Gerani Beach, Crete: The Coastal Village near Chania

The village of Gerani

Gerani is a coastal village in north-west Crete, between Platanias and Maleme, about 2 kilometres apart, and 14 kilometres east of Chania. It spreads along the coast: the newer part on the sea, Pano Gerani, holds most of the accommodation, while old Gerani, Gerani Palaio, sits inland, with a small river running through the village. There are tavernas and cafes, a few supermarkets, a bakery and a petrol station, and a regular bus service to Chania. A second seaside village called Gerani lies west of Rethymno, but this is the one near Chania.

Gerani Beach and nature

The small river divides Gerani beach in two. On the west side is a sandy beach with umbrellas and sunbeds for hire; on the east side it is much quieter, with sand and pebbles. At the far end are larger rocks where it is harder to get into the sea, though many stretches are fine, and a few naturists use this part. The land around Gerani is fertile, full of fruit trees, mainly oranges, along with vegetables, olive, cypress and pine trees and plenty of wild nature. From the beach you look out over the island of Agii Theodori, off the coast near Platanias.

Where to stay at Gerani

Gerani has villas and studios near the beach, from a hilltop luxury villa to studios a short walk from the sand.

Luxury Villa Provarma Hills

Luxury Villa Provarma Hills is a spacious modern villa on a hill in the north of Crete, just outside the villages of Gerani and Modi, between Chania and Kolymbari. The popular resort of Platanias is about ten minutes away by car, and a large Lidl supermarket opened nearby. Quiet roads and hiking paths run into the surrounding hills.

Studios Kydonia

Studios Kydonia sit in well-kept gardens in Gerani, less than 200 metres from the beach, with a swimming pool, a bar and free parking. The spacious air-conditioned studios and apartments have wooden furniture, a safe, a TV and kitchen facilities. They are 15 kilometres from Chania, 20 kilometres from the port of Souda and 30 kilometres from the airport, with the beaches of Agia Marina, Platanias and Kolymbari within easy reach.

Villa Athinais

Villa Athinais is a luxurious 3-storey villa within a 5-minute drive of Gerani beach, with two fully fitted kitchens, a spa bath and a mini gym. It has a swimming pool with sun beds in a well-kept garden, three en-suite bedrooms, a living room with a fireplace and an outdoor dining area with a barbecue. Each floor opens onto a large balcony with views over the countryside and the Cretan Sea. Platanias is 2 kilometres away and Chania 14 kilometres, and guests receive a welcome package of Cretan products, local wine, olive oil and fresh fruit.