Stavros Beach (Crete, 2025 Guide) — Zorba the Greek Filming Location
Why Stavros Beach Is Famous (Zorba the Greek Filming Location)
Stavros Beach, on the northern peninsula of Chania, is one of Crete’s most iconic filming locations.
Here, in 1964, Anthony Quinn danced the legendary “Sirtaki” in the movie Zorba the Greek, turning this quiet bay into a cultural landmark.
The beach itself is a beautiful crescent of soft sand, shallow turquoise waters, and dramatic mountains rising like natural walls around the bay.
It’s a calm and safe place for swimming — especially popular with families and anyone seeking a peaceful day away from crowds.
If you love cinematic landscapes, quiet waters, and the charm of Cretan villages, Stavros is a must-visit stop in the Chania region.
What Makes Stavros Beach Special
1. The Iconic Zorba Mountain
The rocky hill behind the beach is instantly recognizable from Zorba the Greek.
test zur 123
It creates a dramatic backdrop — one of the most photographed spots in northern Crete.
2. Calm, shallow, crystal-clear waters
Stavros is ideal for safe swimming.
The bay forms a natural pool with minimal waves, perfect for families and relaxed snorkeling.
3. Golden sand and a peaceful atmosphere
Unlike large tourist beaches, Stavros still feels local, simple, and authentic.
Even in summer, you can find quiet corners for yourself.
4. Sunset colors over the bay
When the sun drops behind the ridge, the light turns golden — photographers love this moment.
It’s one of the most beautiful sunsets in Akrotiri.
Practical Tips for Visiting Stavros
How to get there
Stavros is about 17 km from Chania, roughly a 25–30 minute drive.
The road is straightforward — perfect even for new drivers.
Parking
Free parking is available around the beach, especially near the tavernas.
Best time to visit
- Morning: calmest waters, best for swimming.
- Sunset: stunning colors for photography.
- Off-season: September and early October are magical.
Nearby food & cafes
Several local tavernas serve fresh fish, Greek dishes, and cold drinks right by the water.
Atmosphere — completely relaxed.
Is Stavros Beach Worth It?
Absolutely.
Whether you come for the cinematic history, the peaceful waters, or just a slow day in a beautiful bay, Stavros Beach offers a timeless charm that you’ll want to revisit.
Local Insight — by Zurab Peikrishvili
I’ve been to Stavros many times — during the day, in the evening, and often just to spend a few
hours fishing. And to be completely honest: this beach is not exactly my place. It’s beautiful,
historic, calm, but for me it feels a bit “bare.” One sandy bay, a couple of tavernas, a quiet
village — and that’s it. Crete has beaches that call you back again and again, like Sougia, where
every sunrise and sunset feels different. Stavros, for me, is a beach you visit once or twice and
you’ve seen it.
But there is one side of Stavros that most visitors never discover. When I came here to fish,
I would walk along the second, rocky bay, casting my line every 50–60 meters, slowly moving
towards the mountain — to the point where only goats climb further. The rocks there are shaped
smooth by the sea, so even with flip-flops you can walk comfortably. It’s a wild, honest coastline,
with nothing but wind, stone, and the sound of waves. I once walked about an hour and a half in one
direction — and the whole time the landscape kept changing: more cliffs, open sea, and complete
silence.
Stavros can also be beautiful at sunset, when the sun drops behind the mountain and the water turns
cold-golden. There are days when the beach gets incredibly crowded — tourists, families, locals,
everyone comes here for a change of scenery. But personally, this place is “just one of many,”
not “the one.” Some visitors love the calm, shallow waters and the cinematic backdrop; others, like me,
are drawn to warmer, cozier corners of Crete. Stavros is different — and it’s exactly this difference
that makes it interesting to explore at least once.
