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Marmara Beach, is a beautiful and secluded small pebbly bay located in the Sfakia region of southern Crete, Greece. The beach is named after the soft colorful rocks and sea caves that consist of its most striking feature. The towering white rocky cliffs surrounding the beach add to its natural beauty. The name Marmara means “marbles” in Greek.
Getting to Marmara Beach is an adventure in itself. There are no roads leading into or out of the beach, so access is either by small boats that operate daily from Loutro, or by hiking from Loutro (1.5 hours) or through the gorge of Aradaina that exits to the beach (4 hours). Following the path through the gorge is highly recommended as the excursion is excellent, and the scenery you will encounter is unique. Alternatively, you can start at the beach and visit only a part of the gorge of Aradaina.
This is the shortest hiking trail and the most dangerous only for very experienced hikers
Although relatively inaccessible, Marmara Beach surprisingly gathers an adequate amount of visitors. The beach is organized with sun beds and umbrellas, as well as a small tavern where you will find delicious traditional food or anything else you may need. The food is prepared with extra care and homegrown products.
The beach is located 85 km south of Chania city and 5 km west of Loutro. The closest town to this beach is Loutro, which is roughly 3 to 4 km away. Marmara Beach is 167 km away from the island’s capital, Heraklion, and 94 km from Chania. The most popular coastal cities nearby are Paleochora, Chora Sfakion, and Sougia.
Most of the beaches in the area, including Ilingas Beach, Glyka Nera Beach, Loutro, Lykos Beach, and Marmara Beach, can only be reached by boat or on foot, since there are no roads in this part of the island. This might seem like a drawback, but it’s the only reason why this region has remained unspoiled, preserving its wild characteristics and amazing flora and fauna. Beach hopping by boat is an adventure in itself and is attractive for its own sake. Hiking is also very common around here as another form of “beach hopping” for adventure and nature lovers.
Marmara Beach is the perfect place to spend a day or two. Situated on the edge of a cliff, the beach offers visitors a chance to relax in the sun or take a dip in the clear blue waters. For those looking for a more adrenaline-filled experience, there are plenty of opportunities for cliff jumping. Those who want to explore the water can choose from several excellent spots for snorkeling. The seabed here will amaze you.
Hike up Aradena Gorge for incredible views of the beach, or go kayaking in the nearby waters. In the evening, be sure to head to Taverna Dialeskari for delicious seafood and live music. During the summer, there are daily boat routes from Loutro. Once in the Loutro area, visiting Marmara Beach is a “must do”.
Whether you are seeking adventure or just want to relax on a secluded beach, Marmara Beach is the perfect destination. The lack of crowds and noise pollution makes it the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. So, pack your bags and embark on an adventure to Marmara Beach!
