What to do · Chania
Nea Chora beach
Information
- Price
- Free
- Duration
- 3 h
- Who it's for
- All ages
What it is
Nea Chora is Chania's urban beach: a long sandy beach, with some rocky areas, a kilometre west of the centre, along Akti Papanikoli Street. It takes its name from the Nea Chora district, outside the walls, which lives facing the sea, with tavernas along the promenade. Opposite lies the islet of Lazaretta.
It is not the beach for a day trip, but the one you have to hand when you don't want to take the car: a swim in the late afternoon, a morning with small children or a while before a fish dinner.
How to get there
On foot from the Venetian harbour it is about 15 minutes: you leave the harbour by the Firkas fortress side and follow the coast west, leaving the walls on your left. City buses also come. If you come by car, the old town has no room to park: see the parking outside the old town page and finish the stretch on foot.
The beach and swimming
The water is usually calm and the entry is shallow, so it works well with small children, always with supervision. The beach has a blue flag, a lifeguard in season, showers and an area of sun loungers and parasols for hire, as well as some shade from trees. Access is by a paved street and can be reached in a wheelchair.
In summer it fills up, especially at weekends and in the afternoon, when Chania residents come down for a swim. First thing in the morning there is plenty of room.
If you want something quieter, at the western end the beach reaches the mouth of the Kladissos river: a footbridge takes you to Kladissos beach, with fewer people.
Where to eat
The Nea Chora promenade is full of tavernas, mostly fish, with tables looking out to sea, as well as cafés and beach bars. It is the area where locals go to eat fish, away from the harbour terraces. Every summer the neighbourhood also holds a sardine festival, with music, dancing and free fish.
If you prefer to eat in the old town, To Maridaki, in Splantzia, serves fish grilled, fried or stewed.
When to go
From June to September the water is good for swimming. In May and October the sand is pleasant and the water feels cool. At sunset the beach faces west and it is the time with the most atmosphere on the promenade.
Where to sleep nearby
If you want the beach at your door, the Ammos Hotel is facing a sandy beach west of the town, although further from the old town. To sleep in the old town and walk down to Nea Chora, the Casa Delfino is a stroll away.
Tips
- Come late in the afternoon The water is warm, the beach empties and then you eat on the promenade.
- Cross to Kladissos if it's full The river footbridge takes you to a quieter beach.
- Leave the car It is a quarter of an hour's walk from the harbour and parking nearby is difficult.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Nea Chora from the harbour?
About 15 minutes' walk west of the Venetian harbour, a kilometre from the centre.
Is it good for children?
Yes. The entry into the water is shallow and the sea is usually calm. There is a lifeguard in season.
Does it have facilities?
Yes: sun loungers and parasols for hire, showers, a lifeguard in season and lots of tavernas on the promenade.
With young childrenAs a family
