CalmBeach Greece
Paralia Koum Kapi (Kum Kapisi) Beach, Chania
See practical info for Paralia Koum Kapi (Kum Kapisi) in Chania, including location, beach type, wind exposure, map and tips to help you decide when to visit.
The city sands below the Gate of the Sand
Koum Kapi is the town beach of Chania, just east of the Venetian harbour, in front of the historic quarter of the same name. Its name comes from the Turkish Kum Kapisi, the "Gate of the Sand", as the Ottomans renamed the Venetian Sabbionara gate that still stands beside the beach.
The gate belonged to the outer Venetian wall of Chania, completed in 1590, and is the only one of its gates surviving to our times. The neighbouring bastion, built out into the sea, bears a relief of the lion of Saint Mark, the emblem of Venice. In the Ottoman era this quarter was among the few inhabited outside the walls: here the Halikoutes, Muslims who had come from North Africa, set up their rush huts. No trace of the huts remains, their place taken by the seaside promenade.
The beach is unorganized, with sand and shallow water, and behind it runs a pedestrian street lined with cafes. Food, water and lodging are a few steps away, in the heart of the city.
- Region
- Chania, Greece
- Beach type
- Sandy
- Access
- Easy road access
- Coordinates
- 35.5160402, 24.0285243
- Organized beach
- Beach bar
- Family friendly
About this beach
The bay at Paralia Koum Kapi (Kum Kapisi) opens to the north, so it usually has natural cover from southerly, south-easterly and south-westerly winds. Orientation only reflects which way the coast faces, not confirmed shelter, so check wind and waves in the app before you go.
Paralia Koum Kapi (Kum Kapisi) has sand underfoot with shallow, gently shelving water — handy for families with young children.
For amenities, Paralia Koum Kapi (Kum Kapisi) has an organised beach and a beach bar.
Open the app for live recommendation score, wind exposure, waves, best time of day and nearby alternatives.
View this beach in CalmBeach Greece