The beaches near Apokoronas offer something that is hard to find elsewhere in Crete: calm water, short distances between them, and lively villages only minutes inland. It is the ideal area for families and for visitors who want to combine the sea, good food and the Cretan countryside in a single day.
Below you will find the best-known beaches in the area and how to fit them into a complete day trip.
Kalyves lies about 19 kilometres east of Chania town and is one of the most easily accessible beaches in Apokoronas. The sand stretches alongside the village itself, so cafés, tavernas and shops are only a few metres from the water.
It is an excellent choice for families, as the water is usually shallow and calm and the beach is organised with umbrellas and sunbeds.
Almyrida is just a few kilometres east of Kalyves and is one of the most loved beaches in the region. The bay is sheltered, with shallow and calm water, while the view towards the White Mountains makes the sunset especially striking.
The beach is organised and the village has several tavernas serving fresh fish. It is also popular for water sports, since conditions here usually stay mild.
Between Kalyves and Chania you will find Kalamaki, a long beach of sand and pebbles that is noticeably quieter than its neighbours. It is a good choice if you want to avoid the crowds and enjoy a more relaxed day by the water.
At the eastern edge of Apokoronas, Georgioupoli offers a very long sandy shore that continues all the way to Kavros. It is one of the most extensive beaches in the Chania region, with full tourist infrastructure.
Keep in mind that the sea here is more open and can get wavy, so if you are travelling with small children, the sheltered bays of Almyrida and Kalyves are the safer option.
It is not a beach, but it is well worth a stop. Lake Kournas, near Georgioupoli, is the only natural freshwater lake in Crete. Surrounded by mountains, with pedal boats and small tavernas along the shore, it offers a completely different picture from the sea.
The great advantage of Apokoronas is the short distances. You can easily combine:
That way the day is not limited to the sea, but includes the Cretan countryside as well.
After a day at the beach, a stop at Arevitis Farm shows a completely different side of the area. Visitors meet the animals up close, explore the garden and connect with the land, fresh produce and Cretan hospitality.
For families with children, combining the beach with the farm makes the day more balanced and far more memorable.
Book your visit to Arevitis Farm and round off your day at the beaches of Apokoronas with an authentic nature experience.
