Beaches of Crete

Compare sandy bays, remote coves and open coastlines. Start with the access and swimming conditions that suit your group.

157 guides

What to pack for a Crete beach day
Beaches of Crete

What to Pack for a Crete Beach Day

A practical Crete beach packing list: water shoes for pebbles, shade for unorganised beaches, plenty of water, snorkel, cash and what to leave at home.

Agii Apostoli Beaches
Beaches of Crete

Agii Apostoli Beaches

The Beauty of Agii Apostoli Beaches Near Chania Nestled just 3 kilometers west of Chania, Agii Apostoli (or Agioi Apostoloi…

Matala Beach
Beaches of Crete

Matala Beach

Matala Beach is not just a beach; it's a journey through time, where the echoes of ancient civilizations merge with the…

Exploring Vai Beach, Palm Forest
Beaches of Crete

Exploring Vai Beach, Palm Forest

Exploring Vai Beach, Crete Nestled on the far eastern tip of Crete is Vai Beach, often referred to as the "Palm Forest."…

Kalypso Beach, the Pirates’ Fjord
Beaches of Crete

Kalypso Beach, the Pirates’ Fjord

Escape to the Enchanting Cove Nestled on the southern shores of Rethymno in Crete lies Kalypso Beach, a stunning inlet also…

10 Most Beautiful Beaches in Chania
Beaches of Crete

10 Most Beautiful Beaches in Chania

Balos Beach: Known for its turquoise waters and breathtaking surroundings, Balos Beach is a must-visit for those who want to…

A cat resting on a wooden walkway at Kato Stalos beach, Crete
Beaches of Crete

Stalos Beach

Stalos beach, 7 km west of Chania between Kalamaki and Agia Marina: shallow sandy water, Blue Flag, full facilities and Pano Stalos village above.

A sheltered rocky cove at Glaros Beach, Chania
Beaches of Crete

Glaros Beach Chania

Glaros beach at Kato Daratsos, 5 km west of Chania: fine sand, shallow water, tamarisk shade and full facilities, with sheltered Agii Apostoli next door.

Agii Apostoli, about 1 km east of Kalamaki
Beaches of Crete

Kalamaki Beach Chania

Kalamaki beach at Galatas, 6 km west of Chania: fine sand, shallow water, beach bars and frequent buses, with a small cove at its western end.

Open sandy shoreline at Kladissos Beach, Chania
Beaches of Crete

Kladissos Beach

Kladissos beach, 3 km west of Chania's harbour: a long, mostly sandy strand by a small river wetland, lightly organised and quieter than beaches further west.

Sunbeds on Kalyves beach, 1 km east of Kyani Akti
Beaches of Crete

Kyani Akti Beach

Kyani Akti between Kalami and Kalyves: a long sandy beach with shallow water, sunbeds, easy parking and views over Souda Bay to Itzedin fortress.

Almyrida waterfront, a short drive east of Kera
Beaches of Crete

Kera Beach Apokoronas

Kera beach just east of Kalyves on the road to Almyrida: a small sandy cove below a steep slope, unorganised and easy to miss.

The rocky cove of Koutalas near Kokkino Chorio, Chania
Beaches of Crete

Koutalas Beach

Koutalas cove below Kokkino Chorio on Cape Drapanos: small, pebbly and unorganised, with a rocky sea bed, great snorkelling and the Elephant Cave nearby.

The Kalivaki coast near Georgioupolis, looking towards the hills
Beaches of Crete

Kalivaki Beach Georgioupolis

Kalivaki beach at the west end of Georgioupolis bay: sand between the Almyros and Boutakas rivers, cooler water, better wind shelter and full facilities.

The Kavros coastal area seen from inland hills; a wider area view
Beaches of Crete

Kavros Beach

Kavros beach, 4 km east of Georgioupolis: a long sandy strand with dunes and tamarisks, quieter than Georgioupolis, but open to wind and waves.

The coast at Kolymbari, just west of Rapaniana
Beaches of Crete

Rapaniana Beach

Rapaniana beach, 4 km east of Kolymbari: sand and fine pebbles on the long west Chania coast, quiet, clean and lightly organised, with turtle nesting.

Elafonisi, a few km south of Voulolimni
Beaches of Crete

White Lake Voulolimni Beach

Voulolimni, the 'White Lake' near Chrysoskalitissa: a calm natural rock pool connected to the sea, unorganised, a few km north of Elafonisi.

The evening sea on the road down to Sfinari
Beaches of Crete

Sfinari Beach

Sfinari beach, 30 km south of Kissamos: sand and pebbles in front of a green valley, tamarisk shade, a few tavernas and big west-coast sunsets.

Falasarna coastline and the main west-facing bay, seen from above
Beaches of Crete

Falasarna Big Beach

Falasarna's main beach, Pachia Ammos: about 1 km of pale sand 17 km west of Kissamos, organised but spacious, with waves on westerly days and famous sunsets.

Paleochora, 1.5 km east of Psilos Volakas
Beaches of Crete

Psilos Volakas Beach

Psilos Volakas, 1.5 km west of Paleochora: a fine-pebble cove sheltered by a big rock, with snorkelling, a small canteen and a pavement to walk from town.

Paleochora, 5 km east of Grammeno
Beaches of Crete

Grammeno Beach

Grammeno peninsula 5 km west of Paleochora: sheltered sandy Houma under protected junipers on one side, open Alonaki on the other, with a campsite and tavernas.

Halikias Beach Paleochora — Crete
Beaches of Crete

Halikias Beach Paleochora

Halikia, Paleochora's pebble beach on the east side of the peninsula: round pebbles, clear calm water, Blue Flag, a short walk from the harbour.

Halikia, the neighbouring pebble beach, 400 m south of Keratides
Beaches of Crete

Keratides Beach

Keratides beach beyond Halikia in Paleochora: quiet pebbles and calm water next to the campsite, a good alternative when the west wind hits Pahia Ammos.

Paleochora, about 3 km east of Plakaki
Beaches of Crete

Plakaki Beach Paleochora

Plakaki, the westernmost of the Karavopetra coves near Paleochora: fine pebbles, calm sheltered water and a quiet atmosphere right off the Koundoura road.

Paleochora, 1.5 km east of Trochalou
Beaches of Crete

Trochalou Beach

Trochalou, 300 m west of Psilos Volakas near Paleochora: a small, quiet beach of large pebbles and rocks, unorganised, good for snorkelling.

Frangokastello, further east along the same Sfakia coast
Beaches of Crete

Ammoudi Beach Sfakia

Ammoudi near Chora Sfakion: small pebble coves 1.5 km east of town, deep clear water, sculpted rocks for shade and an easy track from Sfakia.

The rocky Sfakia coastline east of Chora Sfakion
Beaches of Crete

Filaki Beach Sfakia

Filaki beach 3 km east of Chora Sfakion: pebbles, deep clear water and one of Crete's few officially naturist-friendly beaches, beside a naturist hotel.

Loutro, about 1 km east of Lykos
Beaches of Crete

Lykos Beach

Lykos beach west of Loutro: a secluded rocky bay between Finikas and Marmara on the E4 coastal path, with clear water and small tavernas nearby.

The small coastal settlement and bay of Finikas on south Crete
Beaches of Crete

Finikas Beach

Finikas, 700 m west of Loutro: a small pebble harbour beach with a taverna and rooms, reached by boat, the E4 path or a dirt road from Livaniana.

Waterfront of Agia Roumeli with the White Mountains rising behind it
Beaches of Crete

Agia Roumeli Beach

Agia Roumeli beach at the exit of the Samaria Gorge: dark pebbles, deep calm water, ferries, tavernas and nearby coves you can walk to.

Pebbles and rocky slopes at Sougia, the nearest village to the west
Beaches of Crete

Domata Beach Sfakia

Domata beach between Sougia and Agia Roumeli: no road, reached by boat or a demanding E4 hike, with fine pebbles, pines, deep clear water and no facilities.

Triopetra, 2.7 km south of Ligres
Beaches of Crete

Ligres Beach

Ligres, 51 km south of Rethymno: a long unorganised beach under Mount Siderotas, with a year-round waterfall at its west end and Triopetra 2.7 km south.

Triopetra, a few km south-east along the same coast
Beaches of Crete

Agia Fotini Beach Kerames

Agia Fotini below Kerames, 49 km south of Rethymno: small pebble coves between boulders, a fish taverna with rooms, a river grove and ancient Kionia.

Agios Pavlos, further south-east on the same coast
Beaches of Crete

Pahia Ammos Beach Kerames

Pahia Ammos on the Kerames coast: secluded coarse sand under a huge sandhill, 100 m east of Glima, unorganised and quiet, reached by dirt track and a walk.

Triopetra, further along the same south coast
Beaches of Crete

Podare Beach

Podare, the first beach on the dirt track south-east of Agia Fotini below Kerames: coarse sand and rocks, a few rooms, good snorkelling, unorganised.

Triopetra, further south-east along the same coast
Beaches of Crete

Glima Beach

Glima on the Kerames coast: a secluded, unorganised sandy beach where the dirt track from Agia Fotini ends, with rooms for rent by the parking area.

The coast near Polyrizos, just east of Peristeres
Beaches of Crete

Peristeres Beach Rodakino

Peristeres near Rodakino: two pebble coves with carob shade and sea caves at Cape Kastelos, where kidnapped General Kreipe was taken off Crete in 1944.

The Rodakino coast near Polyrizos, 1.4 km east
Beaches of Crete

Agia Marina Beach Rodakino

Agia Marina below Argoules, between Frangokastello and Rodakino: sand and pebbles, carob shade, a chapel and a year-round stream, reached only by dirt track.

Plakias bay, a short drive east of Fotinari
Beaches of Crete

Fotinari Beach Plakias

Fotinari near Plakias: two small pebble coves in a green bay between Plakias and Souda beach, reached by stone paths from the road, with good snorkelling.

Skaleta Beach — Crete
Beaches of Crete

Skaleta Beach

Skaleta beach, 12 km east of Rethymno: part of 3 km of golden sand with sunbeds and tavernas, turtle nests, and sea caves towards Geropotamos.

Rethymno Town Beach — Crete
Beaches of Crete

Rethymno Town Beach

Rethymno's town beach: a long, wide sandy beach starting by the marina east of the old town, with full facilities, a busy promenade and protected turtle nests.

Livadi, the first beach as you enter Bali
Beaches of Crete

Bali Livadi Beach

Livadi, the first and longest of Bali's four beaches: organised sand at the entrance to the village, a little more open to the wind than the other coves.

A yacht anchored near Varkotopos Beach, Bali, Rethymno
Beaches of Crete

Bali Varkotopos Beach

Varkotopos beach in the centre of Bali: an enclosed bay of sand and gravel with very shallow water, ideal for young children, and full facilities.

Bali bay at Varkotopos, a short walk from Karavostasi
Beaches of Crete

Bali Karavostasi Beach

Karavostasi, the northernmost and smallest of Bali's four beaches: a sandy cove in a sheltered bay, often called the prettiest, but busy because it is small.

A boat in Bali bay, beside the harbour beach
Beaches of Crete

Bali Harbour Beach Limani

Limani, Bali's harbour beach 30 km east of Rethymno: sand next to the fishing harbour, shallow cool water, restaurants on the quay and boats to nearby beaches.

Small Triopetra Koumado Beach — Crete
Beaches of Crete

Small Triopetra Koumado Beach

Small Triopetra, the bay south of Triopetra's three rocks: sand and rock, tavernas, rooms and a little harbour, and more sheltered than the big beach.

Melissa Cape Sandhills Beach — Crete
Beaches of Crete

Melissa Cape Sandhills Beach

The sandhills beach at Agios Pavlos: a big bay of sand dunes and cliffs below Cape Melissa, reached on foot down the dunes, with deep water and sunset views.

Preveli palm beach, about 3 km west
Beaches of Crete

Gialopotama Beach

Gialopotama, 4 km south of Kerames: an unorganised sandy beach where a small stream meets the sea, with boulders at its east end and a few rooms on the hill.

Sand and rocky shore at Drimiskiano Ammoudi Beach
Beaches of Crete

Drimiskiano Ammoudi Beach

Drimiskiano Ammoudi: the end of the paved road east of Preveli, with parking, a short trail to Preveli palm beach and 3 km of quiet coves to the east.

Souda beach near Plakias, under 1 km east of Pefkias
Beaches of Crete

Pefkias Beach

The Pefkias coves between Souda beach (Plakias) and Rodakino: pebbly bays with a small palm colony, reached by dirt track or boat, no facilities.

The coast near Polyrizos and Korakas
Beaches of Crete

Polyrizos Beach Rodakino

Polyrizos beach on the Rodakino coast: small fine-sand beach with shallow calm water, olive-tree shade, some sunbeds and tavernas in the little settlement.

Sand and low dunes at Potamos, further east on the same coast
Beaches of Crete

Sarandaris Coves Hersonissos

The Sarandaris coves between Cape Sarandaris and Hersonissos harbour: small sandy and rocky coves sheltered from north-west winds, walkable from town.

Kalamaki Beach Messara — Crete
Beaches of Crete

Kalamaki Beach Messara

Kalamaki beach on Messara Bay, 4 km north of Matala: 2.5 km of fine sand with tavernas, turtle nests and a walk south to Minoan Kommos.

Clear water and a beach at Kaloi Limenes on the south coast
Beaches of Crete

Kaloi Limenes Beach

Kaloi Limenes, 75 km south of Heraklion: calm bays almost all year, sandy Psili Ammos, pebbly Makria Ammos, St Paul's chapel and the oil tanks on Mikronisi.

The western end of Lentas beach; Trachoulas is 4 km east
Beaches of Crete

Trachoulas Beach

Trachoulas, 4 km east of Lentas: a grey-pebble cove at the end of a short gorge walk, deep clear water, small caves for shade and no facilities.

Lentas, further west along the Asterousia coast
Beaches of Crete

Agios Nikitas Beach Asterousia

Agios Nikitas, 65 km south of Heraklion: a remote fine-pebble cove 230 steps below a cave monastery, reached by 15 km of rough dirt road through the Asterousia.

Maridaki Beach — Crete
Beaches of Crete

Maridaki Beach

Maridaki, 65 km south of Heraklion: a fine-pebble beach with a spring, old plane trees, a small taverna and rooms, 20 minutes on foot from Tsoutsouros.

Beach and beachside shade at Treis Ekklisies, southern Crete
Beaches of Crete

Treis Ekklisies Beach

Treis Ekklisies, 64 km south of Heraklion: a long coarse-sand beach below the Asterousia, reached by a winding road from Paranymfi, with tavernas and rooms.

Arvi, about 6 km west of Psari Forada
Beaches of Crete

Psari Forada Sidonia Beach

Psari Forada, 9 km east of Ano Viannos: a dark sand-and-pebble beach with tavernas, a mini market and the hidden Thiofilo cove behind its cape.

Psaromoura, another cove on the Agia Pelagia peninsula
Beaches of Crete

Lygaria Beach

Lygaria bay, 1 km east of Agia Pelagia, 21 km west of Heraklion: coarse sand, turquoise water sheltered from north-west winds, organised, busy at weekends.

Psaromoura, 400 m from Mononaftis
Beaches of Crete

Mononaftis Beach

Mononaftis, 1 km north of Agia Pelagia: an east-facing pebble cove sheltered from north winds, with a rocky sea bed for diving and snorkelling.

Umbrellas and beachgoers at Psaromoura Beach, Heraklion
Beaches of Crete

Psaromoura Beach

Psaromoura, 500 m north of Agia Pelagia: an east-facing pebble cove behind a folded rock, sheltered from north-west winds, with deep clear water and a canteen.

View of Fodele Beach and its bay, Heraklion
Beaches of Crete

Fodele Beach

Fodele beach, 26 km west of Heraklion: sand at the mouth of the Fodele river, organised west end, quieter east end, and El Greco's village 3 km inland.

Amnissos Beach — Crete
Beaches of Crete

Amnissos Beach

Amnissos beach, 9 km east of Heraklion: about 1 km of soft sand at the east end of Karteros bay, by the Minoan port of Knossos, with planes passing overhead.

Karteros Beach — Crete
Beaches of Crete

Karteros Beach

Karteros bay, 7 km east of Heraklion: 3.5 km of golden sand from Florida next to the airport to Tobruk, with organised sections, beach bars and fish tavernas.

Sand and surf at Potamos Beach near Malia
Beaches of Crete

Potamos Beach Malia

Potamos beach east of Malia: long shallow sand by a wetland, about 1 km from the Minoan palace, quieter than Malia's main beach but still organised.

The town beach at Kitroplatia in Agios Nikolaos
Beaches of Crete

Kitroplatia Beach

Kitroplatia, 200 m from Lake Voulismeni: a small sand-and-pebble beach under tamarisks in front of a café-lined square in central Agios Nikolaos.

Lake Voulismeni and the waterfront of Agios Nikolaos, 6 km north
Beaches of Crete

Ammoudara Beach Agios Nikolaos

Ammoudara, 6 km south-east of Agios Nikolaos: a small sandy beach with shallow calm water, full facilities and Blue Flag, busy with families.

Agios Nikolaos and Lake Voulismeni at dawn, 1 km north
Beaches of Crete

Gargadoros Beach

Gargadoros, 1 km south of Lake Voulismeni in Agios Nikolaos: an organised pebble beach and a small sandy cove either side of a pier, with a taverna.

Almyros beach, Agios Nikolaos
Beaches of Crete

Almyros Beach Agios Nikolaos

Almyros, 2.5 km south of Agios Nikolaos: the town's most popular sandy beach, shallow and calm, beside a protected wetland where a cold river meets the sea.

Lake Voulismeni in Agios Nikolaos, about 2.5 km south of Havania
Beaches of Crete

Havania Beach

Havania, on the north edge of Agios Nikolaos towards Elounda: a small organised sandy beach with pine shade, Blue Flag, and traces of an Ottoman harbour.

Tour boats offshore near Kolokytha Beach, Elounda
Beaches of Crete

Kolokytha Beach

Kolokytha cove on the Spinalonga peninsula opposite Elounda: white sand and shallow turquoise water, reached by causeway, a dirt track and a short walk.

Spinalonga island seen from the Plaka seafront, Crete
Beaches of Crete

Plaka Beach Spinalonga

Plaka, 16 km north of Agios Nikolaos: clear pebble beaches facing Spinalonga island, tavernas on the water and short boat rides to the former leper colony.

Sissi harbour and waterfront, Crete
Beaches of Crete

Sissi Limani Beach

Sissi's tiny harbour beach, 41 km east of Heraklion: the only spot in the village sheltered from waves, framed by the narrow harbour and its cafés.

Sissi harbour, about 3.5 km west of Milatos
Beaches of Crete

Milatos Beach

Milatos, 16 km east of Hersonissos: a small sandy harbour beach, a pebbly main beach, cliff coves, fish tavernas and the historic Milatos cave nearby.

Tholos Beach Kavousi — Crete
Beaches of Crete

Tholos Beach Kavousi

Tholos, 4 km north of Kavousi on Mirabello Bay: pebbles and sand, cool spring-fed water, tavernas and rooms, opposite the Minoan islet of Psira.

Kouremenos Beach on the east coast of Crete, viewed from a hillside
Beaches of Crete

Kouremenos Beach

Kouremenos, 1 km east of Palekastro: over 1.5 km of fine sand and shallow water, famous for steady summer north-westerly winds and a windsurf centre.

Hiona Beach and the surrounding coastline near Palekastro
Beaches of Crete

Chiona Beach Palekastro

Chiona beach, 2 km east of Palekastro: whitish sand, shallow calm water, tamarisk shade and fish tavernas, next to the Minoan town of Roussolakos.

A small cove at Erimoupolis, the archaeological area of Itanos
Beaches of Crete

Itanos Erimoupolis Beach

Itanos (Erimoupolis), 1 km north of Vai: three small sandy coves around an ancient city, turquoise water, palms, no facilities, and ruins under the sea.

Karoumes Beach — Crete
Beaches of Crete

Karoumes Beach

Karoumes, 29 km south-east of Sitia: a remote pebble beach reached only on foot through the 3.5 km Chochlakies gorge, calm, shaded and with no facilities.

The Kato Zakros coast
Beaches of Crete

Kato Zakros Beach

Kato Zakros, 40 km east of Sitia: a calm pebble bay with tavernas, 200 m from the Minoan palace of Zakros, at the end of the Gorge of the Dead.

Argilos Beach and pale cliffs beside the water at Xerokampos
Beaches of Crete

Argilos Beach Xerokampos

Argilos at Xerokampos, 47 km south of Sitia: a quiet sandy beach with clay used as a natural spa, shallow water and Hellenistic ruins on the hill above.

Diaskari beach and the coast near Makrigialos
Beaches of Crete

Diaskari Beach

Diaskari, 4 km east of Makrigialos: a long beach of coarse light sand with a taverna at its west end, more seclusion further east and a Late Minoan site above.

Makrigialos beach, about 6 km west of Lagada
Beaches of Crete

Lagada Beach

Lagada, 6 km east of Makrigialos: a remote, quiet pebble beach in a valley of olive groves, open to south winds, with no facilities on the beach.

The curved beach and turquoise water at Achlia, eastern Crete
Beaches of Crete

Achlia Beach

Achlia, 15 km east of Ierapetra: a small, usually calm cove with coarse sand, tamarisk shade, rooms and tavernas, at the mouth of the pine-wooded Achlia gorge.

Ferma Beach — Crete
Beaches of Crete

Ferma Beach

Ferma, 10 km east of Ierapetra: pebble bays below pine woods, reached by stairs from the hotels, with clear deep water, springs and a few date palms.