Top Things to do in Chania Prefecture
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What to do and see in Chania Prefecture, Crete: The Best Nature & Parks
Discover the best top things to do in Chania Prefecture, Greece including Kouloura Beach, Samaria Gorge National Park, Agia Irini Gorge, Paralia Agias Marinas, Elafonissi Beach, Balos Lagoon, Lake Kournas, Marathi Beach, Kedrodasos Beach, Frangokastello Beach.
Restaurants in Chania Prefecture
1. Kouloura Beach
2. Samaria Gorge National Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,241 reviews
Believed to be one of the most scenic national parks in Europe, this gorge stretches more than 10 miles to the south coastal region and offers many hiking trails.
Reviewed By KatrienS955 - Ghent, Belgium
As the guidebook stated, as well as the brochure from the travel agent, this is a medium difficult hike. Doing it the standard direction, downhill, you start with a steep decline over a mostly rocky path. A walking stick might help for those not used to walk rocky mountain paths. The part in the national park is 13 km, the last 3 km to the Libyan sea is a paved path and easy. If you do it downhill, it is not a very arduous hike. Along the route there are plenty of water fountains, resting places quite a few with benches and 5 toilets, so in that sense it is a luxurious hike. The scenery is very nice, especially the narrow parts of the gorge. Try to find a group that starts early, as it is hot at the bottom of the gorge, making the hike more difficult. Also, the earlier, the fewer people you meet. I did large parts without seeing any other hiker. Our group had 1 guide who started the hike about half an hour after us, and mopped up those in problem, which did not happen in our group. He gave very good information about the hike as well as some times by which to ideally leave the larger resting places. Note that you do not need to hurry to catch the boat, as that leaves only at 17:30. At the end of the hike you can take a refreshing swim in the sea. Just know that the dark grey pebbles are very hot, even with a towel between you and the pebbles. There are parasols and strand beds for rent. If you do it from Chania, it will be a long day, as the boat takes an hour and then there is another 1h30 drive back.
3. Agia Irini Gorge
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 240 reviews
The four-hour walk through the gorge takes you through beautiful, uncrowded scenery.
Reviewed By Cricketfeatures
We hiked from the top to the bottom. My wife and I did it with our 2 and 5 year olds. The 5 year old loved it. The 2 year old had to be carried most of the way. It took 3.5 hours with a picnic stop. All rockfall has been dealt with and the way is clearly marked. The bar at the bottom called a taxi. Wait time was only 10 minutes and cost a was 35 euros for a 7 seater.
4. Paralia Agias Marinas
5. Elafonissi Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 14,358 reviews
Reviewed By Caligaltraveler
We rented a car from Chania and took this amazing drive to the countryside. The drive was quite long but so scenic and amazing. We stopped along the way and enjoyed the roadside vendors. Bought some delicious olive oils and olives. The eateries along the way were small, authentic and affordable. Once we arrived at the beach we were stunned. The water was crystal clear with no rocks or seaweed. You could wade out quite far before it got deep so this would be a very safe beach for kids. The beach sand was soft and clear of any debris and the colors of the water turning pink as the waves crashed really was spectacular. A must see and one of the highlights of our trip!
6. Balos Lagoon
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 10,155 reviews
Reviewed By marcotL403QV - Rome, Italy
The most beautiful beach in Creta (together with Elafonisi) and famous for its wild nature, with turquoise waters and white sands turning to amazing shades of pink in some places. Waters are shallow, perfect for kids and lovely for grownups too. A legendary lagoon is also worth stopping by. Beware the boats throwing thousands of tourists in the middle of the day, although that is a very practical way to reach the place without going by car on a bumpy road. Ferries go back and forth from Kissamos port, but there are multiple trips during summer time, so I’d recommend to take the earliest trip available and then move to the island of Gramvousa nearby when the beach gets too crowded !
7. Lake Kournas
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,429 reviews
Reviewed By senorblunders - Vale of Glamorgan, United Kingdom
This freshwater, cool, picturesque lake was a highlight of our time in Crete. Pedal out into the opposite edges, and you’ll find that the water is about three feet deep, totally clear, and teeming with koi carp. My daughter snorkelled in it for a couple of hours while I pootled about in the boat. We could have spent the whole day. Tip: eat at Georgia’s taverna just before you turn in to the lake. There’s a beautiful garden, with trampoline, and you’ll get a warm welcome, and raki with cookies to finish. Her speciality, home-grown food, is beautiful!
8. Marathi Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 495 reviews
Reviewed By Radles
We came to this spot to hire a rental boat for a few hours. We used Minoan Marathi Water Sports who have a hit on the beach. It’s a family run business - a really kind Landry, her husband and nephew provide boat rentals for 85 euros ( that was including our fuel) for 4 hours. Their service was excellent. Don’t get duped by more aggressive boat hire places situated by the car parks. The beach itself soft sand, with a few pebbles at the shore. The water is crystal clear and the perfect thing is there aren’t too many hidden rocks making it ideal for you to hire a boat and go around on your own. We swam in secluded coves and explored the coastline with our three teenage kids. One of the highlights of our trip.
9. Kedrodasos Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 545 reviews
One of the best beaches in Chania prefecture, quite untouched and unexplored. Many travelers use the area around the beach as a free camping spot. It is actually a cedar forest next to the beach. It is also a favorite beach for naturists. The road up to Elafonisi is quite good and then you need to take a non asphalt road for about 10 minutes. Then you also need to take a walk path for another 15-20 minutes. No matter the time you will need to go there, it's sure that you will enjoy that unique beach.
Reviewed By MrJDB - London, United Kingdom
Made the mistake of going to Elafonisi first which was beautiful but very very overcrowded with shallow waters. This beach is an absolute stunner; peaceful and an amazing landscape of trees and rocks down to the shoreline. Pack a lunch and water for a day of bliss.
10. Frangokastello Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 642 reviews
Reviewed By patglynn - Portsmouth, United Kingdom
A lovely little secluded beach. Hardly anyone else there when we were there; the water’s clear and warm and there’s a few Greek tavernas within walking distance! A great place!
