Salt Pans

Chiona beach is located a few meters east of Skisma in Elounda, about 10km north of Agios Nikolaos. To get here from Skisma, follow the coastal road that leads to the Spinalonga peninsula, passing by the old salt pans. The same road, after a short, amazing route between old windmills and a picturesque bridge, ends at the church of St Loukas and from there a path descends to the magnificent beach of Kolokytha.

The beach is located next to the old salt pans and its name comes from the hiona that is the name for the salt warehouse. Indeed, on the beach you will see a large stone building from 1830 that was used for storing salt.

The seabed is quite rocky and shallow, with relatively sharp stones and seaweed. It has a few umbrellas from the nearby restaurants and accommodation establishments. However, there are also a few tamarisk trees along the shore.

The beach to its east is also known as Poros (channel). The name comes from the channel under the bridge that was opened by French engineers in 1897 to allow boats to pass from the Elounda lagoon to Mirabello Bay.