Agios Pavlos, meaning Saint Paul in English, is a stunning and secluded beach situated in a picturesque cove on the Peninsula Rodopos. It is 40km northwest of the city of Chania. There are two main ways to get to the beach – by boat from either Ravdoucha or Kissamos, or by driving along a dirt road from the village Rodopos to the old monastery of St. Paul, which sits just above the beach. Before reaching the monastery, you will come across the remarkable monastery of St. John Gionas, regarded as one of the most significant ancient monasteries in West Crete.
The beach was named after the small, aged monastery of St. Paul, which is widely recognized for its beautiful frescoes and the many inscriptions written by pirates, sponge fishermen, travellers and Venetian rulers. Agios Pavlos boasts crystal pebbles and deep, cool waters, perfect for a tranquil escape. However, it might not be worth the long drive to get there if you are only looking to experience the beach itself.
