Stalida Beach Crete
A long, sandy beach with warm, shallow waters perfect for families and relaxation. Offers water sports and affordable amenities.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temperatures
Stalida Beach Crete
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temperatures
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A long, sandy beach with warm, shallow waters perfect for families and relaxation. Offers water sports and affordable amenities.
"Great sandy beach with crystal clear water, perfect for children and those who don't swim."
💰 Sunbed Bargains
Look for sunbeds around 10€ or less. Some places offer free ones with drink purchases! :euro:
👨👩👧👦 Kid-Friendly Waters
The water is shallow and warm, ideal for children and those learning to swim. :child:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Shallow, Warm Waters
Near Lukas Taverna
Perfect for non-swimmers and families, the water is warm and gets deep very slowly. Enjoy the gentle waves without worry.
Parasailing Adventure
Various water sports operators
Experience the thrill of parasailing with friendly and professional operators who ensure a safe and exhilarating ride.
Wide Sandy Expanse
Central Stalida Beach
Enjoy ample space on this beautiful sandy beach, ideal for relaxing, sunbathing, and building sandcastles.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds & Heat
Sunbeds & Amenities
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
💰 Sunbed Bargains
Look for sunbeds around 10€ or less. Some places offer free ones with drink purchases! :euro:
👨👩👧👦 Kid-Friendly Waters
The water is shallow and warm, ideal for children and those learning to swim. :child:
Day trip suggestion in the east part of the island
🚤 Water Sports Fun
Try parasailing for an unforgettable experience with caring operators. :rocket:
🧴 Sun Protection is Key
The sun is strong! Bring plenty of sunscreen, hats, and consider an umbrella. :sunwithface:
Tips
from all over the internet
💰 Sunbed Bargains
Look for sunbeds around 10€ or less. Some places offer free ones with drink purchases! :euro:
👨👩👧👦 Kid-Friendly Waters
The water is shallow and warm, ideal for children and those learning to swim. :child:
🚤 Water Sports Fun
Try parasailing for an unforgettable experience with caring operators. :rocket:
🧴 Sun Protection is Key
The sun is strong! Bring plenty of sunscreen, hats, and consider an umbrella. :sunwithface:
🎧 Music Etiquette
Be prepared for loud music from beach bars; bring headphones if you prefer quiet. :musical_note:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Stalida Beach is praised for its warm, shallow waters and sandy shores, making it ideal for families and non-swimmers. Visitors appreciate the availability of affordable sunbeds and water sports. However, some reviews note concerns about water cleanliness and the density of sunbeds, which can limit personal space.
"Great sandy beach with crystal clear water. Near the Lukas taverna the beach is the widest and there are no rocks and it gets deep very slowly, perfect for children, but they charge for sunbeds 15 euro for a pair. Other places like Ocean have free sunbeds and the beach is still good, just a few rocks easy to avoid in good weather, but some of the sunbeds are stuck in place so you can't move around the sun/shade. There is no room for beach towels (sunbeds everywhere) and almost no natural shade from trees."
Silviu Vladuleasa
"Lovely beach, sandy no stones, its not deep and the water its warm in June, cheap sunbeds, around 10€ or less. In some resorts you get sunbeds for free but you have to buy drinks from the bar. I personally got the 10€ sunbeds and i was bringing my own drinks. One of the best beaches in Crete for people that don't know to swim and dosent like cold water."
Alex
"this was totally awesome for me & my wife.....
we chose the parasailing & the guys there really looked after us in every way....
this is something we would both definitely do again, especially with these people & would definitely recommend as they are so good at their job & so caring, thank you guys
👍🏼😎"
Scott Priddey
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Stalida Beach is easily accessible by car, taxi, or local bus services that run frequently along the coast. It's located between Malia and Chersonissos, making it a convenient stop.
Yes, there are parking areas available, though they can fill up during peak season. Arriving early is recommended.
Absolutely! Stalida Beach is within walking distance from parts of Malia and Chersonissos, offering a pleasant coastal stroll.
From Heraklion, you can take a local bus heading east towards Agios Nikolaos, which will stop in Stalida. Taxis or a rental car are also options.
The coastal road itself offers scenic views. For a slightly different perspective, consider a drive through the nearby hills before descending to the coast.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Stalida Beach itself is free to access. You only pay for optional services like sunbeds or water sports.
The beach is open 24/7, but facilities like sunbeds and water sports operators have their own operating hours, typically from morning until early evening.
Generally, you don't need to book sunbeds in advance, especially if you're flexible with location. However, during peak times, popular spots might fill up quickly.
Yes, some beach bars offer free sunbeds if you purchase drinks or food from their establishment.
Sunbed prices typically range from 10 to 15 euros for a pair, though this can vary between different sections of the beach.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The area near Lukas Taverna is highly recommended for families due to its wide sandy expanse and very shallow, warm waters.
While some areas have a few rocks that are easy to avoid, the beach near Lukas Taverna is known for being rock-free and gradually deepening.
Popular water sports include parasailing, jet skiing, and banana boat rides. Operators are readily available on the beach.
Stalida Beach can get quite crowded, especially during the summer months and midday. Visiting early morning or late afternoon is advised for a more relaxed experience.
You'll find sunbeds, umbrellas, water sports centers, and nearby tavernas and bars offering refreshments and food.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there are numerous tavernas and restaurants along the beachfront and main road offering a variety of Greek and international cuisine.
Many beach bars and tavernas are situated right on the sand, offering convenient food and drink service to your sunbed.
While some restaurants can be pricier, you can find more affordable options by exploring slightly off the main beachfront strip or opting for snacks from local bakeries.
Yes, there are mini-markets and convenience stores along the main road where you can purchase drinks, snacks, and beach essentials.
You'll find traditional Greek dishes, fresh seafood, and international favorites. Many places offer beachfront dining with sea views.
📸 📸 Photography
Golden hour, just after sunrise or before sunset, offers beautiful lighting for stunning beach photos. Midday can be harsh but good for capturing the vibrant blue sea.
The wide sandy stretches, the clear turquoise water, and the colorful sunbeds offer great photographic opportunities. The coastline stretching towards Malia and Chersonissos is also picturesque.
Capture action shots of parasailing, jet skiing, or simply the reflections of the sky on the water. The vibrant colors of the equipment add to the visual appeal.
Drone regulations can vary. It's advisable to check local rules and be mindful of other beachgoers' privacy before flying a drone.
Find a spot on the sand or at a beachfront bar. The sun dipping below the horizon, casting warm hues across the water, makes for a spectacular photo.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider opting for sunbeds that come with free access by purchasing from a beach bar, as this can be more economical for families. While the beach can get busy, arriving early can help secure a good spot. Pack plenty of snacks and drinks from nearby mini-markets to keep energy levels up. The availability of water sports also offers entertainment for older children and teens.
💰 Budget Travelers
Bring your own water and snacks purchased from local mini-markets rather than relying solely on beachfront vendors. While water sports are an option, they can be pricey. Focus on enjoying the free amenities: the sand, the sea, and the sunshine. The beach itself is free to access, so you can always bring your own towel and find a spot on the sand if sunbeds are too expensive.
couples
Consider renting a pair of sunbeds in a slightly more secluded spot if available, or enjoy a leisurely lunch at one of the beachfront tavernas with sea views. The option of parasailing together can add an element of shared adventure and excitement to your day.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Understanding Stalida Beach's Charm
The beach is characterized by its wide sandy shores, which can become densely packed with sunbeds during peak season. While this ensures comfort and convenience, it also means natural space for laying towels can be limited. Many beach bars and tavernas line the shore, offering food, drinks, and often free sunbeds in exchange for patronage. The water clarity is generally good, though occasional reports mention microplastics or petroleum stains, possibly from nearby boat traffic.
Beyond sunbathing and swimming, Stalida Beach is a hub for water sports. Visitors can enjoy activities like parasailing, jet skiing, and banana boat rides, with operators readily available. The beach's location also makes it a convenient base for exploring other parts of eastern Crete, with towns like Mochlos and Agios Nikolaos within a reasonable driving distance.
Navigating Sunbeds and Services
It's worth noting that the density of sunbeds can vary. Some areas are packed tightly, leaving little room for personal towels, while others might offer more space. Some reviews mention that sunbeds can be fixed in place, limiting your ability to adjust for optimal sun or shade. It's advisable to scout a few spots before settling, or to arrive earlier in the day to secure a preferred location.
Beyond sunbeds, you'll find beach bars offering a range of beverages and snacks. Mini-markets along the main road are also convenient for stocking up on essentials like water, sunscreen, and snacks at potentially lower prices than beachfront establishments.
Water Activities and Thrills
Other available activities include jet skiing, banana boat rides, and potentially other inflatable watercraft. These are operated by various vendors along the beach, so you can shop around for the best option. While these activities add an element of excitement, they also contribute to the beach's lively atmosphere and can sometimes be a source of noise.
For those seeking a more relaxed water experience, the gentle slope of the beach into the sea is perfect for casual swimming and paddling. The warm water temperature, especially in June, makes it comfortable for extended periods in the sea.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit