Manovas beach

Manovas beach is situated 500 metres to the south of the renowned Seitan Limania beach, close to Cape Akrotiri or Melecha. It is bordered by high cliffs on either side, and is situated in the depths of a ravine, where the Kouroupitos stream enters the ocean. Although aesthetically stunning, it has not been a popular tourist destination for many years due to its unsavoury past. Until the end of the 20th century, the stream was used as an illegal landfill, a source of much shame to the prefecture of Chania, and the European Union imposed heavy fines on Greece for its operation until it was finally closed in 1997. Nowadays, a modern solid waste processing plant stands above the beach, and the area has been fully regenerated, making it a safe spot for swimming and relaxation. Additionally, nearby is the Cave of Kouroupitos, which contains a stunning cave decoration.