Kera beach
Kera beach is located around 20km east of Chania city, on the south shores of Souda Bay and close to the picturesque villages of Kalives and Plaka. The beach with the soft sand and some pebbles in places is situated in a wonderful landscape, with towering cliffs around. The sea is shallow and crystal clear. It is not organized, although there are several options for accommodation and food in the wider area. It is an ideal choice for those who do not like crowded places. Kera is overlooking the island of Karga. On the other side of the beach, on the west, there is an amazing elongated rock in the sea which locals call Karavos (i.e. ship) because it reminds of a boat.
The church of Panagia Kera (i.e. dame Virgin May) is very close to the beach. It is a picturesque 19th century chapel which was built in the site of an older monastery. A legend says that when some pirates attempted to occupy the area, the residents prayed to the church of Panagia Kera. Virgin Mary listened to the prayers and petrified the boat and the pirates.
