Chania beaches have something for everyone, from remote secluded coves to world-class beach clubs. In this article I am going to share my personal top 3 favourite beaches in Chania, Crete. Some beaches in Crete have soft golden and while other are very pebbly. So it’s important that you do your research before you go. As a rule the Northern coast of Crete tends to have a lot more infrastructure (restaurants, bars, water sports etc). I am going to be focusing on the quieter and lesser developed Western and Southern parts of the island.
The best beach in Chania – Elafonissi Beach
When people arrive at Elafonissi beach they often think they have been transported to the Caribbean. Its only a 2 hour drive from Chania but feels like a different world. The famous pink and white sand is caused by crushed sea shells that line the shore. Combined with the brilliant turquoise colour of the water it really is a stunning sight. The sand here is soft and the water is perfect for swimming. However, it can get incredibly windy so be sure to check the weather forecast before you go.
The 2nd Best beach in Chania – Balos Beach
If you have already spent a few days in Chania then you will have definitely seen postcards that feature Balos beach. The mixture of blues and greens is unforgettable. The best way to get there is by boat from Kissamos harbour. The beach is connected to small island just off the coast and this results in a lagoon that is perfect for swimming. It is also possible to get here by car but its a bit of an adventure. You definitely need the right kind of vehicle to navigate the dirt road. I prefer to drive so that I can avoid being there at the same time as the boats and avoid any crowds.
My 3rd Favourite beach in Chania -Falasarna
Falasarna has a lot in common with the first two beaches I mentioned. Its stunningly beautiful, has white/pink sand and calm turquoise waters. However, Falasarna is much easier to get to and tends to be less crowded. It only takes about an hour to get there from Chania. Sometimes the waves can be quite large here so if you are travelling with children be sure to check the forecast before you go.
Final Thoughts
If you are looking for the best beaches in Crete then I am confdent you will be happy with any of the above. It’s well worth the effort to get in a car and get off the beaten track. If you are looking for help planning your dream trip and want to avoid the crowds then get in touch. We would love to help. You can read over 250 five star reviews here. This page tells you more about the range of experiences that we offer.
Garry
