Playa de Kissamos, also known as Mavros Molos, is the main urban beach of the town of Kissamos in Crete, offering calm waters and full services. It's an ideal destination for families and those seeking relaxation in an authentic Cretan setting.
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About this beach
Table of contents
Introduction
If you're looking for a destination that combines the authenticity of a Cretan village with the comfort of a well-equipped beach, Playa de Kissamos is undoubtedly an option you should consider. Located in the charming town of Kissamos, in the Chania region of western Crete, this beach offers a complete holiday experience, ideal for all types of travelers, from families with young children to couples seeking a quiet retreat.
Known locally as Mavros Molos, this Chania (Crete) beach stretches along the bay, providing space and the possibility to find both organized areas with umbrellas and sunbeds, as well as more secluded spots to enjoy serenity. The crystal-clear waters of the Aegean Sea invite us to a refreshing swim, and the mix of sand and small pebbles on the shore gives it a distinctive character. It's one of those Greece beaches that makes us feel we've found a real treasure.
How to Get to Playa de Kissamos
Getting to Playa de Kissamos is relatively straightforward, as the town of Kissamos is an important point on the map of Crete. We usually recommend several options, depending on your starting point and preferences:
From Chania Airport (CHQ)
- By rental car: This is the most popular and flexible option. Chania Airport is about 50 kilometers east of Kissamos. The journey takes approximately 45-60 minutes on a well-signposted road. Renting a car gives us the freedom to explore not only the beach but also the stunning surroundings of the Chania region.
- By taxi: Taxis are available at the airport, and the trip to Kissamos has a fixed or negotiated cost, being a comfortable but more expensive option.
- By bus: From the airport, you can take a bus to the central bus station in Chania, and from there, another bus from the KTEL company (the main one in Crete) bound for Kissamos. It's the most economical option, although it requires more time and transfers.
From the City of Chania
- By car: The distance is about 38 kilometers, and the journey takes approximately 30-40 minutes along the coastal road, offering panoramic views.
- By bus: KTEL Crete buses operate regularly between Chania and Kissamos, with multiple daily services. The Kissamos bus station is conveniently located near the town center and the beach.
The Sand and Water
Playa de Kissamos surprises us with a particularity that makes it unique: its type of sand. It's not a typical fine white sand beach, but rather presents a mixed sand that combines golden sand grains with small pebbles and more polished stones. This characteristic gives it an interesting feel and a very attractive visual texture. The type of seabed is predominantly mixed, which means that when entering the water, you might notice a mix of sand and some small stones, so water shoes can be useful for the more sensitive, although they are not essential.
As for the water, it's one of its biggest attractions. The waters of Playa de Kissamos are famous for their transparency and turquoise blue hue. They are generally calm and shallow near the shore, making them a safe and pleasant place for swimming, especially for children. Kissamos Bay is quite protected from stronger winds, which helps keep the sea surface calm most of the time. The water cleanliness is excellent, a factor supported by its distinction with the Blue Flag, an award for environmental quality and beach services.
Services and Facilities
What makes Playa de Kissamos so attractive to many travelers is the excellent range of services and facilities it offers. We highly value a beach that combines natural beauty with comfort, and this Chania (Crete) beach delivers in spades:
- Umbrellas and Sunbeds: Along much of the beach, you'll find wide areas with umbrellas and comfortable sunbeds available for rent. This allows us to spend hours relaxing under the Cretan sun without worrying about bringing our own equipment.
- Chiringuitos and Restaurants: Right behind the beach, along the promenade, stretches a row of tavernas, cafes, and chiringuitos. Here we can enjoy a morning coffee, a light lunch, or a dinner with sea views. The proximity of these establishments means we're never far from a refreshing drink or a delicious dish of local cuisine.
- Showers and Toilets/WC: Public showers are provided to rinse off the salt after a swim, as well as toilet and restroom facilities, which adds a great level of comfort, especially if traveling with children.
- Lifeguard Service: During the high season, the beach has lifeguard stations, ensuring the safety of bathers. This gives us additional peace of mind, knowing professionals are watching.
- Parking: There are several parking areas available near the beach and along the promenade, facilitating access for those arriving by car.
- Equipment Rental: At some points, we can find options to rent basic equipment for water sports or simply for fun in the water.