- Region
- Rodopos peninsula, west Chania
- Distance
- 3.5 km north of Kolymbari, 28 km from Chania
- Beach
- Fine pebbles, calm clear water
- Facilities
- Small canteen, a few umbrellas
What the cove is like
The beach lies about 1 km east of Afrata village, at the end of a narrow asphalt road whose last stretch runs down a small gorge. It is a short arc of fine pebbles closed in by rock on both sides, which is why it stays calm when the north-west wind is blowing elsewhere.
There is a small canteen and a handful of umbrellas, with some tamarisk shade. Bring water shoes and your own shade if you plan to stay most of the day.
Swimming and snorkelling
The water deepens fairly quickly and is very clear over the pebbles and rocks, which makes Afrata a good snorkelling stop. The rocky sides of the bay are the most interesting part to explore.
Families with small children may prefer the sandier beaches around Kolymbari or Platanias, where the shallows are wider.
Nearby
The Ellinospilios cave lies about 1.2 km from the beach; archaeological finds have come from it, but the path is rough and the interior needs proper gear. The fortified Gonia (Odigitria) monastery, which still shows marks of the Ottoman landing of 1645, is about 2.6 km away near Kolymbari.
Kolymbari itself has fish tavernas along the seafront, which makes an easy lunch stop before or after a swim.
Getting there
Drive west from Chania on the national road, leave at Kolymbari and follow signs north to Afrata. The road is paved but narrow, and parking near the beach is limited in August, so arrive early.
Questions before you go
Is Afrata beach sandy?
No. Afrata is a cove of fine pebbles with clear water and a rocky seabed at the edges.
Is Afrata beach good when it is windy?
It is one of the more sheltered beaches in the area, because the cove faces east inside the Rodopos peninsula and is closed in by rock.
How far is Afrata from Chania?
About 28 km. Allow around 40 minutes by car via the national road and Kolymbari.
