Kalathas
Region of Crete, Greece: Excellent water quality
Kalathas is a beach located 6.98 km from Chania in Crete, Greece. It holds the Blue Flag award, which means the water quality, environmental standards, and visitor safety meet strict annual criteria set by the Foundation for Environmental Education. The beach is open throughout the…
Quick Overview
Plan Your Visit to Kalathas
The key facts before you go
About the Beach
What is Kalathas?
Kalathas is a beach located 6.98 km from Chania in Crete, Greece. It holds the Blue Flag award, which means the water quality, environmental standards, and visitor safety meet strict annual criteria set by the Foundation for Environmental Education. The beach is open throughout the season, though you should check local water safety conditions before swimming. April through June offer the best visiting conditions with fewer crowds. July and August are peak season and significantly busier. The Blue Flag status makes it a reliable choice for families and swimmers looking for a well-maintained beach.
It sits alongside certified beaches along Region of Crete, part of a broader network of certified beaches throughout Greece certified annually by the Foundation for Environmental Education.
Sunrise, Sunset & Beach Direction
Kalathas faces east toward Mediterranean Sea. The best light for photography and swimming is typically in April, May, June. Direct sun hours follow that facing.
Planning
When to Go: Month by Month
| Month | Air Temp | Water Temp | Crowds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 13°C | 10°C | Low |
| Feb | 14°C | 11°C | Low |
| Mar | 14°C | 11°C | Low |
| Apr | 17°C | 14°C | Med |
| May | 20°C | 17°C | Med |
| Jun | 24°C | 21°C | Med |
| Jul | 27°C | 24°C | High |
| Aug | 27°C | 24°C | High |
| Sep | 24°C | 21°C | Med |
| Oct | 21°C | 18°C | Low |
| Nov | 18°C | 15°C | Low |
| Dec | 14°C | 11°C | Low |
The best time to visit Kalathas is April, May, June. Air temperatures peak around 26.5°C in summer. Peak water temperature reaches 23.5°C in July.
How crowded does Kalathas get?Like most Blue Flag beaches in Greece, Kalathas sees its highest visitor numbers in July and August. The beach maintains a pleasant atmosphere even in peak season.
Is Kalathas open year-round?The beach itself is accessible year-round, though staffed facilities including lifeguards typically operate only during the official season (typically July–September). The Blue Flag is displayed during the certification period only.
The Water
Swimming and Beach Life at Kalathas
Is Kalathas safe to swim?Kalathas is Blue Flag certified, which requires meeting strict bathing water standards set by the EU Bathing Water Directive. Water quality is rated Excellent. The beach does not have lifeguards stationed on the beach. Swim with appropriate caution.
What is the water temperature at Kalathas?Peak water temperature at Kalathas reaches around 23.5°C in July, making it comfortable for swimming during the summer months. In winter (January), air temperatures average 12.5°C.
What is the beach like at Kalathas?Kalathas on the Region of Crete coast of Greece. It meets all Blue Flag criteria for environmental management, water quality, safety, and facilities.
Does Kalathas have good facilities?As a Blue Flag certified beach, Kalathas meets the Foundation for Environmental Education's standards for facilities and services. Parking is available nearby.
Kalathas sits on the Mediterranean Sea: explore all Blue Flag beaches on the Mediterranean.
Planning a trip to Greece? How Greece earns the most Blue Flags , our editorial guide to certified beaches across the country.
Transport
Getting to Kalathas
How do I get to Kalathas by car?Kalathas is approximately 6.98 km from Chania. Follow local road signs to the beach. Check Google Maps or a local map for the most current directions.
What is the nearest airport to Kalathas?The nearest airport is Heraklion International "Nikos Kazantzakis" Airport (HER), approximately 102.4 km away.
Can I get to Kalathas by public transport?Public transport options vary by season. Check local transport authority websites for current bus and train schedules connecting to Chania. The nearest recorded bus stop is 441 m from the beach.
Nearby
Near Kalathas
Mapped toilets, bus stops, cafés, parking, and shops within about 500 m of Kalathas. Distances are walking-line estimates from the beach pin.
Map loads when you ask. Tiles stay off the first paint.
Map: OpenStreetMap (ODbL)
Bus near Kalathas
- KALATHAS Bus stop 441 m
- Bus stop Bus stop 454 m
Cafés near Kalathas
- Lena Beach Hotel Restaurant Restaurant 489 m
Parking near Kalathas
- Parking Parking 99 m
Source: © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL). Names and positions come from mapped OSM features. Confirm on site.
Practical Details
Practical Information
| At the Beach | |
| Entry | Free: no charge to access the beach |
|---|---|
| Lifeguards | ✗ |
| Showers | ✗ |
| Toilets | ✗ |
| Official Season | June – September |
| Beach Type | Coastal beach |
| Parking | ✓ Available nearby (surface parking) |
| Nearest supermarket | 490 m from the beach |
| Nearest bus stop | 441 m from the beach |
| Visiting Information | |
| GPS Coordinates | 35.5510°N, 24.0797°E |
| Water Quality | Excellent (EU Bathing Water Directive) |
| Blue Flag Operator | Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), Greece |
Frequently Asked Questions
Kalathas FAQ
Is Kalathas suitable for children?
Kalathas has a child-friendly score of 1/10. Facilities include parking. It is Blue Flag certified in Greece.
Is Kalathas free to access?
Access to Kalathas is free. There are no entry fees to enter the beach. It is a Blue Flag certified beach in Region of Crete, Greece, recognised for meeting international standards for water quality and environmental management.
When is the best time to visit Kalathas?
The best time to visit Kalathas is April, May, June. The peak season typically runs High season: July, August, when weather conditions and facilities are at their best. Peak water temperature reaches around 23.5°C in July. Outside peak season, the beach is quieter but some facilities may be reduced.
What is the water quality at Kalathas?
Kalathas is Blue Flag certified, which requires meeting strict EU Bathing Water Directive standards. Water quality is rated Excellent. Blue Flag certification is awarded and reviewed annually by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE). Beaches must pass water quality tests throughout the season to retain their status.
How do I get to Kalathas?
Kalathas is located in Region of Crete, Greece. It is approximately 6.98 km from Chania. The nearest airport is Heraklion International "Nikos Kazantzakis" Airport (HER), 102.4 km away. By car is the most flexible option. Check local transport authority websites for current bus and train schedules to the area.
Is there a bus near Kalathas?
Yes. OpenStreetMap maps a public-transport stop 441 m from Kalathas (KALATHAS), plus 1 more within about 500 m. Check current timetables before you travel. © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).
Are there cafés near Kalathas?
Yes. OpenStreetMap lists a café or restaurant near Kalathas, including Lena Beach Hotel Restaurant (489 m). Hours and seasonal opening are not verified here. Check on the day. © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).
Is there parking near Kalathas?
Yes. OpenStreetMap maps parking 99 m from Kalathas. Charges and time limits are not recorded here. © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).
Explore More
Nearby Blue Flag Beaches
Editorial
From the Zeach Blog
Everything you need to know about what makes a beach qualify for Blue Flag status, from water quality to environmental education.
Read moreOur editorial team's pick of the standout Blue Flag beaches in Greece, rated for family friendliness, scenery, and facilities.
Explore GreeceWhat the flag actually means, how certification works, and why a Blue Flag is a genuinely reliable signal, not just a marketing tool.
Read moreSources
- Foundation for Environmental Education: Blue Flag programme
- FEE site listing for Kalathas
- Hellenic Society for the Protection of Nature (EEPF)
- European Environment Agency: bathing water quality
Last verified September 2026. National operator pages and FEE listings are the primary certification sources.