14 of the Best Beaches in Crete
14 of the Best Beaches
in Crete
Crete, the largest of the Greek islands, is a sun-soaked paradise that boasts some of the most stunning beaches in Europe. With its crystal-clear waters, golden sands, and diverse landscapes, it’s no wonder that Crete is a top destination for beach lovers from around the world. Whether you’re seeking the tranquillity of a secluded cove, the vibrancy of a popular tourist spot, or the natural beauty of untouched shores, Crete has it all.
In this guide, we’ll take you on a tour of the best beaches on the island, each offering its own unique charm and appeal. From the iconic pink sands of Elafonissi to the hidden gem of Aspes, discover the perfect spot to relax, unwind, and soak up the Mediterranean sun.
Elafonissi Beach
Elafonissi Beach, located on the southwestern coast of Crete, is famous for its unique pink sand and crystal-clear waters. Often ranked among the best beaches in the world, it’s a popular destination for visitors seeking both beauty and tranquillity. The beach is characterised by a shallow lagoon, making it ideal for families and those who enjoy wading in calm waters.
As part of a protected nature reserve, Elafonissi remains largely unspoiled, offering a pristine environment perfect for relaxation. While it can get busy during peak season, exploring the nearby islet provides more secluded spots. With its stunning landscape and accessible amenities, Elafonissi Beach is a must-visit for anyone travelling to Crete.
Balos Beach
Balos Beach, situated on the Gramvousa Peninsula in northwestern Crete, is one of the island's most iconic beaches. Known for its striking turquoise waters and breathtaking views, Balos is a natural wonder that draws visitors from around the world. The beach is set within a stunning lagoon, where the shallow waters create a blend of vivid blues and greens, offering a picture-perfect setting.
Reaching Balos is part of the adventure—visitors can either hike down from the nearby car park or take a boat trip from Kissamos. The beach itself is relatively untouched, with only a few basic amenities, preserving its wild and unspoiled charm. The scenic beauty, combined with the sense of seclusion, makes Balos a perfect destination for those looking to experience Crete's natural splendour at its finest. Whether you’re exploring the shallow waters or relaxing on the soft sand, Balos Beach offers an unforgettable escape into nature.
Falassarna Beach
Falassarna Beach, located on the west coast of Crete, is a long stretch of golden sand that has earned a reputation as one of the island's most beautiful beaches. This expansive beach is perfect for those who enjoy wide-open spaces, with plenty of room to find your own spot even during the busier summer months. The crystal-clear waters are ideal for swimming and snorkelling, while the soft sand invites you to relax and soak up the sun.
Falassarna is also famous for its stunning sunsets, making it an ideal destination for an evening visit. As the sun dips below the horizon, the beach is bathed in a warm, golden light, creating a truly magical atmosphere. The beach is well-serviced with sunbeds, umbrellas, and a few beach bars, ensuring you have everything you need for a comfortable day by the sea.
Vai Beach
Vai Beach, on the eastern coast of Crete, is renowned for its unique palm forest, the largest in Europe. According to legend, the palm trees grew from date pips discarded by Arabian pirates long ago. The beach’s soft golden sand and clear blue waters create an exotic atmosphere, making it one of the most distinctive spots on the island.
As a protected area, Vai Beach remains pristine, despite being a popular destination. Visitors will find facilities such as sunbeds, umbrellas, and changing rooms, making it a comfortable and convenient place to spend the day. Although it can get busy during peak season, the beach’s spacious layout allows for a peaceful experience.
Orthi Ammos Beach
Located on the south coast of Crete in the Chania region, Orthi Ammos Beach is a tranquil haven for those seeking a quieter escape. Close to the historic village of Frangokastello, the beach is famous for its expansive sand dunes that slope down to meet the clear, blue waters. The golden sands and natural beauty make it a picturesque spot, perfect for relaxation away from the busier tourist areas.
Orthi Ammos remains relatively untouched by commercial development, allowing visitors to enjoy a more authentic and peaceful beach experience. Its secluded nature and stunning surroundings provide a serene retreat, ideal for those looking to unwind in a less crowded setting.
Aspes Beach
Nestled along the southeastern coast, Aspes Beach is among a few hidden beaches in Crete set in a remote and strikingly beautiful spot, known for its dramatic volcanic marble cliffs and emerald-green waters. Located about 58 kilometres from Heraklion and just 4 kilometres from the hamlet of Treis Ekklisies, this hidden gem is perfect for those seeking solitude and natural beauty.
The beach is framed by steep, cavernous cliffs, with caves carved into the rock, creating a unique and rugged landscape. The emerald waters are incredibly clear, making it an excellent spot for swimming and exploring the underwater world. Due to its remote location, Aspes is less frequented, offering a peaceful and undisturbed environment. The journey to reach Aspes may be challenging, but the reward is a breathtakingly beautiful beach that feels like a private paradise.
Preveli Beach
Preveli Beach, located on Crete’s southern coast, is one of the island’s best blue flag beaches. This beach is famous for its stunning landscape, where a freshwater river winds through a lush palm forest before meeting the Libyan Sea. The combination of river, palm trees, and golden sand creates an exotic setting that feels like a tropical oasis.
Accessible by foot or boat, Preveli Beach offers a sense of adventure as you approach its natural beauty. The freshwater river is perfect for a refreshing swim, while the beach itself provides a beautiful spot for sunbathing and relaxation. Despite its popularity, Preveli retains a serene atmosphere, making it a must-visit for those exploring the southern coast of Crete. The natural beauty and distinctive landscape make it one of the island’s standout beaches.
Seitan Limania Beach
Tucked away on the Akrotiri Peninsula near Chania, Seitan Limania Beach is a hidden gem known for its dramatic setting. The beach is situated in a narrow, winding inlet surrounded by steep cliffs, creating a secluded cove with striking turquoise waters. The sharp contrast between the rugged landscape and the vibrant sea makes Seitan Limania one of Crete’s most photogenic beaches.
Reaching Seitan Limania requires a bit of effort, with a steep descent down a rocky path, but the breathtaking view and serene environment make it well worth the hike. The beach itself is relatively small, offering a quiet and intimate atmosphere, perfect for those looking to escape the more crowded tourist spots. With its crystal-clear waters and unique location, Seitan Limania provides an unforgettable experience for visitors to Crete’s northwestern coast.
Matala Beach
Matala Beach, located on the southern coast of Crete, is not only known for its natural beauty but also for its rich history and bohemian charm. This beach gained fame in the 1960s and 70s as a gathering place for hippies who lived in the ancient caves carved into the cliffs that surround the beach. These caves, originally used as Roman tombs, add a unique and historical element to Matala’s appeal.
The beach itself features soft golden sand and clear, shallow waters, making it ideal for swimming and sunbathing. The village of Matala, just steps away from the beach, offers a lively atmosphere with numerous tavernas, cafes, and shops. Despite its popularity, Matala retains a laid-back vibe, attracting visitors who appreciate both its cultural significance and relaxed environment.
Agios Pavlos Beach
Agios Pavlos Beach, located on the southern coast of Crete near the village of Agios Pavlos, is a tranquil retreat known for its natural beauty and peaceful atmosphere. This secluded beach is characterised by its stunning sand dunes that slope gently down to meet the clear, azure waters of the Libyan Sea. The beach’s remote location and serene environment make it an ideal spot for those looking to escape the busier tourist areas.
The waters at Agios Pavlos are calm and crystal clear, perfect for swimming and snorkelling. The surrounding landscape, with its rugged cliffs and dunes, adds to the beach’s charm, creating a picturesque and relaxing setting. Although the beach is less developed, there are a few local tavernas nearby where you can enjoy traditional Cretan cuisine.
Glyka Nera (Sweet Water) Beach
Glyka Nera, also known as Sweet Water Beach, is a secluded gem located on the southern coast of Crete between Chora Sfakion and Loutro. This beach is named after the freshwater springs that bubble up through the sand, providing cool, sweet water to drink and a unique swimming experience. The combination of crystal-clear sea and the refreshing freshwater springs makes Glyka Nera a truly special place.
Accessible primarily by boat or via a scenic hike along the coastal path, the journey to Glyka Nera is part of its charm. The beach is small and pebbly, with clear waters ideal for swimming and snorkelling. Despite its remote location, there is a small taverna on the beach, offering refreshments and a place to relax. Glyka Nera’s tranquil and unspoiled environment makes it a perfect retreat for those looking to enjoy Crete’s natural beauty away from the crowds.
Kommos Beach
Located near the ancient site of Phaistos, Kommos Beach is a hidden gem that offers a unique blend of history and natural beauty. This long stretch of sandy beach is less crowded than some of Crete’s more popular spots, making it an ideal destination for those seeking a peaceful and spacious environment. The beach’s golden sands are backed by sand dunes, adding to its unspoiled charm.
Kommos is also known for its historical significance, as it was once the harbour of the ancient city of Phaistos. Visitors can still see remnants of Minoan ruins near the northern part of the beach, adding a touch of cultural interest to their visit. The clear waters are perfect for swimming, and the beach is popular with both sunbathers and those interested in exploring the underwater world.
While the beach is largely undeveloped, there are a few tavernas nearby where you can enjoy traditional Cretan food with a view of the sea. The combination of history, natural beauty, and tranquillity makes Kommos Beach a must-visit for anyone exploring this region of Crete.
Galini Beach
Tucked away near the village of Sougia, Galini Beach is a picturesque cove that offers a tranquil escape from the busier areas of Crete. This hidden spot is framed by steep cliffs and lush pine trees that extend out towards the water, creating a serene and scenic environment. The beach’s pebbly shoreline and crystal-clear waters make it an ideal location for swimming and relaxation.
Galini Beach remains relatively unknown to many tourists, allowing visitors to enjoy its natural beauty in peace. The surrounding cliffs and greenery provide not only shade but also a sense of seclusion, perfect for those looking to unwind in a more intimate setting. Despite its remote feel, the beach is easily accessible and close to the amenities of nearby Sougia, where you can find local tavernas and accommodations.
Triopetra Beach
Triopetra Beach, named after the three distinctive rock formations that jut out from the sea, is a striking destination on the southern coast of Crete. This beach is divided into two main sections, offering visitors both sandy and pebbly stretches to enjoy. The unique rock formations, set against the backdrop of clear blue waters, create a dramatic and picturesque landscape that is perfect for photography and exploration.
The beach is spacious and rarely crowded, providing plenty of room for sunbathing, swimming, and relaxation. The waters are typically calm, making it an inviting spot for a refreshing swim. The area around Triopetra is relatively undeveloped, adding to its tranquil and unspoiled charm.
There are a few local tavernas nearby where you can sample traditional Cretan cuisine while taking in the stunning sea views. The combination of natural beauty, peacefulness, and the iconic rock formations make Triopetra Beach a must-visit for those exploring this less-travelled region of Crete.
Discover The Stunning Beaches of Crete
Whether you're seeking adventure, relaxation, or a mix of both, Crete's diverse beaches provide the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable holiday. As you explore these stunning locations, you'll discover the rich natural beauty and cultural heritage that make Crete a truly exceptional destination.
To make your holiday even more unforgettable, we offer beautiful villas in Crete, located in prime spots like Platanias, Maleme, and the Chania area. Enjoy the perfect base to explore the island’s stunning coastline and rich culture from the comfort of one of our villas.