Daratsos: Glaros and the Bays of Agii Apostoli

Daratsos lies west of the centre of Chania and borders Chrissi Akti and Agii Apostoli. The organised Glaros Beach is part of Kato Daratsos. For orientation, it helps not to confuse these names: Glaros is associated with Kato Daratsos, while the beaches in Agii Apostoli are nearby. This makes it possible to describe the local setting of a beach day more precisely, without attributing the entire coastline to a single place name.

Beaches and bays around Daratsos

At Glaros Beach, you can play beach volleyball, go canoeing and use pedal boats; the specific facilities may vary. Nearby Agii Apostoli also has facilities for water sports, beach volleyball and racketball. The coastal area therefore offers different options for active days: Glaros is an organised beach with specific activities, while Agii Apostoli comprises several distinct beach coves.

Nearby Agii Apostoli has four beaches, each in its own small bay. The water is clear and relatively shallow, and the sand is fine; the beaches are suitable for families with children. The area covers about 600 stremmata and consists of four bays and three peninsulas. The bays and peninsulas give this stretch of coast a varied layout. For families weighing up different beach destinations, the individual bays, fine sand and relatively shallow water are specific features that can help guide their choice.

Culture in the wider Chania destination

Beyond Daratsos, the wider Chania destination offers further historical attractions. The permanent exhibition at the Archaeological Museum of Chania occupies three ground-floor galleries and one upstairs gallery. It presents archaeological evidence from the Chania regional unit spanning several centuries, providing a broad temporal and regional perspective. In Chania’s Old Town, Venetian mansions, old hammams, minarets and churches shape the historic lanes. The Venetian Harbour tells another part of the city’s history: it was built in the 14th century for trade and to protect against pirate raids.

The historic village of Theriso is also part of the wider Chania context. During the 1905 Revolution, it served as the headquarters of the Cretan rebels under Eleftherios Venizelos. The Historical and Folklore Museum of Theriso is housed in the former headquarters building of Venizelos and the Theriso Movement of 1905. The Eleftherios Venizelos Gorge, which leads to the historic village, is 6 km long in total. Here, a historic site and a striking landscape feature come together.

The wider Chania destination also offers landscapes and nature. Akrotiri has small bays and beaches suitable for relaxation and tourism. In the northern hills of Akrotiri, nature remains largely undisturbed by human activity; the landscape features rich, partly endemic flora, as well as land and sea caves with endemic invertebrates. In contrast, mainly Archaic finds were unearthed in the central area of the ancient Temple of Demeter on the Acropolis of Falassarna.

Choose the right focus for your holiday

When choosing a holiday apartment in Daratsos, you can consider different priorities: Glaros and the nearby bays of Agii Apostoli offer distinct coastal settings, while museums, the Old Town and the harbour introduce you to the culture of the wider Chania destination.

Discover more destinations: Dramia, Souda, Kontomari, Zounaki, Deliana, Platanos, Falassarna, Vrises.

Go to the wider travel guide: Chania.