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. The beach is open seasonally, so check local conditions before visiting. April through June offer the best weather for a visit. The Blue Flag designation…
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. The beach is open seasonally, so check local conditions before visiting.
April through June offer the best weather for a visit. The Blue Flag designation means the beach meets Foundation for Environmental Education standards, making it a reliable choice for families and those concerned with environmental practices.
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 Aegean 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 | 13°C | 17°C | Low |
| Feb | 14°C | 16°C | Low |
| Mar | 15°C | 16°C | Low |
| Apr | 17°C | 17°C | Med |
| May | 21°C | 19°C | Med |
| Jun | 25°C | 23°C | Med |
| Jul | 27°C | 25°C | High |
| Aug | 27°C | 26°C | High |
| Sep | 25°C | 25°C | Med |
| Oct | 22°C | 23°C | Low |
| Nov | 19°C | 21°C | Low |
| Dec | 15°C | 18°C | Low |
When is the best time to visit Chiona?
The best time to visit Chiona is April, May, June. Air temperatures peak around 26.9°C in summer. Peak water temperature reaches 24.6°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. The latest official class is Excellent (2025).
Water quality
Excellent (2025)
Earlier seasons: 2024 Excellent, 2023 Excellent, 2022 Excellent.
Excellent is the top class under the EU Bathing Water Directive. Recent samples stayed inside the strictest limits for bacteria.
Source: European Environment Agency
What is the water temperature at Chiona?
Peak water temperature at Chiona reaches around 24.6°C in July, making it comfortable for swimming during the summer months. In winter (January), air temperatures average 13°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.
Chiona sits on the Aegean Sea: explore all Blue Flag beaches on the Aegean.
Planning a trip to Greece? Read Why Greece has 607 Blue Flag beaches.
Transport
Getting to Chiona
How do I get to Chiona by car?
Chiona is approximately 2.11 km from Itanos 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 Sitia Airport (JSH), approximately 16.2 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 Itanos Municipal Unit.
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)
Cafés near Chiona
- Κακαβια Restaurant 248 m
- Fotis Seaside Restaurant 294 m
- Chiona Restaurant 313 m
Source: © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL). Names and positions come from mapped OSM features. Confirm on site.
On the beach
Facilities at Chiona
- Toilets
- No
- Showers
- No
- Parking
- No parking listed nearby
These details can change. Check on arrival.
Practical Details
Practical Information
| At the Beach | |
| Official Season | May – December |
|---|---|
| Beach Type | Coastal beach |
| Nearest supermarket | 1.3 km from the beach |
| Visiting Information | |
| GPS Coordinates | 35.1967°N, 26.2778°E |
| Water Quality | Excellent (2025) (EU Bathing Water Directive) |
| Blue Flag Operator | Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), Greece |
Frequently Asked Questions
Chiona FAQ
Is Chiona suitable for children?
Chiona is Blue Flag certified in Greece, which requires meeting strict standards for water quality, safety, and facilities. Families should check current facility status with the local beach operator before visiting.
Is Chiona free to access?
An entry fee is not listed for Chiona. Check with the beach operator before you travel. 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 24.6°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. The latest official class is Excellent (2025).
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 2.11 km from Itanos Municipal Unit. The nearest airport is Sitia Airport (JSH), 16.2 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 cafés near Chiona?
Yes. OpenStreetMap lists 3 cafés or restaurants near Chiona, including Κακαβια (248 m), Fotis Seaside (294 m), and Chiona (313 m).
Hours and seasonal opening are not verified here. Check on the day. © 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.
What 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)
Last verified September 2026. National operator pages and FEE listings are the primary certification sources.