Characteristics of Gerani

The seaside town of Gerani lies about 14 km west of the regional town of Chania, between Platanias and Maleme. It is situated in a beautiful green valley with olive and citrus groves, which used to be the main source of income for the locals. Gerani is one of the quieter areas of the western part of Crete, but it is increasingly developing and visitors can rely on its good tourist facilities.

Around the coast, close to the beautiful sandy beach, there are several larger hotel complexes with modern facilities (bars, swimming pools, sports and playgrounds, children's animation clubs, etc.). Inside the town, however, there are many other accommodation facilities, mainly smaller hotels, family villas and individual apartments, often surrounded by green gardens and bushes. Visitors can also visit several restaurants and taverns, or rent a car or scooter and explore further afield.

Most of the tourist services are located on the main promenade of the town. For nightlife and more shopping, tourists head to the neighbouring resort of Platanias or the nearby regional town of Chania.

The name of the village "Gerani" refers to the way water is drawn from the local wells. This name is used for the very simple method of drawing water from the wells using a wooden fork on which a flat piece of wood is placed horizontally and a bucket filled with water is pulled up using a counterweight. According to some scientific theories, Gerani is the actual site of the ancient city of Kydonia.

Coast around the resort and Gerani beach

The resort is surrounded by a beautiful, approximately 2.5 km long sandy beach Gerani. Most of the town's social life and tourist activity takes place here, so Gerani truly deserves the name "beach resort". However, Gerani beach does not feel crowded even in the peak tourist season. It is well organised and there is a lifeguard to ensure the safety of visitors.

Gerani beach is equipped with sunbeds and umbrellas, showers and toilets. Visitors can also take advantage of the local beach bars and sports clubs, which offer the chance to try out some unusual water sports and enjoy a bit of adrenaline. There are several nice restaurants near the beach, shops with various goods and other tourist services.

Gerani beach is covered with fine sand and sometimes smaller pebbles. The coastline slopes gently into the sea and the water is beautifully clear, so it is no wonder that Gerani is a popular destination for family holidays. Near the beach there are several small tamarisk trees which can provide pleasant shade on hot summer days.

Be careful when walking on the beach, however, as Caretta caretta turtles have taken a liking to parts of it and lay their eggs in the sand between May and September. These hatch into baby turtles, which then go back to the sea. Nature conservationists mark these nests with a wooden tripod with information about being respectful to the turtles.

Tips for trips in the surroundings

Gerani is an ideal place for hiking and soaking up the old Greek atmosphere, as there are several traditional Greek villages in close proximity to the resort. Head further inland from the coast and visit villages such as Manoliopoulo, Modi, Loutraki, Pano Gerani and Vrisses. You'll walk through beautiful green countryside and, thanks to the hilly terrain, you'll also have a beautiful view of the coastline and the island of St. Theodore, which lies nearby in the sea.

The nearby White Mountains (Lefka Ori) or the Samaria Gorge can also be a nice excursion.

Thanks to the town'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. The neighbouring resort of Platanias can also be reached on foot (about half an hour along the beach). Platanias is a much busier resort than Gerani and offers more entertainment and nightlife.

Water lovers and active children will love a trip to Limnoupolis Park, the largest water world in western Crete. You can also take an interesting day trip to the Elafonissi Nature Reserve with its beautiful sandy beaches and especially the unique Elafonissi beach. The beaches and coastline around the dunes of Falassarna are also interesting, and the beaches of Gramvousa or Balos are also beautiful.

Who is the centre suitable for?

We would recommend the Gerani resort especially to those tourists who are looking for peace and relaxation on their holiday. Thanks to the facilities of the large hotels along the coast and the beautiful sandy beach, you can spend the whole time of your stay on your own and you don't even have to leave the resort. However, don't expect any big tourism, entertainment or interesting historical sights from this little town. Families with smaller children often come here.

Gerani can also be an ideal starting point if you plan to travel around the western part of Crete. The main road running along the north coast of the island passes through the resort, connecting the towns of Chania and Kolymbari.

Gerani (Chania) vs. Gerani (Rethymnon)

Gerani is located in the prefecture of Chania, but there is another village of the same name in Crete, this time in the prefecture of Rethymnon. Beware of confusion. The second village, Gerani, is smaller and located about 7 km west of the regional town of Rethymno, near Kamari beach.

More touristic destinations of Crete

Close resorts: Maleme, Platanias (Chania)

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.