Seitan Limania Beach, a Natural Wave Pool Like No Other

Located in the northwest of Crete, Chania boasts some of the most amazing beaches on the island. I’ve covered my favorite beaches in Chania, here, but I feel that Seitan Limania Beach (also known as Stefanou Beach) deserves an article of its own.

This sandy beach is something you may never come across anywhere else in Greece. The emerald color of the water and the giant waves are worth the pain of getting to this secluded beach. Seitan Limania stole my heart, really!

I took the above photo late afternoon, when the beach was in full shadow. Nonetheless, just look at that turquoise water and tell me you don’t like it!

On some maps, you’ll find this natural wave pool in Crete under the name of Stefanou Beach, Seitan Limani or Satan’s Harbor.

Where Is Seitan Limania?

Seitan Limania beach is on Crete island, in the Chania region, on the Akrotiri Peninsula.

If you look at the map of Crete you’ll notice three bumps on top of the northwestern part of the island.

The third bump from left to right is Akrotiri, where Seitan Limania is. That’s the closest peninsula to Chania Town, and also the location of the Chania International Airport.

Seitan Limania is on the east side of Akrotiri peninsula, by the end of a narrow and windy asphalt road. The road is in very good condition, so any type of car would do just fine.

The curvy road from Chania Town to Seitan Limania is narrow but very nice. There’s a big parking just on top of the cliffs, where the descent to Seitan Limania beach starts.

How To Get to Seitan Limania from Chania Town?

The best way (or should I say the only way) to get to Seitan Limania beach is by car or by motorbike.

Don’t try to walk from Chania airport to the beach, because it is too far away, even though the two look pretty close on the map.

Besides, the road is windy and extremely narrow, with no sidewalks and with no shadow. You’ll be in danger for most part of your walk. Rent a car or hire a taxi to take you there instead.

Apparently, there’s a bus going from Chania Town to Seitan Limania, but it operates only during summer. Do your research before planning your trip to this beach near Chania Town. I had a rental car during that trip, so I didn’t bother to check out the bus schedules.

If you drive to Stefanou Beach from Chania Town, you’ll have to take the road to the airport. Before reaching the airport, take the road to Chordaki and Akropoli. You’ll find your way even without a GPS, as there are enough road signs to show you the good direction.

After you pass the Church of Agios Spiridon (on your left side), the road will become abruptly descending and windy. It will unexpectedly end in a wide parking lot. That’s where the walking to the beach begins.

Sometimes you’ll see the beach from the car. If you aren’t a passenger, I’d suggest that you focus on the road rather than staring at the beach.

How To Descend To Seitan Limania Beach from the Main Road

As you stand in the parking lot, looking to the sea, the start of the descending path will be to your right. If you get to Seitan Limania beach in summer, you’ll probably find lots of other people, so you’ll only need to follow them to find your way.

Beware, though, the trail is very narrow and there are some parts where you have to push your body against the cliff and to put one foot in front of the other with the greatest care possible.

Wear sports shoes. Getting to this beach in flip-flops is one of the worst ideas ever. You risk to slide or to trip and fall off the cliffs.

August 2021 update: due to some accidents, the council installed rails alongside the path to the beach, to make it safer.

Make sure you stuff all your belongings into a bag. The best thing to do is to put all your beach items into a backpack and wear it on your back on the way down to the beach. Getting to Stefanou Beach is similar to a medium to high difficulty mountain hiking adventure. Take it seriously.

If you never climbed mountains in your life, return to the parking following the same path you took to descend to the beach.

For experienced mountain climbers, you may want to try the trail that starts by the right side of the beach (as you look to the rock). Beware, though, the path is marked but markings aren’t always visible so you can easily end up in the wrong place.

Again, my photos are dated now, in 2023, that the path to Stefanou Beach has handrails. I promise to update them as soon as I get to Crete again.

Is Seitan Limania Beach Suitable for Families with Children?

My answer is a big NO. Don’t take your kids to Seitan Limania, unless they are old enough and experienced in mountain hiking. I wouldn’t bring my teenagers, ether. There are lots of young people jumping off the cliffs into the natural wave pool created in this cove. Maybe I’m old, but I’ve found this extremely dangerous.

While I wouldn’t go with small children to this beach, I’ve seen a young mother with an infant getting a suntan on the sand. I can’t even imagine how on Earth did she manage to climb that rock with such a tiny baby.

Many people climb the rocks and then dive straight into the emerald sea. It looked like a very dangerous thing, so I wouldn’t say you should try it. Sometimes accidents happen and people get injured or even die. There’s no lifeguard on this beach, so don’t rely on anyone to save you, should anything happen.

What To Bring to Seitan Limania Beach?

The best word is EVERYTHING. This secluded beach is completely wild. There are no sunbeds, no umbrellas, no water sources, no showers, no toilets, and no shops.

Wear sunscreen and a hat. The tall cliffs cast their shadow on the beach only during morning and evening. For the most part of the day, you’ll be in full sunlight.

Funny enough, I’ve just discovered there’s a restaurant that delivers food and drinks to the beach from April to October. You can read more about them here. Their phone number is 6948 606 216 and they promise to deliver your orders within minutes.

Bring comfortable walking shoes or sport shoes. If you come here wearing only your flip-flops, you’ll be sorry, and you’ll have a difficult time descending the path to the beach.

Alternatively, you can wear your water shoes. This is what I did and it proved to be a good idea.

Seitan Limania is a goats’ paradise. You’ll find them everywhere around you, scattered along the cliffs, as well as on the beach. They will gladly eat your sandwich if you leave it unattended.

Cretan goats love pears and apples, so you may bring some with you to have fun and to take funny goat selfies on Seitan Limania.