Characteristics of Agia Marina

The popular resort of Agia Marina lies about 10 km west of the regional town of Chania, on the long Chania Bay. The resort's primary focus is on tourism and making it as comfortable as possible for the many tourists who come here each year. The picturesque nature of the place is enhanced by the abundance of greenery that stretches all the way to the coast, which at least partially balances the extensive development of the local hotels.

Not much remains of the original village of Agia Marina, only some of the old houses up on the hill above today's tourist resort. The church of Agia Marina, which gave the place its name, also stands here.

The resort of Agia Marina quickly responded to the demand from tourists and today has very good tourist facilities. There are a variety of hotels (often really luxurious with private pools and other facilities), family villas and smaller apartments, surrounded by restaurants, tavernas and bars. Visitors to the resort can also count on a variety of shops (including a large shopping centre), an ATM, car rental, petrol station, police station, pharmacy and doctor. The centre of Agia Marina also comes alive at night, with local discos and nightclubs providing entertainment.

Over time and with new construction, Agia Marina has been connected to the neighbouring resorts of Platanias and Stalos, and together they now form the largest entertainment holiday resort in the western part of Crete, where visitors can enjoy not only a lively social life and quality tourist facilities, but also a beautiful sandy beach and a host of water activities. Similarly, the Hersonissos - Stalida - Malia resort works for the eastern part of Crete.

Directly through the resort passes the main road, which tends to be quite busy in the main tourist season, both with cars and many buses. If you rent a car, you will be in one of the neighbouring resorts or the beautiful town of Chania in no time. On the other hand, this noisy road can spoil the overall impression of the resort centre.

The legend of the island

Directly opposite the main beach of Agia Marina, only about 400 m offshore, 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.

The coastline around the resort and Agia Marina beach

Agia Marina is bordered by a beautiful and long sandy beach, which stretches for up to 2.5 km and naturally merges with the beaches of the neighbouring resorts. The main beach of the resort bears the same name - Agia Marina beach, and you can easily walk along it to either Platanias beach (to the west) or Stalos beach (to the east).

The sandy coastline around the resort slopes gently down to the sea and the crystal clear water makes it popular with families and couples. Like the resort itself, Agia Marina beach is quite busy and well organised. Visitors can make use of the sunbeds and umbrellas as well as the nearby tavernas and sports clubs.

Tips for trips in the surroundings

Right in the resort you can visit the local Folklore Museum or walk up to the old village of Agia Marina. If you like the spirit of old Greek villages, you'll have to head inland to the interior of the island, away from the modern world. The nearby White Mountains (Lefka Ori) or the Samaria Gorge can also be a nice excursion tip.

Less than 2 km south of the village is the Nerospilia cave, which boasts amazing stalagmites and stalactites. Unfortunately, it is on private land and the public is not allowed to enter.

Thanks to the village's good transport links, you'll be in one of the neighbouring resorts in no time or visit the nearby picturesque historic town of Chania. You can rent a car in the resort and there is a reliable public bus service. If you want to lounge on another beach, we recommend Gramvousa, Balos, Falassarna or Elafonisi. Water lovers can also try the Limnoupolis water park near Chania.

Who is the centre suitable for?

Agia Marina is suitable for those visitors who are looking for good tourist facilities and quality services on their holiday. However, with the many hotels, restaurants and entertainment venues, there is also a lively tourist traffic and entertainment during the day and night. Tourists also head to the neighbouring resort, which is famous for its nightlife.

The resort also boasts a beautiful sandy beach and green surroundings. On the other hand, it lacks the traditional Greek buildings and atmosphere of the real Greek villages. For historical sights and a traditional Greek way of life, we recommend going elsewhere, but it can serve very well as a starting point for travelling around the western part of Crete, for example.

More touristic destinations of Crete

Close resorts: Daratso, Gerani, Kato Galatas (Kalamaki - Chania), Platanias (Chania), Stalos

Most favourite resorts of Crete: Adelianos Kampos, Agia Marina, Agios Nikolaos, Heraklion (Iraklion), Hersonissos, Chania, Ierapetra, Kalamaki (Matala), Malia, Platanias (Chania), Rethymno, Stalis

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