The 11 best beaches in crete map and photos
The beaches of Crete are among the best beaches in Greece. The soft, golden sand and crystal clear water create the idyllic environment that attracts many tourists to the island. Crete has a mix of pebbly and sandy beaches, so it's important to do your research before planning a beach holiday and also to consider the type of experience you're looking for. Everyone has their own look, but no matter what bathing type you are, you will find something to your liking.
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| Best beaches in crete |
The beautiful beaches at the North Shore tend to be busier and are often lined with restaurants and shops. On the secluded south coast, overlooking the Libyan Sea, is the famous beach of Matala and some incredible sandy beaches in very dramatic settings at the foot of the cliff walls. Vai, located in the island's wild and rugged eastern tip, is a bit remote but worth the trip, and on the western side of Crete lies Elafonissi, where crushed shells give the beach a unique pink hue.
If you're looking for a beach town to relax in for a week or get away from the crowds and tourist shops, you'll find it here. First, read our list of the best beaches in Crete.
What is the best beach in Crete?
The best part of Crete with the best beaches is definitely Chania. One of the most exotic sandy beaches in Crete is Balos, a wonderful spot in Chania with crystal clear Caribbean waters. This place amazes visitors with its impressive natural beauty. Crete's beaches include the exotic Elafonissi in Chania, on the westernmost point of Crete, and the long sandy beach of Falassarna. Finding a perfect beach is not a problem for visitors as there are beautiful, clean beaches in Creteacross the island. Some beaches in Crete are organized and some are secluded, but they are all very clean and have crystal clear waters.
Best beaches in Crete map
List of the best beaches in Crete
- Elafonissi Beach
- Falassarna Beach
- Preveli beach
- Balos Beach
- Stavros beach
- Seitan Limania beach
- Plakias Beach
- Matala beach
- Souda Beach
- Ammoudara Beach
- Glyka Nera Beach
1. Elafonissi Beach
.webp "Elafonissi Beach-best beaches in crete") |
| Elafonissi Beach 1# of 11# best beaches in crete |
Elafonissi is a spectacular beach located just a few hours drive from the popular resort town of Chania. This famous white-pink sand beach is highlighted by the crushed shells that line the shore, giving it a faint pink hue. Which forms a beautiful contrast to the turquoise sea.
It boasts a reputation as one of the world's most picturesque beaches, with its charming pink sand. Separated by a narrow strip of sand are two shallow lagoons ideal for wading and swimming. The sand here is soft, unlike many of the pebbly beaches that are so common in the Mediterranean. Keep in mind that it can get very windy in Elafonissi, so be sure to check the wind forecast before heading out to make sure you can enjoy your day.
If you kitesurf or windsurf, this is the place for you. For ideal conditions for navigating in the shallows. A kitesurfing school offers lessons for those who want to get into this adrenaline-pumping sport.
Elafonissi Beach info
- Location: Chania Prefecture, West Crete, South Crete, Paleochora area (see on map)
- Seawater color: Turquoise
- Sand type: White Sand
- Depth: Shallow
- Sea surface: Usually calm
- Crowds: Crowded place
- Facilities: Lifeguard, Food / water nearby, Umbrellas / Sports, beds, Showers, Blue Flag
- Other Information: Ideal for snorkeling / spearfishing
- Accessibility: Bus services, Paved road
2. Falassarna Beach
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| Falassarna Beach 2# of 11# best beaches in crete |
Falassarna Beach info
- Location: Chania Prefecture, West Crete, Kissamos Area (see on map)
- Seawater color: Turquoise
- Sand type: White Sand, Rocks in places
- Depth: Normal
- Sea surface: Usually wavy
- Crowds: Normal
- Facilities: Accommodation options nearby, Food / water nearby, Umbrellas / beds, Lifeguard, Sports, Blue Flag, Showers,
- Other Information: Ideal for snorkeling / spearfishing
- Accessibility: Paved road
3. Preveli beach
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| Preveli beach 3# of 11# best beaches in crete |
The view of Preveli Beach with the deep blue Libyan Sea as a backdrop is nothing short of spectacular. Just one look will make you think the steep descent down a stone path will be worth it, and you'll be right. If you don't want to walk, you can always take a boat from Plakias.
The beach is sandwiched between two steep hills and has a freshwater stream running through the middle. When you just come back from the beach, you will find palm trees that create the feeling of a green oasis in an arid area. There are no chairs or umbrellas to rent here, so be prepared. The water is clear, but keep in mind that the beach is made of pebbles.
The ascent and descent should not be underestimated. It is rocky and in some stone areas the stairs are present. Sturdy walking shoes are recommended, and make sure you have some water in reserve, as climbing in the blazing afternoon sun can be strenuous work. If you have your own car just follow the signs to Preveli Monastery, as you get closer the road forks to the left to a large parking lot on top of a hill. From here the descent begins.
If you are interested in a view from above, go to the top of the parking lot and a little further to see the beach.
Preveli beach info
- Location: Rethymnon Prefecture, West Crete, South Crete, Agios Vasilios area (see on map)
- Seawater color: Blue
- Sand type: Sand
- Depth: Normal
- Sea surface: Usually calm
- Crowds: Crowded place
- Other Information: Palmtrees, Ideal for snorkeling / spearfishing, Tree Shade
- Accessibility: Paved road
4. Balos Beach
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| Balos Beach 4# of 11# best beaches in crete |
Balos easily ranks in the top 5 beaches in Greece (and probably the top 10 in the world) as these are some of the most incredible waters you will ever see. The area is protected by NATURA 2000, which basically means there are hundreds of rare animal and plant species and of course hunting and fishing are strictly forbidden. The area is literally a haven for monk seals and sea turtles! The beach has very shallow water, which makes it ideal for children, and the sand has pink sands (from millions of crushed shells).
Also, a little paradise for diving! If you visit the beach in July and August, there will be many people around, but the best thing is to go to Balos as early as possible in the morning to enjoy the beauty of the landscape. Quite lonely… (basically before the boats from Kissamos arrive if possible). There are some canteens where you can buy water and drinks (these only appear in the summer months of June, July, August).
Similar to Elafonissi, the beach is connected to an offshore island, resulting in shallow lagoons and calm waters. Prince Charles and the late Princess Diana visited this beach on their private yacht, and once you arrive you'll see why they stopped.
Beautiful soft white sand and amazingly clear turquoise water draw you to this little piece of paradise. Consider driving. This allows you to set your own times and avoid the crowds that arrive at the frequent boats. The road is gravel and can be a bit bumpy, although the local government is working to improve the situation.
Balos Beach info
- Location: Chania Prefecture, West Crete, Kissamos Area (see on map)
- Seawater color: Turquoise
- Sand type: White Sand
- Depth: Shallow
- Sea surface: Usually calm
- Crowds: Crowded place
- Facilities: Umbrellas / beds, Food / water nearby
- Other Information: Seaturtle nesting point
- Accessibility: Bus services, Dirt track, Boat, Walking
5. Stavros beach
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| Stavros beach 5# of 11# best beaches in crete |
Stavros (i.cross) is a coastal town located 17 km northeast of Chania at the northern end of Cape Akrotiri. A distinctive feature of the area is the steep camel-shaped Vardies Mountain that rises opposite the Stavros Pass. The mountain is famous because scenes from the 1964 film "Zorba the Greek" where Anthony Quinn danced the famous Sirtaki dance were filmed there. Stavros was then a modest fishing village. Today the region has become an important tourist center with many hotels and important tourist infrastructures. The two beautiful beaches in the area have contributed to the development of the area.
The main beach is east of town, at the foot of Mount Vardies and next to the picturesque harbour. A semicircular lagoon forms, completely sheltered from the winds that blow in the region. The small bay has wonderful white sand and shallow turquoise water. The contrast of the wild mountain with the calm beach in the foreground makes Stavros a unique place for swimming. As expected, the beach is very well organized and offers all kinds of services.
The second beach of Stavros is north of the village, 200 m northwest of the main beach. It has sand and rocks in places and is less organized than the first, but cleaner. The main disadvantage of this is that it is unprotected, and the sea is usually rough. On the peninsula that separates the two beaches of Stavros, you can see the remains of the old quarry used to quarry limestone to build the walls of Chania during the Venetian era (13th-17th centuries).
Stavros Beach info
- Location: Chania Prefecture, West Crete, North Crete, Chania city area (Kydonia) (see on map)
- Seawater color: Blue, Green
- Sand type: Sand
- Depth: Shallow
- Sea surface: Usually calm
- Crowds: Normal
- Facilities: Accommodation options nearby, Food / water nearby, Umbrellas / beds, Sports, Showers, Blue Flag
- Accessibility: Bus services, Paved road
6. Seitan Limania beach
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| Seitan Limania beach 6# of 11# best beaches in crete |
Seitan Limania is a very small beach with incredible water surrounded by huge rocks. The landscape is something that will remain in your memory forever. The beach was literally only known to locals 10 years ago, but lately it has gone viral through social media and is now considered one of the best beaches in the Crete and Chania region. There are no services nearby and the road to Seitan Limania is very difficult. It's definitely not a beach for families or children, apart from the difficult walk to get there To get there you also have to climb steep rocks. It's not easy... But of course you'll be rewarded with a unique set. Also note that in July and August it will be difficult to find a place to sit on the beach as there will be literally hundreds of people around. Also, there is no water or food nearby, so be prepared...
Although up for debate, Seitan Limania is considered by many to be one of the most spectacular beaches on the entire island of Crete. Located in a gorge that flows into the sea, this small beach is simply stunning. The water here is calm and relatively shallow, making it ideal for those who aren't good swimmers.
Perhaps the only downside to Seitan Limania is that the water can be relatively chilly for swimming. Locals say this is because the canyon's soaring walls keep the sun from heating it up. Cold or not, you're probably in the water, as the bottom of the canyon is sheltered from the wind and can get hot.
Seitan Limania info
- Location: Chania Prefecture, West Crete, North Crete, Chania city area (see on map)
- Seawater color: Deep blue
- Sand type: Fine Pebbles
- Depth: Deep
- Sea surface: Usually calm
- Crowds: Crowded place
- Accessibility: Paved road, Walking
7. Plakias Beach
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| Plakias Beach 7# of 11# best beaches in crete |
Plakias beach is located (40km) south of Rethymno town. It is a beautiful sandy beach with wonderfully clean water and fully organized infrastructure such as deck chairs, umbrellas, various water sports, hotels, room rentals, taverns, cafés and restaurants. Visitors to the nearby resort will find everything in terms of accommodation and entertainment.
If you like a beach with a lively atmosphere and restaurants and shops, stay in the middle or west side of. If you're looking for peace and quiet with a few small beachside restaurants serving only drinks and snacks, head to the east end. The east end of the beach is optional. Parasols and sunbeds are available for hire, no matter which area you choose.
Plakias Beach info
- Location: Rethymnon Prefecture, West Crete, South Crete, Agios Vasilios area (see on map)
- Seawater color: Blue
- Sand type: Sand
- Depth: Shallow
- Sea surface: Usually calm
- Crowds: Normal
- Facilities: Accommodation options nearby, Lifeguard, Showers, Food / water nearby, Umbrellas / beds, Sports, Blue Flag
- Other Information: Tree Shade, Seaturtle nesting point
- Accessibility: Bus services, Paved road
8. Matala beach
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| Matala beach 8# of 11# best beaches in crete |
Matala is a unique cliff-top resort in south-central Crete, in Heraklion Department. The seaside town of Matala is one of the best Crete's attractions. Matala has a unique location among the chalk cliffs, where holes in the rocks give this place its famous characteristic appearance.
The beautiful bay of Matala is narrow and opens to the west, allowing visitors and residents of Matala to enjoy a stunning sunset from the beach. Matala was very popular as a hotspot throughout Europe in the 1960s and still has a hippie character to this day.
Matala beach info
- Location: Matala beach, 702 00, Grèce (see on map)
- Seawater color: Blue
- Sand type: Pebbles, Rocks in places
- Depth: Normal
- Sea surface: Usually wavy
- Crowds: Quiet
- Facilities: Accommodation options nearby, Food / water nearby
- Other Information: Nudism friendly, Ideal for snorkeling / spearfishing
- Accessibility: Paved road
9. Souda Beach
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| Souda Beach 9# of 11# best beaches in crete |
Just 2.5 kilometers west of Plakias, Souda Beach lies in a wide bay with a sheer cliff face at one end. The beach is fairly sheltered from the wind and has a mix of pebbles and sand. At the western end there are two restaurants whose loungers and parasols you can use free of charge when shopping.
This is a very quiet and reserved beach, perfect for real relaxation. The water here is clear and generally calm, and the rocky shoreline at the end is a local hotspot for diving and snorkeling. If you are staying in Plakias, Souda beach is a nice walk along the coast road. A tight curve, a staircase leads to a secret pebble beach called Fotinari Beach. This small cove has no services, but it's a great spot for a morning swim, and snorkeling is excellent here.
Souda Beach info
- Location: Souda, Grèce (see on map)
- Seawater color: Blue
- Sand type: Pebbles, Rocks in places
- Depth: Normal
- Sea surface: Usually wavy
- Crowds: Quiet
- Facilities: Accommodation options nearby, Food / water nearby
- Other Information: Nudism friendly, Ideal for snorkeling / spearfishing
- Accessibility: Easy to access, Next to the road, parking within 100 m.
10. Ammoudara Beach
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| Ammoudara Beach 10# of 11# best beaches in crete |
Ammoudara is such a long and wide beach that it will never feel crowded, although today Ammoudara is considered part of the city of Heraklion. The beach has golden and brown sand and is ideal for children and families who want to have a good day. The beach. Ammoudara is a long beach that starts from the Giofyros river, 1 km west of the center of Heraklion, and reaches the mouth of the Almyros river 7 km west.
Ammoudara is now a suburb of Heraklion and attracts thousands of visitors every year. , mainly because of its long sand. Amoudara beach has fine brownish sand and about 50 m from the beach there is a rocky strip that runs parallel to the beach and delimits the old coast. There are options for all preferences; from those who like crowded places to those who don't want to get in the way.
Along the coast there are organized beaches with sunbeds, umbrellas, beach bars, lifeguards, showers, changing rooms, water sports and anything else you can think of. Ammoudara is well known among windsurfers. , due to the strong winds all year round. If you are looking for quiet places in Ammoudara, you can visit the western part of the beach, which starts in front of the Estadio Pancretano and ends east near the Xeropotamos wetland and dunes. Other quiet beaches are located at the mouths of the Almiros and Gazanos rivers, as well as in the industrial zone of Ellinoperamata.
Ammoudara Beach info
- Location: Heraklion Prefecture, Central Crete, North Crete, Malevizi area (Agia Pelagia), Heraklion city area (see on map)
- Seawater color: Blue
- Sand type: Sand
- Depth: Shallow
- Sea surface: Usually wavy
- Crowds: Normal
- Facilities: Accommodation options nearby, Food / water nearby, Umbrellas / beds, Lifeguard, Showers, Blue Flag, sports.
- Accessibility: Bus services, Paved road, Handicap friendly
11. Glyka Nera Beach
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| Glyka Nera beach 11# of 11# best beaches in crete |
For something completely different, try Glyka Nera beach. It can be reached by a 15-minute boat ride from Hora Sfakion or a stunning 30-minute hike along a coastal path from the top of the cliffs. Also known as Sweetwater Beach, the beach is famous for the cool fresh water that seeps between the pebbles and flows into the sea.
As a result, the water here is cooler than many other beaches you've visited. The beachfront location is stunning, with massive cliffs jutting straight from the back of the beach and azure waters that seem to stretch to the horizon.
Despite the beach's remoteness, there is a small tavern over the water that offers food and cold drinks. The starting point for the coastal walk starts at the last bend in the road before the parking lot at Iligas beach. Be careful. So that cars parked on the hard shoulder can find the right place.