Stalos Beach
A long, sandy beach on Crete with clear waters, perfect for relaxation, sunbathing, and enjoying stunning sunsets.
Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more space
Stalos Beach
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more space
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A long, sandy beach on Crete with clear waters, perfect for relaxation, sunbathing, and enjoying stunning sunsets.
"Beautiful beach, love it! Highly recommend for vacation!"
🌊 Watch for Waves
Can get windy with strong waves, making it challenging for little ones. Safety first!
👣 Fishy Foot Spa
Small fish might nibble your feet! It's part of the natural experience. :fish:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Expansive Sandy Shores
Stalos Beach
Miles of golden sand perfect for sunbathing and long walks. Plenty of space to spread out.

Crystal-Clear Waters
Stalos Beach
Inviting, clear waters ideal for swimming and floating. Enjoy the refreshing Mediterranean Sea.

Sunset Views
Stalos Beach
Witness breathtaking sunsets painting the sky over the sea. A perfect end to a beach day.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds at Stalos Beach
Getting to Stalos Beach
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🌊 Watch for Waves
Can get windy with strong waves, making it challenging for little ones. Safety first!
👣 Fishy Foot Spa
Small fish might nibble your feet! It's part of the natural experience. :fish:
🛏️ Sunbeds & Bars
Plenty of sunbeds and umbrellas available, often with beach bars nearby. :beach_umbrella:
🚌 Bus to Chania
Local buses connect Stalos to Chania town easily. :bus:
Tips
from all over the internet
🌊 Watch for Waves
Can get windy with strong waves, making it challenging for little ones. Safety first!
👣 Fishy Foot Spa
Small fish might nibble your feet! It's part of the natural experience. :fish:
🛏️ Sunbeds & Bars
Plenty of sunbeds and umbrellas available, often with beach bars nearby. :beach_umbrella:
🚌 Bus to Chania
Local buses connect Stalos to Chania town easily. :bus:
☀️ Quiet in Shoulder Seasons
Surprisingly quiet in May, offering a peaceful beach experience. :sunrise:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Stalos Beach is praised for its long, sandy expanse and clear, inviting waters, offering a relaxing atmosphere with plenty of amenities like sunbeds and beach bars. While generally beautiful, some visitors note that strong waves can occur when windy, making it less ideal for very young children, and the presence of small fish nibbling feet is a unique, if sometimes surprising, feature.
"Nice long beach with a lot of choices for no-pay spots. Great clear not too rocky water. Surprisingly quiet in May"
Nini
"Paralia Kato Stalos: Beautiful but Not Ideal for Families
Paralia Kato Stalos boasts stunning scenery, with its crystal-clear waters and golden sands inviting relaxation. However, the beach's charm is somewhat overshadowed by the strong waves, which can be overwhelming, especially for young children. The lifeguard is strict about venturing too deep into the sea, and understandably so, as the conditions can be hazardous. While this might be disappointing for some, it's clear that safety is a priority. Overall, a beautiful beach, but perhaps best suited for those who enjoy a more adventurous swim."
Ioannis
"I’m surprised it’s NOT crowded. Really nice place to relax and float. No waves (June), but quite rocky (only downside IMO).
Beware there are small fish all around nibbling on your feet 🤣"
Pedro Amaral
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can take a local bus from Chania's central bus station directly to Stalos Beach. Many accommodations are located right on the beach or a short walk away.
No, the bus for the Samaria Gorge hike does not pass through Stalos. You will need to travel to the Chania central bus station to catch it.
Parking is generally available near the beach, especially if you're staying at one of the hotels or apartments in the area.
Yes, Stalos Beach is part of a long stretch of coastline that includes Agia Marina and Kato Stalos, so walking between them is feasible.
The nearest airport is Chania International Airport (CHQ). From there, you can take a taxi or a bus to Chania town and then another bus to Stalos Beach.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Stalos Beach is a public beach, so there is no entrance fee. You only pay if you choose to rent sunbeds and umbrellas.
Stalos Beach is accessible at all hours, as it's a natural beach. Beach bars and facilities may have specific operating times.
It's generally not necessary to book sunbeds in advance, especially outside of peak season. You can usually rent them directly from the beach vendors.
Yes, lifeguards are typically on duty at Stalos Beach, especially during the main tourist season, to ensure visitor safety.
Absolutely! You are welcome to bring your own beach equipment if you prefer not to rent.
🎫 🏖️ Onsite Experience
Stalos Beach features a wide, sandy shoreline. While generally soft, some reviews mention it can be a bit rocky in certain areas.
The wave conditions can vary. While some visitors report no waves in June, others mention strong waves when it's windy, making it less ideal for swimming.
While it's a beautiful beach, the strong waves can sometimes be overwhelming for very young children. Lifeguards are strict about safety.
You'll find sunbeds, umbrellas, and several beach bars and tavernas offering refreshments and food.
Yes, swimming is popular, but be mindful of the wave conditions. The water is generally clear and inviting.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there are numerous beach bars and tavernas along Stalos Beach offering a variety of food and drinks.
You can typically find classic beach fare like snacks, salads, sandwiches, and local Cretan dishes.
Prices are generally in line with typical tourist beach resort pricing. Renting a sunbed often comes with a minimum spend at the associated bar.
Most tavernas will have some vegetarian options like Greek salads and vegetable dishes. Vegan options might require specific requests.
Yes, many beach bars offer service directly to your sunbed, allowing you to enjoy refreshments without leaving your spot.
📸 📸 Photography
The golden hours, just after sunrise and before sunset, offer beautiful lighting for photography. Sunsets are particularly stunning.
Stalos Beach provides a fantastic backdrop for sunset photos, with the sun dipping below the horizon over the sea.
You can capture wide-angle shots of the beach, close-ups of the clear water, and candid moments of people enjoying the sun and sea.
Drone regulations can vary. It's advisable to check local rules and be mindful of other beachgoers before flying a drone.
The long sandy stretch, the clear blue water, beach umbrellas, and the vibrant sunsets are all popular subjects.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
couples
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating Stalos Beach: What to Expect
While the beach is generally praised for its beauty and cleanliness, it's important to note that conditions can change. Some visitors have experienced strong waves, particularly when the wind picks up, which can make swimming more challenging, especially for families with very young children. Lifeguards are present to ensure safety, and they are strict about how far people venture into the water when conditions are rough.
Despite potential wave activity, many visitors find Stalos Beach to be a relaxing place to float and enjoy the Mediterranean sun. The presence of small fish nibbling at your feet is also a common, albeit sometimes surprising, experience for beachgoers. For those seeking a more tranquil visit, aiming for weekday mornings or visiting during the shoulder seasons can provide a less crowded and more serene atmosphere.
Accommodation Options Around Stalos
Popular choices include hotels like the Cretan Dream Royal, Esperides Beach Hotel Apartments, and Tropicana Beach Resort, which often boast beachfront locations and facilities such as pools and restaurants. For those looking for apartment-style stays, options like Irini Stalos Apartments and Hermes Apartments Stalos are frequently mentioned, offering a more independent experience.
When choosing your stay, consider proximity to the beach, available amenities, and reviews regarding noise levels or crowd density. Many accommodations are family-friendly, and some are specifically noted for their suitability for older travelers as well.
Exploring Beyond Stalos Beach
For adventure seekers, the famous Samaria Gorge hike is a popular day trip, though it requires planning and a bus journey from Chania's central station, as direct transport from Stalos is not available. Other nearby beaches like Agia Marina offer similar sandy shores and shallow waters, making them excellent alternatives, especially for families.
If you're interested in exploring more of Crete's natural beauty, consider boat trips or excursions to nearby islands and coves. The accessibility from Stalos makes it a good base for discovering the diverse landscapes and cultural experiences the region has to offer.
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