PORTES

A nice option when you don’t have the time to go to a further beach on the skirts of chania. Very crowded at the weekends but still an excellent beach. Prefer to lay on the beach rather than buying an umbrella with the sunbeds. It’s expensive and very “touristic”.

Magnifik strand under icke turistsäsong. Trevliga tavernor och allmänt välordnat. Under sommartid undviker jag kaoset....

First off, it's important to understand that the locals call "Nea Chora" a pretty large piece of shore stretching from the city of Chania to... well, it's hard to pinpoint exactly where it ends, as there's no clear boundary for the beach.

Online reviews can be a bit confusing because they sometimes blend feedback about the beach within the city with that of the free zone.

Regardless, my honest take is that, despite the plethora of positive reviews (likely penned by local business owners), both beaches are rather average (or even below average), especially considering that the Chania region boasts some of the most stunning beaches not just in Greece, but in all of Europe.

1. The beach near the city limits:

Negatives:
- It's quite narrow and tends to get overly crowded.
- The presence of asphalt sidewalks further reduces the available beach space.

Positives:
- Conveniently located at the edge of the city, making it suitable for families with young children or tourists who prefer not to venture far.
- There are numerous bars and taverns nearby where you can dine at more affordable prices compared to the old port area.

2. The beach outside the city:

Pros:
- Conveniently situated right on the outskirts of Chania city.
- Ample spots along the coast offer free beachfront for sunbathing directly on the sand.
- Its considerable length means it doesn't typically get overly crowded, even during peak seasons.
- Here, you have the option to sunbathe topless, which isn't permitted on the other beach.

Cons:
- The sand isn't particularly fine and can be quite gravelly in places.
- Swimming can be hazardous when offshore winds whip up waves.
- In some areas, leaving belongings unattended while going for a swim poses a risk of theft.

Der Nea Chora Beach ist zweifellos einer der bezauberndsten Strände, die ich je besucht habe. Als ich an diesem wunderschönen Küstenabschnitt Kretas ankam, wurde ich sofort von der entspannten Atmosphäre und der natürlichen Schönheit des Ortes verzaubert.

Nice city beach