I don’t know about you, but I love good service at the beach. Sometimes I just want to lounge on a nice sun bed, look at a menu and boss a waiter around all afternoon. And in Greece, you’ve got plenty of options that allow you to be a high class beach bum without spending a Mykonos sized fortune. Crete is a fantastic island that satisfies all types of beach goers, from laid back to party party. Here are the top 5 beach clubs in Chania, Crete, with great service, food, cocktails and impeccable waters. This list is in no particular order:
#5: Red Havana Beach Club, Agia Marina
“Sea” you at the beach! If you’re looking to live it up and get the ultimate Grecian beach club experience, than look no further than Red Havana. Red Havana is a luxury experience offering you a heated pool (which is pretty much unheard of in Greece), prime beach real estate, ultra plush sun beds and spacious cabanas for those endless champagne bottles. This is Crete at it’s finest with a Mediterranean menu composed of fresh local ingredients, bespoke cocktails and live DJ acts all summer long. I recommend having a long lunch at their restaurant “Salty Edge” and get yourself a “King George” Cocktail. Tell them I sent you;) Make sure to RSVP a sun bed in advance because this place can get pretty busy during high season.
Vibes: Elegant, Luxury, Party
Waters: Calm, perfect for swimming and water sports
Food: Mediterranean flair, gourmet, local fresh ingredients
Cocktails: Island vibes, sweet, craft mixology
Sunbeds + Umbrellas: 10 EUR minimum spend per person for sun beds, 100 EUR minimum spend for Cabanas and 180 EUR minimum spend for VIP Cabanas.
Costs: $$$
Instagram: @redhavana
I’ve spent many afternoons at Cabana Mare lounging in the pool, splashing in the sea and snacking on sushi under the Grecian sun. I’ve also been to many of their summer concert parties where local Greek singers perform with international DJ’s and live musicians, dancing late into the summer night. Cabana Mare is a great spot for both experiences: ultimate chill and wild nights out. This is one of the best spots to come with a huge group of friends and spend the entire day getting pampered. Get a VIP cabana that includes a private hot tub and really live it up! I’ve always had a good time, both day and night. Come here well dressed and bust out your sexiest swimwear. Bring a change of clothes for the evening parties. This beach club has more of a glitzy vibe.
Vibe: Party party, glamorous, wild and buzzing
Waters: water sports, easy swimming, super shallow and calm. Perfect for paddle boarding, jet skiing and floaties.
Food: Sushi, Greek, European, American
Cocktails: Anything you want, full bar, island vibes
Sunbeds+Unbrellas: Free so long as you order food and beverage
Costs: $$$
Instagram: @cabanamarebeachclub
I’ll never forget that sunset party I went to at Domes Noruz in Chania (by the Autograph Collection) where Jody Wisternoff played an intimate sunset session under his Anjunadeep label. The scenery was pure bliss: stunning archways, golden hour light, the sounds of melodic vocals and cocktail shakers going off, a sparkling pool and smiling lovers. I found heaven yet again. While Domes Noruz is a 5-star luxury hotel and not necessarily a beach club, it’s worth keeping this hotel on your radar as they host public, DJ driven events during the summer season. And the best part? It’s an adults only resort! The cocktail menu will make you thirsty and their bartenders take their jobs seriously as I have never tasted anything so pleasant. They love using local herbs and ingredients in every cocktail and dish and you can taste it. Domes is sophisticated and luxurious.
Vibe: Elegant, sophisticated, upscale
Waters: Easy swimming, choice between the sea and a swanky swimming pool, but you might have to be a hotel guest to use the pool.
Food: Gastronomy, Raw bar and sushi bar, elevated Mediterranean
Cocktails: Craft mixology, Local herbs, phenomenal menu
Sunbeds+Unbrellas: For hotel guests only
Costs: $$$$$
Instagram: @domesnuruz
This beach has my heart trapped in a box. So many memories, so many moments. Liokalyvo Beach Club at the famous Falasarna beach is worth the trek for all it’s glory. A mykonos inspired spot that attracts both internationals and locals, this beach club sits on one of the biggest beaches Crete has to offer. Falasarna’s wild pink sands make your heart sing as a huge orange sunset explodes through the sky, uninterrupted. The vastness and openness of the night sky creates the most romantic party setting, ever. Liokalyvo offers beach goers private cabanas or beach chairs, full beach service and an amazing line up of summer events called “music rituals“. This is Tulum meets Mykonos meets Crete. Come here dressed to impress and bring an evening outfit to change into for the sunset experience.
Vibe: Glamorous, party, Mykonos style meets Tulum vibes (but the Greeks did it first)
Waters: absolutely gorgeous, perfect for swimming, paddle boarding, water sports and instagramming
Food: Italian, Greek, Modern
Cocktails: Anything you want, good wine selection
Sunbeds+Unbrellas: Price goes up the closer you get to the water, cabanas are more pricey then simple beach chairs.
Costs: $$$$
Instagram: @Liokalyvo
Gotta be honest folks…I wasn’t going to list this one because, well, it’s a local secret. But it’s such a treasure that it would be a shame for you not to experience this cute little seaside beach club. Loutraki is situated in Marathi Bay near Souda Bay. You will experience a beautiful, winding scenic drive that takes you to a narrow pathway. You might also die trying to get here because these narrow, winding roads are for two way traffic when you can barely fit a motorbike. Beautiful sparkling turquoise waters, an absolutely buzzing scene of hot, young locals, the best in house music and a calm bay for swimming. This is for sure my number 1 pick for so many reasons. The food is snackable and the service is quick and reliable. Expect to make new friends here. Make sure to go early between Thursday-Sunday or you won’t find parking or a sun bed. Tell Manos I sent you;)
Vibe: Casual but glamorous, party, vibing, pure summer happiness
Waters: absolutely gorgeous, perfect for swimming and lazing on a floatie, a calm serene bay closed off from the sea.
Food: Greek, Pizza, Burgers, Sandwiches, omelets, pastas
Cocktails: Order the Aperol Spritz. They do it right here!
Sunbeds+Unbrellas: Approx 4-6 EUR per person. They used to be free but this place became too popular.
Costs: $$
Instagram: @loutrakiseaside
