From east to west in a straight line, Crete measures 150 miles (250 km). But its coast measures 650 miles (about 1,000 km). That’s a lot of coastline for nature to work with, so it’s no surprise that Crete is chock-full of beautiful, unique beaches. Here, travelling from west to east, are our favorite 15 places, in no particular order, to go swimming or sunbathing in Crete. Faciltites, where they exist, are noted.
1. Balos Beach
Balos Beach, in the extreme northwest corner of Crete, is part of the Natura 2000 network, and accessible only by boat or via a 90-minute hike. It's worth the trouble, but bring lots of water. The waters are shallow, a lovely turquoise shade, and incredibly clear. Despite its remote location, Balos is very popular. They do have umbrellas for rent, but get there early.
2. Falasarna Beach
Falasarna Beach, on the west coast, is blessed with powder-fine, peach-colored sand. Traveler's Choice Best of the Best winner, it's in a protected nature reserve. Waves are higher than elsewhere in Crete due to its west-facing orientation. Beach offers sunbeds, umbrelas, food, and water sports. Site of the significant ancient port of Falasarna (ca 300 BC), with extensive ruins.
3. Elafonisi
Elafonisi is a tiny island just off the coast of southwest Crete and is reachable by wading through the meter-deep, stunningly aquamarine water from the shore, which is a bit more organized with umbrellas for rent. There is also a lifeguard, a canteen with shaded tables, showers, a WC, and changing cabinets.Sand has a distinctly pink cast in places because of its composition of crushed seashells.
4. Agia Roumeli
Agia Roumeli is a secluded beach at the mouth of Samaria Gorge, which attracts a thousand visitors a day in peak season. The village and beach are reachable only through the Gorge, or by boat. The view of the Gorge's mouth from the pebbly strand is unforgettable. Hikers of the Gorge usually take a boat elsewhere once they reach Agia Roumeli, but also spend time on the beach.
5. Loutro Vilage
Loutro vilage beaches are a series of beaches on the south coast around the village of Loutro. One, Glyka Nera, was rated one of the best 20 in Europe by the London Times. This and several others are withing walking distance of Loutro. Some, such as Marmara, are enclosed by scenic rocky cliffs. Waters in all beaches are exceptionally clear.
6. Seitan Limania
Seitan Limania (Turkish: The Devil's Harbor), Akrotiri Peninsula near Chania, is at the end of a dogleg-shaped cove. Surrounded by spectacular rock formations, this favorite of locals has brilliantly turquoise waters. Beach is reached via a rocky path 15 minutes from a parking lot. Area is home to the Dracunculus vulgaris or Vampire Lily, whose bloom resembles a purple tongue.
7. Preveli
Preveli, on the south-central coast, is noted for the small river which meets the sea at this point, and the extensive Preveli Palm Forest along its banks. Boat access is easiest; otherwise it's 470 steep steps from parking the beach. River is the outlet for Kourtaliotiko Gorge, itself a must see, with its waterfalls. Basic facilities include a bar, bathroom, and shower.
8. Plakias
Plakias, near Preveli, was formed by an alluvial fan of soil, rocks and sand washed seaward by the action of the watercourse running through the Kotsifou Gorge, creating a nice, golden sand beach with a slow slope into the waters of the Libyan Sea. This makes Plakias very safe for families with small children. Area also offers horseback riding, cliff diving, hiking trails, and migratory bird species.
9. Agia Pelagia
Agia Pelagia, near Heraklion is a local favorite. Home to a very scenic series of organized beaches in a bay sheltered by a peninsula almost completely occupied by a sprawling resort, the area is well-developed but also quiet and laid back. Particularly favored by locals is quiet, sheltered Psaromoua Beach, offering sun beds, a bar, and some water sports.
10. Matala
Matala, at the center point of Crete's south coast, is famous for its "hippie caves," a Roman-era deserted necropolis adopted as a home by various flower childred in the 60's, most notably singer/songwriter Joni Mitchell. The beaches are quiet and pleasant, as is the village. Taking place in early summer every year, The Matala Beach Festival is a sort of hippie reunion event, regularly attracting 60,000 visitors.
11. Voulisma Beach
Voulisma beach, near Agios Nikolaos, is one of three beaches of a little area known as Istro. Voulisma is the prettiest, with soft, light-brown sand and relatively shallow waters close to shore, making it safe for small kids. Beach is backed by scenic, low cliffs, and is organized, with beds, umbrellas, and beach bars. If the crowds become too much, try one of the other, quieter beaches a short walk away.
12. Vai Beach
Vai Beach is just 8.5 km from the Crete's extreme northeast point, and home to the largest native palm forest in Europe, 62 acres of protected date palms. Beach has thatch umbrelas and sun beds, or the shade of the palm trees. There's a Cafe and water sports. 800m to the north is Itanos Beach, and the ruins of the port of ancient Itanos.
13. Xerokampos
Xerokampos beaches, in far southwest Crete, are an isolated group of small coves offering peace, quiet, no night life, and limited to no cell phone service. It's the ultimate get away from it all place in Crete. Simple rooms and apartments are available in nearby settlements. Beaches are home to the sand lily Pancratium maritimum, prominently featured in wall frescos at the palace at Knossos.
14. Chrysi Island
Chrysi Island is an uninhabited atoll 15km off the south coast near Ierapetra. It's considered area of "intense natural beauty," and is thus protected via the Natura 200 program. Ferries can be taken from Ierapetra, and the boat even rents umbrellas, and you can buy food and drink onboard. You leave Ierapetra in the late AM, and are ferried back in the later afternoon.
15. Koufonisi
Koufonisi is another uninhabited island, this time about 7km off the southeast coastof the region of Lasithi. Boats arrive from Makry Gialos reguarly in season. There are 36 beaches. Island has many ancient ruins, including a Roman theatre and a villa. Island is also a bird sanctuary. As it is a Natura 2000 protected area, camping and artefact collecting is prohibited.
Final thoughts
Crete is full of exotic beaches, both popular and remote, organized and amenities- free, easy to reach and a bit more challenging. One certainty, however, is that they all have their unique charm and beauty, and have the potential for making lasting holiday memories.
