Agios Charalambos Beach in South Crete

Agios Charalambos beach is located on the south coast of Crete, in Chania region. It is a small beach with crystal clear waters and white sand, just next to the small fishing village of Agios Charalambos. The beach is surrounded by a small cove and a few rocks, making it a great spot for swimming and snorkeling. The beach is accessible by car, with a parking lot located nearby. It is possible to rent sunbeds and umbrellas on the beach. It is a very popular spot for windsurfing, kiteboarding and a great spot for scuba diving, with a variety of marine life to explore. This beach is ideal for families, since it has shallow waters and is surrounded by a safe environment.

Suppose you want to spend some relaxing time soaking in the sun while exploring the beach and enjoying the natural magnificence. In that case, Agios Charalambos beach must surely be on your itinerary.

Where is Agios Charalambos Beach?

The beach can be found 1.5 kilometres east of Chora Sfakion and 75 kilometres south of Chania. This marvel of nature is located on the south coast of Crete. Due to the large number of beaches adjacent to each other in this area, it is easily accessible via public transport. If you are staying in Chora Sfakion, it is an easy walk to the beach. There are also options for renting a car or taking public transport. While the natural beauty of this beach is a given, it also has the church of Saint Charalambos, a historical figure that is held in high regard by Cretans. The beach is located near a local nudist hotel, making it a nudist-friendly beach adjacent to Filaki beach, the official nudist beach in Crete.

View from Top of Agios Charalambos Beach

Things to do in & near Agios Charalambos Beach

You have several options to choose from when visiting the south of Crete. If you are a fan of beaches, you can find many beaches scattered across the south coast of Crete. But beaches are not the only thing Crete is famous for. If you want to learn more about the region’s religious history, the Chrysoskalitissa Monastery is a beautiful place to visit. Situated on a massive rock, the magnificence of this monastery is further emphasised, making it a striking place to visit.

Agios Charalambos Beach

If you are more of an explorer, then a hike in Sougia Gorge is exactly what you need when visiting Crete. Whether you want to take a peaceful walk or enjoy the peace that Sougia offers, a hike in Sougia Gorge can be an experience and a half for you.

Finally, if you still want to spend time on the beach, there are snorkelling options and spearfishing to get your adrenaline pumping. Maybe you are after a mellow time at the beach? The coves scattered along the beach can offer shade from the sun letting you enjoy the cold sea breeze.

Sougia Beach

How to get to Agios Charalambos Beach

There are several ways to get to Agios Charalambos beach. Since several beaches and a nudist hotel cover the area, you can use public transport. Here are the top three ways we believe are the most convenient ways to travel around the island of Crete.

By bus

Public transport, such as buses, can be a handy way to move around the island, and public transport in Crete is effective. You can easily find buses that can take you within walking distance of the beach.

Rental car

This is one of the most convenient options for travelling around all of Crete. Allow yourself more freedom by renting a car, which allows you to stop and take in the scenery.

Taxi

Taxis are the second-best option to travel around after a car rental. Since it is a tourist destination, buses tend to get overcrowded, not to mention the lack of time flexibility.

Road to Agios Charalambos Beach

Is there a lifeguard on duty at Agios Charalambos Beach?

No, there is not a lifeguard on duty at Agios Charalambos Beach. The beach is a popular spot for swimming and sunbathing but it is not monitored by a lifeguard. The beach is generally considered to be a safe spot for swimming. However, visitors should still be aware of their own safety and the potential risks associated with swimming in the ocean.

What is the history of Agios Charalambos Beach?

Agios Charalambos beach is located on the north coast of Crete, Greece, and is one of the most popular beaches on the island. The beach is situated between the towns of Chania and Rethymno and is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. The beach has a long and rich history that dates back to the Minoan era. During this time, the area was used as a port for the Minoan civilization.

Drone shot of Agios Charalambos Beach

What is the climate at Agios Charalambos beach?

Agios Charalambos Beach in Crete is known for its warm, Mediterranean climate. The area enjoys long, hot summers and mild, wet winters. During the summer months, temperatures typically range from 25-30°C (77-86°F). The hottest months are July and August, when temperatures can reach up to 35°C (95°F). The sea temperature is usually around 24-26°C (75-79°F).

What is the average water temperature at Agios Charalambos Beach?

The average water temperature at Agios Charalambos Beach varies throughout the year, depending on the season. During the summer months, the average water temperature is typically around 24-26°C (75-79°F). In the winter months, the average water temperature is typically around 17-19°C (63-66°F). However, the temperature can fluctuate depending on weather conditions.

Agios Charalambos Beach

What is the best time to visit Agios Charalambos Beach

The holiday season in Crete begins in May. While this can be a very pleasant time to visit the island, some people want to avoid the rush of this season. We believe that visiting Agios Charalambos would be most enjoyable in late spring or early summer. This will allow you to enjoy the beach and the surrounding tourist points and avoid overcrowded beaches during the holiday season.

Are there any restrictions on activities at Agios Charalambos Beach?

Yes, there are restrictions on activities at Agios Charalambos Beach. The beach is a protected area and as such, there are certain activities that are prohibited. Swimming, sunbathing, and walking along the beach are all allowed, but any activities that could damage the beach or its environment are not. This includes activities such as camping, building fires, and littering. Additionally, any activities that disturb wildlife or vegetation are also prohibited.

Other beaches near Agios Charalambos Beach

Filaki Beach

If you are visiting Crete, you need to stop at the official nudism-friendly beach on the island of Crete. It is located 3 kilometres away from the village of Chora Sfakion. Filaki beach and the surrounding area is nudism-friendly because of the scenic infrastructure and waters, and it is a pleasant day trip. It even has a tavern that offers delicious drinks and local cuisine for you to try out.

Filaki Beach

Ilingas Beach

Ilingas beach is a fantastic place to visit on a holiday due to its turquoise water and crystal-clear sand. Located at the end of the Kavi Gorge, Ilingas beach can be found 1 kilometres west of Sfakia village. Ilingas is a nudist-friendly beach located near a nudist resort. The local tavern at Ilingas beach serves delicious local drinks. Finally, the beach has scattered caves that can serve as a pleasant source of shade and allow one to enjoy the cold sea breeze.

Iligkas Beach

Vrissi Beach

While it may be a relatively small beach, the Vrissi beach is the first one you encounter as you disembark at the port of Chora Sfakion. This beach is truly magnificent and a sight for anyone visiting the island for the first time. Fine pebbles and clear water combine to make it a pleasant place to visit. Furthermore, the top of the beach has a memorial commemorating the evacuation of the last Australian, British, and New Zealand forces after the Battle of Crete.

Glyka Nera beach

Glyka Nera beach is another worthwhile addition to your itinerary. This beach is one of the most scenic in the country because of the natural surroundings. Located between Sfakion and Loutro, Glyka Nera is better known as “Sweet Water” beach. You can reach this beach on foot or by boat. Crete’s romantic atmosphere makes it the most ideal place for honeymooners. Surrounded by high cliffs and a quaint little tavern, you can see yourself spending several hours on the beach and taking in the relaxation.

Glyka Nera Beach or Sweet Water Beach

Fragkokastello beach

A beach named after a stunning seaside Venetian castle is more than a vacation spot. You’ll find Fragkokastello beach 13 kilometres east of Chora Sfakion and 80 kilometres southeast of Chania. With its fine golden sand and less crowded surroundings, this beach offers a calming aura. Perhaps it’s because it’s so far from the airports and mass tourism on the north coast. It has three small beaches. One is 600m long on the western side, another is below the Venetian fortress. Orthi Ammos, which is about 700m long, is the third beach to the east. You might only encounter sandblasting here because the katabatic winds from the north transport sand.

Frangokastello

Marmara beach

Located on the southern coast of Crete, Greece, Marmara beach is a perfect place for a day trip. Heraklion, the island’s capital, is 167 kilometres away, and Chania is 94 kilometres away. There is one tavern in the area; otherwise, it’s mostly just locals and tourists. You can have a relaxing time on Marmara beach and take in the gorgeous view of the coastline. Located on the edge of a cliff, this beach is perfect for taking a dip in the clear blue water or relaxing in the sun. There are no roads leading into or out of Marmara Beach, and you can only get there by boat or on foot.

Marmara beach Crete

Ammoudi Beach (Sfakia)

Ammoudi beach offers serenity and basic tourist facilities. It is alternatively called Sfakiano Ammoudi, due to the proximity to Sfakia village. Ammoudi beach is located 75 kilometres from Chania and 1.5km from Chora Sfakion. This area is famous for its several pebble beaches adjacent to each other. If you are staying in Chora Sfakion, you can easily take a small walk to the beach. The second-best option you can go for is calling a taxi. You’ll have more time flexibility, and tourists can avoid overcrowded buses, especially during the high season.

Ammoudi Beach near Sfakia Crete