Akrotiri Peninsula, to the east of Chania city, is the ideal place for a unique experience when you travel as a couple in Crete

When travelling as a couple in Crete around Chania, there are many possibilities for a romantic excursion. One of the best is the rugged, circular Akrotiri Peninsula right on the east of Chania city.

Akrotiri is possibly the first place in Crete you see in your vacation as a couple. This has to do with Chania International Airport, which lies at the centre of the peninsula.

Apart from being the main entry point by plane in Chania, Akrotiri has a lot of hidden charms for couples travelling together in Crete.

Akrotiri and its gorgeous beaches – swim like a king during your travel as a couple in Chania, Crete

Being a secret that is fully exploited by the locals in the know, Akrotiri has some of the best beaches in the area around Chania city.

On the east coast of Akrotiri Peninsula are the adjacent beaches of Marathi and Loutraki. Both of them have fine sand and crystal-clear water that makes it a pleasure to swim into.

These two beaches also have adequate amenities for couples travelling together in West Crete, so they make an obvious choice for a daily excursion near Chania city. From the two, the beach in Loutraki is more couples-oriented with almost no kids, but generally both of them are quiet and relaxing.

On the east coast of Crete there are several beaches, the most known of which are Kalathas and Stavros.

Kalathas is family-friendly, but also very good for couples, as it is a very picturesque, romantic beach with plenty of space for both couples and family travellers.

Stavros, on the other hand, is a more couples-friendly beach, although you will have to travel a bit longer from Chania city, as the beach lies on the northwest edge of the Akrotiri peninsula. Stavros has impressive natural surroundings, with steep cliffs right next to the beautiful beach.

A noteworthy fact: Although Stavros beach is practically never crowded, it is one of the most popular beaches in Crete for cinema fans all over the world, as it is the exact place where the famous movie “Zorba the Greek” was filmed.

Akrotiri and its marvellous monasteries – combine history with a picturesque, centuries-old setting during your travel as a couple in Chania, Crete

Akrotiri is the place with some of the most impressive historical monasteries around Chania city. These monasteries are at the same time religious places and open air museums of fine architecture of the Venetian era in Crete, so it is a good idea to visit them in a daily excursion when travelling as a couple.

The most known monastery is Agia Triada Tzangarolon. It was built in several stages during the 17th century from two Venetian monks and brothers, Jeremiah and Laurentio Giancarolo, with great help from the locals.

Agia Triada Tzangarolon is one of these places that seem to come out of the pages of a fairy tale. The fine Venetian architecture, the excellent natural surroundings, even the playful cats of the monastery, will all make a beautiful experience during your couples’ travel in Crete and Chania.

Another interesting monastery to visit is the Gouvernetou Monastery of the 16th century. It is in a distance of about 5 kilometres north of Agia Triada Tzangarolon, and it is fortified due to the frequent pirate raids of the past.

Akrotiri Peninsula is one of the best places to visit when you travel as a couple in Chania, Crete. It has great beaches in both of its sides, which are generally very friendly to couples and child-free visitors.

Akrotiri also has some very interesting and historical monasteries, which for many couples travelling together in Crete are magical places to visit, as time there seems to stand still for centuries…