Maleme beach is part of the very long stretch of beaches that extends all along the Bay of Chania. It is much quieter than the beaches closer to Chania but also maybe less attractive as it consists mainly of pebbles.
Type of beach: pebbles
Size of beach: 3 km
Crowds: very quiet, partly because it's a very long beach and only used by people staying locally.
Winds: open to the North. Because it's not a sandy beach the wind should not be too much of a nuisance.
Sunbeds and umbrellas, a few showers connected to the few hotels that are by the beach
Safe for children: not if there are waves though generally there are no currents. The water drops quickly.
Car parking: easy parking along the beach
Regular buses from and to Chania. 18 km from Chania (around 20 - 30 minutes drive by car)
Several tavernas and a few cafés near the sea front