Characteristics of Stalos (Kato Stalos)

The popular resort of Stalos lies about 8 km west of the regional town of Chania, on the long Chania Gulf. The resort is primarily focused on tourism and attracts a large number of visitors each year, for whom it strives to provide the best possible service.

The seaside resort is also sometimes referred to as Kato Stalos (i.e. "lower Stalos"), because less than 1.5 km further inland, the original village of Pano Stalos (i.e. "higher Stalos") can be found. It's a beautiful and quiet place, ideal for a walk if you want to get away from the bustling tourist traffic on the coast for a while. Thanks to the slight elevation, the village also offers a beautiful view of the surrounding area.

Over time and with new construction, the Stalos area has been connected to the surrounding resorts of Platanias and Agia Marina, and together they now form the largest fun-filled 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.

Stalos is a well-developed resort that offers its visitors quality tourist facilities. There are a variety of hotels, family villas and smaller apartments, surrounded by restaurants, tavernas and bars. Visitors to the resort can also count on a variety of shops, ATM, car rental, petrol station, pharmacy and other necessary services. Nightlife in Stalos is provided by several bars, but it is more alive in the neighboring village of Agia Marina or tourists go to the nearby town of Chania.

The main road runs right through the resort, which tends to be quite busy in the main tourist season. 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.

Legend of the island

The beach of the resort offers a beautiful view of the small island of St. Theodore (Agioi Theodori), located nearby 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 of Agia Marina. 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 in this area is the result of the flames shooting 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.

Stalos beach

The resort includes the beautiful sandy beach of Stalos, which is regularly awarded the EU Blue Flag for its cleanliness and facilities. The beach is covered with fine sand and the coastline descends very gently into the sea, making the area popular with families with children or the elderly.

Stalos is a fairly spacious beach, equipped with sunbeds, umbrellas, beach showers and bars. Everything for the comfort of the visitor. And if you crave a little adrenaline, there is also a water sports centre.

Tips for trips in the area

If you like the spirit of the old Greek villages, you'll have to venture from the resort to the interior of the island, away from the modern world. The original village of Pano Stalos can be reached by a walk, while the nearby White Mountains (Lefka Ori) or the Samaria Gorge can also be a nice excursion tip.

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?

The Stalos resort is suitable for those visitors who are looking for good tourist facilities and quality services. However, with the many hotels, restaurants and entertainment venues, there is also a lively tourist traffic and entertainment during the day and night. For nightlife, tourists tend to head to the neighbouring resort of Agia Marina, which is renowned for this.

The resort also boasts a beautiful sandy beach and green, mountainous surroundings. On the other hand, it lacks the traditional Greek buildings and atmosphere of the real Greek villages. For historical sights and 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: Agia Marina, Daratso, Kato Galatas (Kalamaki - Chania), 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.