Stavros Beach

Once a small fishing village, Stavros is a seaside village which lies to the North of Crete on the northern tip of the Akrotiri Peninsula, a 30 min drive from Chania. With 2 beaches, one with Blue Flag status and a semicircular lagoon withwhite sand and shallow turquoise water dominated by the camel shaped Mount Vardies that rises up above the harbour. Here you will find sunbeds and umbrellas and tavernas. 

The second beach is smaller with pebbly patches and more of a wild feel. The village itself comprises of a handful of minimarkets and tavernas. This village was made famous in the 1960s by the movie Zorba the Greek, when the actor Anthony Quinn danced the Sirtaki dance in the last scenes of the film. 

The Akrotiri itself has some wonderful beaches to visit including, Marathi, Kalathas, Tersanas and picture –perfect Seitan Limania , with water sports available on some and wonderful tavernas. It's also famous for its interesting monasteries which are definitely worth exploring including Agia Triada, founded in the 17th century with an imposing facade and beautiful architecture. Its surrounding by its own olive groves and winery and houses some remarkable artefacts in the museum. 

Gouverneto Monastery is one of the oldest religious sites on Crete and lies just 4 km north of Agia Triada, in a rugged hilly area near the gorge of Avlaki, not far from the coast. A 30-minute walking trail from here takes to the ruined Katholiki Monastery and cave of St John.