Paleochora, 1.5 km east of Psilos Volakas

Psilos Volakas: the big-rock cove west of Paleochora

Psilos Volakas, 1.5 km west of Paleochora: a fine-pebble cove sheltered by a big rock, with snorkelling, a small canteen and a pavement to walk from town.

Photo: Paleochora, 1.5 km east of Psilos Volakas.

By TripToCrete · Updated 20 October 2026 · 2 min read

Quick answer: Psilos Volakas is a fine-pebble beach about 1.5 km west of Paleochora, named after the big rock at its end. The rock shelters it from southerly winds, the snorkelling behind it is good, and you can walk there along the roadside pavement.
Region
Selino, south-west Chania
Distance
About 1.5 km west of Paleochora
Beach
Fine pebbles
Facilities
Sunbeds, showers, small canteen
Paleochora, 1.5 km east of Psilos Volakas
Paleochora, 1.5 km east of Psilos Volakas.

The beach

Psilos Volakas ('tall rock') is the most popular of the small beaches west of Paleochora after Kalamia. The big rock at the east end blocks southern winds and is a well-known spot for jumping into the sea.

Behind the rock the sea bed is rocky and full of fish, good for snorkelling. A few tamarisks and the rocks give some shade, and a small canteen, sunbeds and showers operate in summer.

Getting there

A pavement runs from Paleochora along the coast road towards Koundoura, so you can walk in about 20 minutes. By car there is roadside parking.

Nearby

Trochalou beach is just 300 m further west, the Karavopetra coves under 1 km, and Plakaki and Grammeno a little beyond.

Open the map location ↗

Questions before you go

Can I walk to Psilos Volakas from Paleochora?

Yes, a pavement runs along the coast road; it takes about 20 minutes.

Is Psilos Volakas good for snorkelling?

Yes, especially around and behind the big rock.

Is there food at Psilos Volakas?

A small canteen operates in summer; tavernas are in Paleochora.

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