Agia Marina: Sandy Beach and Thodorou Island

Agia Marina is a coastal resort with sandy beaches; Agia Marina Beach is approximately 2.5 km long. Opposite the beach lies the island of Agioi Theodoroi, also known as Thodorou, whose distinctive elongated shape provides a clear geographical landmark. The beach and island therefore form part of the same coastal landscape, but have different characteristics: the sandy beach shapes the experience by the water, while the nearby island adds its own landscape and history.

Beach, Island and Getting There

The beach has sun loungers, umbrellas and lifeguard services; their availability may vary seasonally. A large Venetian fortress was once built on the nearby island to protect the area from pirates. The island is also home to a population of protected Cretan wild goats, known as Kri-Kri. The area thus brings together beach features, a historic defensive structure and a protected animal population.

The beach can be reached from Chania by regular public bus services. The frequency and service details may change, so check the current timetable before travelling. When choosing a holiday apartment, you can consider the focus of your trip: if you are mainly planning beach days, consider Agia Marina when searching for a holiday apartment. Travelling by bus and the seasonally variable availability of beach services are separate points to take into account when planning.

Chania: Cultural and Natural Highlights in the Wider Destination

The wider destination of Chania offers other, distinct highlights. Chania Old Town’s historic lanes feature Venetian mansions, old hammams, minarets and churches. Chania’s Venetian Harbour was built in the 14th century for trade and to protect against pirate raids. The Δημοτική αγορά, Chania Market, is considered a landmark of the city by locals and visitors alike. Together, the Old Town, harbour and market provide an urban cultural setting that differs from the beach-oriented character of Agia Marina.

The permanent exhibition at the Archaeological Museum of Chania also explores the history of the regional unit: it occupies three halls on the ground floor and one on the upper floor, and presents archaeological evidence spanning several centuries. The exhibition areas are thus spread across two floors.

The historic village of Theriso was the seat of the Cretan rebels during the 1905 revolution under Eleftherios Venizelos. The Historical and Folklore Museum of Theriso is housed in the former headquarters of Venizelos and the Theriso movement of 1905. The Eleftherios Venizelos Gorge, through which visitors reach the historic village of Theriso, is 6 km long in total. The history, museum and gorge stand alongside one another as distinct aspects of the wider destination of Chania.

Akrotiri has small coves and beaches suitable for recreation and tourism. In the northern hills, nature remains largely undisturbed by human activity; the landscape is home to rich, partly endemic flora as well as land and sea caves with endemic invertebrates. At the Acropolis of Falassarna, finds dating mainly to the Archaic period were unearthed in the central area of the ancient Temple of Demeter. In the wider destination of Chania, coastal and natural highlights on Akrotiri thus sit alongside archaeological finds at Falassarna.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Pemonia, Temenia, Fournés, Malaxa, Maza, Fragkokastello, Platanos, Melissourgeio.

Back to the wider travel guide: Chania.