DESTINATIONS
Sailing to Lazaretta Island, Chania
A small islet just off Nea Chora — once a Venetian leprosarium, now a quiet swimming stop and one of the closest sailing destinations from Chania’s Old Harbour.
● 25 min sailing time
● Off Nea Chora coast
● Sandy beach & ruins
Location
Opposite Nea Chora beach
Sailing Time
25 minutes from Chania Old Harbour
History
17th c. Venetian leprosarium
Landmark
Chapel of Saint Nicholas (1954)
Best For
Half-day cruises & swim stops
THE ISLAND
The Quiet Islet With a Heavy Past
Few destinations within sight of Chania carry as much layered history as Lazaretta — a small rocky islet just off the long beach of Nea Chora, easily seen from the shore but only truly known from the sea.
A Stone’s Throw From Chania
Lazaretta lies directly opposite Nea Chora, the long stretch of sandy beach that begins where Chania town ends to the west. From the Old Venetian Harbour, the islet is no more than a short sail away — twenty-five minutes under sail, less under engine. You can see it from the seafront cafés of Nea Chora, a low, pale shape set in turquoise water. But seen from a boat, with the cliffs of Chania receding behind you, Lazaretta becomes something else entirely: a small piece of land that has carried far more weight than its size suggests.
A Venetian Leprosarium
The island’s name comes from the Italian word lazzaretto — a leprosarium, named after Saint Lazarus, the patron saint of lepers in the Roman Catholic tradition. During the 17th century, the Venetians used Lazaretta as the leprosarium of Chania, isolating those suffering from the disease on this small piece of rock off the coast. It was a practice common to many of Crete’s coastal islets at the time — small, sea-bound exiles where illness could be contained away from the city.
The traces are still there. Graves have been identified on the islet, presumably of those who lived and died there. Foundations of buildings remain, though much was destroyed in 1645 when the Ottomans demolished the structures to install a large cannon used to attack Chania’s harbour fortifications. What you see from the deck today is layered: Venetian, Ottoman, and centuries of weathering by sea and wind.
Wartime Echoes
The island’s military story did not end with the Venetians. In places along its shore you can still find small metal fragments — remnants of bombs dropped during German military exercises in the Second World War. They are quiet reminders that this stretch of sea was once a training ground, and that Lazaretta, by simply being where it was, became part of the wider story of Chania’s wars.
A Chapel Born From the Sea
In 1954, a local man suffered a severe sunstroke while on the island. According to the story still told in Nea Chora, he managed to swim all the way back to the mainland and save his life. In gratitude, he built a small chapel of Saint Nicholas — patron saint of sailors — on the islet itself. The chapel still stands today, a simple white shape against the rock, and is one of the most loved features of any Lazaretta visit.
Lazaretta Today
In the 1950s, the islet served as the starting point for long-distance swimming races, with the finish line at the inner harbour of Chania — a tradition that says something about how locals have always seen it: not as a far-off place, but as part of the wider rhythm of the town. Today it is uninhabited and peaceful. A small sandy beach on the sheltered side draws boats and swimmers throughout the season. The waters around it are clear and full of life, regularly visited by sea excursions and local diving schools. For a sailing cruise from Chania, Lazaretta is the perfect close stop — a short journey, a quiet swim, and a great deal of story for so small a place.
ON THE CRUISE
What to Expect Sailing to Lazaretta
Anchor in calm waters
Drop anchor on the sheltered side of the islet, where the sea is glassy and the small sandy beach lies a short swim away.
See the chapel of Saint Nicholas
From the deck, look for the small white chapel built in 1954 — a quiet landmark visible from the sea, with a story worth knowing before you sail.
Glimpse the Venetian foundations
Trace the outlines of 17th-century walls and other surviving remnants — small reminders of when this rock served a very different purpose.
A light snack on board
While at anchor, the captain prepares a light snack — savoured with wine or beer under the shade of the boat tent. Water, soft drinks and fresh fruit are always on board.
OUR CRUISES
Sail to Lazaretta with Notos
Full-Day Cruise
Departs: 10.00
Returns: 17.00
Up to 10 guests
A full day of private sailing from the Old Venetian Harbour, with stops at Maherida, Thodorou and Lazaretta. Light snack and Cretan refreshments on board.
Half-Day Cruise
4 hours
Two stops
Up to 10 guests
A shorter sailing experience with two stops for swimming, often combining Lazaretta with neighbouring Thodorou. Ideal for travellers with limited time but a love for the sea.
Sunset Cruise
Late afternoon departure
Up to 10 guests
Sail past Lazaretta as the sun softens over the bay — one of the closest islets to Chania, and one of the prettiest from the water at the end of the day.
GOOD TO KNOW
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Lazaretta Island located?
Lazaretta is a small islet just off the coast of Nea Chora, the western edge of Chania town. It lies only a short sail from the Old Venetian Harbour and is clearly visible from the shore.
Why is Lazaretta called by that name?
The name comes from the Italian word lazzaretto, meaning a quarantine station or leprosarium. The islet was used as a leprosarium during the Venetian period in the 17th century, and was named after Saint Lazarus, the patron saint of lepers in the Roman Catholic tradition.
Can you swim at Lazaretta Island?
Yes. Lazaretta has a small sandy beach and clear, calm waters that are ideal for swimming. The islet is a popular stop for sea excursions and local diving schools, and the sheltered side offers especially calm conditions.
How long does it take to sail to Lazaretta from Chania?
Lazaretta is the closest of our destinations. From the Old Venetian Harbour by sailboat, the crossing typically takes around 20 to 30 minutes, depending on wind and pace. This makes it ideal for shorter sailing trips or as part of a longer day on the water.
What can you see on Lazaretta Island?
Lazaretta carries layers of history. You can still see the foundations of Venetian-era buildings, fragments of metal from Second World War military exercises, and a small chapel of Saint Nicholas built by a local in 1954. The islet also has its own small sandy beach.
Is Lazaretta good for a half-day cruise?
Yes. Because of its proximity to Chania, Lazaretta is often part of our half-day cruises, frequently combined with a stop at Thodorou Island. It is also a regular stop on our full-day private cruises.
GUEST STORIES
What Our Guests Say
The captain of the day, Alex, was professional and very welcoming.
The trip to Krikri Island was a great time, enjoying the view and swimming.
The boat was impeccable, with nothing to complain about in terms of maintenance and upkeep.
I definitely recommend it for a sea trip.
Myself along with three friends took a private hire with Notos and it was a fantastic day out. We chose the catamaran. It was beautiful, spacious and very stable and smooth for anyone who is uncertain on sailing boats. Our captain Nikos, was the perfect host, attentive, informative and very kind. He also introduced us all to a sup which he has and is free to use. We had such fun, it was hilarious! We spent more time falling off it than standing on it which is more difficult than it looks until you find your balance. Sit on it! It's much easier! Our friend Alison was the most successful, she mastered it!
I highly recommend Notos. Personal service and a beautiful boat, you won't be disappointed.
Thank you captain from all of us.
Ahead of time, I truly thought I would get tired of swimming at each spot - but I didn't!
The captain of the day, Alex, was professional and very welcoming.
The trip to Krikri Island was a great time, enjoying the view and swimming.
The boat was impeccable, with nothing to complain about in terms of maintenance and upkeep.
I definitely recommend it for a sea trip.
Myself along with three friends took a private hire with Notos and it was a fantastic day out. We chose the catamaran. It was beautiful, spacious and very stable and smooth for anyone who is uncertain on sailing boats. Our captain Nikos, was the perfect host, attentive, informative and very kind. He also introduced us all to a sup which he has and is free to use. We had such fun, it was hilarious! We spent more time falling off it than standing on it which is more difficult than it looks until you find your balance. Sit on it! It's much easier! Our friend Alison was the most successful, she mastered it!
I highly recommend Notos. Personal service and a beautiful boat, you won't be disappointed.
Thank you captain from all of us.
Ahead of time, I truly thought I would get tired of swimming at each spot - but I didn't!
KEEP EXPLORING
More Destinations Near Chania
Each cove and islet has its own character. Discover the other places we love to sail to.
Menies Beach
A remote pebble beach on the wild Rodopou peninsula, accessible almost exclusively by sea.
Maherida Beach
A tiny hidden shore sheltered from the wind, with crystal-clear waters and a sense of complete quiet.
Thodorou Island
A protected nature reserve with 16th century Venetian ruins and the rare Kri-Kri wild goats of Crete.
READY WHEN YOU ARE
Ready to Sail to Lazaretta?
Reach out to plan a private sailing cruise around your dates, group and preferred pace. We’ll shape the day around what you want to see.