking to get as much of the islands as possible and hop between the best beaches in Chania and beyond, renting a car is a practical option here. 

Planning Tip – It’s well worth it to schedule a Crete airport transfer before you arrive. We had a great experience with Crete: Airport Private Transfer Service and it’ll save you stress on arrival. 

Must-See Beaches of Chania

One of the four regions of Crete, Chania takes up about a quarter of the island and covers the entire western shoreline.

That’s a whole lot of lush coastline ripe for exploration.

To help kick off your beach hopping adventure, let’s countdown the very best of the best beaches in Chania. 

Balos Beach

Balos Beach in Chania
Balos Beach

Forget about saving the best for last! When you arrive in Crete make a beeline directly to Balos Beach.

With pink sand beaches, turquoise seas, and dramatic rocks jutting out from the sea, this place is a photographer’s dream. It happens to be the most photographed place on the entire island. 

Just beside Kissamos,  Balos Beach is an easy journey by private car or taxi from Chania, or you can hop on the boat from Kasteli.

Craving an adventure? Hike from Kaliviani. It’s a three-hour trek through some of the island’s more stunning landscapes. 

Falassarna Beach

Visiting Falassarna Beach
Falassarna Beach

Often called one of the top ten beaches in all of Europe, this one-kilometer-long stretch of sand will take your breath away.

Officially known as Pahia Ammos, this place has it all.

Whether you are just looking for the basics like a place to rent umbrellas or you want to splash around this watersports wonderland, you’ll find plenty of rental shops here as well.  

Chrissi Akti Beach

Visiting Chrissi Akti Beach
Chrissi Akti Beach

From the town of Chania, this is one of your closest beaches. Hop on the bus then walk over to this ultra-popular spot.

Thanks to its tucked-away location, the waters are consistently calm so it’s a great place for kids.

There is also:

  • a playground
  • dressing rooms
  • and spots to rent umbrellas and sunbeds 

If you are looking for an easy central beach where you can go for a full day out without having to worry about planning or lugging stuff with you, this is the place for you.  

Stavros Beach

Stavros Beach in Chania
Stavros Beach

You may have seen this scenic spot on Zorba the Greek!

With its tranquil lagoon shores and lush sand, you’ll see why this was the perfect filming location. 

With rental facilities and top-notch nearby eateries, Stavros Beach is a dream spot to spend a long lazy day soaking in the Greek sun. 

Planning Tips:

  • If you walk another five minutes to the west, you’ll find West Stavros Beach. While it’s a bit windier, there are far fewer people.
  • When it comes to renting sunbeds and umbrellas or grabbing a drink and bite, the prices are far lower on the lesser-known West Stavros Beach than they are on the mega-popular West Stavros Beach.

Seitan Limania Beach

Seitan Limania Beach in Chania
Seitan Limania Beach

One of the best-kept secrets in Crete, Seitan Limania Beach is tucked away between towering cliffs.

Also known as the Paralia of Stefanou, this place will make you feel like you have stumbled upon another world. But, luckily, it’s relatively easy to get there! 

This hidden treasure is located near the village of Chordaki. In total, you’re talking about a 30-minute drive from central Chania (and the drive is beautiful).

From the parking lot, you’ll see the beach. The view from here is fantastic so be sure to stop for pics. 

Here is what to expect:

  • You will have to hike down the hill. Don’t arrive in your flip-flops! You’ll need decided shoes and be prepared to slowly make your way down.
  • Depending on how agile you are, it will take about ten to 20 minutes to hike down. It’s manageable for older kids and adults. But, if you’re afraid of heights or don’t think you can navigate loose gravel, skip it.
  • On arrival, you’ll find a completely wild beach. That means no facilities so bring your own everything. There is a shop just before the cliff where you’ll find snacks and drinks so stock up before you head down. 

Where to Stay in Chania 

For a place to unwind after a long day of exploring, the Notus hotel is a top pick.

Located beside Nea Chora Beach, book a studio room with a sea view balcony. You’ll thank yourself as soon as you go out and take in the captivating view.  

Traveling with the whole crew? The Christina Luxury Villas is a picture-perfect home away from home.

They have a dream location in the heart of everything and the wide-open floor plans will give you plenty of space to spread out. 

Exploring the Old Town in Chania 

Though the Old Town of Chania is easy to navigate on foot, there are countless hidden gems around every corner.

To truly take in the captivating culture of Chania, go with a local. 

Chania: Sightseeing & Tastings Tour will tell you the story behind the island’s iconic sites then take you behind the scenes to learn about the unique local traditions and sample the gourmand delights. 

For foodies, the Chania: Old Town Highlights Guided Tour with Street Food is an essential excursion.

Once you have tried the Cretan street food, trust me, you’ll be dreaming about it for years. Fortunately, you can bring the recipes home with you.

For the ultimate Greek souvenir, learn how to create the traditional recipes of the islands at the Authentic Cooking Class in the White Mountains.

Things to Do in Crete 

When you are in Create, you absolutely must get over to Elafonisi Island to see the stunning pink sand beaches and the emerald green Topolia Gorge.

For a dream day trip book the guided From Chania: Day Trip to Elafonisi Island.

Trek through one of the longest gorges in Europe and a thousand-year-old forest that will take your breath away on the From Chania: Full-Day Samaria Gorge Trek Excursion.

Conclusion

From hidden wonders to Hollywood hotspots, the best beaches in Chania will steal your heart. Best of all, everyone from culture vultures or surfers will adore this captivating corner of Crete. 

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