A sociable Greek hotspot
Come for the sun, stay for the fun. The seaside village of Aghia Marina on the northwest coast of Crete is one of the island’s most popular resorts. Situated around 10 kilometres from the Venetian harbour town of Chania, the main attraction is its long, sandy Blue Flag beach, fringed by shallow turquoise waters.
Along with its inviting golden shoreline, there are plenty of tavernas, cocktail bars and nightclubs to shake things up when the sun goes down.
Although Aghia Marina holidays are popular, it’s not difficult to find your own beach spot away from the crowds. The resort comes to life at night, but it’s more of a low-key buzz than full-on ‘Club Tropicana’ partying. Holidays to Aghia Marina are also a favourite with Greeks, so you will be able to rub shoulders and share ouzo shots with the locals.
Your Aghia Marina questions, answered
Extremely. The calm, shallow sea is very safe, and you can use the Little Fun Train as an entertaining way to visit the local sights, including Limnoupolis Waterpark.
Summer temperatures average 28˚C. It’s still warm but less crowded in May and September/October, so both these times of year are good options if you like things a little quieter.
There’s parasailing, jet-skiing, wakeboarding and more, plus kids will love the pedalos. You can also snorkel or dive the World War II plane wreck in the waters of nearby Theodorou Island.
Best things to do in Aghia Marina
Visit a village
Pano Aghia Marina is a traditional Cretan village just 500 metres from the beach. Enjoy wandering the winding lanes and village squares before heading to a traditional Greek taverna.
Make olive oil
Aghia Marina’s Folklore Museum is well worth a look – try to coincide your time there with one of its olive oil-making workshops or traditional feasts.
Sail to an island
Theodorou Island is only open one day a year (8 June) – the rest of the time, it’s a sanctuary for Crete’s kri-kri (wild goats) – but you can take boat trips out to its waters.