Vlites
Region of Crete, Greece: Excellent water quality
Vlites is a sandy beach 4.18 km from Chania in Crete, Greece. It holds Blue Flag certification, meeting strict environmental and safety standards set by the Foundation for Environmental Education. The beach is open July 1 to October 31 and offers free entry.
Quick Overview
Plan Your Visit to Vlites
The key facts before you go
About the Beach
What is Vlites?
Vlites is a sandy beach 4.18 km from Chania in Crete, Greece. It holds Blue Flag certification, meeting strict environmental and safety standards set by the Foundation for Environmental Education. The beach is open July 1 to October 31 and offers free entry.
Lifeguards are on duty throughout the season. Facilities include a refreshment kiosk, disabled access, fresh drinking water, and water-entry assistance. The best months to visit are April, May, and June. Blue Flag status is reviewed annually.
It sits alongside other certified beaches in Region of Crete, part of a broader network of other Blue Flag beaches in Greece certified annually by the Foundation for Environmental Education.
Sunrise, Sunset & Beach Direction
Vlites 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 | Low |
| May | 20°C | 17°C | Low |
| Jun | 24°C | 21°C | Low |
| Jul | 27°C | 24°C | Med |
| Aug | 27°C | 24°C | High |
| Sep | 24°C | 21°C | High |
| Oct | 21°C | 18°C | Med |
| Nov | 18°C | 15°C | Low |
| Dec | 14°C | 11°C | Low |
The best time to visit Vlites 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 Vlites get?Like most Blue Flag beaches in Greece, Vlites sees its highest visitor numbers in July and August. The beach maintains a pleasant atmosphere even in peak season.
Is Vlites open year-round?The beach itself is accessible year-round, though staffed facilities including lifeguards typically operate only during the official season (01-07 – 31-10). The Blue Flag is displayed during the certification period only.
The Water
Swimming and Beach Life at Vlites
Is Vlites safe to swim?Vlites is Blue Flag certified, which requires meeting strict bathing water standards set by the EU Bathing Water Directive. Water quality is rated Excellent. Lifeguards are on duty during the official season.
What is the water temperature at Vlites?Peak water temperature at Vlites 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 Vlites?Vlites is a sandy beach on the Region of Crete coast of Greece. Lifeguards are on duty throughout the season. Facilities include a refreshment kiosk, disabled access, fresh drinking water, and water-entry assistance. The best months to visit are April, May, and June. Blue Flag status is reviewed annually.
Does Vlites have good facilities?As a Blue Flag certified beach, Vlites meets the Foundation for Environmental Education's standards for facilities and services. Trained lifeguards are on duty during the season. The beach has disabled access facilities.
Vlites 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 Vlites
How do I get to Vlites by car?Vlites is approximately 4.18 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 Vlites?The nearest airport is Heraklion International "Nikos Kazantzakis" Airport (HER), approximately 102.9 km away.
Can I get to Vlites by public transport?Public transport options vary by season. Check local transport authority websites for current bus and train schedules connecting to Chania.
Nearby
Near Vlites
Mapped toilets, bus stops, cafés, parking, and shops within about 500 m of Vlites. Distances are walking-line estimates from the beach pin.
Map loads when you ask. Tiles stay off the first paint.
Map: OpenStreetMap (ODbL)
Cafés near Vlites
- ΜΕΛΤΕΜΑΚΙ RESTAURANT AND BEACH BAR Restaurant 41 m
Parking near Vlites
- Parking Parking 23 m
- Parking Parking 432 m
Supermarket near Vlites
- Supermarket Supermarket 275 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 | ✓ On duty during official season |
| Disabled Access | ✓ Accessible site facilities and water entry |
| Showers | ✗ |
| Toilets | ✗ |
| Official Season | 01 Jul – 31 Oct |
| Beach Type | Sandy beach |
| Visiting Information | |
| GPS Coordinates | 35.4963°N, 24.0611°E |
| Water Quality | Excellent (EU Bathing Water Directive) |
| Blue Flag Operator | Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), Greece |
Frequently Asked Questions
Vlites FAQ
Is Vlites suitable for children?
Vlites has a child-friendly score of 6/10. Facilities include lifeguards and disabled access. It is Blue Flag certified in Greece.
Is Vlites free to access?
Access to Vlites 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 Vlites?
The best time to visit Vlites 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 Vlites?
Vlites 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 Vlites?
Vlites is located in Region of Crete, Greece. It is approximately 4.18 km from Chania. The nearest airport is Heraklion International "Nikos Kazantzakis" Airport (HER), 102.9 km away. By car is the most flexible option. Check local transport authority websites for current bus and train schedules to the area.
Are there cafés near Vlites?
Yes. OpenStreetMap lists a café or restaurant near Vlites, including ΜΕΛΤΕΜΑΚΙ RESTAURANT AND BEACH BAR (41 m). Hours and seasonal opening are not verified here. Check on the day. © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).
Is there parking near Vlites?
Yes. OpenStreetMap maps parking 23 m from Vlites, with 2 lots or spaces inside about 500 m. Charges and time limits are not recorded here. © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).
Is there a supermarket near Vlites?
Yes. OpenStreetMap maps a supermarket 275 m from Vlites. Walking-line distance; confirm opening hours locally. © 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 Vlites
- 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.