Crete – the fifth largest island in the Mediterranean and the largest in Greece – is (rightly) famous for its beautiful coastline surrounded by mirror-clear seas: from endless sandy plains framed by high dunes and small, hard-to-reach bays, to busy resorts where cocktails are served to sunbeds and tropical paradises of palm trees and cool river lagoons, the megalo nisi has a beach to suit every taste. The beaches are clean and many have been awarded the Blue Flag, which guarantees certain facilities including showers and toilets. Beware of strong currents when the weather is bad – never swim when a red flag is flying.
For more Crete inspiration, check out our guides to the island’s best hotels, restaurants, nightlife and activities. For more inspiration, plan the perfect Greek island hopping holiday with our itinerary.
Balos
The pale pink and white shell-strewn sand and shimmering turquoise waters of this lagoon in northwestern Crete (known locally as the ‘Cretan Caribbean’) are a magnet for tourists. Don’t be surprised if more than one person asks, “Did you know Prince Charles and Princess Diana spent their honeymoon here?” Children will enjoy the sea, which is shallow and warm, but less fun for adults who have to wade hundreds of meters to swim. For the best views, take the (long) walk on foot: be careful on the steep path to the beach.
How do you get there: From April to October there are boats from Kissamos (Kavonisi).
Elafonisi
With its beautiful pink sand, separated from the mainland by a shallow lagoon, Elafonisi was once Crete’s best-kept secret. Even now (except in mid-summer) this beach, 82 kilometers north of Chania, is rarely crowded. This is a nature reserve with an abundance of rare plants, including sweet-smelling pancratium lilies. Most people stay on the main bend of the beach, where there are sunbeds and umbrellas. To find a secluded spot, go to the island itself, where sunbeds are not allowed.
How do you get there: Take a boat from Paleohora or drive over rough roads from Vathi village.
Xerocambos
From the mountain town of Ziros the spectacular road runs through the gorge-like gorge of Lamnoni to the sandy beaches of Xercambos far below. The shallow waters and fine sands of Mazida Ammos make it popular with local families and there are further toddler-friendly coves near the Dolphin and Akro Giali taverns along the coast. Below the hilltop church of Agios Nikolaos lies the (clay) beach of Argilos, which is popular with health enthusiasts who hit the soft, mineral-rich mud that is said to be good for the skin.
How do you get there: There is a mountain route via the scenic villages of Armeni and Ziros, or the winding road from Zakros.
Vai
Do you think this idyllic little beach, surrounded by palm trees, looks familiar? This is where those adverts for the Bounty bar were filmed in the 1970s – and you still feel like you’ve entered a tropical paradise as you drive through Europe’s largest palm grove (over 5,000 trees) to reach this pristine sandy cove reach, 25 kilometers away. east of Sitia. Unfortunately, the small beach and adjacent restaurant are overcrowded in July and August, so it is best to visit outside these months. Please note that parking is expensive.
How do you get there: Drive or take the bus from Sitia to Vai.
Paleochora
Fancifully called the ‘Bride of the Libyan Sea’, it was a haven for hippies in the 1960s and the resort has largely retained that laid-back atmosphere (along with some hippies). Whitewashed houses draped with oleander and bougainvillea provide an elegant backdrop to the long, gently sloping sandy beach of Pachia Ammos, which is ideal for families (but beware of currents when the weather is bad). The western part of the beach has been (unofficially) colonized by nudists.
How do you get there: There are regular buses (in season) from Chania and boats from Sougia (April-October).
Falasarna
A web of narrow roads – surrounded by greenhouses and the elephant trunks of centuries-old olive groves – leads to this sprawling resort at the western foot of Cape Gramvousa (and within walking distance of the major Hellenistic-era port city of Falassarna). The wide sandy bay, surrounded by fragrant thyme and sage, and the small dunes dotted with marram grass, offer plenty of parasols and sunbeds. The water is shallow and clear enough to make it easy to spot the occasional (fish-friendly) reef.
How do you get there: From April to October there is a (limited) bus service from Kastelli.
Preveli
This beautiful beach, a short drive from Plakias, resembles a (small) piece of Costa Rica: the deep, green river, lined with palm trees, flows between the high and dramatically rugged gorges of the Kourtaliotis Gorge and ends in an icy lagoon where the brave can bathe (the water also cools the water temperature along the coastline). Trees provide plenty of shade and there is a small beach café serving snacks and ice creams.
How do you get there: Leave the car in the parking lot at Preveli Monastery and walk there, or take a boat from Plakias or Agia Galini.
Matala
Once the Roman port of Gortys, the golden sandy beaches of Matalas hide in an enclosed bay, surrounded by caves carved into the cliffs by the Romans. Matala was another 1960s hippie hangout – Joni Mitchell’s Carey talks about her time spent here (Matala’s Kymata restaurant was ‘Mermaid Café’ from the song). In June, crowds come here for the (free) Matala music festival and to browse the warren of small cafes and shops behind the harbor selling locally made goods and artistic souvenirs.
Come here: Drive or take a bus to Mires. There are also three or four buses a day from Heraklion.
Frangokastello
Home to the legendary Drosoulites warriors who fell here in 1828, the enormous (reportedly haunted) Venetian castle of Frangokastello provides a picturesque backdrop to the resort’s gently sloping sandy beach. Toddlers love this tree-lined beach – the water is clear, the sand is soft and there are cafes selling drinks and ice cream – but beware of sudden sandstorms caused by frequent winds. A 10-minute walk along the beach leads to Orthi Ammos, a tranquil spot known for its vast sand dunes.
How do you get there: Buses connect Frangokástello with both Plakiás and Hóra Sfakion.
