Stavros Beach
A picturesque, sheltered bay famous for 'Zorba the Greek,' offering calm, shallow waters and a dramatic rocky backdrop.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Stavros Beach
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A picturesque, sheltered bay famous for 'Zorba the Greek,' offering calm, shallow waters and a dramatic rocky backdrop.
"Crystal clear, shallow water and a sandy beach, perfect for families and relaxing holidays."
🎯 Arrive Early for Best Spots
Beat the crowds and secure a prime spot on the sand by arriving before 10 AM.
💰 Sunbed Prices Can Be High
Due to its fame, sunbeds can be pricier here. Consider bringing your own towel if budget is a concern.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The 'Zorba the Greek' Filming Location
The entire bay
Stand where Anthony Quinn danced! This beach is legendary for its iconic movie scenes.

Crystal Clear, Shallow Waters
The main bay
Perfect for families and relaxed swimming, the water is incredibly clear and calm.

Dramatic Rocky Backdrop
North side of the bay
The striking, bare mountain overlooking the bay offers a unique and picturesque setting.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds for a Peaceful Dip
Embrace the 'Zorba' Vibe
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Arrive Early for Best Spots
Beat the crowds and secure a prime spot on the sand by arriving before 10 AM.
💰 Sunbed Prices Can Be High
Due to its fame, sunbeds can be pricier here. Consider bringing your own towel if budget is a concern.
👨👩👧 Family-Friendly Waters
The shallow, calm, and clear water makes it ideal for families with young children.
🚗 Easy Access & Parking
Conveniently located about 20 minutes from Chania, with generally easy parking available.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Arrive Early for Best Spots
Beat the crowds and secure a prime spot on the sand by arriving before 10 AM.
💰 Sunbed Prices Can Be High
Due to its fame, sunbeds can be pricier here. Consider bringing your own towel if budget is a concern.
👨👩👧 Family-Friendly Waters
The shallow, calm, and clear water makes it ideal for families with young children.
🚗 Easy Access & Parking
Conveniently located about 20 minutes from Chania, with generally easy parking available.
🍽️ Nearby Tavernas Available
Several tavernas and bars are within walking distance for snacks and meals.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Stavros Beach is praised for its incredibly calm, shallow, and clear waters, making it a top choice for families. Its iconic status from 'Zorba the Greek' adds a unique charm, though some find the sunbed prices high. The beautiful rocky backdrop and easy access from Chania are also significant draws.
"I liked it here even if it was crowded. At around 10:00 there were very few here.
An iconic beach because of the movie and that is why the sunbeds and umbrellas cost more than anywhere else.
The water is shallow, crystal clear! The beach is sandy, absolutely clean! There is a life guard.
Ideal for families with children."
Victoria Lengei
"Very nice, with clean and calm water - perfect for swimming! Good to know that this is one of the beaches at Stavros - the other one also seems good but not so much when it is windy."
Boryana Boteva
"Surprisingly beautiful. Clear blue water, shallow and calm. Easy to drive to. 20 mins to airport. Great stopover if u have plane to catch in the late afternoon. 3 restaurants nearby if u don’t bring any food. Parking is easy too. Sunbeds available for rent. Highly recommended."
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What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Stavros Beach is easily accessible from Chania town, located about 20 km away. You can drive there in approximately 20-30 minutes, and parking is generally available. Local buses also frequently run from Chania to Stavros, making it a convenient option for those without a car.
Yes, Stavros Beach is quite close to Chania International Airport (CHQ), making it a great stopover if you have a late afternoon flight. The drive is around 20 minutes.
Driving offers the most flexibility, especially if you plan to explore other areas of the Akrotiri peninsula. However, the bus service is reliable and a good budget-friendly option.
Taxis are available in Chania and can take you to Stavros Beach. It's advisable to agree on the fare beforehand or ensure the meter is used.
While Stavros is on the Akrotiri peninsula, which has other beaches like Seitan Limani and Kalathas, walking between them might be challenging due to the terrain. Driving or taking a taxi is recommended for exploring multiple beaches.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there is no entrance fee to access Stavros Beach itself. You can enjoy the sand and sea for free.
Sunbeds and umbrellas are available for rent, but prices can be higher than at other beaches due to the location's fame. Some visitors have reported prices around €45 for two beds, though this can vary.
It's not typically necessary to book sunbeds in advance, but arriving early, especially on weekends or during peak season, is recommended to ensure availability.
Generally, you are welcome to bring your own towels and beach chairs. This can be a cost-saving alternative to renting.
Stavros Beach is a public beach and is accessible throughout the day and evening. Lifeguards are typically present during daylight hours in the summer season.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The water at Stavros Beach is renowned for being crystal clear, shallow, and incredibly calm, making it perfect for swimming and ideal for families with children.
Absolutely! The shallow, calm, and sandy nature of the water makes Stavros Beach one of the best beaches for families with young children in the Chania region.
Stavros Beach features a soft, sandy shoreline, which is comfortable for lounging and walking.
While the focus is on relaxation and swimming, you might find some basic options like snorkeling. The calm waters are great for exploring underwater.
Yes, there is typically a lifeguard on duty at Stavros Beach during the main swimming season to ensure visitor safety.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there are a couple of tavernas and bars located right on or very near Stavros Beach, offering snacks and meals.
You can expect typical Greek seaside fare, including fresh seafood, salads, and local Cretan specialties.
Bringing your own food and drinks is generally permitted, which can be a good option for saving money.
Yes, there are beach bars where you can grab a refreshing drink while enjoying the sun and sea.
While there are snack bars, for a more substantial meal, the nearby tavernas offer a good selection of Cretan dishes.
📸 📸 Photography
The dramatic rocky mountain backdrop is a must-capture. Also, frame shots of the tranquil, shallow bay and the iconic beach setting.
Early morning or late afternoon offers the best light for photography, with softer shadows and a beautiful golden glow.
Yes, you can recreate iconic movie moments or capture the general atmosphere that made the film famous. Look for angles that highlight the unique landscape.
The contrast between the rugged mountains and the calm, turquoise water provides a unique visual. The pinkish hue of the sand in some areas can also be a striking element.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive bay and mountain. A polarizing filter can enhance the colors of the water and sky.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🎬 Film Buffs & Culture Seekers
🚗 Day-Trippers from Chania
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The 'Zorba the Greek' Legacy
While the film brought Stavros to global attention, the beach itself is a natural beauty. Its sheltered bay offers calm, shallow waters perfect for swimming, and the sandy shore is ideal for sunbathing. The limited development around the beach has helped preserve its unspoiled charm, making it a tranquil escape despite its Hollywood ties.
Navigating Stavros Beach: Practicalities for Visitors
Once at the beach, visitors will find amenities like sunbeds and umbrellas for rent. However, it's worth noting that due to the beach's popularity, these can be more expensive than at less famous locations. Many visitors opt to bring their own towels and beach gear to save costs. The presence of a lifeguard during peak season adds an extra layer of security, particularly for families.
For sustenance, several tavernas and beach bars are situated nearby, offering a range of food and drink options from quick snacks to full meals. This convenience means you can easily spend a full day here without needing to venture far for refreshments. The shallow, clear waters are the main draw, making it an excellent spot for a relaxing swim or for children to play safely.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit