7 stunning destinations · Insider parking tips · Drive times · Best routes from Chania
Two of Crete’s most celebrated beaches sit just 10 minutes apart by car. The only practical way to do both in a single day is with your own rental car from Chania.
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Famous for its rose-pink sand and shallow turquoise lagoon, Elafonisi is one of Europe’s most photographed beaches. Drive to the very end of the parking road until you reach the gate — this minimises your walk to the iconic shoreline. Perfect for families, snorkellers and anyone who simply wants to be stunned.
🌿 Hidden Gem
After Elafonisi, a quick 10-minute drive leads to Kedrodasos — a pristine, uncrowded beach shaded by a natural cedar forest. Far fewer tourists than its famous neighbour and just as beautiful. Come fully prepared: there are no shops or facilities here.
One of Crete’s longest and most beautiful beaches — and one of the easiest to reach. Park the car and you’re already on the sand.
Easy Access
Falasarna’s biggest advantage is its effortless access — the car park sits right at the beach. It faces west, which makes it one of Crete’s best spots for sunsets, with deep red and golden skies reflecting off the water. On your way home, stop at the Grambousa restaurant — a stunning clifftop dining spot with panoramic sea views.
A two-in-one adventure in southern Crete — a spectacular gorge followed by the island’s most exotic palm beach, both on the same road south of Rethymnon.
Nature Walk
This dramatic limestone gorge carved through the mountains of southern Crete is a must-stop on the route to Preveli. The sheer rock walls, rushing stream and wild greenery make it one of the most impressive natural sights on the island.
Unique in Greece
Just 10 minutes further, Preveli is one of Crete’s most iconic and photographed beaches. Descend the stairs for about 15 minutes to discover a rare landscape: a palm forest where a freshwater river flows into the turquoise Libyan Sea — a magical setting found nowhere else in Greece.
One of the most dramatic seascapes in the Aegean — and it’s only 40 minutes from Chania by rental car.
Off the Beaten Path
This narrow fjord-like inlet with impossibly clear turquoise water looks almost Scandinavian — and yet it’s only 40 minutes from Chania. Park at the top and hike down the rocky mountain path for 10 minutes. The unique geography, sheer cliffs and crystal-clear water make the short effort absolutely worthwhile.
Drive to Kissamos, then take the boat to one of the most photographed lagoons in the entire Mediterranean. An unforgettable full-day trip.
Most Photographed in Greece
Drive to Kissamos port (about 40 minutes from Chania), then board the daily boat to Balos — approximately €35 per adult, with children at half price. The combination of a coastal drive and a boat ride to the turquoise lagoon makes this one of the most memorable full-day excursions from Chania. Balos’ white sand, pink shells and warm shallow water are simply unlike anywhere else in Greece.
Drive to the rugged south coast, then discover beaches that are completely unreachable by road — accessible only by boat from Sfakia harbour.
Unique Adventure
Drive south through the dramatic White Mountains to reach Sfakia on the Libyan Sea. From the harbour, take the passenger boat to the car-free village of Loutro — one of the most peaceful places in all of Crete. From Loutro, continue by boat to the stunning Marmara Beach and swim inside its spectacular natural sea caves.
A perfect change of pace from the sea — paddle across Crete’s only freshwater lake, just 40 minutes from Chania by rental car.
Only in Crete
For a break from the sea, head to Lake Kournas — Crete’s only substantial freshwater lake. Surrounded by mountains and olive groves, the crystal-clear water and peaceful atmosphere make it a joy to visit. Rent a water bicycle and spend a relaxed morning paddling under the Cretan sun. An easy half-day trip that pairs beautifully with a beach visit in the afternoon.
Local, family-run car rental in Chania. We deliver to your airport, hotel or Airbnb — no queues, no shuttle buses.
Make the most of your rental car with these ready-made beach day plans.
Combine Elafonisi & Kedrodasos — two stunning beaches back to back. Or head to Falasarna for a relaxed sunset beach day.
Day 1: Elafonisi + Kedrodasos. Day 2: Drive south — Kourtaliotiko Gorge then Preveli Beach for the full southern adventure.
Experience all 7 destinations at your own pace. Mix beach days with Lake Kournas, Balos by boat, and the hidden south-coast gems of Sfakia.
With a rental car from Chania you can easily combine Elafonisi and Kedrodasos in a single day — they are just 10 minutes apart by car. Falasarna is another great one-day option, only 50 minutes from Chania with direct parking access right at the beach.
Absolutely. Public transport in Crete is very limited and most of the best beaches — Elafonisi, Seitan Limania, Preveli — are impossible or impractical to reach without a car. A rental from Chania gives you the freedom to visit multiple beaches in a single day on your own schedule, without waiting for buses or paying for expensive taxis.
Car rental in Chania starts from around €25–30 per day for a small economy car, depending on the season. Fast and Easy Rent a Car offers transparent pricing with no hidden fees and €0 excess insurance available from €10/day — and you can pay by cash or debit card with no credit card required.
