Marathi Beach: All you need to know by Locals!

Marathi Beach is a breathtaking beach located on the island of Crete in Greece. The natives in the area refer to it as “Marathi” or “Old Souda”. The purpose of Marathi beach is to provide visitors with a place to relax, swim, sunbathe, and enjoy the natural surroundings. It is known for its breathtaking views and scenic beauty. The climate in Crete is Mediterranean, with warm summers and mild winters. Crystal clear waters, white sandy beaches, and rocky cliffs characterise the geography of Marathi beach. Marathi beach is prominent for the economy as it is a popular tourist destination. And many local businesses, such as restaurants, cafes, and shops, depend on tourism for their livelihoods. The beach stretches on the coast of Crete island; within the confines of the inhabited area, it is easy to reach the location in question. It is easily accessible and therefore popular among travellers. During the peak tourist season, it is an annoyance because of the many visitors there. In case the stay is close to the beach, walking is the way to reach it. It eliminates the need for finding parking or adhering to the public transport schedule.

Find below a table with the main features of Marathi Beach.

What is Marathi Beach?

Marathi Beach is known for its crystal clear waters, beautiful scenery, and proximity to the small traditional village of Marathi. It is situated in the Chania region, on the island’s north-western coast. Marathi beach is a long, comprehensive, sandy beach surrounded by cliffs that form natural protection. The sea is usually calm and crystal clear and is ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports. The beach is known for its water sports and other recreational activities. The beach has good infrastructure, with many sunbeds, umbrellas, showers, and toilets. There are a few traditional taverns, cafes and mini-markets. The name Marathi is of unknown origin and history. The beach is situated near the small traditional village of Marathi, which has been named after the beach, or vice versa. The town of Marathi is located on a hillside overlooking the beach. It is a peaceful and charming place with a few permanent residents, traditional taverns, and a small church. Marathi beach is a popular tourist destination due to its natural beauty and proximity to the village of Marathi. Crete’s economy, and Greece’s economy as a whole, is significantly boosted by the country’s robust tourism sector. The revenue generated by tourism in Crete and the surrounding region helps to support local businesses, create jobs, and drive economic growth.

Where is Marathi Beach located?

Marathi Beach is located on the southeastern shore of the Akrotiri peninsula in Crete, approximately 17 km (10.5 miles) east of Chania city, overlooking the Souda bay. Marathi Beach is about 0.1 kilometers away from the heart of the Marathi settlement. The GPS coordinates of Marathi Beach are 35.4339° N and 23.7381° E.

The beach is easily accessible from nearby urban areas and offers beautiful views of the surrounding landscape, close to Loutraki Beach, another popular beach in the area.

How does the Marathi Beach Map look?

Find below an image map of Marathi Beach.

What are the activities in Marathi Beach?

There are a variety of activities on Marathi Beach, including swimming, snorkelling, and hiking. It features crystal clear waters, making it ideal for swimming. The water is relatively shallow, making it perfect for children. The beach is protected from strong winds and waves, making it a safe swimming spot. It is surrounded by a rich underwater ecosystem, making it an ideal place for snorkelling. The shallow waters and clear visibility make it easy to spot marine life, including fish, octopuses, and sea urchins. The area around Marathi beach offers several hiking trails, which take visitors through the nearby hills and mountains. These trails offer stunning views of the coast and the surrounding countryside. Provide an opportunity to explore the natural beauty of the island of Crete. Several camping sites near Marathi Beach where visitors pitch a tent and enjoy the natural surroundings. Some camping sites offer basic amenities like toilets and showers, while others are more rustic, providing a more authentic outdoor experience.

When is the best time to visit Marathi Beach?

The best time to visit Marathi Beach depends on your preferences. June, July, and August offer warm, sunny weather and the highest water temperatures, ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing, but the beach is crowded. For a quieter experience, the shoulder seasons of Spring (April-May) and Fall (September-October) are ideal, with pleasant weather and fewer crowds. These months are also better for cooler, more comfortable hiking. Crete’s weather is mild year-round, making Marathi Beach a worthwhile destination even in the colder months for a peaceful visit. Activities include beach volleyball, soccer, scuba diving, windsurfing, kitesurfing, and boat trips.

How to get to Marathi Beach?

Traveling from Heraklion to Marathi Beach by car is most convenient, covering 146.6 km in about 2 hours and 16 minutes. Renting a car allows for flexible exploration.

There’s no direct bus from Heraklion to Marathi Beach. You can take a KTEL bus from Heraklion to Chania, then a local bus to Marathi Beach. In summer, the “Chania—Loutraki—Marathi” route operates from Chania Bus Station to Marathi Beach. This option is slower and involves waiting between connections. Alternatively, a more expensive taxi offers direct service from Heraklion Airport to Marathi Beach.

How far is Chania from Marathi beach?

The distance between Chania and Marathi Beach is approximately 17 km (10.5 miles). The road distance is slightly shorter, at about 16.3 km. It takes about 27 minutes to travel from Chania to Marathi Beach by car. For those using public transportation, local KTEL buses travel between Chania and Marathi Beach. Taxis are also available, with the cost from Chania to Marathi Beach being around 23€.

What are nearby attractions in Marathi Beach?

Nearby attractions to Marathi Beach include The Monastery of Arkadi, Preveli Beach, The Rethymnon Old Town, The Spili village, The Eleftherna archaeological site, and Elafonissi Beach. Some of these include the list below:

• Arkadi Monastery: The Arkadi Monastery is a historic monastery about 10 km from Marathi Beach. It is known for its role in the Cretan resistance against the Ottoman Empire. Arkadi Monastery is considered one of the most important monasteries in Crete.
• Preveli Beach: it is a beautiful palm-lined beach about 15 km from Marathi Beach. It is a popular spot for swimming and sunbathing and offers excellent views of the Libyan Sea.
• The Rethymnon Old Town: Rethymnon Old Town is the historic centre of the city of Rethymnon, about 25 km from Marathi Beach. It is known for its Venetian architecture, charming narrow streets, and picturesque Venetian harbour.
• Spili village: The Spili village is a traditional mountain village about 25 km from Marathi Beach. It is known for its charming stone houses, water fountains, and it’s the beautiful Byzantine church.
• Eleftherna Ancient city: The Eleftherna Ancient city is an important archaeological site about 30 km from Marathi Beach. It is known for its well-pristine Roman and ancient Greek remains, including a Roman theatre and an old cemetery.
• Elafonissi Beach: Elafonissi Beach is a stunning beach about 50 km from Marathi Beach, known for its crystal clear turquoise waters and pink sand.

What are the factors to consider before renting a car in Crete?

Crete is a beautiful Greek island with a rich culture and a long history that everyone sees at least once. There are many ways to see the beautiful island, but renting a car is one of the best. Learning how to choose the best rental car in Crete maximises one’s time spent enjoying the island’s wonderful tourist attractions.

Listed below are the factors to consider before renting a car in Crete.

• Insurance. Collision Damage Waiver insurance is included in car rentals in Crete, and a driver’s credit card is needed as a guarantee. When someone rents a car, rental car insurance protects them against the cost of damage.
• Driver’s age. On Crete, the minimum driving age is between 18 years old. A driver’s licence is required.
• Driver’s gender. In Crete, both sexes have equal access to driving privileges. As long as they are at least 18 years old, drivers of any gender are allowed on the roads of Crete.
• Car type. The number of passengers determines the type of vehicle needed for transportation on Crete. Taking the whole family on the road trip, needs a vehicle with more room. While driving on the island of Crete, it is recommended to use a more compact vehicle. The primary cause of this is the limited width of Greek roadways. These days, spot a lot of noticeably smaller cars driving about.
• Documents needed for renting a car. Driver’s licence is the sole paperwork required to rent a vehicle. A credit or debit card in the driver’s name must be shown, though. It is one of the prerequisites for renting a car in Crete.

How much does a car rental in Crete cost?

Many stunning tourist destinations on the island of Crete are accessible by rented automobile. The cost of a Crete car rental varies with the number of passengers, travel plans, kind of vehicle, location, and time frame. In Crete, hiring a car typically costs between €30 and €40 per day. A week’s worth of car rental often costs €250, whereas a weekend rental typically costs €78. Depending on the vehicle, Crete offers a range of affordable car rentals.

How much does it cost to get to Marathi Beach?

There is no entrance fee to enter Marathi Beach. To reach the beach, tickets for public transportation cost between €1 to €3 and take around 25 minutes from Chania town. A taxi ride to the beach costs between €20 to €30, depending on the company and time of day. There is a nearby car park that costs €3 per day.

Where to stay near Marathi Beach?

Several hotels near Marathi Beach offer comfortable accommodations for visitors. Here are three options:

• Marathi Apartments: Marathi Apartments is a practical and convenient establishment, provides air-conditioned rooms in Marathi. This beachfront property offers direct access to a balcony, free private parking, and complimentary Wifi. It features a picnic area, a barbecue spot, and breathtaking views of the mountain and garden. Each apartment is equipped with a terrace, sea views, a seating area, a flat-screen TV, a fully-fitted kitchen, and a private bathroom. Moreover, every unit at the apartment complex has bed linen and towels. There’s also an on-site coffee shop. Activities like cycling can be enjoyed around Marathi. The Holy Monastery of Agia Triada is 8 km away, while Chania International Airport is a short 4 km drive from Marathi Apartments.
• Marathi Panorama Rooms: Marathi Panorama Rooms, nestled in the Marathi Village of Crete, offer a tranquil garden and apartments that provide captivating Cretan Sea views. It’s situated just 300 m from the beach and a similar distance from local restaurants and cafes. Each apartment features marble floors, a kitchenette, and a TV, complemented by a bathroom equipped with a shower. The bustling Chania Town is 9.3 miles away from Panorama. Chania International Airport is conveniently located 2.5 miles away. The location has been particularly praised by families, with a high rating of 9.5 for family stays.
• Psamathi Living & Taste: Psamathi Living & Taste is a charming accommodation option in Marathi, offers a peaceful garden. This beachfront property provides access to a terrace, free private parking, and complimentary Wifi. The apartments boast a balcony, air conditioning, a flat-screen TV, and a private bathroom. Each unit is fitted with bed linen and towels. An à la carte or a continental breakfast can be enjoyed at Psamathi Living & Taste, which also features an on-site restaurant, coffee shop, and bar for guests’ convenience.

Where to eat near Marathi Beach?

Several great restaurants in and around Marathi Beach offer delicious food and a great atmosphere. Here are three options:

• Patrelantonis Fish Taverna: Patrelantonis Fish Taverna, a family-run restaurant nestled in the small village of Marathi on the north coast of Crete, has been serving patrons for over 40 years. Known for its fresh seafood and traditional Cretan cuisine, this rustic eatery boasts a charming garden overlooking the sea. The ambiance is relaxed, informal, and inviting, while the menu features a wide range of fresh seafood dishes, such as grilled fish, seafood pasta, and risotto. Traditional Cretan dishes, like dakos salad, gamopilafo, and kalitsounia, are also on offer. With excellent food, friendly service, and a relaxed atmosphere, Patrelantonis Fish Taverna comes highly recommended for anyone visiting Crete.
• Veranda Coffee & Food by the Beach: Veranda Coffee & Food by the Beach, a casual eatery in the seaside village of Marathi, offers a diverse menu for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Set on a large terrace with stunning views of the Aegean Sea, this restaurant provides a bright and airy dining experience. The friendly staff and relaxed atmosphere complement the varied menu featuring breakfast items like pancakes and eggs Benedict, lunch offerings such as salads and sandwiches, and dinner dishes including fish, pasta, and steak. A wide selection of beverages is also available. Veranda Coffee & Food by the Beach is an excellent choice for a delicious meal in a relaxing seaside setting.
• Loukoulos: Loukoulos, a traditional Cretan taverna in Marathi, has been delighting diners with fresh seafood and Cretan cuisine for over 30 years. Set in a beautiful garden with sea views, the restaurant’s interior is simple and rustic, featuring wooden furniture and a large fireplace. The menu offers a variety of fresh seafood dishes and traditional Cretan fare, such as dakos salad, gamopilafo, and kalitsounia. Known for its excellent food, friendly service, and relaxed atmosphere, Loukoulos is another highly recommended option for anyone visiting Marathi.

Is Marathi Beach worth visiting?

Yes, Marathi Beach is worth visiting. The spotless waters and perfect scenery at Marathi Beach, on the northern coast of Crete, have earned it a reputation as one of the best beaches in Crete. Because the Beach is encircled by verdant vegetation and provides a peaceful atmosphere, it is an excellent location for unwinding and taking in Crete’s natural beauty. The Beach is available for guests to use, sunbathe, and explore the nearby hiking trails and traditional villages. The Beach is home to several different watermarks, including kayaking and snorkelling. In addition, there are many fantastic restaurants and hotels in the area, providing guests with a diverse selection of options.

Is Marathi Beach safe?

Marathi Beach is considered safe, with clean, clear water suitable for swimming and lifeguards on duty during summer. The beach facilities, including toilets and showers, are well-maintained. The surrounding area is safe for exploring. However, it’s important to stay aware of your surroundings, keep an eye on belongings, watch for potential hazards like strong currents or underwater obstacles, and follow lifeguard instructions.

Do you need to book in advance to visit Marathi Beach?

No advance booking is necessary to visit Marathi Beach. It’s a public beach, open to everyone. During peak season, the beach can get crowded, so checking the weather forecast and planning accordingly is advised. If you plan to stay overnight at nearby hotels or restaurants, booking in advance is recommended, as these places fill up quickly during peak times.

Are children permitted at the Marathi Beach?

Children are permitted at Marathi Beach, which is family-friendly and open to all ages. The beach offers safe swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking for children, with facilities like toilets and showers available. Nearby hotels and restaurants cater to families. Parents should supervise children and be mindful of potential hazards like strong currents or underwater obstacles.