Best Beaches Near Chania Crete (Walking Distance from the Old Town)

Crete’s beaches are prized as some of Europe’s most beautiful: clear, warm water, long sandy stretches and a rugged, olive-dotted landscape. It’s pretty much perfect. Chania is mostly known for its colourful Venetian Harbour and charming old town, but it should not be overlooked as a beach destination. You don’t need to choose between city or beach break here, you can have both. And unlike many of Crete’s famous pebbly bays, most of the sandy beaches near Chania town are an easy walk or short bus ride away.

I spent six months in Crete, mostly based around Chania, and in that time I made it my mission to track down the best beaches in the area worth your time. It was difficult, doing this field research, but with some help from a few Aperol Spritz, I think I got the job done. From the five-minute walk from the Old Town to the ones you need a good pair of shoes and some nerve to reach. This list covers my honest take on each one: the good, the overrated, and the “bring cash and get there early” details that will help you.

Last updated: July 2026

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Getting Between Chania Beaches

Good news if you’re hoping to reach the Chania beaches without a car: you can walk or cycle the whole way from Nea Chora to Glaros Beach along the coast. From Kladissos to Golden Beach there’s a proper walkway right along the water, and after that it turns into a road with marked pedestrian paths, so it stays easy to follow the rest of the way. The entire walk from Old Town to Glaros Beach takes about 1 hour.

There is also a local bus, number 21 which runs from 1866 Square in Chania Old Town to the small village of Kalamaki. You can just purchase a ticket onboard.

Although the bus network in Chania is good, renting a car will allow you to see so much more. This island spoils you with isolated beaches, you just need some wheels to discover them.

9 Best Beaches Near Chania

Nea Chora Beach

Nea Chora is the closest beach to Chania Old Town, approximately a 15 minute walk away. It’s a long sandy beach, around 500 metres in length, and it draws a large crowd during the summer months, with sun beds and umbrellas taking up much of the space.

The area itself is very lively, directly opposite the beach is a line of tavernas, trendy cafes, restaurants and hotels. You have everything you need on this small strip.

Due to the many sun beds and loungers it can be difficult to find your own spot if you just want to bring your own chair or towel without renting. We rented a gazebo style sun bed from Achilleas, it was €40 for the day which although expensive, was very comfy and we could order food and drink directly to the bed. The Greek salad and mai tai went down a treat.

The water is good for swimming, but there are a few rocks which can be a nuisance.

I recommend emis.chania for a light bite or cocktails, and Manos Taverna for some fresh seafood (the calamari is amazing).

Kladissos Beach

If you’re looking for a beach in Chania that feels secluded, away from the busy shores of Nea Chora, save Kladissos Beach for your list. At around 600 metres long and mostly pebbles rather than sand, it’s more rugged and less visited than the other beaches here.

The beach isn’t as developed as Chania’s other spots, the pebbly strip needs a bit of clearing to make room for a towel, and you’ll need to make your way over some rocks and pebbles to get into the water. The sea is shallow too, so you’ll need to walk out quite a way before the water reaches your waist.

Bobos Beach bar offers sun beds and parasols for €7, along with cocktails and snacks. There are also sun loungers at the western end of the beach from Domes Zeen Chania, a luxury 5-star hotel, and a lifeguard is on duty, though they won’t let you swim out too far. At the start of the beach there are a few trees offering some natural shade, and right at the far end there’s a cafe called Cafe by the beach which has lots of bright yellow umbrellas for some shade.

Conditions can be windy here with larger waves than elsewhere in Chania, but it’s peaceful overall, probably the best beach in Chania if you want to feel close to nature and away from the crowds. Worth noting: nudists are sometimes present, so bear this in mind if you’re travelling with kids. I was innocently snapping photos and got a little surprise when reviewing them (photos now deleted, of course!).

Aptera Beach

Although directly beside Kladissos Beach, the soft white sand of Aptera Beach is a stark contrast. It’s also a pretty quiet spot, not because it’s any less beautiful, but because there are no sun beds to rent or cafes to chill out in. If you bring your own umbrella, though, it’s the perfect place to escape the crowds.

There is also a lifeguard post.

Golden Beach

Golden Beach (also called Chrissi Akti Beach) features a beautiful, wide shoreline of soft, golden sand, very fine, with no pebbles and has earned a Blue Flag for its clean, family-friendly waters. Many consider this the best beach in the Chania area. It’s not hard to see why.

The water is shallow, warm, and easy to enter, heating up quickly and making it ideal for relaxing and swimming. It’s somewhat sheltered by the bay, and when the sea is calm you can snorkel; when there are waves, there’s a surf school (Zulu Watersports) at the far right of the beach for those who want to try surfing.

The beach isn’t too crowded and it’s quieter on the right-hand side if you set up your own parasol. There are a few trees on either side of the surf school for shade. Facilities include showers, lifeguards, and three beach bars, with sun loungers and parasols available for a fee, typically around €20 for two sun beds with an umbrella. There’s also plenty of space to lay down your own towel and parasol if you’d rather not rent.

Piranhas is the beach bar here for food and drinks. There are a few resorts nearby which also do food, Forum is really nice, it’s just across the road from Golden Beach.

Yannis Beach

This was my favourite beach in Chania. Yannis Beach is a small, sandy beach in a sheltered cove. Many visitors actually discover it by chance.

The water is crystal-clear and calm, protected from the wind by the small bay, which makes swimming especially pleasant (though the sea can occasionally look a little cloudy when a breeze blows in from inland). It’s a great option for families, with a lifeguard on duty and a first aid point on hand.

There are two beach bars, one at each end, serving drinks, frappés, ice cream, and snacks. Giorgio’s Kantine is one of my favourite cafes in Chania, located right on Yannis beach, each table is under a parasol with sea views and sandy toes.

The beach is well set up with sunbeds and umbrellas, though there’s also enough free space if you’d rather bring your own. Two sunbeds and an umbrella typically cost around €15–20 for the day. A standout feature is the free lockable security boxes built into the parasols (usually a €10 refundable deposit) big enough for a phone, tablet, and other valuables; a rare find on the island. There are showers, changing rooms, and toilets (though fairly basic), and the beach is wheelchair accessible, with a chair that lowers disabled or elderly visitors into the water.

On the right there’s a small cave worth exploring, and on the left a walk leads to the little church of the Apostles. It’s directly opposite a bus stop, making it very easy to reach, and there’s free parking nearby.

Iguana Beach

Set in a bay surrounded by pine trees with crystal clear shallow water and fine sand Iguana Beach is one of the best beaches in Chania for swimming.

The beach is well equipped, with public showers, changing rooms (around four), toilets, and a reasonably priced cafe. Free parking is available behind the beach and free public restrooms are also available, along with plenty of spots to set up. A sunbed with an umbrella costs around €12.

A highlight is the small Orthodox chapel on the promontory by the water, a peaceful spot that also offers a great panoramic view over the area. The setting is relaxing and welcoming, surrounded by nature (expect plenty of cicada noise, as with much of the island).

Glaros Beach

Glaros Beach is a beautiful, long, and spacious beach with plenty of room to relax, fine pillowy sand, and shallow, warm water. The sea entrance is very smooth and gradual, without the sudden drop-off you get at some other beaches, and there are no rocks to worry about. This is also said to be the beach with the most waves in the area, as well as the best spot to catch a sunset, and it’s kept very clean.

There’s a large free area if you’d rather bring your own towel or umbrella, alongside a wide choice of sunbeds and umbrellas for rent. Prices vary along the beach: sunbeds in front of Golden Bay Restaurant were around €7 for one umbrella and one sunbed (with the added bonus of pool toilet access), while most other spots charge between €12 and €20 for one umbrella and two sunbeds. There are also many tamarisk trees which you could lie under for shade.

There are several places to eat along the beach itself, and a good mini market just around the corner for anything else you need.

Koum Kapi Beach

Koum Kapi is a small but very nice city beach, easily reached on foot in just a few minutes from the centre of Chania. For a beach right in the city, it’s surprisingly beautifully sandy, with clean, soft sand underfoot and a pleasant, gentle entrance into the sea. The water is clear and clean, and it’s especially magical at sunset.

It’s a good spot for snorkelling too, there are plenty of fish to see around the rocks on the eastern side if you bring a mask and snorkel. Facilities include changing rooms/booths, showers to rinse off after your swim, and clothes hangers along the sea wall. Space is quite limited, so it can feel a little tight, but there’s a lovely promenade to walk along, and plenty of restaurants and cafes nearby.

Seitan Limania

Although much further out than other beaches in Chania I need to include it in this list as Seitan Limania is one of the most beautiful beaches I have ever visited. It almost looks like a miniature fjord, tucked between two dramatic cliffs. The turquoise water and secluded setting make it feel unique, and the view from above as you approach is stunning.

Getting down to it is not for the faint of heart. The descent is steep, rocky and can be slippery, so sturdy trainers or sneakers are essential rather than optional. It’s not suitable for young children, elderly visitors, or anyone with limited mobility, and a safer path down would go a long way toward improving both access and safety here. For now there is just a metal chain to grab on to.

Once you’re down, though, the payoff of the tricky descent is worth it. The water is perfect for swimming and the cliffs are a popular spot for jumping in. It can get a little crowded, but turnover is quick as people rotate through, so it rarely feels overwhelming for long.

There are no facilities on site, so come prepared. It’s best to arrive early, ideally before 10am, as the car park is small and fills up fast.

Where To Stay By The Beach In Chania

Luxury | Domes Zeen Chania: the Luxury Collection resort on Kladissos with private-pool villas, just know it’s built into a steep hillside with golf-buggy transfers.

Boutique | Theta Boutique Hotel: spotless newish boutique right on the sea near Koum Kapi, a quiet 5-minute walk from the harbour, with free parking next door. Perfect 5.0 rating and a home-made breakfast people rave about.

Mid-range | Klinakis Beach Hotel: family-run, beach out front, superb breakfast, sunset balconies. My pick if you want beach and town without a car.

Budget | Christina Beach Hotel: beachfront on Nea Chora, 20-minute walk to town, gated parking. Dated and due a refurb, but you’re paying for a top location at a fair price.

Map Of Best Beaches In Chania

FAQ

Can you walk to the beach from Chania Old Town?

Yes. Nea Chora is the closest, about 15 minutes on foot from the Old Town, and Koum Kapi is even closer at around 5 minutes. From there you can follow the coast all the way to Glaros Beach, roughly an hour’s walk, passing Kladissos, Aptera, Golden Beach and more along the way.

Does Chania have sandy beaches?

Yes. While a lot of Crete’s coastline is pebbly, most of the beaches near Chania town are sandy, including Nea Chora, Golden Beach, Yannis Beach and Koum Kapi. Kladissos is the main exception, which is mostly pebbles.

Which is the best beach in Chania for families?

Yannis Beach and Golden Beach are the two best for families. Yannis has a lifeguard, a first aid point and wheelchair access, while Golden Beach has a Blue Flag, shallow warm water and calm conditions that are easy for children.

What’s the best beach in Chania town?

For a quick swim without leaving the city, Koum Kapi is the pick, a 5-minute walk from the Old Town. For a fuller beach day, Nea Chora is the closest proper beach at 15 minutes on foot, with sunbeds, tavernas and cafes right behind it.

How do you get to Seitan Limania?

Seitan Limania is on the Akrotiri peninsula, about a 30-minute drive from Chania, so you need a car or taxi to reach the top. From the car park the descent is steep, rocky and slippery, so wear proper trainers. If you would rather skip the climb, several boat trips run to the cove from Chania Old Harbour and nearby Marathi Bay.

Can you visit the Chania beaches without a car?

Yes. You can walk or cycle the coast from Nea Chora to Glaros Beach, and local bus number 21 runs from 1866 Square in the Old Town toward Kalamaki, stopping near several of the beaches. You buy your ticket onboard. A car only becomes necessary for beaches further out, like Seitan Limania.

When is the best time to visit the beaches in Chania?

June and September are the sweet spot, with warm water and fewer crowds than peak season. July and August are hottest and busiest, so get to smaller beaches like Seitan Limania before 10am to beat the crowds and find parking.