Paralia Kourna is a very nice, wide, and long sandy beach with some pebbles at the entrance to the sea. It has a gentle descent into the clear and calm water, making it ideal for families with children. There is lots of space to play, walk, sunbathe, and swim.
📋 What to Do
- 🏞️ Natural Beauty: Paralia Kourna is known for its beautiful golden sand and crystal clear waters. The beach stretches for a few kilometers with space to relax.
- 🏊♂️Swimming and Sunbathing: The shallow, gentle slope and calm waters make Paralia Kourna ideal for swimming, especially for families with kids. The expansive beach also makes it perfect for sunbathing.
- 🤿Snorkeling: Further out in the clear waters there are good spots for snorkeling to see marine life, though there is not too much sea life to discover.
- 🚴♂️Beach Activities: The wide beach has plenty of space for beach games, walking, and horse riding in some sections.
- 🌅Scenic Beauty: Sunrises and sunsets are especially beautiful to watch from Paralia Kourna beach against the mountains.
🍽 Where to Eat
Corner
Corner is open 24 hours and located right by Heraklion airport, making it an oasis for hungry travelers no matter the hour. It’s inexpensive and known for its delicious gyros, burgers, fries and beer. The staff is friendly and welcoming.
Pilot Beach Resort Gialos Restaurant
This hotel restaurant located right on Paralia Kourna beach offers a delightful setting and view. Guests consistently praise it for its tasty fresh seafood, friendly service, and charming beachfront atmosphere.
🏨 Where to Stay
Vantaris Luxury Beach Hotel has modern, clean rooms along a beautiful sandy beach. Multiple guests mention the exceptional service and kindness of the staff. The food gets high marks for having lots of variety and tasty dishes.
Delfina Tropic Beach Hotel is conveniently located right on the long, sandy Paralia Kourna beach. It offers comfortable rooms, friendly staff, and a private hotel beach area. Guests comment that it’s very family-friendly.
🅿 Parking
There are about 15 free covered parking spaces near Lake Kournas, which is a short drive from Paralia Kourna beach. For beach parking, guests recommend getting a spot early, as it can fill up quickly in high season. Hotels like Vantaris Luxury Beach also offer free private parking.
🏖️ Brief Info
- 🏙️ City: Georgioupoli
- ✨ Island: Crete
- 🇬🇷 Country: Greece
- ✈️ Fly to: Chania Airport – 40 mins by car (35 km)
- 🏖️ Ideal for: Families with kids, couples, sunbathers
Average Temperatures
| Month | Air Temperature | Water Temperature |
|---|---|---|
| January | 11°C | 17°C |
| February | 10°C | 16°C |
| March | 15°C | 16°C |
| April | 17°C | 17°C |
| May | 22°C | 21°C |
| June | 29°C | 22°C |
| July | 27°C | 26°C |
| August | 33°C | 27°C |
| September | 25°C | 25°C |
| October | 20°C | 24°C |
| November | 16°C | 22°C |
| December | 13°C | 19°C |
Overall, Paralia Kourna is an ideal beach destination in Crete for families and sunbathers wanting a scenic, sandy beach with amenities nearby. The clear shallow waters are great for swimming, while the expansive beach has space for games, walks, and relaxation under the Greek sun.
