Is Marathi beach good for families with young children?
Yes, Marathi Beach is considered ideal for families with young children. It features two sandy beaches with shallow, calm waters, well-protected from winds due to their southern orientation. This creates a safe swimming environment for kids. The beach is well-organized with amenities like sunbeds, umbrellas, showers, changing rooms, and toilets, including facilities for people with special needs. Lifeguards are also on duty. Many taverns and cafes are nearby, offering convenient dining options.
Can you swim at Marathi beach and what is the water like?
Yes, you can swim at Marathi Beach. The water is known for being crystal clear, calm, and shallow, making it excellent for swimming for all skill levels, including children. Its location in Souda Bay and southeastern orientation protect it from strong winds, ensuring the sea is usually calm with no big waves. The water temperature is generally comfortable for swimming, especially from June to September.
How do I get to Marathi beach from Chania?
Marathi Beach is about 17 km east of Chania. The easiest way to get there is by car or taxi, which takes about 25-30 minutes. During the summer season (May to September), there is a local KTEL bus route from Chania Bus Station (Chania—Loutraki—Marathi) that takes about 45 minutes. However, public transport can be limited, especially outside the peak season. Renting a car offers more flexibility.
Is Marathi beach crowded?
Marathi Beach can get quite busy, especially during the peak summer months (June, July, and August) and on weekends when many locals visit. If you prefer a quieter experience, consider visiting during the shoulder seasons (April-May or September-October) or going early in the morning or late in the afternoon on weekdays.
Are there accommodation options right at Marathi beach or nearby?
While Marathi itself is a small settlement focused on its beaches and tavernas, there are some accommodation options available, such as apartments and rooms for rent, including some with sea views like Marathi Panorama Rooms. Nearby, in the broader Akrotiri area and towards Loutraki, you can find more choices, including villas. For a wider range of hotels, Chania city is about a 30-minute drive away.
What is the best time of year to visit Marathi beach?
The best time to visit Marathi Beach largely depends on your preferences. For the warmest weather and highest water temperatures, ideal for swimming and sunbathing, June, July, and August are optimal, though these are also the busiest months. For pleasant weather with fewer crowds, the shoulder seasons of spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) are excellent choices. These months are also better for activities like hiking.
Are there sunbeds and umbrellas for rent at Marathi beach?
Yes, Marathi Beach is well-organized and offers sunbeds and umbrellas for rent. Typically, a set of two sunbeds and an umbrella can be rented for a daily fee, which is often considered affordable compared to other places in Crete. There are also free areas on the beach if you prefer to bring your own equipment.
Are there places to eat and drink at Marathi beach?
Yes, there are numerous taverns, restaurants, and cafes located right by Marathi Beach. These establishments offer a variety of dining options, including fresh seafood, traditional Cretan cuisine, and refreshments. Many have tables on the sand, allowing you to dine with a sea view.
What kind of activities can you do at Marathi beach besides swimming and sunbathing?
Besides swimming and sunbathing, Marathi Beach offers various activities. You can rent paddleboards, kayaks, or pedalos. Snorkeling is popular due to the clear waters, especially around the small island of Palia Souda opposite the beach. Some visitors also enjoy hiking in the surrounding hills. Boat trips and excursions, including rentals to explore the coastline or visit nearby spots like Seitan Limania, are also available from Marathi.
Is there parking available at Marathi beach?
Yes, there is parking available at Marathi Beach. There's a large free parking lot, and some overflow parking along the water. Additionally, some tavernas may offer parking. However, it can get busy, especially on weekends during peak season, so arriving early is advisable.
Are there actually two beaches at Marathi?
Yes, Marathi effectively consists of two main sandy coves separated by a small pier and harbor. Both beaches offer similar calm, shallow waters and are well-organized with amenities. There's also a smaller, pebbly section called Sosorides to the southwest, popular with locals seeking a quieter spot.
Is Marathi beach suitable for a quiet, relaxing holiday or more for adventure?
Marathi Beach is well-suited for a relaxing beach holiday, especially for families, due to its calm waters and organized facilities. It offers a tranquil atmosphere, particularly outside peak hours. However, it also caters to some adventure with options for watersports like paddleboarding, kayaking, snorkeling, and boat trips to explore nearby areas. So, it can offer a mix depending on your preferences.
What is the small island opposite Marathi beach and can you visit it?
The small island opposite Marathi Beach (about 500m away) is called Palia Souda (Old Souda) or sometimes just Marathi island. It has a small pine forest. You can reach it by swimming if you are a competent swimmer, or by boat, kayak, or pedalo. Its western coast is steep and popular with scuba divers.
How does Marathi beach compare to Loutraki beach?
Marathi and Loutraki are two popular beaches located close to each other on the Akrotiri peninsula. Both offer calm, clear waters and are family-friendly. Marathi is generally larger, consisting of two sandy coves separated by a pier, and is well-known for its numerous tavernas directly on the beach. Loutraki is a smaller, single cove, also with calm waters and facilities, including a popular beach bar and grassy area. Both are protected from north winds. Marathi might feel busier due to its size and more extensive dining options, while Loutraki can also get crowded. They are often visited together or chosen based on slight preferences for atmosphere or specific amenities.
Are there any historical sites near Marathi beach?
Yes, near Marathi Beach, you can find the ruins of the ancient Roman town of Minoa, believed to have been a seaport for the ancient city of Aptera. The archaeological site, sometimes referred to as the Small Palace of Minos (though not Minoan in date), includes traces of buildings and baths. The Holy Monastery of Agia Triada is also relatively close, about 8 km away.
