Beaches · Updated 11 October 2026 · 7 min read
Best beaches in west Crete for babies: Chania and Rethymno
The best beaches in west Crete for babies are Kalamaki, Agia Marina and Platanias near Chania, and the sheltered coves of Bali near Rethymno: sandy, shallow and close to facilities. Elafonisi and Balos are spectacular and shallow, but they mean long drives, little shade and big crowds, so treat them as an early-start day trip rather than an everyday beach.
| Easiest family beaches | Kalamaki, Agia Marina, Platanias (Chania) |
|---|---|
| Calmest on windy days | Bali coves (Rethymno), Agii Apostoli coves (Chania) |
| Longest sandy beach | Rethymno town to Adelianos Kampos |
| Day trips with caveats | Elafonisi, Balos, Falasarna |
| Watch out for | Afternoon north wind, currents at Georgioupoli |
| Best time of day | Before 11:00 and after 16:30 in summer |
Chania beaches for kids
Agia Marina and Platanias
West of Chania town, Agia Marina and Platanias share a long, broad beach of mostly fine sand with some pebbly sections. Hotels and beach bars along the front rent sunbeds and umbrellas, there are lifeguards in season and you are never far from a taverna, a toilet or a supermarket. The beach faces north, so expect waves on windy afternoons and watch for red flags. Loggerhead turtles nest on parts of this coast, so keep clear of marked nests.
Kalamaki and Agii Apostoli
Kalamaki, a few kilometres closer to town, is one of the easiest Chania beaches for toddlers: fine sand, shallow water, lifeguards and good facilities. When the wind is up, the small sandy coves at Agii Apostoli next door are more protected and a good fallback. Both are about 10 minutes from Chania town and 25-30 minutes from Chania Airport.
Georgioupoli
Georgioupoli, about halfway between Chania and Rethymno, has a very long sandy beach that shelves gently in many places. It is also known for currents when the north wind blows, and lifeguards are usually on duty for that reason. Swim near them, stay in the shallows with little ones and follow the flags. Kalyvaki, the smaller beach west of the river mouth, is more sheltered.
Falasarna
Falasarna, on the far west coast about 1 hour 15 minutes from Chania town, is a wide sandy beach with beautiful sunsets. It faces west and is exposed to wind and waves, with afternoon conditions that can turn rough quickly. In the morning, on a calm day, the shallow sandy areas are fine for paddling. Facilities are more limited than at the resorts.
Elafonisi with a baby: worth it?
Elafonisi's shallow, calm lagoon between the beach and the islet is ideal for paddling, and many parents rate it as one of the highlights of their trip. The practical side is harder:
- The drive: about 1.5 to 2 hours from Chania, with a winding mountain section at the end. Babies who get carsick may struggle.
- Shade: very little natural shade. Umbrellas can be rented in summer, but they run out on busy days. Bring a UV tent.
- Crowds: July and August are very busy and the car park fills by mid-morning. Arrive before 10:00.
- Wind: the beach is exposed and the breeze usually builds in the afternoon.
- Strollers: soft sand and protected dune areas make pushing a normal stroller hard. A carrier is easier.
If you go, make it a morning trip in May, June, September or early October, when it is quieter and cooler.
Balos with a toddler
Balos lagoon has turquoise water so shallow that small children can wade a long way out. Getting there is the challenge. The road from Kaliviani is a long, rough dirt track, and many rental car agreements do not cover damage on it. From the car park, a path of about 1 km leads down to the beach and back up again, which is hard work in the heat and not possible with a stroller.
The easier option with a toddler is a boat trip from Kissamos harbour, which usually combines Balos with a stop at Gramvousa island. Check what is included before you book, take a carrier and bring your own shade, water and snacks, as facilities at the beach are basic.
Rethymno beaches for families
Rethymno town beach and Adelianos Kampos
A long sandy beach starts just east of the old town of Rethymno and continues for many kilometres through Platanes to Adelianos Kampos. The sand is golden, the slope is gentle and sunbeds, lifeguards and showers are easy to find. The section nearest the centre is busiest. Like the rest of the north coast, it catches the meltemi, so mornings are calmer. Turtles nest here too.
Bali coves
Bali, about 30 minutes east of Rethymno, has a series of small sandy coves inside a bay that faces west, so they are sheltered from the north wind. Varkotopos is a closed bay with shallow water, and the harbour beach is close to restaurants. Livadi, the largest, is the most exposed. The village is hilly, so expect some steep walks with a stroller.
Plakias
Plakias, on the south coast about 40 minutes from Rethymno, has a long beach of coarse sand and a relaxed village. It is often windy in summer and the sand can sting on gusty days. A stream entering the bay can make the water near the shore feel cool. Smaller beaches nearby, such as Souda, are more sheltered.
West Crete family beaches compared
| Beach | Surface | Shallow water | Wind exposure | Facilities and shade | Good for babies? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Agia Marina / Platanias | Mostly fine sand | Yes | Medium to high | Well organised | Yes, best in the morning |
| Kalamaki | Fine sand | Yes | Medium | Well organised, lifeguard | Yes |
| Georgioupoli | Sand | Mostly | High, currents | Organised, lifeguards | Yes, near lifeguards |
| Falasarna | Sand | In parts | High | Limited | Calm mornings only |
| Elafonisi | Sand | Very shallow lagoon | Medium to high | Little shade, crowded | Yes, as an early day trip |
| Balos | Sand | Very shallow lagoon | Medium | Basic, no shade | By boat, with a carrier |
| Rethymno / Adelianos Kampos | Sand | Gentle slope | Medium to high | Well organised | Yes |
| Bali coves | Sand | Yes (Varkotopos) | Low | Organised, small | Yes |
| Plakias | Coarse sand | Yes | High | Organised | On calm days |
Practical tips for west Crete beach days
- Base yourself near the beach you will use most, so you can come back for naps. Our guide on where to stay in Crete with a baby compares the regions.
- Fly into Chania Airport if you are staying in the west. Rethymno is roughly in between Chania and Heraklion airports.
- Long day trips mean long car journeys, so a comfortable, correctly fitted car seat matters.
- Staying near Heraklion instead? See the best beaches near Heraklion for toddlers.
Rent baby gear for west Crete
Holiday Stork delivers across Crete, including Chania, Rethymno and the west coast resorts. Choose a beach-friendly stroller, an i-Size car seat fitted in your rental car, a travel cot with fresh sheets or a high chair, all steam-cleaned after every rental. Strollers and car seats start from €7.80 per day, VAT included, with a minimum rental of 4 days. Delivery outside the Heraklion area is €26 per booking (€32 in the Chania region). See all baby gear and prices.
