Gerani Beach

Gerani is located 13 km west of Chania, between Maleme and Platanias and according to some researchers could be the site of ancient Kydonia. Nowadays, Gerani is a popular resort that attracts international and domestic visitors. The beach has a length of more than 2.5 km and is inside the Gulf of Chania. To the east, Platanias, Agia Marina and Agioi Apostoloi are also popular destinations. Some parts of the beach attract loggerhead turtles (Caretta Caretta); visitors need to pay attention so they don’t disturb any nesting spots.

The beach is organized with all the desired amenities for visitors. Numerous hotels line up the beachfront and offer sunbeds, umbrellas, showers and changing rooms. Also, the lifeguard ensures the safety of bathers. Nevertheless, you can still find quiet stretches of sand to place your towel and belongings away from the beach bars. The long stretch of beach is perfect for leisurely walking; it takes approximately half an hour to reach Platanias. There are also frequent public buses that connect this area to the centre of Chania. West of Gerani we find Maleme, mostly known for the World War II German Military Cemetery, and as the place, German paratroopers landed. The area is also of archaeological interest, and a Late Minoan tholos tomb is located nearby. The distance from the cemetery to the site is less than a 5-minute walk. Unfortunately, the tomb was looted sometime in the 20th century and later damaged due to the bombing during World War II; as such not much remains of the original structure.

Visitors flock to this area for the way it combines easy access to the beach and a wealth of activities on offer. Kissamos is only 25 km from Gerani, and attracts visitors for the ferry connection to Balos Lagoon and the island of Gramvousa on the northwestern tip of the island. Falassarna is another majestic beach located near Kissamos that is popular with windsurfers and water sport enthusiasts. If you are in the area, you can also stop at Ano Vouves, a small village where you can find one of the oldest olive trees. The tree is still producing fruit and there is a small shop where you can buy extra virgin olive oil from.