Natural attractions
Beaches+Natural attractions.
Falassarna is located on the west coast of Crete, about 59 km from the city center. This is one of the most impressive beaches of the county and of the entire island as well and one of the ten best beaches in Europe. Crystal clear waters, turquoise sea and fine golden sand are what characterize it. Falassarna extends over a very large area and consists actually of five consecutive beaches, with the two most central being the most popular.
The main beach of Falassarna, called Pacheia Ammos, is an exotic wide sandy beach with a length of 1 km This beach hosts the most visitors of the area but because of its large size you hardly feel stiflingly though there may be hundreds of others around you. The beach is for the most part organized and because of the favorable winds it is an ideal destination for sports enthusiasts as kitesurfers and wave riders.
The area around Falassarna is magnificent and is a Natura protected region. If you have time and are looking for something romantic, you can wait for the sunset, which is considered the best in Crete.
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Phalasarna
Falassarna is located on the west coast of Crete, about 59 km from the city center. This is one of the most impressive beaches of the county and of the entire island as well and one of the ten best beaches in Europe. Crystal clear waters, turquoise sea and fine golden sand are what characterize it. Falassarna extends over a very large area and consists actually of five consecutive beaches, with the two most central being the most popular.
The main beach of Falassarna, called Pacheia Ammos, is an exotic wide sandy beach with a length of 1 km This beach hosts the most visitors of the area but because of its large size you hardly feel stiflingly though there may be hundreds of others around you. The beach is for the most part organized and because of the favorable winds it is an ideal destination for sports enthusiasts as kitesurfers and wave riders.
The area around Falassarna is magnificent and is a Natura protected region. If you have time and are looking for something romantic, you can wait for the sunset, which is considered the best in Crete.
The famous lagoon of Balos is located approximately 56km northwest of Chania and 17km northwest of Kissamos. It is a shallow, sandy beach formed between the Cape Gramvousa and the smaller Cape Tigani. It is undoubtedly the most photographed and recognizable beach in Crete, proposed by every tourist guide for Greece. Balos is famous for its turquoise waters, the wild natural beauty and wonderful exotic scenery. The sand is white, with pink shades in many parts because of millions of crushed shells. The sea is shallow and warm, an ideal destination for young children, while, beyond the rocks, the water is deeper and colder.
The easiest access to Balos is by boat from Kissamos, giving visitors the opportunity to admire the wild coast of Gramvousa. It can be accessed by car, but the route is mostly dirt road and the last kilometer requires walking. Finally, the most difficult but also the most exciting way to reach Balos, is by trekking for three hours from Kaliviani, crossing the rough and dry landscape of Gramvousa. Choose the way that suits you better and discover this magical place. Create your own images, apart from postcards and online photos. Walk in the tranquil lagoon, observe the rocks and slopes rising above your head and touch the sand… Each handful is unique.
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Playa Balos
The famous lagoon of Balos is located approximately 56km northwest of Chania and 17km northwest of Kissamos. It is a shallow, sandy beach formed between the Cape Gramvousa and the smaller Cape Tigani. It is undoubtedly the most photographed and recognizable beach in Crete, proposed by every tourist guide for Greece. Balos is famous for its turquoise waters, the wild natural beauty and wonderful exotic scenery. The sand is white, with pink shades in many parts because of millions of crushed shells. The sea is shallow and warm, an ideal destination for young children, while, beyond the rocks, the water is deeper and colder.
The easiest access to Balos is by boat from Kissamos, giving visitors the opportunity to admire the wild coast of Gramvousa. It can be accessed by car, but the route is mostly dirt road and the last kilometer requires walking. Finally, the most difficult but also the most exciting way to reach Balos, is by trekking for three hours from Kaliviani, crossing the rough and dry landscape of Gramvousa. Choose the way that suits you better and discover this magical place. Create your own images, apart from postcards and online photos. Walk in the tranquil lagoon, observe the rocks and slopes rising above your head and touch the sand… Each handful is unique.
The Samaria Gorge is the most famous hiking gorge in Europe and welcomes visitors from early May to late October. Its length reaches 18 km from the village of Omalos to the seaside village of Agia Roumeli, where at the end of the hike, the contact with the Libyan Sea is palliative. The crossing of the gorge is a thrill and the hiker is rewarded for the tiring walk with an imposing and primitive spectacle, with a beautiful landscape where human intervention is minimal. During walking, the visitor sees Agios Nikolaos, a chapel amazing in its simplicity among the giant cypresses. Shortly before the middle of the gorge is the village of Samaria which was finally abandoned by the last remaining inhabitants in 1962 to become the National Park. The old houses which still exist are sample of the traditional Cretan architecture. The most famous part of the gorge is the point known as “The Doors” where the distance between the sides is only 4 meters and the height of the walls amounts to 300 or 700 meters further away. The flora and fauna in the National Park of Samaria is extremely rich including 450 species of plants and the famous wild goats of Crete, Kri Kri which seem to have become accustomed to human presence.
The gorge is lively and has much to say and to show to every hiker. The crossing should not be a race to the exit but calm, exploratory and enjoyable with frequent stops to look up from the ground fearlessly, to take deep breaths, to cool down in streams and fountains, to observe the impressive formations of the rocks, to feed the kri kri which will get closer if you are lucky and simply to feel happy that you are there.
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Samaria Gorge
The Samaria Gorge is the most famous hiking gorge in Europe and welcomes visitors from early May to late October. Its length reaches 18 km from the village of Omalos to the seaside village of Agia Roumeli, where at the end of the hike, the contact with the Libyan Sea is palliative. The crossing of the gorge is a thrill and the hiker is rewarded for the tiring walk with an imposing and primitive spectacle, with a beautiful landscape where human intervention is minimal. During walking, the visitor sees Agios Nikolaos, a chapel amazing in its simplicity among the giant cypresses. Shortly before the middle of the gorge is the village of Samaria which was finally abandoned by the last remaining inhabitants in 1962 to become the National Park. The old houses which still exist are sample of the traditional Cretan architecture. The most famous part of the gorge is the point known as “The Doors” where the distance between the sides is only 4 meters and the height of the walls amounts to 300 or 700 meters further away. The flora and fauna in the National Park of Samaria is extremely rich including 450 species of plants and the famous wild goats of Crete, Kri Kri which seem to have become accustomed to human presence.
The gorge is lively and has much to say and to show to every hiker. The crossing should not be a race to the exit but calm, exploratory and enjoyable with frequent stops to look up from the ground fearlessly, to take deep breaths, to cool down in streams and fountains, to observe the impressive formations of the rocks, to feed the kri kri which will get closer if you are lucky and simply to feel happy that you are there.
Loutraki has a very nice quiet beach with fine sand and crystal clear shallow waters, especially suitable for children. It is very well organized and provides all the common touristic amenities, under the deep tree shade on the beach. You can rent umbrellas, eat in the taverns of the area, rent rooms and enjoy various water sports.
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Loutraki Beach
Loutraki has a very nice quiet beach with fine sand and crystal clear shallow waters, especially suitable for children. It is very well organized and provides all the common touristic amenities, under the deep tree shade on the beach. You can rent umbrellas, eat in the taverns of the area, rent rooms and enjoy various water sports.
Marathi hosts two beautiful beaches with fine sand and shallow calm water, ideal for children. They are very well protected from the winds, as they face to the south and have nice view to Drapanos Cape and the White Mountains. The beaches are separated by a small pier, which also serves as a harbor for fishing boats and small ferries. It is well organized with all necessary amenities nearby.
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Playa Marathi
Marathi hosts two beautiful beaches with fine sand and shallow calm water, ideal for children. They are very well protected from the winds, as they face to the south and have nice view to Drapanos Cape and the White Mountains. The beaches are separated by a small pier, which also serves as a harbor for fishing boats and small ferries. It is well organized with all necessary amenities nearby.
The closest beach to Hestia House.
This is a lovely, sandy, clean beach with sun loungers and umbrellas and many fish taverns located nearby. Although there are bigger and more picturesque beaches, this feels less touristy and more Greek.
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Playa de Nea Chora
23 Akti PapanikoliThe closest beach to Hestia House.
This is a lovely, sandy, clean beach with sun loungers and umbrellas and many fish taverns located nearby. Although there are bigger and more picturesque beaches, this feels less touristy and more Greek.
It actually consists of two sandy beaches separated by some rocks. The west cove is the main Golden Beach and the east one is called Aptera beach. The west bay, which is the most popular, is very well organized with umbrellas, lifeguards, showers, cafes, water sports etc. It has fine golden sand and shallow waters, making it ideal for young children. Moreover, there is a playground for kids nearby.
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Chrissi Akti
It actually consists of two sandy beaches separated by some rocks. The west cove is the main Golden Beach and the east one is called Aptera beach. The west bay, which is the most popular, is very well organized with umbrellas, lifeguards, showers, cafes, water sports etc. It has fine golden sand and shallow waters, making it ideal for young children. Moreover, there is a playground for kids nearby.
A beautiful sandy beach with all amenities and a large parking place nearby and easily accessed.
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Agioi Apostoloi
A beautiful sandy beach with all amenities and a large parking place nearby and easily accessed.
The seaside village of Agia Marina is located just 9km west of Chania city and is one of the most popular resorts in Chania, with thousands of hotels and all types of touristic infrastructure one can ask for. The shore of Agia Marina is fantastic with lovely consecutive sandy beaches.
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Agia Marina Beach
The seaside village of Agia Marina is located just 9km west of Chania city and is one of the most popular resorts in Chania, with thousands of hotels and all types of touristic infrastructure one can ask for. The shore of Agia Marina is fantastic with lovely consecutive sandy beaches.
On Crete's isolated southwest coast, this stunning beach lies about a two-hour drive from Chania (73 kilometers). The colors here are amazing - the sand takes on pink hues in certain light as it is made up of tiny pieces of shells and coral, and the sea is turquoise-blue. You can wade through ankle-deep water to an islet, which is a conservation area, being the last stop for birds migrating from Europe to Africa. Complete with sunbeds and umbrellas to hire plus a canteen for snacks, Elafonissi is ideal for families with kids due to the warm, shallow sea. It does get very busy, but most day trippers leave at 4pm, after which it is blissfully quiet.
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Playa Elafonissi
On Crete's isolated southwest coast, this stunning beach lies about a two-hour drive from Chania (73 kilometers). The colors here are amazing - the sand takes on pink hues in certain light as it is made up of tiny pieces of shells and coral, and the sea is turquoise-blue. You can wade through ankle-deep water to an islet, which is a conservation area, being the last stop for birds migrating from Europe to Africa. Complete with sunbeds and umbrellas to hire plus a canteen for snacks, Elafonissi is ideal for families with kids due to the warm, shallow sea. It does get very busy, but most day trippers leave at 4pm, after which it is blissfully quiet.
Stavros (i.e. cross) is a seaside village located 17km northeast of Chania, at the northernmost edge of Cape Akrotiri. One characteristic feature of the area is the very steep camel-shaped mountain Vardies rising opposite the harbor of Stavros. The mountain is famous, because there were filmed scenes for the film “Zorba the Greek”, where Anthony Quinn danced the famous Sirtaki Dance in 1964. Then Stavros was a humble small fishing village. Today the region has become a major tourist resort with many hotels and important tourist infrastructures. The two beautiful beaches of the area have contributed to the development of the area.
The main beach is located east of the village, at the foot of the mountain Vardies, and next to the picturesque harbor. A semicircular lagoon is formed, fully protected by winds blowing in the region. The small bay has marvelous white sand and shallow turquoise water. The contrast of the wild mountain with the peaceful beach in the foreground makes Stavros a unique place for swimming. As expected, the beach is very well organized and provides all possible services. The second beach of Stavros is located north of the village, 200m northwest of the main beach. It has sand and rocks in places and is less organized than the first, but cleaner.
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Playa Stavros
Stavros (i.e. cross) is a seaside village located 17km northeast of Chania, at the northernmost edge of Cape Akrotiri. One characteristic feature of the area is the very steep camel-shaped mountain Vardies rising opposite the harbor of Stavros. The mountain is famous, because there were filmed scenes for the film “Zorba the Greek”, where Anthony Quinn danced the famous Sirtaki Dance in 1964. Then Stavros was a humble small fishing village. Today the region has become a major tourist resort with many hotels and important tourist infrastructures. The two beautiful beaches of the area have contributed to the development of the area.
The main beach is located east of the village, at the foot of the mountain Vardies, and next to the picturesque harbor. A semicircular lagoon is formed, fully protected by winds blowing in the region. The small bay has marvelous white sand and shallow turquoise water. The contrast of the wild mountain with the peaceful beach in the foreground makes Stavros a unique place for swimming. As expected, the beach is very well organized and provides all possible services. The second beach of Stavros is located north of the village, 200m northwest of the main beach. It has sand and rocks in places and is less organized than the first, but cleaner.
tefanou beach is located at the position of Seitan Limania (i.e. satan harbours), 22km northeast of Chania and 2km east of the village Chordaki, at the east side of Akrotiri Cape. The wider area is named Seitan Limania, after the wild landscape, the steep cliffs and the strong sea streams which are considered dangerous. Here are situated three parallel narrow coves, well protected from the waves.
In the northern cove a tiny fantastic beach is shaped, with deep azure waters, namely the beach of Stefanou. The beach has fine pebbles and sand, transferred there from the nearby quarry through the canyon Diplohahalo. On the right and the left sides of the cove, huge marble rocks are standing high to protect the beach from the bad weather.
The fame of the beach has faced a rapid increase since 2010, some years after the asphalt road reached the place; the beach is crowded in during peak season. There is a narrow steep path starting from the parking place and leading to the beach, so make sure you wear sneakers.
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Playa Seitan Limania
tefanou beach is located at the position of Seitan Limania (i.e. satan harbours), 22km northeast of Chania and 2km east of the village Chordaki, at the east side of Akrotiri Cape. The wider area is named Seitan Limania, after the wild landscape, the steep cliffs and the strong sea streams which are considered dangerous. Here are situated three parallel narrow coves, well protected from the waves.
In the northern cove a tiny fantastic beach is shaped, with deep azure waters, namely the beach of Stefanou. The beach has fine pebbles and sand, transferred there from the nearby quarry through the canyon Diplohahalo. On the right and the left sides of the cove, huge marble rocks are standing high to protect the beach from the bad weather.
The fame of the beach has faced a rapid increase since 2010, some years after the asphalt road reached the place; the beach is crowded in during peak season. There is a narrow steep path starting from the parking place and leading to the beach, so make sure you wear sneakers.
The beach of Pahia Ammos (i.e. Coarse Sand) is located on the west side of Paleochora, 79km south of Chania city. It is the main beach of Paleochora, well organized and in close proximity to all touristic amenities. The beach is almost 500m long, which makes it always seem empty. It has fine soft sand and shallow water, ideal for children. However, when westerly or southerly winds blow, the waves are quite big and need attention for kids.
Umbrellas, bars, snack bars, bars, water sports equipment, showers and lifeguard tower are some of the provided services. Also, the western part of the beach is secluded and is mainly preferred by nudists.
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Palaiochora
The beach of Pahia Ammos (i.e. Coarse Sand) is located on the west side of Paleochora, 79km south of Chania city. It is the main beach of Paleochora, well organized and in close proximity to all touristic amenities. The beach is almost 500m long, which makes it always seem empty. It has fine soft sand and shallow water, ideal for children. However, when westerly or southerly winds blow, the waves are quite big and need attention for kids.
Umbrellas, bars, snack bars, bars, water sports equipment, showers and lifeguard tower are some of the provided services. Also, the western part of the beach is secluded and is mainly preferred by nudists.
Sougia is a small village located 75km west of Chania city, at the exit of the beautiful Gorge of Agia Irini. A favorite destination for hippies in the 70s', today it is a perfect choice for peaceful holidays in a beautiful landscape with all the basic amenities provided. In Sougia you will find many restaurants, taverns, rooms, coffee shops, bars, mini market, etc. However, you will not find gas station, hospital, pharmacy or bank.
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Sougia
Sougia is a small village located 75km west of Chania city, at the exit of the beautiful Gorge of Agia Irini. A favorite destination for hippies in the 70s', today it is a perfect choice for peaceful holidays in a beautiful landscape with all the basic amenities provided. In Sougia you will find many restaurants, taverns, rooms, coffee shops, bars, mini market, etc. However, you will not find gas station, hospital, pharmacy or bank.
The secluded beaches by village Anydri, also known as Gialiskari or Dialiskari, are surely some of the most beautiful beaches of West Crete. Gialiskari is located 4km east of Paleochora and 80km South of Chania city. The beaches are the easternmost part of the coastline of Paleochora, having an overall length of 18km.
Gianiskari is actually a cluster of adjacent peaceful beaches at the exit of Anidri Gorge. Two of them are shaped on the two sides of a short peninsula. They have small pebbles and deep cool waters, while umbrellas are provided. A few meters further (on the east), there is the beach called Ammoudia (sandy beach). These beaches are located at the exit of the gorge that starts from the nearby village of Anydri.
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Gialiskari beach
The secluded beaches by village Anydri, also known as Gialiskari or Dialiskari, are surely some of the most beautiful beaches of West Crete. Gialiskari is located 4km east of Paleochora and 80km South of Chania city. The beaches are the easternmost part of the coastline of Paleochora, having an overall length of 18km.
Gianiskari is actually a cluster of adjacent peaceful beaches at the exit of Anidri Gorge. Two of them are shaped on the two sides of a short peninsula. They have small pebbles and deep cool waters, while umbrellas are provided. A few meters further (on the east), there is the beach called Ammoudia (sandy beach). These beaches are located at the exit of the gorge that starts from the nearby village of Anydri.
Lake Kourna is a protected area as an important wetland, and it has joined in the program NATURA 2000. The lake is a habitat to moorhens and ducks, eels, snakes and a rare two-color turtle and occasionally here appear herons and cormorants and many other species.
In spring, Lake Kourna overflows with water and in conjunction with the blooming landscape, the environment is breathtaking. In summer, the visitors can enjoy swimming in its clear waters.
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Lago Kournas
Lake Kourna is a protected area as an important wetland, and it has joined in the program NATURA 2000. The lake is a habitat to moorhens and ducks, eels, snakes and a rare two-color turtle and occasionally here appear herons and cormorants and many other species.
In spring, Lake Kourna overflows with water and in conjunction with the blooming landscape, the environment is breathtaking. In summer, the visitors can enjoy swimming in its clear waters.
The artificial Lake Agia is located near the homonymous village, just 9 km from the city of Chania. It is a small lake of 450 acres, which is connected to south with the valley of Fassa. This valley is considered as the most damp one on Crete.
Lake Agia hosts a large variety of species of flora and fauna of Crete. It is also the refuge for many migratory birds. The ecological importance of this wetland is evidenced by the fact that the area is protected by international treaties.
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Lake Agias
The artificial Lake Agia is located near the homonymous village, just 9 km from the city of Chania. It is a small lake of 450 acres, which is connected to south with the valley of Fassa. This valley is considered as the most damp one on Crete.
Lake Agia hosts a large variety of species of flora and fauna of Crete. It is also the refuge for many migratory birds. The ecological importance of this wetland is evidenced by the fact that the area is protected by international treaties.
The Cedar Forest on Elafonissi is a coastal forest of rare beauty, consisting of centenarian, but small of height trees, since cedars grow only one centimeter per year.
The surrounding area of the Cedar Forest has been included in protected areas Natura and is also the habitat of the turtle Careta careta and not only. You must be aware that it is strictly forbidden to cut plants, break the branches of the cedars or to get from the coast even the sand!
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Playa Kedrodasos
The Cedar Forest on Elafonissi is a coastal forest of rare beauty, consisting of centenarian, but small of height trees, since cedars grow only one centimeter per year.
The surrounding area of the Cedar Forest has been included in protected areas Natura and is also the habitat of the turtle Careta careta and not only. You must be aware that it is strictly forbidden to cut plants, break the branches of the cedars or to get from the coast even the sand!
In this carefully tended park, at the foot of the White Mountains, a meandering two-kilometer path takes you through a garden planted with exotic flowers and fruit trees from all over the world, with everything clearly labeled. There are plenty of shady spots with benches amid fragrant herbs such as sage, mint, and thyme. You can borrow a walking stick and hat at the entrance, and a free bottle of water is included with the ticket. There's also a café-restaurant serving traditional Cretan dishes prepared from the park's own seasonal products. It's accessible by bus from Chania and is a must for plant lovers.
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Parque Botánico y Jardines de Creta
Eparchiaki Odos Chanion-OmalouIn this carefully tended park, at the foot of the White Mountains, a meandering two-kilometer path takes you through a garden planted with exotic flowers and fruit trees from all over the world, with everything clearly labeled. There are plenty of shady spots with benches amid fragrant herbs such as sage, mint, and thyme. You can borrow a walking stick and hat at the entrance, and a free bottle of water is included with the ticket. There's also a café-restaurant serving traditional Cretan dishes prepared from the park's own seasonal products. It's accessible by bus from Chania and is a must for plant lovers.
This is an amazing drive-through gorge with high cliffs, and many wild goats. Very peaceful and (in June at least) green. At the end of the gorge, you come to a lovely, peaceful village with historical significance, as the revolution of 1905 was started here by Venizelos. There is a statue of him in the small square. This is a delicious place to eat as they use olive oil, feta etc made in the village.
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Theriso
This is an amazing drive-through gorge with high cliffs, and many wild goats. Very peaceful and (in June at least) green. At the end of the gorge, you come to a lovely, peaceful village with historical significance, as the revolution of 1905 was started here by Venizelos. There is a statue of him in the small square. This is a delicious place to eat as they use olive oil, feta etc made in the village.
Marmara beach is am amazing secluded small pebbly bay shaped near the exit of the imposing Aradena Gorge, in Sfakia region.
The name Marmara means "marbles" and is named after the soft colorful rocks and sea caves, that consist the most striking featiure of the place. The beach is 60' walking distance from the closest inhabited beach of Lykos and 75' from Loutro. There are no roads here, so walking or boat are the only possible means to reach the place. There is one small tavern near the beach, where you can eat really good food (reservations are needed!) and umbrellas on the beach. There are also a few rooms to rent above the restaurant with amazing view .
During the summer, there are daily boats from Sfakia to Loutro. Once in the Loutro area, visiting Marmara and hiking in the gorge of Aradena is highly suggested.
Ideal for snorkeling / spearfishing.
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Marmara Beach
Marmara beach is am amazing secluded small pebbly bay shaped near the exit of the imposing Aradena Gorge, in Sfakia region.
The name Marmara means "marbles" and is named after the soft colorful rocks and sea caves, that consist the most striking featiure of the place. The beach is 60' walking distance from the closest inhabited beach of Lykos and 75' from Loutro. There are no roads here, so walking or boat are the only possible means to reach the place. There is one small tavern near the beach, where you can eat really good food (reservations are needed!) and umbrellas on the beach. There are also a few rooms to rent above the restaurant with amazing view .
During the summer, there are daily boats from Sfakia to Loutro. Once in the Loutro area, visiting Marmara and hiking in the gorge of Aradena is highly suggested.
Ideal for snorkeling / spearfishing.
Ships depart every day (May-October) from the port of Kissamos and head towards the island of Gramvousa. During an one-hour trip, you will have the chance to admire the impressive landscape composed of steep rocks and hills, endless blue waters and little hidden beaches. After a 2-hour stay, the ship will set off for Balos Lagoon and arrive there about 20 minutes later. Walk in the tranquil lagoon, swim in warm, swallow, emerald waters, lie on golden beaches, relax under the hot sun and admire the beautiful landscape comprised of rocks and hills that rise high above your head..
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Playa Balos
Ships depart every day (May-October) from the port of Kissamos and head towards the island of Gramvousa. During an one-hour trip, you will have the chance to admire the impressive landscape composed of steep rocks and hills, endless blue waters and little hidden beaches. After a 2-hour stay, the ship will set off for Balos Lagoon and arrive there about 20 minutes later. Walk in the tranquil lagoon, swim in warm, swallow, emerald waters, lie on golden beaches, relax under the hot sun and admire the beautiful landscape comprised of rocks and hills that rise high above your head..