Characteristics of Agia Marina beach

The beach forms part of the eponymous resort of Agia Marina, located in the Gulf of Chania, about 10 km west of the beautiful historic town of Chania. Agia Marina is a modern and well-equipped resort and together with the neighbouring resorts of Platanias and Stalos, it functions as the largest entertainment resort for the western part of Crete.

Agia Marina is a beautiful sandy beach with a gentle entrance to the sea and azure clear waters. Due to the shallow sea, families with small children are often seen here, but even in strong northerly winds, larger waves can rise. We recommend following the instructions of the lifeguards. The beach is long and quite spacious, stretching for up to 2.5 km and connecting to the neighbouring beaches of Platanias and Stalos at its end.

Agia Marina is one of the most popular and well-equipped beaches on the north coast of Crete. Sun loungers with umbrellas and beach showers are commonplace here, and there are also several restaurants, tavernas and bars nearby. There are sports clubs offering a variety of adrenaline-pumping water attractions and a lifeguard to keep visitors safe.

If you want to lounge on another beach, we recommend visiting Gramvousa, Balos, Falassarna or Elafonisi. Water lovers can also try the Limnoupolis water park near Chania.

The Legend of St. Theodore's Island

Directly opposite the beach, only about 400 m from the shore, you will see the small island of St. Theodore (Agioi Theodori) in the sea. Legend has it that a large sea monster lived here and was about to swallow all the inhabitants of the small village. But then Poseidon, the god of the seas, intervened and turned the sea monster into stone. And it still juts out of the sea today. It's also said that the golden colour of the sand was caused by the flames that shot out of the monster's mouth.

Today, the island is a protected conservation area and the public is banned from entering. In recent years, however, a few boats have been granted exemptions, so a limited number of visitors can see the island. On the islet are the remains of the church of St. Theodore and the remains of an old Venetian fortress, built in 1574 to protect the area from Turkish raids. Otherwise, the island is home to the protected Cretan goat Kri-Kri.

More touristic destinations of Crete

Close beaches: Nea Chora (Chania) Beach, Platanias Beach

Most favourite beaches of Crete: Amoudara Beach (Heraklion), Balos Beach, Elafonisi Beach, Falassarna Beach, Glyka Nera Beach (Sweet Water), Matala Beach, Platanias Beach, Preveli Beach, Stalis Beach, Stavros Beach, Vai Beach, Voulisma Beach, Xerokampos Beach

Resorts, beaches, sights or trips - clearly listed on the map of Crete.