If you’re thinking about taking day trips from Chania by car, ask yourself one simple question… how much time do you want to spend on the road? For a short outing, head to Marathi or the villages of Apokoronas. If you’re happy to go a little further, Falasarna, Lake Kournas and Rethymno have plenty to keep you busy without spending half the day driving. For Elafonisi and Paleochora, it’s better to leave early and give yourself the whole day.
You don’t need to fit everything into one trip. Pick somewhere you want to see and, if there’s time, add another stop nearby. That way, you’ll have time for a swim, a proper meal and a walk without constantly checking your watch.
Which day trip should you choose?
The list below gives you approximate driving times from Chania town to each destination, one way and without stops. Your journey may take more or less time depending on where you’re staying, traffic and road conditions.
- Marathi and Akrotiri: 30–40 minutes to Marathi — Swimming and food close to Chania
- Vamos and Gavalochori: 35–50 minutes to the first village — Village walks, coffee and local food
- Lake Kournas: 45–60 minutes — Time by the lake and a stop in Georgioupoli
- Falasarna: Around 1 hour — A long sandy beach and sunset
- Rethymno: 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes — The Old Town, Venetian harbour and Fortezza
- Paleochora: 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours — A walk and a swim on Crete’s south coast
- Elafonisi: 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours — Shallow water, a lagoon and pink-tinted sand
Tip: Allow a little extra time to park and walk to where you want to go, especially at the busier beaches.
Marathi and Akrotiri
Marathi is a good choice if you want a swim without a long drive. It’s on the Akrotiri peninsula, with sandy beaches, shallow water and tavernas nearby. You can spend the morning by the sea, sit down for lunch and head back to Chania whenever it suits you. That’s especially handy if you’re travelling with children or simply don’t want to be out all day. If you’d like to see something else in the area, you can combine your beach visit with a stop at Agia Triada Monastery. Before setting off, check the opening hours and bring suitable clothes for visiting the monastery.
Vamos and Gavalochori
If you like the sound of village walks, stone houses and good food, make time for Apokoronas. Start in Vamos, wander through the old streets and stop for a coffee. Then head to Gavalochori for another walk. You’ll also find the Historical and Folklore Museum here, which you can visit while you’re in the village. Park near the centre of each village and carry on on foot. There’s no reason to squeeze your car through the narrowest streets. For lunch, you can stay in either village. If you’d like to fit in a swim too, Almyrida and Kalyves are both nice options along the nearby coast.
Lake Kournas and Georgioupoli
Lake Kournas makes a nice change if you’ve spent the last few days at the beach. You can take in the view, spend some time by the water and have lunch at one of the nearby tavernas. You can also hire a pedal boat. If that’s your main reason for going, it’s worth checking availability before you set off. Afterwards, head to Georgioupoli for a walk or some time by the sea. The two places are easy to combine without another long drive. Just be careful what you enter into your map app: Lake Kournas, not Kournas village. They’re different places, so check your destination before following the directions.
Falasarna
If you want a long sandy beach and plenty of time in the sea, Falasarna is a good choice. From Chania, drive west towards Kissamos, continue towards Platanos and follow the signs to the beach. There are several sections of beach, so decide where you’d like to spend your time before parking. Use the parking areas and check whether there’s a charge when you arrive. Before heading out, check the wind forecast as well as the temperature. The weather can make quite a difference to how comfortable it is to swim or sit on the sand. If you have time, stay for sunset. Just remember that you’ll be driving back to Chania after dark. If someone else in your group is driving, check with them before making plans.
Rethymno
Rethymno is a good choice for a day of walking, sightseeing and food. From Chania, follow the main road east. Find somewhere to park near the edge of the Old Town and explore on foot. Walk through the narrow streets, head down to the Venetian harbour and, if you want to see more, visit the Fortezza. Check its opening hours first, especially if you’re planning your day around the visit. Leave time for a meal too. You don’t need to rush from one sight to the next just to say you’ve seen Rethymno. Wandering around the Old Town is a big part of the visit itself. There’s enough here to fill your day without adding another destination.
Paleochora
If you’d like to see Crete’s south coast, set aside a day for Paleochora. The usual route from Chania takes you west towards Tavronitis, then inland through Kandanos. Some sections have plenty of bends, so allow enough time for the drive. If you want a break along the way, you can stop in Kandanos. Once you reach Paleochora, have a walk around, sit down for lunch and choose a nearby beach for a swim. Pachia Ammos is right beside the town, so you can easily combine the beach and a meal without getting back in the car. Give Paleochora its own day. Elafonisi might look close on the map, but trying to fit in both means more time on the road and less time enjoying the places you came to see.
Elafonisi
Elafonisi needs a full day and a willingness to spend a little longer behind the wheel. The shallow lagoon and pink-tinted sand are the main reasons so many people make the trip. Leave early, especially in summer. As well as the drive, you’ll need time to park and walk to the beach. Vehicle access to the protected area is restricted, so don’t expect to drive right down to the sand. The inland route now includes the Topolia bypass, which opened in July 2025. If you’re reading older guides that describe the narrow gorge road as the only option, that information is no longer current. You can also stop at Chrysoskalitissa Monastery, but keep the beach as your main destination and see how much time and energy you have left. After swimming and spending hours in the sun, you’ll still have the drive back to Chania ahead of you.
Balos
Balos takes a little more planning. Getting there by car involves an unpaved road followed by a walk. If you’re renting a car, first check whether the company allows you to take that route and what your insurance covers. Another option is to drive to Kissamos port, leave the car there and take a boat to Balos and Gramvousa. Before planning your day, check the sailing dates, departure time and what happens if bad weather affects the trip. If you’re thinking of driving to Balos in a rental car, contact GOAT Rentals before booking so you know exactly where you’re allowed to take the vehicle.
