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Marathi Beach
Two shallow sandy bays on Akrotiri, about 17 km east of Chania: normal road access into the beach area, short walks and a more sheltered setting in summer winds.
Today: swimming only conditionally suitable during the day
24 °C · Wind 6 km/h · Rain 0 % · Waves 0.3 m
Weather data by Open-Meteo.comFor guidance, not a safety guarantee.
How this place fits into a Crete day
Choose Marathi when you want an easy beach stay near Chania: two sandy bays, little walking and food nearby. Their south-facing position can help when exposed coasts are windy, but it is no weather shield. Look elsewhere for real seclusion; here, the appeal is an uncomplicated visit when swimming conditions cooperate.
- Time on site
- 90–150 minutes
- Walking
- about 3 minutes
- Road access
- paved
- Crowds
- moderate
Strong if you want
- • facilities
- • families
- • snorkelling
- • swimming
Less suitable if
- • you mainly want an undeveloped beach without visitor facilities. Marathi works best for the short distances between sand, harbour and tavernas.
What can change the decision
For your actual day we also check your starting point, travel date, real driving time and how this place works with your other stops.
More about this place
Marathi sits on the Akrotiri Peninsula near Chania and brings together two south-facing sandy bays. Short walks from the beach area and restaurants nearby make it easy to spend proper time by the water. When more exposed coasts are windy, its relatively sheltered setting can be especially appealing.
That convenience also makes Marathi popular in high season. It is not necessarily where you will find an empty secret beach. And even a sheltered bay cannot promise calm seas: check wind, waves and conditions for the actual day before deciding whether to swim.
The normal road leads into the beach area, with only the final few minutes on foot. Use public or designated parking and allow for changing availability. Marathi works when you want an uncomplicated swim, an easy meal and a relaxed stretch of the day without a long approach hike.
Before you set off
Getting there
Drive to the Marathi beach area, then continue only a few minutes on foot. Follow local access and signage.
Parking
Use public or designated parking in the beach area; availability varies by time and season.
Check the latest weather, wind and swell before you go.
Sources, freshness & corrections
Good to know before you go
Evidence basis
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- Location & coordinates
Source class: specialist source
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Plan your Crete day
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