The name “Crete” alone evokes exciting feelings and vivid images of this legendary island, surrounded by numerous plots from ancient Greek myths and real legends from the past of Hellas. Today, Crete is a favorite beach vacation spot, where marine pleasures are perfectly combined with interesting excursions to amazing attractions. The best beaches of Crete are located along the coast of three seas (Ionian, Aegean, and Libyan).
Balos
One of the most romantic and extraordinary beaches in Crete, Balos is located in a unique spot on the island where the waters of three seas converge without mixing, creating a kaleidoscope of blue shades on the surface. Splashing in the cozy bay with crystal-clear water is an undeniable pleasure for both children and adults.
A walk on the pirate island of Gramvousa, where wild rabbits literally jump out from under your feet, creates an indescribable feeling of pristine originality. This feeling intensifies when you climb to the top of the island, where the ruins of an ancient Venetian fortress are located (130 meters above sea level).
In May, incredibly beautiful endemic plants bloom here, and in summer the island becomes deserted. From the height, a stunning picture of color transitions in the sea water opens up – from dark blue to pale turquoise shades. This sight captivates with its magical and mysterious beauty.
However, it is impossible to reach this unique beach by land; you can only arrive by sea on a tour boat. The hours spent in this amazing corner of the Mediterranean, a true natural wonder, will be remembered for a lifetime!
Elafonisi
An incredibly beautiful, pristine section of the Mediterranean coast, almost untouched by infrastructural civilization, is Elafonisi beach, located in the southwest of Chania. The name “Elafonisi” translates from Greek as “deer island,” though its exact meaning remains unclear.
The natural uniqueness of this place is so great that hotel construction is prohibited here to preserve the environment. Despite this, the beach is very popular with tourists, so sunbeds and umbrellas have been installed, and a car park has been arranged. Visitors are attracted by the shallow depth of the sea, the ability to swim even in stormy weather, and the mesmerizing beauty of the surrounding nature reserve landscapes.
The unusually pink sand, formed from coral and shells turned into powder, the aquamarine water, and exotic flowers create an unparalleled beautiful scene.
Vai
One of Crete’s most popular beaches, Palm Beach, was chosen as the filming location for the first “Bounty” chocolate bar commercial – it truly is a tropical paradise where relaxation is heavenly. Many legends surround the origin of the date palms covering 200 hectares, adding to the place’s popularity.
Today, the sandy beach strip is equipped with necessary infrastructure: sunbeds, toilets, and cafes. Palm Beach is a daytime visit beach – there are no places to stay overnight. Visitors come by car, for which parking is available. The time spent against the backdrop of incredibly beautiful views will likely be the most romantic episode of your stay in Crete.
The azure sea, white sand, low surrounding mountains, and exotic date palm crowns create a tropical landscape worthy of admiration. Easy access to the crystal-clear sea, the option to sunbathe in the shade of palm trees or in the sun, a light breeze, and generous sunshine provide perfect beach pleasure conditions.
Preveli
For those who love to relax against a backdrop of pristine nature, Preveli (Finikas) beach, located in the south of the island, 2 km from the ancient monastery of the same name, is perfect. The sandy-pebble coastal strip, surrounded on one side by rocks with sparse forests and on the other by a palm forest along the banks of the Kourtaliotis River, is protected from the winds.
It is always cozy and comfortable here, but you need to descend by steps. Despite the 2010 fire, the date palms are actively regrowing, restoring the beach’s floral frame. There are no changing rooms, sunbeds, or umbrellas, but this does not detract from the charm of this truly unique place.
Amid stunning landscapes, you can spend wonderful moments and hours fully immersed in divine nature, enjoy swimming in the warm sea, the velvety touch of sand, and feel the special atmosphere of Greece. After saltwater baths, you can splash in the freshwater river, relax in the shade of palm trees, and return with a wealth of pleasant impressions. Excursion boats with tourists dock here, and many arrive by car despite the rather difficult mountainous route.
Georgioupolis
In the north of Crete lies the historic province named after Prince George of Greece, who frequently visited to hunt. He was drawn by the virgin forests covering the gentle mountain peaks, teeming with various fauna, fish-rich rivers, and azure sea expanses. The past century has not negatively impacted the ecology of these authentic places, and the opportunity for active recreation attracts many tourists.
Near the small fishing town of Georgioupolis is one of Crete’s longest beaches (10 km). There are excellent swimming conditions here: a smooth, even bottom, a mix of warm currents, and a quiet cozy harbor without big waves. Eucalyptus groves saturate the air with phytoncides, creating a healing microclimate. Fishing enthusiasts can find plenty of spots to cast a line – local rivers are generously stocked with fish. Pleasant impressions come from hiking in picturesque surroundings, horseback riding, and the overall experience in this blessed corner of the island.
Red Beach
One of the most exotic and extraordinary beaches, Red Beach (Red beach), is half a kilometer from the village of Matala. This amazing corner of red sand among rocky shores was discovered by hippies in the 1960s, who promoted merging with wild nature. Despite the rather challenging trek along “goat paths,” Red Beach is very popular with tourists. The journey through the mountain pass adds adventure and physical exercise.
Tourists are drawn by the unparalleled beauty of the surrounding landscapes: terracotta-red sand, yellow and gray rocks with green shrub crowns, turquoise aquamarine sea, and white-foam surf create a truly magical scene. The beach strip is equipped with necessary infrastructure – there are sunbeds, umbrellas, a snack bar, and changing rooms. Perhaps because the place is quite secluded, nudists prefer sunbathing here.
Matala
It is unlikely that you will find a more famous place in Crete than Matala beach, located in the vicinity of Heraklion. In the 1970s, hippies from around the world lived in the rock caves here, and feature films were shot (“My Aunt Hippie”). The 300-meter strip of fine gravel lies at the base of a large bay, flanked on both sides by rocky outcrops.
Clear water, the absence of big waves (they occur only with a west wind), bizarre rock formations, and numerous caves and grottoes make this place very attractive for romantic holidays. Given the great tourist interest, good infrastructure has been created here, equipping the beach with sunbeds, umbrellas, showers, toilets, and volleyball courts.
Bars, rental points for water sports equipment, and excursion boats are open around the beach. There is a rescue service, and beach volleyball competitions are held. You can hide from the sun under the lush canopies of trees growing right on the beach strip, so your stay in such exotic surroundings will not seem tiresome. There are no problems with accommodation and food – no one will be left without a roof over their head or hungry.
Plakias
Those who crave to forget the city noise for a while, retreat from hustle, worries, and demanding work will find Plakias beaches – a small charming village located right by the sea – perfect. Low mountains with sparse forests surround it, pebble beaches line the bay, and the endless sea stretches out with white-crested waves.
The peaceful, tranquil atmosphere mainly attracts elderly people, for whom this is truly a paradise. In cozy taverns, picturesquely decorated by the owners with bright exotic flora, tourists are welcomed with extraordinary hospitality, delicious Greek dishes, and reasonable prices. There is a good hotel here, but you can also rent an inexpensive apartment just a few steps from the beaches.
It is especially comfortable to swim in calm weather when the sea is still. Extreme lovers can splash among the waves when the wind blows. All parts of the beach are equipped with wooden walkways (to protect feet from the pebbles), sun loungers, and large umbrellas. In some places, tables and chairs from cafes are set right by the water’s edge for romantic breakfasts. A cozy promenade path stretches a few meters from the beaches.
Frangokastello
One of the ten cleanest beaches in Crete – Frangokastello – is located near the small village of the same name, which has everything necessary for tourists: hotels, taverns, and shops. Near the beach is the main ancient attraction – the old Venetian fortress that gave the beach and village its name. The crystal-clear warm waters of the Libyan Sea, golden sand transitioning to gray, gentle shores, and a convenient water entry with a smooth bottom have gained popularity among beachgoers.
There are almost never waves here, except in August when strong winds blow for a few days. The coastal strip is quite well-equipped: there are showers, sunbeds, and umbrellas (for rent). Frangokastello can be reached by bus from Chania with a transfer in Sfakia by taxi or by your own or rented car.
Platanias
The tourist village of Platanias, near which the beach of the same name is located, is surrounded not only by picturesque nature but also by legendary historical sites. Opposite the beach is the island of St. Theodore with the ruins of an ancient fortress and endemic kri-kri goats living there.
Tour boats with tourists come here every day, and interesting excursions are conducted. Diving enthusiasts dive with scuba gear, and photographers find many stunning shots. The spacious, highly civilized beach (4 km long) has a sandy and, in some places, pebbled surface and a well-developed infrastructure to support water sports and various entertainments.
Jet skiing, banana boating, and boat trips are available to everyone. Prepared tourists can engage in parasailing, snorkeling, and diving. Platanias Beach (according to legend, named after the plane trees that grew here) has repeatedly been awarded the “Blue Flag.”
Stavros
In the northern part of Crete, near Chania, is the Akrotiri Peninsula, famous for its two remarkable beaches, exotic mountain landscapes, and the extraordinarily turquoise color of the sea. Until the mid-1960s, there was only a fishing village here, but when the high mountain became the setting for a feature film, the area gained extraordinary popularity.
Now the former village of Stavros has transformed into a tourist mecca with modern infrastructure that ensures a high level of relaxation for tourists. The central beach with white sand is located on the shores of a quiet lagoon, protected from winds by the mountain. The turquoise water with a shallow bottom is a perfect place for children to swim safely, and the fully equipped beach allows for carefree enjoyment of beach pleasures.
The second sandy-rocky beach is chosen by those who love to splash in the waves: it is open to the winds and less civilized. But it is also a great place to spend time, especially in calm weather. Buses from Chania frequently run here. In Stavros, you can easily rent accommodation or stay in a hotel. Many taverns offer delicious menus at reasonable prices.
Anissaras
In the suburb of Hersonissos, in an extraordinarily beautiful area of the Aegean Sea coast, lies the luxurious resort of Anissaras, with many hotels, a clean sea, and magnificent beaches. This place is intended for a calm, peaceful family vacation. There are no noisy nightclubs, bars, or other entertainment venues, but the pebble and sandy beaches are simply excellent.
Impeccable cleanliness and grooming, excellent facilities, and conditions for various water activities attract many tourists, including divers, underwater enthusiasts, and water-skiing fans. Almost everywhere, the rocky bottom of rock formations lacks sharp stones that could hurt your feet, making swimming quite comfortable. Staying in Anissaras is heavenly beach bliss.
Conclusion
Unfortunately, the most beautiful beaches of Crete are often far from major resorts, requiring a car journey along mountain serpentine roads. Therefore, for a vacation with children, it is better to choose easily accessible places, such as those reachable by sea. Balos Bay with its beauty is quite suitable for teenagers.
For families with young children, it is best to stay at hotel beaches. A good option is Gournes (between Kokkini Hani and Gouves) with its sandy strip free of stones, shallow sea near the shore, and gentle water entry. Instead of a sunbed, you can buy an inexpensive mat at a nearby shop. A mini-aquarium is nearby.
Star Beach (Hersonissos) is ideal for children: many attractions, a water park, three equipped beaches, and affordable hotels. Almiros Beach (Agios Nikolaos) is a cozy beach strip protected from the road by a living hedge. The calm surface of the Mediterranean Sea with stunning blue hues, comfortable facilities, and plenty of entertainment provides opportunities for active and healthy relaxation.
Although the resort season here opens in mid-April, no one dares to swim at that time due to the low water temperature. Only at the end of May – early June does the sea warm up to 21°-23°C, and the sun is not scorching – a great time for a vacation. All summer months are hot on the island – heat lovers can choose any summer month. In August, strong winds blow in some places, raising high waves.
The most comfortable beach vacation period is the velvet season (the second half of September – October), when the sun is no longer mercilessly hot, but the water remains warm. Hotel and private accommodation prices drop significantly, and there is a massive harvest of fruits, grapes, melons, and figs (you can eat your fill).
