Chiona
Region of Crete, Greece: Excellent water quality
Chiona is a Blue Flag beach in Crete, Greece, meeting rigorous standards for water quality, environmental management, and visitor safety set by the Foundation for Environmental Education. The beach is open seasonally, and visitors should check local safety arrangements before heading out. April through June…
Quick Overview
Plan Your Visit to Chiona
The key facts before you go
About the Beach
What is Chiona?
Chiona is a Blue Flag beach in Crete, Greece, meeting rigorous standards for water quality, environmental management, and visitor safety set by the Foundation for Environmental Education. The beach is open seasonally, and visitors should check local safety arrangements before heading out. April through June offer the best conditions for a visit. It's a solid choice for families and travelers concerned about environmental standards.
It sits alongside Blue Flag beaches in Region of Crete, part of a broader network of Blue Flag certified beaches across Greece certified annually by the Foundation for Environmental Education.
Sunrise, Sunset & Beach Direction
Chiona faces east toward Mediterranean Sea. The best light for photography and swimming is typically in April, May, June. Direct sun hours follow that facing.
Planning
When to Go: Month by Month
| Month | Air Temp | Water Temp | Crowds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 12°C | 9°C | Low |
| Feb | 13°C | 10°C | Low |
| Mar | 14°C | 11°C | Low |
| Apr | 17°C | 14°C | Med |
| May | 21°C | 18°C | Med |
| Jun | 25°C | 22°C | Med |
| Jul | 27°C | 24°C | High |
| Aug | 27°C | 24°C | High |
| Sep | 25°C | 22°C | Med |
| Oct | 21°C | 18°C | Low |
| Nov | 18°C | 15°C | Low |
| Dec | 14°C | 11°C | Low |
The best time to visit Chiona is April, May, June. Air temperatures peak around 26.8°C in summer. Peak water temperature reaches 23.8°C in July.
How crowded does Chiona get?Like most Blue Flag beaches in Greece, Chiona sees its highest visitor numbers in July and August. The beach maintains a pleasant atmosphere even in peak season.
Is Chiona open year-round?The beach itself is accessible year-round, though staffed facilities including lifeguards typically operate only during the official season (typically July–September). The Blue Flag is displayed during the certification period only.
The Water
Swimming and Beach Life at Chiona
Is Chiona safe to swim?Chiona is Blue Flag certified, which requires meeting strict bathing water standards set by the EU Bathing Water Directive. Water quality is rated Excellent. The beach does not have lifeguards stationed on the beach. Swim with appropriate caution.
What is the water temperature at Chiona?Peak water temperature at Chiona reaches around 23.8°C in July, making it comfortable for swimming during the summer months. In winter (January), air temperatures average 12.1°C.
What is the beach like at Chiona?Chiona on the Region of Crete coast of Greece. It meets all Blue Flag criteria for environmental management, water quality, safety, and facilities.
Does Chiona have good facilities?As a Blue Flag certified beach, Chiona meets the Foundation for Environmental Education's standards for facilities and services. Toilet facilities are on site. Parking is available nearby.
Chiona sits on the Mediterranean Sea: explore all Blue Flag beaches on the Mediterranean.
Planning a trip to Greece? How Greece earns the most Blue Flags , our editorial guide to certified beaches across the country.
Transport
Getting to Chiona
How do I get to Chiona by car?Chiona is approximately 12.14 km from Agios Nikolaos Municipal Unit. Follow local road signs to the beach. Check Google Maps or a local map for the most current directions.
What is the nearest airport to Chiona?The nearest airport is Heraklion International "Nikos Kazantzakis" Airport (HER), approximately 50.8 km away.
Can I get to Chiona by public transport?Public transport options vary by season. Check local transport authority websites for current bus and train schedules connecting to Agios Nikolaos Municipal Unit. The nearest recorded bus stop is 201 m from the beach.
Nearby
Near Chiona
Mapped toilets, bus stops, cafés, parking, and shops within about 500 m of Chiona. Distances are walking-line estimates from the beach pin.
Map loads when you ask. Tiles stay off the first paint.
Map: OpenStreetMap (ODbL)
Toilets near Chiona
- Public toilets Public toilets 48 m
Bus near Chiona
- Bus stop Bus stop 201 m
- 57 Bus stop 339 m
Cafés near Chiona
- Melissos Restaurant 223 m
- Blue Sea Restaurant 246 m
- Thea Restaurant Restaurant 271 m
- Taverna Paradiso Restaurant 289 m
- Akti Olous Café 291 m
Parking near Chiona
- Parking Parking 149 m
- Parking Parking 287 m
- Parking Parking 378 m
- Parking Parking 469 m
- Parking Parking 488 m
Supermarket near Chiona
- Euro Mart Supermarket 272 m
Source: © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL). Names and positions come from mapped OSM features. Confirm on site.
Practical Details
Practical Information
| At the Beach | |
| Entry | Free: no charge to access the beach |
|---|---|
| Lifeguards | ✗ |
| Showers | ✗ |
| Toilets | ✓ Available during season |
| Official Season | June – December |
| Beach Type | Coastal beach |
| Parking | ✓ Available nearby (surface parking) |
| Nearest supermarket | 270 m from the beach |
| Nearest bus stop | 201 m from the beach |
| Visiting Information | |
| GPS Coordinates | 35.2580°N, 25.7308°E |
| Water Quality | Excellent (EU Bathing Water Directive) |
| Blue Flag Operator | Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), Greece |
Frequently Asked Questions
Chiona FAQ
Is Chiona suitable for children?
Chiona has a child-friendly score of 3/10. Facilities include toilets and parking. It is Blue Flag certified in Greece.
Is Chiona free to access?
Access to Chiona is free. There are no entry fees to enter the beach. It is a Blue Flag certified beach in Region of Crete, Greece, recognised for meeting international standards for water quality and environmental management.
When is the best time to visit Chiona?
The best time to visit Chiona is April, May, June. The peak season typically runs High season: July, August, when weather conditions and facilities are at their best. Peak water temperature reaches around 23.8°C in July. Outside peak season, the beach is quieter but some facilities may be reduced.
What is the water quality at Chiona?
Chiona is Blue Flag certified, which requires meeting strict EU Bathing Water Directive standards. Water quality is rated Excellent. Blue Flag certification is awarded and reviewed annually by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE). Beaches must pass water quality tests throughout the season to retain their status.
How do I get to Chiona?
Chiona is located in Region of Crete, Greece. It is approximately 12.14 km from Agios Nikolaos Municipal Unit. The nearest airport is Heraklion International "Nikos Kazantzakis" Airport (HER), 50.8 km away. By car is the most flexible option. Check local transport authority websites for current bus and train schedules to the area.
Are there toilets near Chiona?
Yes. OpenStreetMap maps toilets near Chiona, including 48 m away. Distances are walking-line estimates within about 500 m of the beach pin. Confirm opening hours on site; some facilities are seasonal. © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).
Is there a bus near Chiona?
Yes. OpenStreetMap maps a public-transport stop 201 m from Chiona (Bus stop), plus 1 more within about 500 m. Check current timetables before you travel. © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).
Are there cafés near Chiona?
Yes. OpenStreetMap lists 5 cafés or restaurants near Chiona, including Melissos (223 m), Blue Sea (246 m), Thea Restaurant (271 m), and Taverna Paradiso (289 m). Hours and seasonal opening are not verified here. Check on the day. © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).
Is there parking near Chiona?
Yes. OpenStreetMap maps parking 149 m from Chiona, with 5 lots or spaces inside about 500 m. Charges and time limits are not recorded here. © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).
Is there a supermarket near Chiona?
Yes. OpenStreetMap maps a supermarket 272 m from Chiona (Euro Mart). Walking-line distance; confirm opening hours locally. © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).
Explore More
Nearby Blue Flag Beaches
Editorial
From the Zeach Blog
Everything you need to know about what makes a beach qualify for Blue Flag status, from water quality to environmental education.
Read moreOur editorial team's pick of the standout Blue Flag beaches in Greece, rated for family friendliness, scenery, and facilities.
Explore GreeceWhat the flag actually means, how certification works, and why a Blue Flag is a genuinely reliable signal, not just a marketing tool.
Read moreSources
- Foundation for Environmental Education: Blue Flag programme
- FEE site listing for Chiona
- Hellenic Society for the Protection of Nature (EEPF)
- European Environment Agency: bathing water quality
Last verified September 2026. National operator pages and FEE listings are the primary certification sources.