- Marathi
- Souda Bay side, 17 km from Chania
- Stavros
- North tip of Akrotiri, about 17 km from Chania
- Both
- Sand, shallow water, buses in summer
- Windy days
- Marathi is more sheltered
Marathi
Marathi has two small sandy beaches either side of a little harbour on Souda Bay. Because it faces south-east, it stays calm in the summer north wind. Fish tavernas line the harbour, and the view is across the bay to the White Mountains.
Stavros
Stavros is an almost circular bay with shallow, very clear water, overlooked by the bare Vardies mountain. The final dance scene of Zorba the Greek (1964) was filmed here. The bay is well protected, though the larger outer beach can get waves.
Choosing on the day
Check the wind: if a strong northerly is forecast, go to Marathi. For small children, both work. Stavros can be combined with the Agia Triada monastery, Marathi with Loutraki cove next door.
Questions before you go
Which is closer to Chania, Marathi or Stavros?
They are a similar distance, about 17 km, roughly 25 minutes by car.
Where was Zorba the Greek filmed?
The final dance scene was filmed at Stavros.
Which is better in the wind?
Marathi, on the sheltered Souda Bay side.
