Kalathas: Sandy Beach, Island and Rocky Path

Kalathas is defined by its beach on the west coast of the Akrotiri Peninsula. The beach lies around 11 kilometres northeast of Chania and belongs to the village of the same name, situated at a higher elevation. Thus, Kalathas refers both to the beach and to the village above it—a useful distinction when planning a holiday focused on the water.

Beach, Island and Another Stretch of Coast

Kalathas Beach combines fine sand with sun loungers and umbrellas, lifeguard service and a beach bar. Opposite lies a small, picturesque island, 200 metres away and reachable by swimming. At the western edge of the main beach, a path passes rock formations and leads to a smaller, secluded beach. This gives you two different stretches of beach to choose from: the main beach and the smaller beach at the end of the path.

The beach’s features include both the island opposite and the rock formations along the path. If you enjoy swimming, you can make the island your destination; if you would like to explore a different stretch of coast, follow the path along the western edge. Facilities and beach services may change—check the current situation locally.

Getting There and Choosing Where to Stay

The beach is accessible by regular city buses from Chania, as well as by taxi, car or bicycle. If you plan to take the bus, check the current timetable before setting off. These options offer different ways to get there, without requiring you to rely on just one mode of transport during your stay.

When looking for a holiday apartment in Kalathas, the first question is whether you want the beach to be the focus of your trip. The island, main beach and path to the smaller beach offer concrete points of reference to help you decide. If you would also like to explore culture or landscapes, the other topics covered in the wider Chania destination can inform your plans.

Chania: History, Culture and Landscapes

The wider Chania destination offers everything from archaeology to historic architecture. The permanent exhibition at the Archaeological Museum of Chania occupies three halls on the ground floor and one on the upper floor. It presents archaeological evidence from the Chania regional unit spanning several centuries. In the Old Town, Venetian mansions, old hammams, minarets and churches shape the historic streets. The Venetian Harbour was built in the 14th century for trade and protection against pirate raids. The Municipal Market of Chania is a landmark for locals and visitors.

Theriso is also part of the wider destination’s history. During the 1905 Revolution under Eleftherios Venizelos, the historic village was the seat of the Cretan rebels. The Historical and Folklore Museum of Theriso is housed in the former headquarters building of Venizelos and the Theriso Movement of 1905. The village can be reached through the 6-kilometre-long Eleftherios Venizelos Gorge.

Akrotiri has small coves and beaches suitable for recreation and tourism. In the peninsula’s northern hilly area, nature remains largely undisturbed by human activity; the landscape has rich, partly endemic flora, as well as land and sea caves with endemic invertebrates. Another archaeological site in the wider Chania destination is the Acropolis of Falassarna, where mainly Archaic finds have been uncovered in the central area of the ancient Temple of Demeter.

These topics offer different points of focus: Kalathas has its beaches, while the wider Chania destination also encompasses cultural history and other landscapes. Shape your search for a holiday apartment around what matters most to you during your stay.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Keto Kefalia, Voukolies, Perivólia, Mourniés, Epanochori, Nipos, Agia Marina, Katochori.

Back to the main travel overview: Chania.