Chania is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in Greece. However, not all of them are particularly practical when you’re travelling with children. Some get extremely crowded, others are difficult to access, and some are simply too remote for an easy family beach day.
That’s why I’ve put together this list of beaches that I think are particularly suitable for families with children. Most of them have sandy shores, shallow water and easy access, making a day at the beach a little easier for parents.
1. Agioi Apostoloi
Agioi Apostoloi is a coastal area made up of two sheltered sandy coves just a few kilometres from Chania. The two main beaches around the park are particularly convenient for families. Both have fine sand and water that deepens gradually, as well as sunbeds and umbrellas in some sections and plenty of free space in others.
One of the reasons I think Agioi Apostoloi is such a practical choice for families is its location. You can get there easily by local bus from Chania, and right next to the beaches there is a large park with a playground where children can spend some time after swimming.
Note: On the other side of one of the small peninsulas you’ll find Glaros Beach, which is also a good option for families with children.
2. Chryssi Akti (Golden Beach)
Golden Beach, or Chryssi Akti, is one of the closest beaches to Chania Town. It is a large sandy beach with water that deepens gradually, making it a good option for families with children.
There are several places along the beach where you can rent sunbeds and umbrellas or grab something to eat and drink, but there is also plenty of free space if you prefer to bring your own umbrella.
You’ll also find water activities such as pedal boats, canoes and SUPs. When there are waves, Golden Beach is also a popular spot for surfing, and there is a surf school offering equipment and lessons for both children and adults.
You can easily reach Golden Beach by local bus from the centre of Chania. The main downside is that the sea can get quite wavy when northerly or northeasterly winds are blowing, so it is worth checking the conditions before you go.
3. Stalos
Stalos is a long sandy beach that continues west towards the popular resort of Agia Marina. The first few metres of water are very shallow and usually quite warm during the summer, which makes it especially convenient for younger children.
It is a well-organized beach with sunbeds, umbrellas, beach bars, water sports and lifeguard services during the summer, although there are also sections where you can simply put down your own towel and umbrella.
Stalos is easy to reach from Chania either by car or by one of the regular buses heading west from Chania Bus Station. The only downside is that the beach is exposed to northerly winds and can become quite wavy on windy days.
4. Kalyves & Kiani Akti
Kalyves lies east of Chania and is particularly popular with locals. The beaches around the village are mostly sandy, with shallow water that can feel noticeably cooler than at other beaches because of the freshwater springs and streams in the area.
A short distance away is Kiani Akti, another excellent option for families with children. The Kiliaris River flows into the sea here and still has plenty of water even in summer. You’ll often see people cooling off in the river as well, although the water is very cold.
Kiani Akti has sunbeds and umbrellas in some sections, but also plenty of open space and trees that provide natural shade.
Both beaches are easy to reach by car and parking is generally available nearby. Still, arriving early will make things easier, especially during the busiest summer months. Strong northerly winds can create waves at both beaches, so on those days I would choose somewhere more sheltered.
5. Kalathas
Kalathas Beach is located on the Akrotiri Peninsula and is one of the most popular choices among local families.
It has fine sand and shallow water, making it especially suitable for children. The beach is organized, with a beach bar and sections with sunbeds and umbrellas, while there is also plenty of room if you prefer to bring your own things.
Opposite the beach is a small islet that strong swimmers sometimes swim out to when conditions are calm.
Kalathas is fairly well protected from the wind, although strong northwesterly winds can still create waves.
6. Marathi
Marathi is also located on the Akrotiri Peninsula and is one of the best choices for families with children. One of its biggest advantages is that it is one of the few beaches in Chania that remains relatively well protected from the frequent northerly winds.
There are actually two sandy beaches at Marathi, separated by a small pier. Both have golden sand and shallow, usually calm water.
The beaches are well organized, with sunbeds and umbrellas, and there are several cafés and restaurants nearby where you can stop for coffee or lunch. Access is easy and there is parking close to the beach.
All of this makes Marathi extremely popular, though, so during July and August I recommend arriving early in the morning.
7. Stavros
Stavros Beach is located on the northern side of the Akrotiri Peninsula. Its main beach sits inside a sheltered, almost semicircular bay surrounded by a dramatic mountain landscape.
It has pale sand and turquoise, relatively shallow water, and the sea inside the bay is usually very calm. This makes Stavros one of the best choices when northerly winds make more exposed beaches uncomfortable.
There are sunbeds and umbrellas in parts of the beach, while other sections remain free. You’ll also find several restaurants nearby, so it is easy to combine a swim with lunch.
Because it is so well protected, Stavros can get particularly busy on days when strong northerly winds make other beaches around Chania uncomfortable.
8. Falassarna
Falassarna is one of the most beautiful beaches in Chania, but it can also be a very good option for families.
The bay is made up of several different beaches, and one of the smaller sections has a natural shallow pool created by the surrounding rocks. The water here is shallow and usually much calmer than on the main beach, making it a particularly good choice for young children. You can find this spot on Google Maps as “Baby Beach Falassarna.”
If you are travelling with older children, you can also choose one of Falassarna’s larger beaches, where you’ll find beautiful clear water and plenty of space for swimming.
9. Frangokastello
If you are visiting the Sfakia area with children, Frangokastello is one of the most convenient beaches in the area for families.
It is a sandy beach with shallow water where children can swim and play comfortably. There are sections with sunbeds and umbrellas as well as plenty of free space.
Access is very easy, as you can park close to the beach. The main thing to watch out for here is the wind. When it gets strong, blowing sand can make a day on the beach quite uncomfortable.
10. Pachia Ammos
Pachia Ammos is one of the best beaches for families in Paleochora. It is a long sandy beach with shallow water and very easy access.
The beach is well organized, with plenty of sunbeds and umbrellas as well as free sections. You can park very close to the beach, and there are lots of cafés and restaurants within walking distance.
Because it faces southwest, southwesterly winds can make the sea wavy. On the other hand, it is much better protected from the northerly winds that often affect beaches on the opposite side of Chania.
One final tip: even the most family-friendly beaches in Chania can feel completely different depending on the wind. Before setting off, especially with young children, it is always worth checking the wind direction and sea conditions for the day.
