el

EXPLORE AKROTIRI OF CHANIA

calm, comfort,
but also adventure

The luxurious villa “Afeidia” is located in the area of Kafkala-Mahairida, 2, 5 km away from the village Chorafakia, in the northwest part of the Municipality of Akrotiri. It was named after the abundance of biodiversity and the natural beauty that surround it.

OPTIONS FOR ALL TASTES
MOUNTAIN
& SEA

nearby destinations

Akrotiri has a coastal zone of about 60 km long and is revealed around presenting unique diversity. In the north-northeastern part, the hilly area sinks into the sea of ​​the Cretan Sea, forming steep rocky shores with large slopes. In the northwest and southeast, there are small bays with beautiful sandy beaches.

Akrotiri has plenty of beaches, caves, monasteries, and walking routes, making it the ideal place to escape from the stress of the city.

Akrotiri “Melecha”

In ancient times, its name was "Kyamon", while its official name today is Akrotiri Melechas. Akrotiri of Chania is essentially a peninsula located in the northeastern part of the Regional Unity of Chania, extending east of the city of Chania. It joins the rest of the island with a "neck" about 3 km wide, thus forming on its eastern side the bay of Souda, and on its western side the bay of Chania. In the Municipal Unity of Akrotiri live about 13,000 inhabitants and has an area of ​​112,644 acres.

The mountainous zone is characterized by an extensive mountain range that develops in an NW-SE direction, occupying the northeastern part of the Cape. It builds of carbonate rocks and is presented by numerous mountain peaks at altitudes usually 350 - 420 meters with the highest "Skloka" which is at an altitude of 529 meters dominating the eastern part.

The mountain range was crossed in places by mostly small gorges and streams created by the combination of rugged tectonics and rapid uplift movements that accelerated the erosion process. The relief is characterized by exceptional roughness and the image of the mountainous rocky landscape prevails everywhere with the multifaceted slopes characterized by strong slopes and the numerous karst structures that have formed cavities, caves, dolines, finger carvings, etc. of various sizes and shapes.

The coastal zone develops around Akrotiri and is presented with exceptional diversity. In its north-northeastern part, the mountain massif sinks into the sea of ​​the Cretan Sea, thus forming steep rocky shores with strong slopes. In contrast, in the northwestern and southeastern parts of Akrotiri very picturesque small bays are created that offer images of unique natural beauty.

Akrotiri has the following eight beautiful sandy beaches:

Agios Onoufrios beach

Agios Onoufrios is a small seaside village of Cape Akrotiri, which is located 8km north of Chania and close to the village of Kounoupidiana. The village is a suburb of Chania since it is very close to the city. It is named after the small chapel next to the beach that is dedicated to St. Onoufrios and celebrates June 12. The beach of Agios Onoufrios is quiet and hidden in a well-protected bay. 

It is sandy and not very well organized. The residents of the wider area mainly prefer it. The picturesque landscape, with the traditional taverns and the peaceful sea, is a good reason to visit Agios Onoufrios. 

The only discordant voices in the tranquil landscape are the fuel tanks, which are located northwest of the beach. into the sea of ​​the Cretan Sea, thus forming steep rocky shores with strong slopes. In contrast, in the northwestern and southeastern parts of Akrotiri very picturesque small bays are created that offer images of unique natural beauty.
https://www.cretanbeaches.com/en/sea-tourism/west-crete-beaches/agios-onoufrios-beach

Kalathas Beach

The seaside village of Kalathas is located 12km northeast of Chania city, in a natural bay at the Cape Akrotiri, which is open to the north winds. Current Kalathas is a relatively new village, which has been inhabited by residents of Chania who wanted to live away from the city center. 

The beach in front of the village is beautiful, with fine sand and shallow clear water. Opposite Kalathas, there is a small island, which you can easily reach by swimming. The beach is well organized with umbrellas, water sports, restaurants, hotels, lifeguard, mini markets, etc. West of the main bay, beyond the rocky end, there is a secluded sandy bay. This is not organized and is ideal for those who do not like crowded places.
https://www.cretanbeaches.com/en/sea-tourism/west-crete-beaches/kalathas-beach-chania

Tersanas Beach

Tersanas (i.e., boatyard) is a small coastal village located 13km northeast of Chania and hidden in a small cove on the west side of Cape Akrotiri. It is the harbor of village Chorafakia, located just 1km to the north. The area is well developed and is a popular destination for holidays. 

The beach of Tersanas is shaped inside an enclosed natural harbor, which faces southwest. It is a sandy beach with white fine sand and shallow clear water. It is quite small and looks usually crowded, especially on weekends. It is equipped with umbrellas, sunbeds, a snack bar, and showers. The calm water, combined with the proximity to the touristic facilities, make Tersanas ideal for family holidays.
https://www.cretanbeaches.com/en/sea-tourism/west-crete-beaches/tersanas-beach

Mahairida Beach

The tiny beach of Mahairida is located 14km northeast of Chania and 1km west of the village Chorafakia, very close to Tersanas. The beach is named after the rocky cape in its north end that reminds of a knife (“machairi” means “knife” in Greek). According to another version, it is named after the flower Gladiolus italicus which is called “maherida” in Greek.

The bay faces southwest and is usually calm. A stunning little beach with white sand and turquoise water is shaped in the center of the bay, surrounded by sharp rocks. The water here is very clear because the sea currents change directions several times a day and remove any garbage. It is not organized, however during the last years some houses have been built near the beach. The secluded beach of Mahairida attracts mainly nudists.

The coastline near the beach is a unique habitat for many wild animals. Among the rocks, just next to the main road, there is the pond of Macherida reminding of a crater with springs with saltish water in which water snakes, turtles, and seagulls find shelter.
https://www.cretanbeaches.com/en/sea-tourism/west-crete-beaches/maherida-beach

Stavros Beach

Stavros (i.e. cross) is a seaside village located 17km northeast of Chania, at the northernmost edge of Akrotiri. One characteristic feature of the area is the very steep camel-shaped mountain Vardies rising opposite the harbor of Stavros. 

The mountain is famous because there were filmed scenes for the film “Zorba the Greek”, where Anthony Quinn danced the famous Sirtaki Dance in 1964. Then Stavros was a humble small fishing village. 

Today the region has become a major tourist resort with many hotels and important tourist infrastructures. The two beautiful beaches of the area have contributed to the development of the area. The main beach is located east of the village, at the foot of the mountain Vardies, and next to the picturesque harbor. 

A semicircular lagoon is formed, fully protected by winds blowing in the region. The small bay has marvelous white sand and shallow turquoise water. The contrast of the wild mountain with the peaceful beach in the foreground makes Stavros a unique place for swimming. As expected, the beach is organized and provides all possible services. The second beach of Stavros is located north of the village, 200m northwest of the main beach.

 It has sand and rocks in places and is less organized than the first, but cleaner. The main drawback of this is that it is unprotected and the sea is usually wavy. At the peninsula dividing the two beaches of Stavros, you can see the remains of the ancient quarry, used for extracting limestone for building the Walls of Chania during the Venetian Era (13th- 17th century).

In Stavros, you will find many more options rather than accommodation and restaurants, such as mini markets, shops, cafes, etc. Moreover, there are bus services from Chania city.
https://www.cretanbeaches.com/en/sea-tourism/west-crete-beaches/stavros-beach

Stefanou or Seitan Limania Beach

Stefanou beach is located at the position of Seitan Limania (i.e., satan harbors), 22km northeast of Chania and 2km east of the village Chordaki, on the east side of Akrotiri. The wider area is named Seitan Limania, after the wild landscape, the cliffs, and the strong sea streams that are considered dangerous. Here are situated three parallel narrow coves, well protected from the waves. In the northern cove, a tiny fantastic beach is shaped, by deep azure waters, namely the beach of Stefanou. The beach has fine pebbles and sand, transferred there from the nearby quarry through the canyon Diplohahalo. 

On the right and the left sides of the cove, huge marble rocks are standing high to protect the beach from the bad weather. The fame of the beach has faced a rapid increase since 2010, some years after the asphalt road reached the place; the beach is crowded in during peak season. There is a narrow steep path starting from the parking place and leading to the beach, so make sure you wear sneakers.
https://www.cretanbeaches.com/en/sea-tourism/west-crete-beaches/stefanou-beach-seitan-limania

Marathi Beach

Marathi is located 17km east of Chania and 5km east of the Cretan Naval Base in Souda Bay, on the southeastern coast of Akrotiri. It is a popular resort in the Chania area, which attracts many visitors every summer, mainly families and elderly people.
Marathi hosts two beautiful beaches with fine sand and shallow calm water, ideal for children. They are protected very well from the winds, as they face to the south and have a nice view of the Drapanos Cape and the White Mountains. 

The beaches are separated by a small pier, which also serves as a harbor for fishing boats and small ferries. It is well organized with all the necessary amenities nearby. 500m opposite Marathi, there is the small island Marathi or Palia Souda (Paleosouda), which can be reached by swimming. On the island, there is a block of small pine wood, while its western coast is steep and is popular with scuba divers.
https://www.cretanbeaches.com/en/sea-tourism/west-crete-beaches/marathi-beach-akrotiri-chania

Loutraki Beach

The seaside resort of Loutraki is located 16km east of Chania city, quite close to the American military base of Souda. Loutraki and the neighboring Marathi are the two main touristic destinations in east Akrotiri.

 Loutraki has a very nice quiet beach with fine sand and clear shallow waters, especially suitable for children. It is organized and provides all the common touristic amenities, under the deep tree shade on the beach. You can rent umbrellas, eat in the taverns of the area, rent rooms and enjoy various water sports.

There is a big parking area with many high eucalyptus trees offering their shade to the visitors.
https://www.cretanbeaches.com/en/sea-tourism/west-crete-beaches/loutraki-beach-akrotiri-chania

Alternative forms of tourism

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