Marmara Beach
Marmara Beach
4.5
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4.5
296 reviews
Excellent
223
Very good
53
Average
13
Poor
5
Terrible
2
Iain M
2 contributions
Aug 2021
Walked to Marmara beach from Loutro - very little shade and scree unpleasant to walk on, way not clearly marked by Lykos Beach. Sea at Marmara had scum at the east end and when the boat from Loutro arrived, there was a mad dash for the most convenient beach umbrellas. Overrated in my opinion. Much cleaner and quieter beaches around. If you have to go, get a boat!
Written 26 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
oronic
Cesena, Italy1,444 contributions
Aug 2020
Out of the tourist guides, this beautiful beach is easily accessible by boats or water-taxis and it's really worth! Umbrellas are at a ridiculously low price. You can also swim inside and outside the natural caves. The most beautiful sea in all of Crete!
Written 7 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cretamania
Plakias, Greece82 contributions
Sept 2020 • Friends
I've known Marble Beach for many years. It used to be pristine, black and white stones in a wonderful setting. Now, the stony beach is grey with the detritus of thousand boats spewing oil, and the suncream of millions of tourists. Umbrellas and loungers cover the beach. My heart bleeds.
Written 23 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Virginia R
14 contributions
Oct 2023 • Family
Arrived here after Aradena gorge walk. Wonderful to arrive that way. A bit hard to walk on beach without beach shoes as pebbles not sand. But once in the water it was fantastic. So clear and refreshing. Lovely taverna too. Not too many people and a very chilled atmosphere.
Written 22 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
647samuelc
Warrnambool, Australia54 contributions
June 2019 • Couples
Small cove that extends along a cave riddled epic landscape.
The beach consists of small smooth stones with smooth small gravel at the waters edge. It is easy enough under foot. Sandals preferred by some.
In late June there were plenty of sun beds and umbrellas for all.
Get there early is good advice but not essential.
Great family beach.
Excellent value and quality family run taverna here. We actually had our favourite meal on Crete here being slow baked lamb from the wood fired oven and Briam.
To visit you only need bathing suit and euros. Snorkel and mask could add to the experience.
100% positive day out.
The beach consists of small smooth stones with smooth small gravel at the waters edge. It is easy enough under foot. Sandals preferred by some.
In late June there were plenty of sun beds and umbrellas for all.
Get there early is good advice but not essential.
Great family beach.
Excellent value and quality family run taverna here. We actually had our favourite meal on Crete here being slow baked lamb from the wood fired oven and Briam.
To visit you only need bathing suit and euros. Snorkel and mask could add to the experience.
100% positive day out.
Written 21 June 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Federica
London, UK68 contributions
Sept 2018 • Family
The beach is beautiful, the water is crystal clear and snorkelling was great. The taverna above the beach has got a nice view and pleasant vibe (but it gets crowded). Would certainly recommend a visit.
We arrived by boat and then returned to Loutro by foot. I would not recommend this path unless you are very experienced and do not have issues with heights/vertigo as the stretch between Marmara and Lykos is really difficult. We are young and enjoy hiking but the path was barely visible, just a bunch of falling rocks, extremely narrow, high above the sea level, with some nasty turns. And you might have to share it with goats climbing the rocks up there. Plus the heat. Unless you are in the mood for mild rock climbing on a vertigo-inducing path, do return by boat.
We arrived by boat and then returned to Loutro by foot. I would not recommend this path unless you are very experienced and do not have issues with heights/vertigo as the stretch between Marmara and Lykos is really difficult. We are young and enjoy hiking but the path was barely visible, just a bunch of falling rocks, extremely narrow, high above the sea level, with some nasty turns. And you might have to share it with goats climbing the rocks up there. Plus the heat. Unless you are in the mood for mild rock climbing on a vertigo-inducing path, do return by boat.
Written 6 September 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
sugarloaf65
Dublin, Ireland50 contributions
June 2018 • Family
We got 11am boat from Loutro to Marmara (8 euro for return ticket), trip takes 20 mins. It's a small stoney beach with really clear water, but not too crowded in early June. Sun beds and shade worth getting @ E6.50 a set for the day. Best bit was walking up rocky steps to the Taverna for lunch. Epic views, great food & value. Little garden behind Taverna really pretty too. We opted to take the later boat back at 5pm so we could go for a walk into the gorge behind beach. Just a perfect day in Crete..
Written 11 June 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Paul H
Oxford, UK21 contributions
Sept 2019
There are two ways of accessing Marmara beach, hiking (about 6 km) or boat - 2 times daily. If hiking,about 2 km after passing Phoenix be prepared for a struggle; when the unpaved road that is quite interesting, passing a Aldi honey processing factory and several flocks/herds of sheep and goats, turns inland and you have to leave it to make your way to Marmara beach. That is when it gets tough, and although marked the route to the beach is a devil to follow. So much so that despite peering down from the cliff towards Marmara beach gave up and returned to Phoenix beach, which is just as nice. That said, the next day we got to Marmara beach by boat and thoroughly, so much so we went a second time.
Located at the mouth of the Aradena Gorge, the beach itself is not that big or glamorous, but there are plenty of loungers; it is easy to get into the warm sea and there are caves along the bottom of the cliffs that you can enjoy.
Most amazingly, despite the fact that access is by boat only the sole taverna is brilliant. Lovely food and great service whilst not charging the earth.
As nice as Loutro is, no matter how you get there spending the days on Marmara Beach is well worth the effort.
Located at the mouth of the Aradena Gorge, the beach itself is not that big or glamorous, but there are plenty of loungers; it is easy to get into the warm sea and there are caves along the bottom of the cliffs that you can enjoy.
Most amazingly, despite the fact that access is by boat only the sole taverna is brilliant. Lovely food and great service whilst not charging the earth.
As nice as Loutro is, no matter how you get there spending the days on Marmara Beach is well worth the effort.
Written 28 September 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
GEORGIA K
28 contributions
Aug 2019
Marmara is one of the most beautiful beaches i have been to the last year.
You need a boat to take you there or if you are very adventurous you can even go on foot!
We took the boat which cost around 4 euros each wayand it takes 10 mins from Loutro.
The beach is small but the water is like you are in paradise.
And after all the swim and the sunbathing , you get hungry, there is an amazing restaurant there. There is only one restaurant anyway you cannot miss it!
We had steaks, fish, salads, chips, all great and incredibly fresh!
Lovely lovely place !I love Crete
You need a boat to take you there or if you are very adventurous you can even go on foot!
We took the boat which cost around 4 euros each wayand it takes 10 mins from Loutro.
The beach is small but the water is like you are in paradise.
And after all the swim and the sunbathing , you get hungry, there is an amazing restaurant there. There is only one restaurant anyway you cannot miss it!
We had steaks, fish, salads, chips, all great and incredibly fresh!
Lovely lovely place !I love Crete
Written 4 September 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cristina106
Sydney, Australia209 contributions
Aug 2019 • Friends
Crystal clear water a really special beach. The only access is via ferry. You have to make it a must see.
Written 12 August 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Is there a direct boat from sfakia to marmara beach or I have to go first to Loutro by ferry then take a boat to marmara beach?
What is the timetable of boats to and from marmara beach to sfakia or loutro?
Written 18 July 2020
Ciao volevamo andare in un giorno sia a glyka nera che a loutro. Fare mattina in un posto e pomeriggio in un altro. Qualcuno sa se si riesce a fare? Con ritorno alla sera a hora sfakion?
Written 8 January 2020
Ciao non ricordo di preciso gli orari dei traghetti.
Variano in base al periodo.
Penso di si comunque.
Written 8 January 2020
Ciao, è possibile dormire a Marmara Beach? Dalle immagini ho visto che c'è una taverna e pochissime costruzioni. Vorrei fermarmi almeno una notte, primi di settembre. Grazie
Written 11 August 2019
Avendo a disposizione solo un giorno cosa consigliate, Marmara o Sweet water? Quale delle due è più tranquilla?
Written 1 September 2018
Marmara è piuttosto piccolina quindi in agosto molto affollata. Ma è bellissima come ambiente circostante e come acqua cristallina. Sweetwater l'abbiamo vista solo dalla barca e non sembrava sovraffollata.
Written 2 September 2018
Is this good place for 8 years old or should I wait few years before going here with my son.
And walking there with the kid? Is it ok or too long or difficult bath from Luton?
Written 23 July 2018
Ενδιαφερόμαστε για ενοικίαση κανω. Πόσο στοιχίζει και πόσο δύσκολο/εύκολο είναι να πάει κανείς στις παραλίες Γλυκά νερά και Μαρμαρα
Written 12 June 2018
Ciao a tutti! Ad Agosto sarò a Creta e pensavo di trascorrere 3 giorni tra Loutro e Chora Sfakion.. Sapete dirmi se esistono traghetti o taxi boat che portano da Loutro a Marmara Beach? Se si, esistono siti online dove poter visualizzare gli orari? Inoltre per raggiungere le spiagge di Glyka nera e Marmara Beach consigliate di pernottare a Loutro oppure a Chora Sfakion se dal porto partono più imbarcazioni? Grazie
Written 8 June 2017
Ciao, il traghetto pubblico non ferma a Marmara. Taxi boat ti consiglio Notos Mare a Sfakia. Puntuali negli orari che scegli. Pernotta a Loutro.
Written 9 August 2017
How do you get to Matmara beach from Chania town? I see a lot of people mentioned water taxi. Where do you need to go to get one?
Written 9 April 2017
I don’t know how long the bus takes but there were plenty of people waiting for the ride. We drove about 1.25 hours from Rethymnon leaving at dawn. From Sfakia take a ferry to Loutro (ask about ferry options when you arrive). Then from Loutro small ferry To Marmara). All up about 2 hours travelling including waiting for ferries.
NOTE: drive down mountain to Sfakia is not for the faint-hearted driver.
Written 21 June 2019
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