Top ​​​BEACHES ON WESTERN CRETE

Top Beaches to See on West Crete 

1. Falassarna
2. Elafonissi
3. Balos/Gramvousa

West Crete Beach Guide

Sandy Beach

Pebbly Beach

Naturist Friendly

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SUN TANNING TIPS

• Take your time. The longer it takes to tan the longer it will last.
• Use a high factor cream and reduce gradually.
• Avoid tanning during the hottest part of the day ie. Between 12.00 and 17.00
• Apply suncreams as often as possible after swimming.
• Remember that even if cloudy UV rays still beam through & can do damage.
• On a boat be very careful. Not only is the breeze deceiving but you also get the rays bouncing off the water.
• After sunbathing always use plenty of after-sun cream or moisturizer to replace the oils lost in the skin.
• Avoid falling asleep in the sun, if you are feeling tired sit in the shade.

Drink plenty of liquids- especially water to avoid dehydration and sunstroke. Also wearing a hat is advised.

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Top shallow beaches for SMALL CHILDREN

1. Iguana Beach
   
2.  Agios Apostolis Beach
   
3. Chyrssi Akti Beach The above three beaches are about 4kms west of Chania Town, very shallow & perfect on a day when the Cretan seas are rough with lots of waves.
4. Nea Chora or Town Beach of Chania- about 600m west of Chania Harbour
   
5. Marathi Beach- on the south side Akrotiri peninsular facing the White Mountains, again sheltered waters & very shallow beach.
   
6. Almerida Beach- there are two beaches in the bay of Almerida, both are very shallow & ideal for children.
   
7. Agia Marina- 8kms west of Chania, this is part of the long stretch of beach between Stalos & Platanias- the closer you are to Theodorou Island, the better. Although only if the sea is calm, if there are waves, then go to another suggested cove type beach
   
8. ​Stavros Beach- on the far left hand side of the beach it shallower than the right hand side. "Zorba the Greek" film was partly filmed at Stavros Beach as well. 

Canteens or tavernas are located  on the beaches listed above or very nearby, making it easy to just spend the whole day there.

Stavros Beach

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Safety by the sea

Please be careful when swimming, especially when the sea is rough as there may be strong currents. Few beaches are supervised with a lifeguard, but if the RED FLAG is flying, DON’T SWIM. If a lifeguard isn’t present at the beach, use your common sense, if it looks rough, don’t swim! Yellow flag- swim with caution and White flag – calm- no restrictions.

When the sea is rough avoid swimming for obvious safety reasons.

Snorkelling spots in Western Crete

Ravdoucha Beach

"Ravdoucha Beach" is the best snorkelling beach with variety of underwater life. (approx 35min drive west of Chania- see Beach Guide below for location).

With just a small cove with a pebbly beach sheltered by the rocks, there are rock shelves in the water which create a perfect place for the underwater life to habitat.
There are tamarisk trees on a ledge above the beach for natural shade plus the bonus of a super little taverna called "Wave on the Rock" which is set back from the beach. The owner serves fresh fish & vegetables that grow in his garden. A super little spot to watch the sun dip down below the peninsular before you head up the cliff-edge road back to the National Highway.



Lazaretta Island which is opposite the town beach of Chania. You can get to it by paddle boat from the beach 30mins one way or by the short boat trips, which offer the use of snorkelling gear.​

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Crete: Incredible Beaches

Get a taste of what Cretan Beaches are all about on this short video!