If you are a fan of remote beaches, off the beaten path, not so touristy and with a beauty of this world, then you should definitely add Seitan Limani on your list.

This wonderful hidden gem is located in the wilderness of Akrotiri Peninsula, 22 km north-east of Chania. It is actually a narrow canal, shaped like a thunderbolt when looked from above. Its has a small beach with white sand and a wonderful turquoise water. It is a good place for snorkeling and suitable for small children, as it sheltered by the wind and high waves.

The official name is Paralia Stefanou (Παραλία Στεφάνου) but it is known by the name of Seitan Limani (Σεϊτάν Λιμάνι). It is pronounced as it is written, not Sitan, as the ι has a trema, separating it from the ε before it, thus the hiatus. The word λιμάνι means port in Greek and σεϊτάν is a word of Turkish origin which means “devil”. So its translation would be devil’s port and why it was called like this is still unknown.

How to get there:

1. By car – the road is in very good conditions, it has asphalt and there is a parking lot at the top. Some important aspects:

a. The road descends on the way to the beach, use engine brake

b. There are very sharp turns

c. Make sure that your brakes are in perfect condition, both pedal and hand brake

d. Getting back from the parking lot you will ascend. The slope is steep so if you drive a manual car, make sure you are used to slope start and you have good control of the clutch – brake – gas pedals. Do not switch gears while ascending, although your car will ask you to, keep it in the 2nd or 3rd gear max. 

e. While ascending, keep a larger distance from the car in front of you. Their engine might die mid-slope and if the driver panics and cannot control the pedals, the car will follow gravity’s laws

2. By bus – during the summer months there are daily buses from Chania Central Bus Station to Seitan Limani, the bus stop is next to the parking lot. The schedule can be found on their official website e-ktel.com

3. By boat – there are some organized tours from Marathi or you can rent a private boat

4. There are no day trips from Chania area to Seitan Limania ☹

Some very important things to know:

· No matter how you get there, by bus or by car, you will have to go down the cliff. There is no paved road there, no stairs, therefore not suitable for people with mobility issues. Small children must be attended all times. As you can see in the Google Maps pictures, there is no shade on the way. So, wear a hat, sunscreen and comfortable shoes, no flip-flops

· The area is very remote, there might be issues with the phone coverage

· Bring enough water and food with you. There is no restaurant/café/taverna

· There are no sunbeds and umbrellas, so bring your own

· The sandy beach is very small, it might be difficult to find a suitable spot for your towel as it can be crowded, especially in the summer

· Goats roam freely and they are used to being fed by the tourists. And yes, they can be very pesky if you don’t share your snacks with them 😊

· There are absolutely no facilities here – no beach bar, no public toilets, no lifeguard

· Please don’t leave any trash behind