CalmBeach Greece
Platanias Beach, Chania
See practical info for Platanias in Chania, including location, beach type, wind exposure, map and tips to help you decide when to visit.
The long sandy shore facing Thodorou
Platanias stretches about 11 kilometres west of Chania town, a long sandy shore facing the islet of Thodorou. Its name is attributed to the tall plane trees (platania) of the area, while the old settlement, Ano Platanias, sits on a hill above the coast and is already mentioned in a Venetian document of 1577 as the tower of Platanea.
Opposite the beach rises Thodorou, where the Venetians built two forts to fend off pirate raids. In our times the islet is a refuge for the Cretan wild goat, the kri kri: it is said that the first pair was brought there from the Samaria Gorge in 1935. The beach itself is noted as a nesting ground for the loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta), and the village has grown from a small farming settlement into one of the best-known resorts of western Crete.
The beach is organized and holds a Blue Flag award, with seasonal sunbeds and umbrellas, a lifeguard in the summer months, showers and plenty of food and accommodation options close by. There is natural shade in places, and a paved road reaches almost to the sand.
- Region
- Chania, Greece
- Beach type
- Sandy
- Access
- Easy road access
- Coordinates
- 35.51979, 23.89893
- Organized beach
- Sunbeds
About this beach
Platanias is oriented towards 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.
Platanias has sand underfoot.
For amenities, Platanias has an organised beach, sunbeds and natural shade.
Open the app for live recommendation score, wind exposure, waves, best time of day and nearby alternatives.
View this beach in CalmBeach Greece