Skinaria is a picturesque pebble beach tucked away on the south coast of Crete, known for its peaceful atmosphere and crystal clear waters. The beach is only accessible via a winding mountain road, keeping crowds away and adding to its remote feel.
What to Do
- Swim & Snorkel – With calm, shallow waters and great visibility, Skinaria is excellent for swimming and snorkeling. Spot sea life by the rocky areas.
- Relax – Find a spot on the soft pebbles or rent a sunbed, and take in views of the sea framed by hills. The lack of big waves creates a peaceful ambiance.
- Eat – There’s an excellent beachside family tavern serving simple, fresh Greek food. Don’t miss their grilled cheese!
Where to Stay 🏨
The small family-run Amoudi Hotel just a 5 minutes’ walk from the beach offers basic but clean and comfortable rooms along with traditional homemade meals. The hotel has its own beach section with free sunbeds for guests.
The apartments at Hapimag Resort Damnoni, a 10-minute drive away, are spacious and well-equipped. This resort features tennis courts, a football field, basketball court, two pools, restaurants, and other amenities, plus a nearly private beach area.
Additionally, the Skinaria Bay hotel provides a nice accommodation option right on Skinaria beach itself. Reviews mention comfortable and modern rooms with air conditioning. The hotel features a beach bar and tavern to enjoy food and drinks.
Parking 🅿
There is free public parking in a designated area along the road leading down to the beach. Arrive early in peak season to secure a good spot.
Brief Info
- 🏙️ City: Plakias
- ✨ Island: Crete
- 🇬🇷 Country: Greece
- ✈️ Fly to: Chania Airport – 45 mins by car
- 🏖️ Ideal for: Couples, families
Average Temperatures
| Month | Air Temp | Water Temp |
|---|---|---|
| January | 9°C | 17°C |
| February | 13°C | 16°C |
| March | 17°C | 17°C |
| April | 17°C | 17°C |
| May | 30°C | 22°C |
| June | 28°C | 24°C |
| July | 28°C | 26°C |
| August | 33°C | 27°C |
| September | 29°C | 26°C |
| October | 19°C | 24°C |
| November | 16°C | 22°C |
| December | 14°C | 19°C |
