Platanias Beach West of Chania for Sand, Sunsets and Nights Out
Platanias beach is located in the homonymous village 11km west of Chania, Crete. The area has grown so much that now is essentially a suburb of Chania. Platanias village is built on a hill with fantastic sea views. On summer evenings, the large entertainment area flooded with people, Greeks and foreigners, who have fun until the morning. Platanias is one of the most popular tourist resorts in Crete and is so close to Agia Marina beach, which have essentially merged into a single large tourist area.
The area around Platanias beach is ideal for those who want to spend their holidays by the sea. One of the biggest beaches in Crete stretches east and west from Platanias in length that reaches a total of 7 km.
The beach is a lovely, well-organized huge beach, offering bars, umbrellas, showers, canteen, water sports etc. On windy days, you can enjoy swimming, east of the local harbor, near Agia Marina. There are consecutive artificial creeks, which provide protection from the waves.
Platanias is the ideal destination for people who like the frenetic fun, but nevertheless you will see many families with babies and young children to enjoy their vacations because it is a place that offers everything. Villas in Platanias are offered in a great variety. If you choose a villa in Platanias, you will have a number of facilities, easy access to the beach and wonderful sea view.
Access to Platanias Beach
You can get there by following the National Road from Chania to Kissamos. Leaving the highway you will arrive at a large crossroads and opposite you will see a sign pointing to Platanias and Agia Marina, and a second one to Maleme and Kolymbari. Turn right on and after one kilometer you will see the sign welcoming you in Platanias. The walking distance from the city center, the wonderful beach and regular bus service, have made Platanias beach the most popular near Chania.
Quick answers
What is Platanias like?
Platanias is one of the busiest resorts in Crete: a village on a hill with sea views, above a long organised beach, with the liveliest bars and clubs on the Chania coast, busy until morning in summer. It has grown into one resort with Agia Marina, yet many families with young children holiday there too.
How far is Platanias from Chania?
About 11 km west of Chania town, on the coast towards Kissamos. From the national road, leave at the junction signed for Platanias and Agia Marina and turn right; the village begins a kilometre later. A regular bus runs between Chania and Platanias, so the old town is easy to reach without a car.
Is Platanias beach good for swimming?
Yes. The beach is organised with sunbeds, umbrellas, showers, bars and water sports, and it is part of a stretch of sand about 7 km long. On windy days, swim east of the harbour towards Agia Marina, where a line of artificial coves keeps the waves out and the water calm.
Is Platanias a good place to stay?
It is if you want everything close by: the beach, tavernas, bars and shops, with Chania a short bus ride away. For quieter evenings, stay up the hill in the old village or in a villa just outside the resort, still only minutes from the sea and the nightlife.
Where can I stay near Platanias?
Cretico has 12 villas within 5 km of Platanias, many of them with a private pool and sea views, so you can have the beach and the resort nearby and a quiet place of your own. All of them are a short drive from Chania town and from the beaches west of it. See our villas in Chania
Stay nearby
Villas near Platanias
The closest private pool houses we look after, all within a short drive of Platanias.
