Tersanas Beach is a small coastal bay on the western side of the Akrotiri peninsula, near Chorafakia and north-east of Chania. The central area has shallow water and mostly pale, mixed-colour sand. To the right, the coast becomes rocky and the water gets deeper. I visit this side regularly for fishing.
Location and Access
- From Chania Old Town: approximately 13–15 km, or around 25–30 minutes by car.
- From Chania Airport: approximately 9–10 km.
- Nearest village: Chorafakia.
From Chania, drive towards Akrotiri and Chorafakia, then follow the local road down to Tersanas. A car or scooter is the simplest option. Tersanas is also listed by Chania’s official tourism website as accessible by city bus, but departure times should be checked on the official Chania Urban Bus website.
Parking
There is no official car park. Visitors use available roadside spaces in the small settlement, without blocking the road or entrances. If you find a space near the beach, the walk to the sand takes roughly one minute.
Sand, Swimming and Wind
The main swimming area has a sandy, gradual entry and shallow water near the shore. The sand is mixed rather than completely white, although pale sand is more noticeable. This central section is the easiest part for families with children.
The right side is different: the seabed becomes rocky, the footing is uneven and the water is deeper. It is better suited to experienced swimmers and fishermen than to children entering the sea.
Tersanas should not be treated as reliably protected from northern wind. Check the wind and sea conditions before visiting. During my visits in 2026, the beach has generally not been overcrowded, although conditions and visitor numbers can change from one day to another.
Facilities
- Sunbeds.
- Shower.
- Toilet.
I do not have a confirmed current price for the sunbeds. I have also left out information about a café or beach bar because I cannot currently confirm it.
Fishing on the Right Side
The rocky right side is the part I know best. The water is deeper, and the hard, uneven seabed regularly catches fishing tackle. Bring extra hooks and expect to lose some of them.
One of the fish known locally as zaragana can be caught here. Wear sturdy sandals or old trainers on the rocks; the surface is rough, and I have worn out more than one pair of shoes here.
Choose a stable place to stand and never cast near swimmers. Do not enter private property, and remove all discarded line and hooks when leaving.
When to Visit
Summer mornings and late afternoons are more comfortable because the sun is less intense. Outside the main season, Tersanas is quieter and more practical for fishing. I have also swum here in early January on a sunny day, although winter conditions depend entirely on the weather.
Nearby Beaches
You can combine Tersanas with Stavros Beach or the larger Kalathas Beach. Both are a short drive away on the Akrotiri peninsula.
Tersanas is best understood as a small local beach with two distinct sections: a shallow sandy centre for swimming and a rocky right side for fishing.
