Authentic Crete’s guidebook
My Favorite beaches
Akrotiri has several wonderful sandy beaches with crystal clear waters, safe for children and adults.
Wonderful all times of day, but particularly amazing during the sunset when you can experience the most magical sunset colours as the sun deeps into the sea!
70 locals recommend
Kalathas Beach
Wonderful all times of day, but particularly amazing during the sunset when you can experience the most magical sunset colours as the sun deeps into the sea!
Stavros has two sandy beaches: the smaller one, which is in a cove facing the Stavros mountain (the Cave of Lera is on this mountain, which you can see from the beach, or if you like hiking you can hike to it...the path to reach the cave is clear, but coming down you have to be careful and slow as it can be slippery). This beach, is all sandy and safe for children and adults. During days that the sea might be rough, it is always calm here, as the beach is protected from north wind...
The second beach, is longer, with lovely thick sand. Here, you will find Malika's place (or the Sunset taverna)
https://www.facebook.com/pg/MalikasSunsetTaverna/photos/?tab=album&album_id=1212819082113332
125 locals recommend
Stavros Beach
Stavros has two sandy beaches: the smaller one, which is in a cove facing the Stavros mountain (the Cave of Lera is on this mountain, which you can see from the beach, or if you like hiking you can hike to it...the path to reach the cave is clear, but coming down you have to be careful and slow as it can be slippery). This beach, is all sandy and safe for children and adults. During days that the sea might be rough, it is always calm here, as the beach is protected from north wind...
The second beach, is longer, with lovely thick sand. Here, you will find Malika's place (or the Sunset taverna)
https://www.facebook.com/pg/MalikasSunsetTaverna/photos/?tab=album&album_id=1212819082113332
Marathi has two sandy beaches, perfect for children and adults. Clear waters, and some of the best seafood tavernas are located here. For the more adventurous, some sea sports and small boat rentals are available here.
59 locals recommend
Marathi
Marathi has two sandy beaches, perfect for children and adults. Clear waters, and some of the best seafood tavernas are located here. For the more adventurous, some sea sports and small boat rentals are available here.
A small sandy beach with emerald waters, always protected from wind.
There are two tavernas and two cafes here. Sunbeds at the Loutraki Beach Bar are free of charge, layered on the grass just above the water! The bay is also great for snorkelling.
6 locals recommend
RESTAURANT LOUTRAKI
A small sandy beach with emerald waters, always protected from wind.
There are two tavernas and two cafes here. Sunbeds at the Loutraki Beach Bar are free of charge, layered on the grass just above the water! The bay is also great for snorkelling.
A small beach with sand and white marble rocks. To access it, you need to wear walking shoes or sneakers, descending walk, be careful... It can get very crowded on peak season at midday...
47 locals recommend
Seitan Limani
A small beach with sand and white marble rocks. To access it, you need to wear walking shoes or sneakers, descending walk, be careful... It can get very crowded on peak season at midday...
Crystal clear waters, sandy beach with a cafe beach bar alongside, offering free sunbeds and shades
56 locals recommend
Loutraki Beach
Crystal clear waters, sandy beach with a cafe beach bar alongside, offering free sunbeds and shades
Favourite restaurants
Eating out in Crete is part of the locals culture....The cretan diet is renown for being healthy, so focus on seafood, salads, and grilled meats....
Gourounakia is located in Kounoupidiana. You can also order food to be delivered to your villa, you can find their e-menu at e-food.gr
Their specialities are meats cooked slowly on charcoal, chicken on the spit, lamb,pork and chicken chops. Day specials also include cooked cretan and greek food like pastitsio, moussaka etc. The Cretan Salad is fantastic here too:)
22 locals recommend
ΤΑ ΓΟΥΡΟΥΝΑΚΙΑ
Ελευθερίου ΒενιζέλουGourounakia is located in Kounoupidiana. You can also order food to be delivered to your villa, you can find their e-menu at e-food.gr
Their specialities are meats cooked slowly on charcoal, chicken on the spit, lamb,pork and chicken chops. Day specials also include cooked cretan and greek food like pastitsio, moussaka etc. The Cretan Salad is fantastic here too:)
For italian and pizza food lovers, the place is excellent! Order your food to be delivered too.
14 locals recommend
Bella Pizza
27 Leof. El. VenizelouFor italian and pizza food lovers, the place is excellent! Order your food to be delivered too.
Lunch or dinner? By the sea, excellent seafood! Helpful tip: best to make a reservation before showing up, as the taverna is very popular!
83 locals recommend
Πατρελαντώνης
Lunch or dinner? By the sea, excellent seafood! Helpful tip: best to make a reservation before showing up, as the taverna is very popular!
BOURAKIS RESTAURANT
Eparchiaki Odos Profiti Ilia-Monis Agias TriadosGreat for local cretan cuisine!
In Chania venetian harbour, with magic views to the lighthouse and sea! Helpful tip: Dinner reservation is advised.
45 locals recommend
Palazzo Almare Restaurant
38 SourmelisIn Chania venetian harbour, with magic views to the lighthouse and sea! Helpful tip: Dinner reservation is advised.
Located at Nea Chora, the west side passed Chania Venetian port, the romantic fishing port and beach of Nea Chora would certainly enchant you! Kaiki, is one of the best seafood tavernas in the seafront area of Chania!
KAIKI
Located at Nea Chora, the west side passed Chania Venetian port, the romantic fishing port and beach of Nea Chora would certainly enchant you! Kaiki, is one of the best seafood tavernas in the seafront area of Chania!