Just 15 minutes  drive from Chania airport, there isn’t a lot to the little village of Sternes, set on a hillside above the blue waters of Souda Bay – it is a typical Cretan – a true living village and not just another tourist hot spot where you are more likely to be eating with the locals at either of  the tavernas (one of which offers mouthwateringly gorgeous gyros amongst other delights) or shopping at the  small minimarket.

It is true to say that this is a relatively undiscovered holiday destination with a wonderful choice of sandy beaches, and with Chania harbour a short drive away – your holiday can begin within minutes of leaving the airport. 

Just about as Greek as it gets, Marathi beach is  5 minutes drive away with its sandy beach, gently shelving waters and beachside tavernas offering fresh fresh caught by local fishermen. Over the years this has become the place in summer to swim and eat for Chaniotics in the know, that is. There’s also beautiful little harbour where the bobbing fishing boats make a great photo with the White Mountains in the backdrop.

The neighbouring little beach at Loutraki has a small cantina amongst the trees at the back of the sands.

A little hidden gem, which has recently  gone viral on instagram, is the picture perfect inlet at #Seitan Limania – you’ll need to take your own picnic but the  water is such a perfect turquoise and the sand so soft that the extra effort is paid back in spades.

Situated  on the south side of Souda Bay the beaches in this area are always protected, even when the sea becomes rough on the north coast.