Marathi beach

Marathi beach: sheltered sand and fish tavernas on Akrotiri

Marathi on Akrotiri, 17 km from Chania: two sheltered sandy beaches on Souda Bay, shallow water, fish tavernas by the harbour and White Mountain views.

By TripToCrete · Updated 20 October 2026 · 2 min read

Quick answer: Marathi is a small harbour village on the Souda Bay side of Akrotiri, 17 km east of Chania. Its two sandy beaches are shallow and sheltered from the summer wind, and fish tavernas line the little harbour.
Region
Akrotiri, Souda Bay
Distance
17 km from Chania
Beach
Sand, shallow, sheltered
Facilities
Sunbeds, lifeguard, accessible entry, tavernas
Marathi beach

Two beaches

Marathi has a beach on each side of its small harbour. Both are sandy and shallow and face into Souda Bay, so they stay calm when the north wind blows across Chania. Sunbeds, a lifeguard and access for people with reduced mobility are provided in season.

Across the bay you see the White Mountains, which makes the late afternoon light particularly good.

Eating by the harbour

The tavernas by the harbour specialise in fish and seafood; ask what has come in that day and how it is priced by weight before ordering.

Waterfront seating by the sea at Marathi
Waterfront seating by the sea at Marathi.

A little history

Marathi stands on the site of ancient Minoa, one of the two ports of the city of Aptera across the bay. Little is visible today, but Aptera itself is a short drive away round Souda Bay.

Getting there

Drive via the airport road, or take the summer bus from Chania. Loutraki cove is just next door.

Questions before you go

Is Marathi beach good for children?

Yes. The water is shallow and calm, and there is a lifeguard in season.

Is there a bus to Marathi?

Yes, a city bus runs from Chania in summer. Check the current timetable.

What is near Marathi?

Loutraki cove is next door, and the Agia Triada monastery and Stavros are within a short drive.

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