5 Amazing Day Trips from Chania by Car
August 25, 2026
Chania has many beautiful beaches, but they are spread across different parts of the region. Some are close to the city, while others are best reached by car.
Having your own car makes beach days much easier. You can leave when you want, avoid fixed schedules and explore more of western Crete along the way.
If you are travelling with a rental car, here are 6+1 beaches in Chania that are well worth visiting.
Falassarna is one of the best-known beaches on the western coast of Crete. Its wide sandy shoreline and open views across the sea give it a completely different atmosphere from the smaller coves found elsewhere around Chania.
The drive takes you west towards Kissamos before continuing through the countryside towards the coast. As you approach Falassarna, the road descends towards the sea and offers some beautiful views along the way.
Once there, you can easily spend several hours swimming, relaxing or simply walking along the long shoreline. Because Falassarna faces west, it is also an excellent choice for travellers who want to stay until sunset.
Another interesting stop is Ancient Falassarna, located near the northern end of the area, where archaeological remains offer a glimpse into the region’s past.
Local tip: Make Falassarna an afternoon trip and stay for sunset. There is no need to rush back to Chania while everyone else is packing up for the day.
No list of the best beaches in Chania would feel complete without Elafonissi.
Located on the southwestern edge of Crete, approximately 76 km from Chania, Elafonissi is known for its shallow turquoise waters, pale sand and distinctive lagoon landscape. It is also part of a protected Natura 2000 area with sand dunes and native vegetation.
Getting there is part of the adventure. The journey crosses the inland landscape of western Crete and is very different from simply following the northern coastal road.
Having your own car is particularly useful here because it allows you to choose when to arrive and how long to stay. During the busy summer months, arriving earlier in the morning can make the experience more enjoyable.
The shallow lagoon makes Elafonissi instantly recognisable, and in certain areas you can walk through shallow water towards the peninsula.
If you hire a car in Chania specifically to explore the region, Elafonissi is one of those destinations that makes the extra freedom worthwhile.
Local tip: Do not plan anything too demanding for the same day. Enjoy the drive, give Elafonissi plenty of time and treat the journey as a full-day excursion.
Sougia offers something completely different.
Situated on the southern coast, around 75 km from Chania, the small seaside village lies near the exit of the Agia Irini Gorge. Its beach stretches for roughly 1.5 km and features coarse sand and clear, deep water. The central part near the village has facilities, while sections farther away remain quieter and less developed.
But Sougia is not just about the beach.
The road south crosses mountainous landscapes and small villages, making this one of the most memorable drives on our list. By the time you arrive at the Libyan Sea, the busy atmosphere of Chania feels far away.
The village itself has retained a relaxed character, making it a good destination for travellers who would rather enjoy a slow lunch beside the sea than rush between attractions.
This is exactly the kind of destination where having a car changes the experience. You decide when to leave, where to stop and whether the journey should take two hours or an entire day.
Local tip: Allow extra time for the drive. The distance tells only part of the story; mountain roads are best enjoyed without rushing.
Not every beach trip needs to become a full-day road trip.
Marathi is only around 17 km east of Chania, on the Akrotiri peninsula, making it one of the easiest options on this list. It has two sandy beaches with shallow, generally calm water, and the area is well protected from many winds because of its south-facing position inside Souda Bay.
This makes Marathi particularly appealing to families and anyone looking for a more relaxed swimming day.
Unlike the wild landscapes of Sougia or Kedrodasos, Marathi offers a more organised experience, with amenities nearby and places where you can stop for food.
If you are planning to explore Marathi and other beaches around Chania by car, view our available cars to find a vehicle that suits your trip.
Local tip: Marathi works very well for your first or last beach day, especially when you do not want to spend hours on the road.
To the east of Chania, Almyrida introduces visitors to another side of the region.
Located approximately 23 km from Chania on the southern shores of Souda Bay, Almyrida is a quiet coastal resort surrounded by the countryside of Apokoronas. It offers beach facilities while the surrounding area is characterised by olive groves and traditional villages.
The beach is a good choice for travellers who prefer to combine swimming with exploring rather than visiting one famous attraction and immediately returning to the city.
You can spend the morning beside the sea and then drive through nearby villages such as Plaka or continue exploring the wider Apokoronas area.
Among the beaches in Chania on this list, Almyrida is one of the easiest to turn into a relaxed day of swimming, food and countryside exploration.
Local tip: Do not drive straight back after swimming. Leave some time to explore the villages around Apokoronas and stop somewhere for a traditional Cretan meal.
Seitan Limania is one of the most impressive beaches in Chania, but it is also one of the places where a little preparation is essential.
Located on the eastern side of the Akrotiri peninsula, around 22 km northeast of Chania, the beach sits at the bottom of a narrow rocky inlet surrounded by steep cliffs.
You can drive to the parking area above the beach, but from there you must continue on foot down a steep and uneven path. The descent can be challenging, especially in hot weather or if you are not wearing suitable footwear.
Do not attempt the path in flip-flops. Wear trainers, hiking shoes or other shoes with a good grip, as parts of the trail are rocky and slippery.
Another important thing to know is that there is no beach bar or canteen at Seitan Limania. Bring enough drinking water, snacks and anything else you may need before starting the descent. There is also very little natural shade, so sunscreen and a hat are strongly recommended.
The final section of the road leading to the parking area is steep and includes sharp turns. Drive slowly, keep a safe distance from other vehicles and take extra care when traffic is heavier during summer.
Because the cove is relatively small, it can become crowded quickly.
Our +1 is for travellers who want to go a little beyond the obvious choices.
Kedrodasos lies close to Elafonissi, approximately 76 km southwest of Chania and about 1 km east of the famous lagoon. Instead of rows of beach facilities, the landscape is characterised by sand dunes, clear water and distinctive juniper trees.
It feels considerably wilder than Elafonissi and that is exactly its appeal.
Access, however, requires a little more preparation. Local guides describe the approach as including dirt-track sections followed by a walk from the parking area. If you are using a rental vehicle, always check the conditions of your rental agreement before driving on unpaved roads.
There are also fewer facilities here, so bring water, sun protection and anything else you need for the day. Most importantly, respect the fragile junipers and dunes that make the landscape so special.
Kedrodasos earns the +1 because it requires slightly more effort, but rewards visitors with one of the most natural coastal settings in western Crete.
The biggest advantage of exploring Chania by car is not simply reaching the beach. It is having control over the entire day.
You can leave before the busiest hours, stop at viewpoints, visit villages along the route, change your plans depending on the weather and stay for sunset without worrying about a return timetable.
It also allows you to experience completely different parts of the region. Falassarna gives you the western coast, Elafonissi and Kedrodasos take you southwest, Sougia introduces you to the Libyan Sea, Marathi and Seitan Limania explore Akrotiri, and Almyrida opens the door to Apokoronas.
When comparing car rentals, consider more than just the daily price. A comfortable, reliable vehicle and clear rental conditions are especially important when your holiday includes longer journeys through western Crete.
From the huge open coastline of Falassarna to the peaceful atmosphere of Sougia and the wild beauty of Kedrodasos, exploring the beaches in Chania is one of the best ways to understand just how diverse western Crete really is.
A car gives you the freedom to turn each beach visit into something more: a road trip through mountain villages, an unplanned lunch beside the sea, a sunset stop or a discovery you had never included in your itinerary.
For travellers looking for a reliable local option, Ethereal Rental Cars in Chania is a recommended choice for exploring the region at your own pace, with a selection of vehicles for different types of trips. Its website highlights flexible rental options, full insurance at competitive rates and no credit-card requirement.
Choose your beach, pack your essentials and enjoy the road — some of the best parts of Chania begin after you leave the city behind.
