- Region
- Akrotiri peninsula, Chania
- Distance
- 12 km from Chania
- Beach
- Fine sand, shallow water
- Facilities
- Sunbeds, water sports, lifeguard, Blue Flag
The beach and the islet
The main beach is a curve of fine sand with shallow, clear water. A small rocky islet lies just offshore, close enough for confident swimmers to reach.
It is well organised, with umbrellas, water sports, tavernas and hotels behind the sand, plus a lifeguard in season. On days with a strong north wind, waves roll straight in.
The quieter cove
Past the rocky end to the west there is a smaller, unorganised sandy cove, useful when the main beach is full.
Getting there
Kalathas is on the bus route from Chania to Akrotiri, and the drive takes about 20 minutes. Parking along the road fills up on summer weekends.
Combine it with
Tersanas is 1.5 km away, Agios Onoufrios 2.3 km and Stavros 4.2 km, so you can easily try two beaches in a day. The Venizelos graves, with their view over Chania, are 4.4 km back toward town.
Questions before you go
Is Kalathas beach good for kids?
Yes. The sand is fine and the water shallow, although the bay can get waves when the north wind blows.
Can you swim to the island at Kalathas?
Strong swimmers can reach the small islet just offshore. Keep an eye on boats and wind.
Is there a bus to Kalathas from Chania?
Yes. Buses from Chania to the Akrotiri villages stop at Kalathas.
