Hold onto your sunhats, folks, because I’m about to let you in on a secret that’s going to make your Cretan beach dreams come true.
Ever heard of Chiona Beach? No?
Well, you’re in for a treat!
Chiona Beach is a little slice of paradise tucked away in eastern Crete, just 91 km east of Agios Nikolaos and a quick 22 km hop from Sitia.
The first time I laid eyes on Chiona, I thought I’d stumbled onto a movie set.
Picture this: a stretch of whitish sand that feels like powdered sugar under your feet, met by water so blue and clear you can count the fish swimming by.
And the best part? It’s just 2 km east of the charming town of Palekastro.
Now, let’s talk about that name Chiona.
In the local Cretan dialect, it means “carob storehouse“.
Back in the day, this place was bustling with carob traders, loading up ships right from the beach.
Can you imagine?
The beach you’re sunbathing on was once a hub of commerce!
But don’t worry, these days the only trade happening here is the exchange of stress for relaxation.
The beach itself isn’t huge, but what it lacks in size, it makes up for in beauty and calm.
The water is shallow, perfect for those who like to wade more than swim.
And if you’re into beach hopping, you’re in luck.
Just east of the main beach, there’s a string of small coves waiting to be explored.
I stumbled upon these during my wanderings and let me tell you, they’re perfect for those seeking a bit more privacy.
In fact, if you’re feeling brave, some of these spots are popular for nude sunbathing.
No judgment here – just make sure you’ve applied sunscreen everywhere!
Now, if you’re looking for the crème de la crème of beaches in this area, let me introduce you to Bondalaki.
It’s the first sandy beach you’ll hit east of Chiona, and in my humble opinion, it’s the star of the show around here.
But Chiona isn’t just about the beach.
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Look out to sea, and you’ll spot the small island of Grandes.
It’s like nature’s own decoration, perfectly placed to make your beach photos pop.
And for you history buffs out there, right next to the beach at Roussolakkos, you can explore the remains of an ancient Minoan port and settlement.
Talk about swimming through time!
If you’re in the mood for some action, head north to Kouremenos Beach.
It’s the windsurfing capital of Crete, so grab a board and catch some waves!
Or, if you prefer your adventures on solid ground, hike up to the top of Kastri hill on the west end of the beach.
You’ll find the ruins of an old fort and views that’ll make your Instagram followers green with envy.
Trust me, Chiona Beach is the kind of place that makes you want to extend your vacation… indefinitely.
Chiona Beach Key Information
| Features | Description |
|---|---|
| Location | Lassithi Prefecture, East Crete, near Sitia |
| Beach Composition | Whitish sand |
| Water | Blue, Shallow, Usually calm |
| Beach Features | Not too long, Serene, Tamarisk trees |
| Amenities | Slightly organized, Showers, Blue Flag |
| Famous For | Beauty, Serenity, Fish taverns |
| Activities | Swimming, Sunbathing, Snorkeling, Nearby windsurfing |
| Historical Role | Ancient carob trading post, Nearby Minoan ruins |
| Surrounding Region | Small coves, Ancient sites, Windsurfing beaches |
| Atmosphere | Calm, Relaxed, Family-friendly |
| Dining | Famous local fish taverns |
| Accessibility | Paved road, Easy to reach by car |
| Period to Visit | May to October, best in summer |
| Demographics | Families, Couples, History enthusiasts, Beach lovers |
Chiona Beach Profile
Chiona Beach is a postcard-perfect stretch of whitish sand meeting shallow blue waters.
While not the longest beach around, it makes up for it with its serene beauty.
The sand is fine and soft, perfect for long walks or building sandcastles.
The water stays shallow for quite a distance, making it ideal for families with young children or those who prefer to splash rather than swim.
Along the coastline, you’ll find tamarisk trees offering natural shade – nature’s own beach umbrellas!
Amenities
Chiona Beach strikes a nice balance between natural beauty and comfort.
It’s slightly organized, especially near the taverns.
You’ll find basic amenities like showers to rinse off the salt and sand.
The beach proudly flies a Blue Flag, a testament to its cleanliness and water quality.
While you won’t find rows of sunbeds and umbrellas cluttering the beach, the tamarisk trees provide natural shade.
And of course, the nearby taverns offer food, drinks, and a place to escape the midday sun.
Accommodations
While Chiona Beach itself doesn’t have beachfront hotels, there are plenty of accommodation options nearby.
The small town of Palekastro, just 2 km away, offers a range of places to stay, from cozy guesthouses to family-run hotels.
For a wider selection, Sitia, about 22 km away, has everything from budget-friendly rooms to luxury resorts.
Many visitors choose to stay in Palekastro for its proximity to several beautiful beaches in the area, including Chiona.
History and Significance
Chiona Beach isn’t just a pretty face – it’s got some serious history.
The name “Chiona” comes from its past as a carob trading post.
In the days before good roads, ships would dock here to load up on carobs, a popular local crop.
Right next to the beach, at Roussolakkos, you can explore the remains of an ancient Minoan port and settlement.
It’s like taking a swim through history!
The nearby hill of Kastri also boasts the ruins of an old fort, adding another layer to the area’s rich past.
Activities
Chiona Beach offers a perfect mix of relaxation and adventure.
Swimming and sunbathing are the obvious choices, with the shallow, clear waters perfect for a leisurely dip.
Snorkeling is great here too, especially around the small coves to the east.
For the more adventurous, windsurfing at nearby Kouremenos Beach is a must-try.
Hiking up Kastri hill offers both exercise and spectacular views.
And for history enthusiasts, exploring the Minoan ruins at Roussolakkos is like stepping back in time.
Dining
One of the highlights of Chiona Beach is its famous fish taverns.
These local eateries serve up some of the freshest seafood you’ll ever taste.
Imagine finishing a swim and walking straight into a taverna for a plate of grilled octopus or local fish.
The taverns are located right near the beach, offering beautiful sea views as you dine.
Don’t forget to try some local Cretan specialties and wash it all down with a glass of raki!
Best For Travelers
Chiona Beach is perfect for a wide range of travelers.
Families will love the shallow waters and calm atmosphere.
Couples can enjoy romantic walks along the shore or secluded spots in the nearby coves.
History buffs will appreciate the nearby Minoan ruins and old fort.
Nature lovers will enjoy the unspoiled beauty and variety of nearby beaches.
And for those who like a bit of everything in their beach vacation – swimming, eating, exploring – Chiona ticks all the boxes.
And for comprehensive information about everything Crete has to offer, from beaches to mountains to ancient ruins, visit Cretorama.
Chiona Beach Map – Getting There
Chiona Beach is easily accessible by car.
From Heraklion airport, it’s about a 2.5-hour drive east along the coast.
The roads are good, but they can be winding in places, especially as you get closer to the coast.
If you’re coming from Sitia, it’s a quick 22 km drive.
Public buses run from larger towns to Palekastro, from where you can take a short taxi ride or walk to the beach.
However, having a car gives you more flexibility to explore the surrounding beaches and attractions.
Distances from Major Cretan Cities to :
- Chania: Approximately 260 km (162 miles), about 3 hours 45 minutes drive
- Rethymnon: Around 210 km (130 miles), about 3 hours drive
- Heraklion: About 160 km (99 miles), roughly 2 hours 30 minutes drive
- Hersonissos: Approximately 145 km (90 miles), about 2 hours 15 minutes drive
- Malia: Around 135 km (84 miles), about 2 hours drive
- Agios Nikolaos: About 91 km (57 miles), roughly 1 hour 30 minutes drive
- Ierapetra: Approximately 100 km (62 miles), about 1 hour 45 minutes drive
Note: These are approximate distances and times.
Actual travel times may vary depending on road conditions and traffic.
The most convenient way to reach Chiona Beach is by car.
While there are public buses from major cities to Sitia, and then to Palekastro, the frequency is limited and you’d need to take a short taxi ride from Palekastro to the beach.
Renting a car is recommended as it allows you to explore the surrounding beaches and attractions at your own pace.
The roads to Chiona are generally in good condition but can be winding in places, especially as you get closer to the coast.
Before planning your trip, make sure to check the official Crete government website for the latest travel updates and local regulations.
Tips
1. Visit early in the morning or late afternoon for the most serene experience.
2. Bring water shoes if you plan to explore the rocky coves east of the main beach.
3. Pack a snorkel the clear waters are perfect for spotting fish.
4. If you’re planning to visit the nude friendly coves, respect the privacy of others and bring extra sunscreen!
5. Try the local fish taverns they’re famous for a reason.
6. Bring cash some smaller businesses might not accept cards.
7. If you’re into photography, don’t miss the sunset from Kastri hill – it’s spectacular.
For more amazing beaches in this part of Crete, check out our guide to Lassithi Beaches.
For stunning photos of Chiona Beach and other Cretan gems, follow us on Instagram!
Discoceries Around Chiona Beach
| Destination | Distance |
|---|---|
| Roussolakos Minoan Town | 0.4 km (0.25 miles) – Ancient Minoan settlement ruins |
| Fort Paleo Castro | 0.8 km (0.5 miles) – Old fortress remains |
| Petsofas Peak Sanctuary | 0.9 km (0.56 miles) – Ancient Minoan religious site |
| Kouremenos beach | 1.4 km (0.87 miles) – Popular windsurfing spot |
| Grandes Islets | 2 km (1.24 miles) – Small offshore islands |
| Folklore Museum of Palekastro | 2.5 km (1.55 miles) – Local history exhibits |
| Skaria beaches | 2.5 km (1.55 miles) – Series of small beaches |
| Skinias beaches | 2.9 km (1.8 miles) – Beautiful coastal area |
| Maridati beach | 3 km (1.86 miles) – Quiet, unspoiled beach |
| Kokinos Kavos beach | 3.8 km (2.36 miles) – Red cliff beach |
