The best beaches in Chania: Balos, Elafonisi, Falassarna and more, with distances and tips
The Chania region of western Crete has some of the most beautiful beaches in Greece: turquoise lagoons, pinkish sand and coves between cliffs. Here are the top ten, how far each is from Chania, and which suit children.
- The two famous lagoons: Balos (56 km, a 20-minute walk or a boat from Kissamos) and Elafonisi (75 km, pinkish sand).
- Closest to town: Stavros (16 km), Marathi (18 km) and Seitan Limani (22 km).
- For children: Balos, Elafonisi, Marathi, Stavros, Frangokastello and Paleochora, with shallow water.
You need a car for most beaches. Plan one distant beach a day (Balos or Elafonisi) and arrive early, before the crowds and heat. On windy days, the south coast and sheltered bays are calmer.
The ten most beautiful beaches around Chania
| Beach | Distance from Chania | Access | Good for kids? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Balos | 56 km | Road + about 20-minute walk, or a ~90-minute boat from Kissamos | Yes, shallow water |
| Elafonisi | 75 km | Road | Yes, shallow water |
| Kedrodasos | 74 km | Road + short walk | Less so, no facilities |
| Seitan Limani | 22 km | Road + about 20-minute descent | Less so, currents |
| Falassarna | 51 km | Road | Yes, on calm days |
| Loutro | 92 km | About 1-hour boat from Hora Sfakion | Depends on age |
| Frangokastello | 80 km | Road | Yes, shallow water |
| Paleochora (Pachia Ammos) | 71 km | Road | Yes |
| Marathi | 18 km | Road | Yes, calm water |
| Stavros | 16 km | Road | Yes, sheltered lagoon |
Distances and details from Discover Greece.
Balos: the double lagoon
Balos, at the north-western tip of Crete, is a double lagoon with white sand, pink shells and turquoise water. It is a Natura 2000 reserve. You reach it by dirt road and then a walk of about 20 minutes, or by a boat of about 90 minutes from Kissamos port, usually combined with Gramvousa island. There are umbrellas, a snack bar and parking. The water is shallow and suits children, but the uphill walk back in the heat is hard for little ones, so with kids the boat is easier.
Elafonisi: pink sand
Elafonisi, at the south-western tip, is a nature reserve on an islet joined to the shore by a strip of sand. The water is lagoon-shallow and the sand pinkish. It is a family favourite, with umbrellas, a snack bar and water sports. It is very busy in summer, so arrive early. Nearby Kedrodasos is a quiet beach with juniper trees and no facilities.
Falassarna: sunsets and waves
Falassarna on the west coast is a long sandy beach with clear water, bars, tavernas and water sports. On windy days the waves are big, so with children choose a calm day. A great place for sunset.
Beaches close to Chania town
- Stavros (Golden Beach): a wind-sheltered lagoon with shallow green-blue water and a mountain view. Excellent for children.
- Marathi: soft sand, calm shallow water, a jetty in the middle and a view of a nearby islet. Tavernas and kayaks.
- Seitan Limani: a small, beautiful cove between cliffs, with a steep descent of about 20 minutes. The name means "the devil's port" because of the currents. Best early morning or late afternoon.
South-coast beaches: Loutro, Frangokastello and Paleochora
- Loutro: a fishing village reached only by boat, about an hour from Hora Sfakion, with several small beaches and good snorkelling.
- Frangokastello: a shallow sandy beach below a 14th-century fortress.
- Paleochora: a south-coast town with the large Blue Flag beach of Pachia Ammos and shallow water for children.
Tips for Chania's beaches
- A car: essential for most beaches. See renting a car in Greece.
- Early mornings: Balos, Elafonisi and Seitan Limani fill up fast in summer.
- Shade and water: wild beaches have no facilities. Bring an umbrella and water.
- Protect nature: taking sand or shells from Balos and Elafonisi is forbidden.
- Shabbat and kosher food: Chania has a Chabad house and the Etz Hayyim synagogue. See Chabad Crete.
See also our Crete guide and flights to Crete.
FAQ
What is the most beautiful beach in Chania? Balos and Elafonisi are considered the most beautiful: shallow turquoise lagoons with white or pinkish sand.
Which Chania beach is best for children? Stavros and Marathi are close to town and calm. Further away, Elafonisi, Frangokastello and Paleochora are shallow and easy.
How do I get to Balos? By car (a dirt road, then a walk of about 20 minutes) or by a boat of about 90 minutes from Kissamos port.
How far is Elafonisi from Chania? About 75 km. The drive takes roughly one and a half to two hours, depending on traffic.
