Stavros beach to the east of Chania

Stavros beach in the Akrotiri peninsula east of Chania is one of Crete's most well-known beaches. Here is where the famed final scene in the film Zorba the Greek was shot.

Just before Stavros is a smaller beach that is not as well-known, I call the beach Little Stavros, because I do not know what it is called. Some people call the beach the Thanasis Taverna Blue Beach after the taverna located at the beach. The best thing about Little Stavros is its smallness and the beautifully located taverna with lovely sea views. The sand is pink along the shoreline, just as it is at the famous Elafonissi beach in south-western Crete. It is walking distance between Little Stavros and real Stavros, you can walk along the water via the long beach you see in the picture below.

The above text was true a few years ago, but now it is not true at all. The beach has been bought up and is now private, and the taverna has closed permanently. Instead of this wonderful place, there is now a gigantic hotel complex called Blue Beach Villas & Apartments.

The beach which lies between Blue Beach Villas & Apartments and Stavros beach.

Colourful sunbeds at Stavros beach.

Stavros beach is beautifully located in a bay that can almost be likened to a lagoon. The sand is golden yellow, fine as powdered sugar, and the water sparkle between turquoise and blue. The beach lies at the foot of a mountain that forms a beautiful backdrop to the lagoon, and it contributes to the painting being perfect. Stavros is a popular excursion destination and the beach is often crowded. You can get here by bus from Chania city, or by your own vehicle. There are plenty of tavernas and there are many hotels if you want to stay overnight.

Book hotels in Stavros here »

There is some dispute about exactly where on Stavros beach Zorba and Basil danced, depending on who you ask you get different answers. The film is briefly about a prudish and boring Englishman (Basil) who inherited a coal mine in Crete. On his way to Crete, he meets Zorba in Piraeus and they went to Crete together. Zorba is an extremely enthusiastic character who is not afraid of anything.

Stavros beach.

Zorba was played formidably by Anthony Quinn. Basil was played by Alan Bates and the female lead was played by Irene Papas. The film was directed by Michalis Kakogiannis. Zorba was nominated for seven Oscars, but had to be content with three, including for best cinematography. The wonderful final scene in which Zorba taught Basil to dance has gone to the history of film. The film's music has also become classic and we are probably many who tried to dance like Zorba. Mikis Theodorakis wrote the film's music and he got his international breakthrough with this film.

One of the restaurants above the beach in Stavros.

Read more about the Akrotiri peninsula »

WHAT YOU MUST NOT MISS IF YOU WHEN YOU ARE IN THE AREA

Don't miss Kalathas beach, which you can read about here »

READ MORE ABOUT CRETE HERE »