Overview
It is about seventy-five kilometres from Chania but the mountain road takes close to two hours, which is the main thing to plan around. The lagoon is knee-deep in normal conditions and the islet beyond has dunes, cedar scrub and no facilities; the whole site is protected under Natura 2000, and taking sand away is prohibited and enforced. A monument on the islet records the killing of several hundred refugees who sheltered there in 1824.
Highlights
Arrive before ten or after four; the car park fills and the beach loses its point at midday in August. There is almost no natural shade, so bring or rent an umbrella. Wade to the islet and walk to its far side, where the crowds thin out within ten minutes.