Near Akrotiri Peninsula’s northern tip, Stavros’ sandy beach is covered with umbrellas and lines a cove dominated by a mammoth rock. It famously served as the dramatic backdrop for the final dancing scene in the classic movie Zorba the Greek. The beach and its neighbouring clutch of cafes and tavernas can get crowded. Other thin, windswept beaches line Stavros’ western shores.
Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
8.98 MILES
The ruins of the ancient city of Aptera, about 13.5km east of Hania, spread over two hills that lord grandly over Souda Bay. Founded in the 7th century BC…
6.7 MILES
The setting alone in the beautifully restored 16th-century Venetian Church of San Francisco is reason to visit this fine collection of artefacts from…
6.64 MILES
There are few places where Hania's historic charm and grandeur are more palpable than in the old Venetian Harbour. It's lined by pastel-coloured buildings…
3.4 MILES
Akrotiri Peninsula’s major cultural site, the impressive and beautiful 17th-century Moni Agias Triadas, is an active monastery with a rich library and is…
Archaeological Museum of Rethymno
26.22 MILES
Set inside the atmospheric Venetian-built Church of St Francis, this well-curated museum features a stunning collection of well-preserved relics unearthed…
15.18 MILES
A family-run business for over 25 years, this pretty winery in the village of Vatolakkos – 16km southwest of the centre of Hania – is well worth a visit…
28.53 MILES
The rugged Gramvousa Peninsula cradles the lagoon-like sandy beach of Balos, whose shallow, shimmering turquoise waters draw huge crowds in summer. This…
29.78 MILES
This broad sweep of beach has magical-looking pink-cream sands and teal waters and is known for its stunning sunsets. Along with superb water clarity,…
Nearby Hania Province attractions
2.8 MILES
The 16th-century Moni Gouvernetou, 4km north of Moni Agias Triadas, may date as far back as the 11th century, from a time when an inland sanctuary was an…
3.02 MILES
From Moni Gouvernetou it’s around a 2km (30-minute) walk (uphill on the way back) down to the coast to the ruins of Moni Ioannou Erimiti. In disuse for…
3.4 MILES
Akrotiri Peninsula’s major cultural site, the impressive and beautiful 17th-century Moni Agias Triadas, is an active monastery with a rich library and is…
4. Eleftherios Venizelos Residence & Museum
5.83 MILES
Some 2km east of the old town, in the Halepa neighbourhood, the Eleftherios Venizelos Residence & Museum preserves the great statesman’s home in splendid…
6.06 MILES
While it might be a white-knuckle drive down hairpin bends to get here, the incredibly vivid turquoise waters of this secret cove are more than worth it…
6. Permanent Collection of Ancient & Traditional Shipbuilding
6.3 MILES
The Minoa, a painstaking replica of a Minoan ship that sailed from Crete to Athens for the 2004 Olympic Games, now permanently docks in a converted…
6.44 MILES
This striking war memorial with white crosses against a backdrop of Souda Bay holds the graves of 1500 Commonwealth soldiers who died during WWI and, in…
6.48 MILES
Impressively restored from a roofless ruin, the 16th-century Venetian arsenal was the last of the 17 shipyard buildings in Hania's Venetian Harbour. After…