About

Marathi Beach

Marathi sits on the inner coast of the Akrotiri peninsula, tucked into a quiet inlet just 14 kilometres from Chania. The beach is actually two small sandy coves separated by a rocky point, both shaded by a line of old tamarisk trees that provide natural cover during the hottest part of the day. The water is calm, relatively shallow, and the sandy bottom slopes gently into the sea.

The beach has a genuinely local atmosphere. It is popular with Chania residents who visit on summer evenings for a swim and dinner at the waterfront fish taverna, which has been serving fresh local catch for decades. This is not a destination for travellers seeking a dramatic or remote setting, but rather a pleasant, well run beach with good food close to the city.

Marathi works well as a half day trip combined with a visit to Stavros or Seitan Limania nearby. The Akrotiri peninsula has a good paved road network, so combining two or three beaches in a single outing by car is straightforward. Early morning visits to Marathi, before the tamarisk shade shifts, are particularly pleasant.

Essential Info

Plan Your Visit

Distance from Chania

14 km from Chania (20 min)

Best Season

April to November

Water Type

Calm shallow sandy bay

Facilities

Sun loungers, fish taverna, toilets

Parking

Small free car park at the beach

Note

Famous for its traditional fish taverna serving local catch

Live Weather

Insider Tips

What You Need to Know

🐟Book a table at the waterfront fish taverna for a long lunch. Fresh catch grilled simply is the order of the day.
🌿The tamarisk trees provide natural shade that most Cretan beaches lack. Arrive by 10 am to secure a shaded spot.
🔗Combine Marathi with Stavros beach (5 km) and Seitan Limania (10 km) for a full Akrotiri day trip.
🌊The inner bay is calm even when wind picks up on the north coast, making Marathi a reliable option in variable weather.
🚗Parking is free and usually available, even in summer, thanks to a small car park right at the beach.

Getting There

Rent a Car — Explore Crete Freely

Marathi is just 14 km from Chania, making it the most accessible great beach on the Akrotiri peninsula. Ideal for a quick swim and fresh fish lunch.

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