From Chania, we head eastwards to start our day tour of the Akrotiri peninsula. Our first stop is the small, secluded, sandy beach of Macherida. The beach is named after the wild gladioli (Gladiolus italicus) that grow in the fields behind the beach during the spring.

We then continue towards the sandy, protected beach of Stavros, well-known from the film “Zorba the Greek”. After a swim (and maybe a dance?) we jump onboard and circle the north side of the headland stopping at the narrow creek of Katholiko, at the mouth of the narrow and impressive gorge.. the deep blue sea invites us to cool off! Next up, is Seitan Limani beach, where we enjoy the crystal, turquoise waters from our boat, away from the crowds.

Not far away, we come to Marathi island and beach, a wonderful place to stop for lunch. In the afternoon, we make our way back to the old harbour of Chania, if we´re lucky, we might see turtles!