On the northwest coast of the Akrotiri Peninsula near Hania (the island's capital until 1971), this stunning beach inhabits a circular sandy cove with magnificent rock mountains looming beyond. With shallow, calm waters, it's a mellow and relaxing

(+) More

On the northwest coast of the Akrotiri Peninsula near Hania (the island's capital until 1971), this stunning beach inhabits a circular sandy cove with magnificent rock mountains looming beyond. With shallow, calm waters, it's a mellow and relaxing place to sunbathe and swim, even for toddlers. Unlike other parts of Crete, the limited tourist development (just a smattering of bars and tavernas) has left the beach in its pristine whitewashed fishing village state. No wonder Stavros Beach is as popular with locals as it is with tourists. The bare arid mountain hump on one side of the bay was the location for the Academy Award-nominated movie Zorba the Greek, starring Anthony Quinn.

(-) Close