Marathi is where Chania families go when the north wind is blowing. Two small sandy coves on either side of a fishing pier, inside Souda Bay, facing south towards the White Mountains. Because of where it sits, the water stays calm and shallow even on windy days. It is not a dramatic beach; it is a reliable one, with sunbeds, tamarisk shade, water sports and fish tavernas a few steps from the sand.
| From Chania | About 17 km, 25 minutes |
|---|---|
| Beach | Two sandy coves, shallow and calm |
| Facilities | Sunbeds, umbrellas, showers, toilets, Seatrac for wheelchair users, tavernas |
| Water sports | Kayak, SUP, pedalos, boat rental |
| Parking | Free, full by late morning at weekends |
| Best for | Families, windy days, a long fish lunch |
What It Is Like
The pier divides two sandy coves, and both stay shallow for a long way. The right-hand cove has more tamarisk shade. Across the water, about 500 m out, is the islet of Palaiosouda, which strong swimmers reach. In the morning the light over the bay and mountains is beautiful. On the beach you will see a curved ancient wall: the remains of ancient Minoa, the old harbour settlement here.
What Recent Visitors Keep Saying
- “Calm when everywhere else had waves”, which is the main reason people come.
- “Packed with locals at weekends”: tables for Sunday lunch are hard to find without booking.
- “Some stones near the pier.” Water shoes help children.
- “Sunbeds close together” in July–August, and shade under the trees goes by 10:30.
Food
Several fish tavernas sit on or right behind the beach, with locals as their main customers. Order the fish of the day simply grilled. Ask the price per kilo first. On summer weekends, book or arrive before 13:00. The tavernas past the pier on the right are usually less full.
Getting There
By car, head towards Akrotiri and follow signs for Marathi/Loutraki; the road is paved all the way. In summer, a city bus runs from Chania to Marathi (about 45 minutes); check current times. By taxi, it is under 30 minutes, but book the return; there is no Uber or Bolt.
Where to Stay
Most visitors come from Chania town, 25 minutes away, and combine Marathi with Seitan Limania and the monasteries in one day.
FAQ
Is Marathi good for children?
One of the best near Chania: shallow, calm, facilities and food right there. Bring water shoes.
Why is it calm when other beaches have waves?
It faces south inside Souda Bay, so the summer north wind (meltemi) blows from behind the land rather than onto the beach.
Combine With
- Seitan Limania: about 10 km, dramatic cove; go early, then come to Marathi for lunch.
- Stavros: the Zorba lagoon.
- Agia Triada and Gouverneto (Gouverneto closed Wednesday and Friday).
- Aptera: you can see the hill across the bay; a short drive round.
Local tip: Midweek in June or September, swim before 10:00 while the bay is like glass, then stay for a long fish lunch and drive back slowly through the olive groves of Akrotiri.
