Hotels
Platanias and Agia Marina: the hotels we pick on Crete’s long west beach
Along the beach west of Chania lie Platanias and Agia Marina, a favourite of Scandinavian and British holidaymakers for decades. Here is how to choose the right hotel and end of the beach.
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In short: Platanias and Agia Marina
Platanias and Agia Marina sit ten to twelve kilometres west of Chania on the same long sandy beach. Agia Marina is a little quieter, Platanias has most of the nightlife. Both have buses into Chania, and the airport is around half an hour away.
Our first choice: Check availability and prices at Minoa Palace Resort
The beach and the islet
The sand is pale and the water deepens slowly, which makes it good for children. Off Agia Marina lies the islet of Agioi Theodoroi, a reserve for the Cretan wild goat, the kri-kri. It is closed to visitors, but it gives the beach its signature view.
Above Platanias, the old village sits on a hill. Walk up at sunset and you see the whole bay. In summer the sunbeds fill up by midday, so arrive early.
Platanias or Agia Marina?
Platanias has the most bars and restaurants, and in July and August it stays busy late. Agia Marina shares the beach but has a calmer main street. With children, or if you prefer early nights, stay in Agia Marina or just outside central Platanias.
The islet offshore
Agioi Theodoroi, a reserve for the kri-kri wild goat, lies just off Agia Marina. Photo: Evangelos Mpikakis / Unsplash
The hotels we pick
Minoa Palace Resort
Minoa Palace has four outdoor pools, an indoor pool and a spa with hot stone massage. Four restaurants, two pool bars and a beach bar give you plenty of choice. Breakfast and parking are included, and guests praise the staff. There is also a tennis court, a sauna and a steam room.
Best for: families and couples who want everything in one place.
Good to know: The spa offers hot-stone massages and facials, so book early in high season.
Book your stay: Check availability and prices at Minoa Palace Resort
Elia Agia Marina Resort
Elia Agia Marina has an indoor pool, a spa and 24-hour room service. Breakfast and parking are included, and the beaches of Agia Marina and Platanias are close by. It is a good choice in spring and autumn too. The spa offers massages, facials and body treatments.
Best for: couples who want the quieter end of the beach.
Good to know: Sea-view rooms cost more and are worth it here.
Book your stay: Check availability and prices at Elia Agia Marina Resort
Myrion Beach Resort & Spa, adults only
Myrion sits right on the beach in Platanias and only accepts adults. There are indoor and outdoor pools, a spa with sauna and steam room, two restaurants and three bars. Central Platanias is about ten minutes away by car.
Best for: couples who want peace and no children around.
Good to know: It is a five-star hotel a little outside central Platanias.
Book your stay: Check availability and prices at Myrion Beach Resort & Spa
Esthisis Suites Chania
Esthisis Suites is about fifteen minutes on foot from the beaches of Platanias and Agia Marina. There is a pool, a kids pool and suites with a fridge and a microwave. Guests rate it 9.8 out of 10, and the hotel can arrange airport transfers.
Best for: families who want a kitchen and more space.
Good to know: The hotel can arrange airport transfers.
Book your stay: Check availability and prices at Esthisis Suites Chania
Amaryllis Hotel Apartments
Amaryllis has 21 apartments with kitchenettes and balconies, about fifteen minutes on foot from the beach. There is a pool, a kids pool, a pool bar and a café. It is an affordable choice for families who want space. Cots are included, and the hotel can arrange airport transfers.
Best for: families keeping to a budget.
Good to know: It is a one-star property, so expect basic apartments with kitchenettes.
Book your stay: Check availability and prices at Amaryllis Hotel Apartments
Our first choice
Minoa Palace Resort
Minoa Palace is our pick for a classic beach holiday in Platanias. You get four outdoor pools, an indoor pool and a spa, and the hotel has its own beach bar by the sea. With four restaurants you need not go out every night, but the main street of Platanias is close when you do.
More guides to Crete
Frequently asked questions about Platanias and Agia Marina
Where are Platanias and Agia Marina?
Both are on the north coast of Crete, around ten to twelve kilometres west of Chania. Agia Marina comes first as you drive from town, with Platanias just beyond. Chania airport is about half an hour away by car or taxi.
Is Platanias or Agia Marina better for families?
Agia Marina is quieter in the evenings and suits most families best. The beach is the same, long and shallow. Platanias has more nightlife in July and August, so if you stay there with children, pick a hotel just outside the centre.
How do you get from Platanias to Chania?
Coastal buses run often between Platanias, Agia Marina and Chania, and the trip takes about half an hour. A taxi is quicker in the evening. With a hire car it is easy to combine Chania, the western beaches and the mountain villages.
When is the best time to visit Platanias?
June and September bring warm water and fewer people than July and August. May and October suit couples who want things quiet. In high season the beach is full by midday, so go early or late.