Maherida Beach

The tiny beach of Macherida is located 14km northeast of Chania and 1km west of the village Chorafakia , very close to Tersanas . The beach is named after the rocky cape in its north end that reminds of a knife (“ machairi ” means “knife” in Greek).

According to another version, it is named after the flower Gladiolis italicus that is called “macherida” in Greek. The bay faces southwest and is almost always calm.

A stunning little beach with white sand and turquoise water is shaped in the center of the bay, surrounded by sharp rocks. The water here is very clear, because the sea currents change directions several times a day and remove any garbage.

It is not organized, however during the last years some houses have been built near the beach. The secluded beach of Machairida attracts mainly nudists.

Moreover, it is one of the most popular beaches for gays in Chania. The coastline near the beach is a unique habitat for many wild animals.

Among the rocks, just next to the main road, there is the pond of Macherida reminding of a crater with springs with saltish water in which water snakes, turtles and seagulls find shelter. The city bus running to Stavros comes through Tersanas and then passes next to Maherida beach.