Best 5 Chania Beaches
With crystal waters on the north, west and south coast, Chania offers a choice of destinations for those who want to enjoy the sun and sea. Rent a car in Chania to make the most of your day at the beach, staying outside during the busy hours for views of western Crete sunsets and nights away from town.
Rent a car in Chania and drive to our 5 top Chania beaches:
Paleochora, 80 km south of Chania
Out of all Chania beaches, Paleochora stands out as it offers the widest variety of options. The central sandy beach, the nearby shores of Grammeno and Gialiskari, and many smaller beaches along the coastline provide different views of the Libyan sea, whether you are looking for a busier place or for some quiet time. Furthermore, if you rent a car from Chania, it will only take you around one hour and a half to drive to Paleochora, thanks to the new road. From Chania, take the national highway to the west and exit at Tavronitis interchange, following the signs to Paleochora.
Paleochora beach is on the south coast of Crete, 80 km south of Chania. Photo by Apeto, licensed.
Balos, 56 km northwest of Chania
56 km northwest of Chania, between cape Gramvousa and cape Tigani, lies the famous Balos lagoon. Its turquoise water and white sand, a rare scenery for Crete, attract thousands of visitors yearly. Shallow and warm waters make Balos ideal for young children. If you plan to rent a car to visit Balos, inform the car rental company, as they will only allow you to drive on the rough dirt road with suitable vehicles. Once there, leave your car at the public parking area and follow the steps down to the beach. Make sure to stop and enjoy the view!
Balos Lagoon, 52 km west of Chania. Photo by arkanto, licensed.
Elafonissi beach, 82 km southwest of Chania
82 km southwest of Chania, Elafonissi is a famous and awe-inspiring beach with a tiny island and a lagoon. It belongs in the Nature 2000 network of protected areas due to the dune ecosystem with the cedar trees and the beach lilies. More organised than Balos, there are various restaurants where you can go after swimming.
Elafonissi beach, 82 km south west of Chania. Photo by Gerd A.T. Müller, licensed.
The sandy beach of Falassarna, 58 km west of Chania
58 km west of Chania and 16km from Kissamos, on the western side of Cape Gramvoussa, Falassarna is famous for its white sandy beaches and beautiful sunsets. In Falassarna, you can find hotels and restaurants by the sea and mini markets covering all needs, from food to swimming gear. During the summer, different groups organise beach parties and live concerts. Pachia Ammos, the main beach, is also the busiest, with water sports and beach volley fans in the summertime. The beaches north and south of Pachia Ammos are quieter. There is room for everyone in Falassarna!
Falassarna beach, 58 km west of Chania. Photo by Heracles Kritikos, licensed.
Kalyves, around 20 km east of Chania
Kalyves is a coastal village in the fertile valley of Cape Drapanos on the north coast of Chania. The crystal water of the two rivers, Kiliaris and Xidas, reaches the sea at a long sandy beach, mainly organised but also with quieter parts on the western side, where tamarisk trees provide natural shade.
Want to discover more of Crete?
Rent a car in Chania and go on a road trip on the Grand Tour of Crete
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Featured photo by Miguel Virkkunen Carvalho, licensed.