Marathi Beach (Crete, 2025 Guide) — Golden Sands & Calm Waters
Marathi Beach is one of the calmest and most family-friendly beaches near Chania — a golden-sand coastline with shallow turquoise waters, seaside taverns, and soft sunsets reflecting across Souda Bay. The beach consists of two bays protected from strong winds, making it ideal for swimming, relaxing, and slow summer moments.
How to Get to Marathi Beach
Marathi Beach lies about 15 km east of Chania on the Akrotiri Peninsula. The ride takes 20–25 minutes by car, following a scenic coastal road with views over Souda Bay. Free parking is available along both bays, though it fills quickly on weekends in July–August.
Best Time to Visit
Because Marathi is sheltered from northern winds, the water stays calm even when other beaches are rough.
• Morning: crystal-clear water and peaceful atmosphere.
• Afternoon: perfect for families and swimmers.
• Sunset: soft reflections over the bay and great golden-hour light for photography.
What to Expect on the Beach
1. Calm, shallow turquoise waters
Both bays are ideal for children and non-swimmers. The seabed is sandy, the water stays shallow for a long distance, and waves are rare.
2. Organized and clean coastline
Sunbeds and umbrellas are available in summer, along with showers and changing cabins. The beach is well-maintained and easy to navigate.
3. Two different bays to choose from
One bay is quieter with more space, while the other has several tavernas and a livelier atmosphere.
Restaurants and Taverns Nearby
Marathi Beach is famous for its seaside taverns, where tables stand just steps from the water. Fresh fish, Cretan salads, and sunset dinners make Marathi a favorite among locals and visitors alike.
Marathi Beach for Families
This is one of Crete’s best family beaches thanks to calm waters, natural shade in the morning, soft sand, and easy access from the parking area.
Sunset Photography Tips
Marathi’s sunsets are soft and pastel — perfect for slow-shutter photography or silhouette shots. Best locations are the natural rocks between the two bays and the small pier near the taverns.
Local Insight — by Zurab Peikrishvili
Marathi is a beach I’ve visited many times, and one place I always return to is the restaurant Loukoulos. It’s the first restaurant on the right when you arrive. I know the owner, Valentin, for many years. He’s a calm, friendly and intelligent guy. We’ve visited each other, talked many times, and it’s always nice to see him.
I still remember my first evening there. Chania is a small town — if you don’t know someone, they probably know you. That evening we met a lot of familiar faces, and we sat on the terrace with a clear view of the sea. It was simple and pleasant. Valentin came by for a short chat, just a few minutes, but it added a nice touch to the evening.
One thing I really appreciate about his place is the bread. Every morning, Valentin’s father wakes up early to bake fresh homemade bread. They serve it to every table, and it gives the restaurant a very warm, family feeling.
The food is good and the portions are fair. A meal for two with fish, salad, beer or half a kilo of wine usually costs around 50–60 euros, depending on what you order. It’s always honest and consistent.
Marathi itself has two bays. The right side is more active with tavernas and people. The left side is quieter and shallow, good for families. There is also one free parking area on the left, which is useful because in summer the whole area becomes very busy.
If you walk about 5–10 minutes, there is a small hidden cove. Many tourists don’t know about it. It’s a nice spot, but personally it never became my favorite. Sometimes a place is beautiful, but not your place — that’s fine.
One more thing: a new 5★ hotel complex is opening on the left side in 2026. You can already see the area changing — new roads, better infrastructure. When the hotel opens, Marathi will become even more popular and more developed. It’s moving to the next level.
Even with all this, I often go to Loutraki in the evenings — it’s only 10 minutes away. Everyone has their own favorite spot, and I’ll write about mine soon.
