A Mini Guide to Nea Chora Beach, Chania, Crete

After my first failed attempt at hiking Samaria Gorge, a relaxing beach day was much needed! We didn't fancy spending another couple of hours on a bus, so we decided to walk from Chania Old Town to Nea Chora Beach.

It's one of the closest beaches to the Old Town, making it an easy escape when you fancy some time by the sea. We rented a pair of front-row sunbeds for €15 and spent the afternoon taking a dip in the warm water, taking photos and relaxing.

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Where to stay in Nea Chora: Top Picks

5 minutes to beach and free parking	Light House Chania
For a boutique apartment stay	Iro City and Beach Boutique Homes
For a 5 star experience	Chania Flair Boutique Hotel

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Is Nea Chora Beach nice?

I really enjoyed our afternoon at Nea Chora Beach; it was exactly what we needed. We didn't have to travel far from Chania; it’s around a 20-minute walk. It wasn’t long before we were on the beach with our sunbeds, a book in hand, unwinding after our 5 am start.

It has that classic European beach holiday feel, with rows of sunbeds and umbrellas, plenty of restaurants and cafes along the promenade, and all the facilities you need, including showers and changing rooms. You can order food straight to your sunbeds. The sand can be pebbly, but it didn't bother us.

We went in early July, and even though we arrived later in the day, there were plenty of sun loungers available to rent. While it does get busy, I never felt like it was overcrowded.

Things to do at Nea Chora Beach

There's more to Nea Chora than spending the day lounging on a sunbed. If you're staying in the area, you can use it as a base for exploring other parts of Crete, with several organised tours offering hotel pick-up in Nea Chora. These include trips to Kourtaliotiko Gorge Waterfalls and excursions to Elafonisi Beach.

If you're visiting on a Thursday, it's also worth stopping by the local farmers' market on Meletiou Piga 19. You'll find a range of fresh produce and local Cretan products, making it a good place to pick up something to take home.

And if you’re by the port of Nea Chora harbour, there are various boat trips and mini cruises you can take that include swimming, snorkelling, and paddleboarding.

Golden Beach is also a short bus ride away on bus No. 21 or roughly a 20 - 30 minute walk from Nea Chora. As the name suggests, it has beautiful sandy beaches along the coastline.

Where to eat near Nea Chora Beach

We ended up at Christina's Snack Bar, which was right behind our sun loungers. We were feeling too lazy to wander for food, so it was an easy choice for lunch!

If you'd prefer to explore the waterfront or try something different, there are several restaurants worth checking out:

KAIKI: A great option if you're in the mood for fresh seafood, KAIKI focuses on locally sourced produce and fish caught straight from the boat.

Fama Greek Restaurant: Serving traditional Cretan dishes with generous portions, Fama is a great option if you’re looking for a hearty meal.

Manos Taverna: Set beside the harbour with a welcoming vibe, Manos Taverna serves fresh fish and traditional Greek dishes, with generous portions that are ideal for a long lunch by the water.

Where to stay near Nea Chora Beach

Apartments close to the beach

Light House Chania - 5 Min to Beach and Free Parking

A comfortable, well-equipped apartment in a quiet residential area, just a short walk from the beach, supermarkets and restaurants. The centre of Chania is around 15-20 minutes away on foot, so you can enjoy a quieter location without being too far from the action.

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Iro City and Beach Boutique Homes

A spacious, beautifully maintained apartment just a couple of minutes from Nea Chora Beach, with restaurants, supermarkets and a bakery right next door. Chania Old Town and the Venetian Harbour are around a 15-minute walk away, making it a convenient base for exploring.

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Casa Gardenia, a modern apartment next to the beach, near Old Town

A comfortable, fully equipped apartment just a minute from the beach and around a 10-minute walk from Chania Old Town. The rooms are well maintained, with comfortable beds and a balcony for enjoying the evenings.

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Nea Chora beach hotels

Chania Flair Boutique Hotel

An elegant and modern hotel that offers a 5-star experience; you’re close to the port and the Old Town. There are sunbeds available for guests, with the beach just a couple of minutes away.

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Casa Enetiko

Offering several types of rooms, Casa Enetiko is around 2 minutes from the beach and 10-15 minutes from the Old Town harbour. Tastefully decorated, it’s a lovely property.

 

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How to get to Nea Chora Beach from Chania Old Town

Getting to Nea Chora Beach is easy, even without a car. It's around a 15- 20-minute walk from Chania Old Town.

If you'd rather not walk, you can also take bus number 20, which runs between Lentariana and Nea Chora, or take a taxi for a short ride.

Is Nea Chora Beach worth visiting?

Yes! Nea Chora is an easy choice if you fancy some beach time without travelling far from Chania Old Town. It's also worth considering as a place to stay if you'd prefer to be closer to the beach rather than right in the historic centre.

It's not the most secluded beach, but it’s accessible, and I really enjoyed the mix of locals and tourists.

With waterfront restaurants, plenty of facilities and easy access to the sea, I'd definitely recommend adding it to your Chania itinerary.

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