STAVROS

Stavros beach is in a distance of 17 km northeast of Chania, at the north edge of the Akrotiri peninsula. The beach has great white sand and shallow turquoise water.

The beach is very well protected, from summer winds, by the steep mountain dominating the background, thus creating a rough and very unique natural environment. About 300 m west of the beach, after some rock formations, there is also a second, more isolated beach with thick sand.

Stavros beach became known all over the world in 1964, when the Oscar award winning movie “Zorba the Greek” was shot here in 1963 and 1964. The movie was based in the novel “Alexis Zorbas” by the famous Cretan writer Nikos Kazantzakis. It was directed by M. Kakogiannis, and the main actors where Alan Bates and Anthony Quinn, who danced here his now famous sirtaki dance.

Stavros beach is well organized with sunbeds, parasols, showers, lifeguard service, and there are taverns and cafes where you can eat and drink. Next to the beach there is a picturesque local port with fishing boats.