The beach of Maleme, the historic village of Crete, extends to a length of about one kilometer and is actually an extension of the long beach of Platanias. It is just 18 km away from the city of Chania. The beach of Maleme with crystal clear waters is mainly sandy, but in some places the coast has pebbles. There you will find umbrellas and sun beds in front of cafes and restaurants, but most of the space is free. The name Maleme is believed to come from the word “malama” which means gold, because maybe there was a gold mine. A vaulted tomb of the Late Minoan Period was discovered near the beach of Maleme. Maleme is one of the most historic parts of Greece as the airport of the region and the landing point of the German paratroopers during the Battle of Crete in 1941. The Germans who encountered there the heroic resistance of the local population and coalition forces, finally managed to occupy the airport after many losses. It was the first time in the history of the Second World War when the German troops encountered such resistance from the locals, but also the first air raid in history. The 4,500 German paratroopers, who died, are buried in the German cemetery on the hill above the beach of Maleme. Outside Maleme, near the bridge of Tavronitis, is also a monument for the RAF airmen who were killed in battle.
Services
- Length (in meters): 600
- Exposed to winds: Winds N, Winds NW, Winds NE
- Soil Type: Sandy
- Sea Type: Normal Sea-Bed configuration
- Bight: No
- Isolated: Yes
- Parking: Yes
- Disabled Access: No
- Organised: Yes
- Populous: Yes
- Cafe / Restaurant: Yes
- Showers: Yes
See watersports centers in Chania
Source: safewatersports.gr
Stalos Rema beach
Stalos is an excellent sandy beach located in the coastal settlement of Kato Stalos, seven kilometers west of Chania, between Kalamaki and Agia Marina. Stalos is a developed area and attracts a large number of visitors every summer, because it is so close to Chania and you can get there by regular bus service. The beach is very well organized and it offers all possible tourist services. Pano Stalos,... read more
Nea Chora beach
The sandy beach of Nea Chora is close to Chania – just one kilometer away from the city center – and you can get there on foot in 15 minutes. The beach of Nea Chora is long, with golden sand, a few rocks and blue shallow waters and it is very well organized. Due to its proximity to Chania, the suburb of Nea Chora beach has facilities for accommodation and food. There you will find restaurants,... read more
Marathi beach
The coast in Marathi consists of two wonderful beaches, side by side, with white sand and shallow turquoise waters. There are two fully organized beaches, which are almost always windless, unlike other beaches of northern Crete. The beaches of Marathi are separated by a small port and its pier. Marathi is located at the southeastern part of the peninsula of Akrotiri and is 5 kilometers away from the military... read more
Loutraki beach
The beach of Loutraki is located in the homonymous seaside resort 16 km east of Chania town, near the military base at Souda. Loutraki is a closed bay between hills, surrounded by rocky coasts. The sandy beach of Loutraki has clear water and is very well organized, as it has all the necessary tourist facilities. You can rent umbrellas, eat and drink in the taverns and bars of the area and do water... read more
Kalamaki beach
Kalamaki Beach lies in the homonymous seaside resort that is part of the village of Galatas located six kilometers west of the city of Chania. Kalamaki has fine sand and shallow waters. It is a very well organized beach and there you will find umbrellas, showers, lifeguard services, accommodation, food and everything else you need for a relaxing day at the sea. Locals call Kalamaki the area located... read more
Kalathas Akrotiriou beach
Kalathas is a small natural bay on the Akrotiri peninsula, northwest of Chania. The settlement of Kalathas is located 14 kilometers away from the city and 10 km away from Chania International Airport. Kalathas is actually a new settlement created mainly by those who wanted to live a little outside of Chania. Beach of Kalathas is sandy with palm trees, and within 200 meters of the coast there is a small... read more
