Top 10 beaches in Crete near Chania

Crete, a mythical island in the Aegean Sea, is known for its breathtaking scenery, rich history and, above all, its magnificent beaches. If you stay at our Divine Villa in Akrotíri, Greece, you'll be lucky enough to be close to some of the most beautiful beaches in Crete!

Whether you're looking for secluded beaches for relaxation or lively spots for water sports, Crete has it all.

Here's our selection of the 10 best beaches in Crete to discover during your stay, with a particular focus on those less than 30 minutes from the villa and the must-see ones a little further afield.

BEACHES IN CRETE NEAR CHANIA (LESS THAN 30 MINUTES AWAY)

Seitan Limania Beach

Distance from the villa: 15 min by car

Seitan Limania is a small cove hidden between steep cliffs. Accessible by a relatively short but steep hike, this beach offers incredibly clear waters and an impressive wilderness setting.

Highlights :

Wild and natural setting
Crystalline waters
Perfect for adventurers

Recommended activities :

Hiking
Snorkeling

Marathi Beach

Distance from the villa: 20 min by car

Marathi beach is ideal for families thanks to its shallow, calm waters. Lined with tavernas, it's the perfect place to spend a quiet day by the sea while sampling delicious local specialties.

Highlights :

Shallow, calm waters
Perfect for families
Taverns nearby

Recommended activities :

Swimming
Tasting of local dishes

Loutraki Beach

Distance from the villa: 20 min by car

Loutraki is a picturesque little beach with clear, calm waters. It's a perfect place to relax, with beautiful views and amenities nearby.

Highlights :

Clear, calm waters
Peaceful atmosphere
Nearby amenities

Recommended activities :

Swimming
Relaxation

Stavros Beach

Distance from the villa: 15 min by car

Stavros beach, made famous by the film “Zorba the Greek”, is a charming spot with shallow waters and a traditional taverna nearby.

Highlights :

Fine sand and shallow water
Quiet atmosphere
Cultural connection (Zorba the Greek)

Recommended activities :

Swimming
Dinner by the sea

Kalathas Beach

Distance from the villa: 10 min by car

Kalathas is a popular beach with golden sands and crystal-clear waters. It's an excellent option for families and water sports enthusiasts.

Highlights :

Golden sand and clear waters
Ideal for families
Water sports activities available

Recommended activities :

Swimming
Water sports

MUST-SEE BEACHES IN CRETE (A LITTLE FURTHER AWAY)

Elafonissi Beach

Distance from the villa: 1h30 by car

Elafonissi is famous for its unique pink sand and crystal-clear waters. This heavenly beach is perfect for a relaxing day under the Cretan sun. You can also explore the neighboring island of Elafonissi, accessible on foot at low tide. One of the most beautiful beaches in Crete, if not the most beautiful...

Highlights :

Pink sand
Shallow waters ideal for families
Preserved natural landscape

Recommended activities :

Snorkeling
Hiking in the nature reserve

Balos Beach

Distance from the villa: 1h45 by car + 20 min by boat

Balos is a spectacular lagoon located on the Gramvousa peninsula. Accessible by boat or by hiking, this beach is famous for its shallow turquoise waters and white sand.

Highlights :

Postcard landscapes
Warm, shallow water
Ideal for children

Recommended activities :

Boat excursions
Marine wildlife observation

Falassarna Beach

Distance from the villa: 1h20 by car

Falassarna is one of Crete's largest beaches, offering miles of golden sand and crystal-clear waters. It's the ideal place for sunbathers and swimmers.

Highlights :

Large spaces to relax in
Clear waters perfect for snorkeling
Spectacular sunsets

Recommended activities :

Snorkeling
Windsurfing

Preveli Beach

Distance from the villa: 2h by car + 30 min walk

Preveli Beach, also known as Palm Beach, is surrounded by a forest of palm trees and crossed by a river. This exotic setting offers a unique and memorable experience.

Highlights :

Palm forest
Fresh and salt water
Breathtaking natural setting

Recommended activities :

Hiking
River swimming

Vai Beach

Distance from the villa: 3h by car

Located in the far east of Crete, Vai is famous for its large palm forest, the largest beach in Crete and Europe. This sandy beach is perfect for a relaxing day away from the crowds.

Highlights :

Unique palm forest
Turquoise water
Peaceful atmosphere

Recommended activities :

Swimming
Exploring the palm forest

CONCLUSION

Crete offers an incredible diversity of beaches, each with its own charm and attractions. By staying at our Divine villa in Akrotíri, you have access to these magnificent beaches and much more.

Que vous soyez à la recherche d’une aventure palpitante ou d’un lieu de détente paisible, les plages en Crète répondront à toutes vos attentes. Profitez de votre séjour et découvrez tout ce que cette île merveilleuse a à offrir.

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