Cretan Mare

Nature has blessed Chania with some of the best beaches in Greece.

Exit the city and head west. After nine kilometres, stop for a refreshing swim at Agia Marina or continue a little further to the beaches of Platania and Maleme. Combined, they become a single shoreline of golden sands. Thirty-nine kilometres west of Chania, you will discover Kissamos and its beach, then set sail for Balos on the northwestern tip of Crete, one of the most famous, exotic beaches with pink sands and emerald-hued waters. Approaching by boat (or on foot, but endurance is a must), you will make stops in both Balos and Gramvousa, the latter a small island with a castle and crystalline waters.

In the west of Chania prefecture, walk the white sands of the kilometre-long beach of ancient Falassarna, then take the road to Elafonissi. The latter is famous for its dunes, cedars, azure waters and rare animal and bird species. East of Chania you will find Marathi, a beach favoured by locals. Twenty kilometres northeast of Akrotiri is Seitan Limania, a beautiful cove, though difficult to access. On the national road to Rethymnon, the endless beach of Georgioupolis slowly unfolds before you. It begins at Agios Nikolaos, a beautiful church that, seen from a certain angle, appears as if floating on the sea.

TEXT : ELLI KARNEZI
PHOTOS : COSTAS SPATHIS / YIANNIS GIANNELOS