With over 1000 km of coastline, Crete is home to hundreds of beaches. We toured the region and visited many of them: fine white, golden or pink sand, turquoise waters, rock formations… We discovered beaches for sunbathing as well as beaches with unforgettable landscapes.
Here’s our selection of Crete’s most beautiful beaches, with map and useful tips in pictures!
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Crete’s most beautiful beaches – map
Depending on your preferences, you’ll find fine white sand beaches, steep coves surrounded by mountains, black-grey pebble beaches, or lagoons with turquoise waters like Balos or long beaches mixed with sand and gravel.
The Greek word is Paralia (παραλία).
Enjoying the beaches is one of Crete’s must-do activities.
Map
Here’s a map of the top 10 beaches listed in this article, to help you get your bearings:
Where to go in Crete for the best beaches
In Crete, you’ll find beautiful beaches on four main coastlines.
- The northwest coast, with the Balos lagoon, Falassarna and Elafonisi,
- The south coast with Preveli, Matala, Triopetra
- The east coast with Vai and Xerokampos
- The north coast with Seitan Limania, Voulisma and resorts such as Malia and Bali.
Your choice of beach depends on the type of scenery you’re looking for.
- For sandy beaches and a vacation atmosphere: Bali or Malia
- For sandy beaches and a historic atmosphere: Rethymnon or Chania
- For sandy beaches and peace and quiet: Plakias or Palaiochora
- For small beaches in charming villages: around Ierapetra
Take a closer look at our article on where to stay in Crete, with details of the beaches (coming soon).
WHERE TO STAY IN Crete
Our independent picks for the accommodation of your dreams:
- Where to stay in Crete
- The most beautiful hotels
- 5-star hotels
- Boutique hotels
- Hotels for families
- Adults-Only Hotels
Select by city:
- Best hotels in Heraklion
- Best hotels in Chania
- Best hotels in Rethymnon
- Best Hotels in Malia
1. Balos lagoon beach
Why we love it
The beach of Balos lagoon will captivate you with its incredible mix of landscapes.
We loved this wild place where no building spoils the view. The mountains fall into the sea, and the water offers shades of emerald and turquoise.
The lagoon, only a few centimetres deep, is an ideal playground. What’s more, the panoramic views from the boat are spectacular in every direction.
Access
- Northwest coast of Crete
- Nearest city: Chania
- From Kissamos by boat: boat trip(see options)
- Overland alternative: unpaved road (4WD only) then descent on foot
Useful information
- White sand beach
- Unsupervised beach
- No on-site catering
- The area faces west and can be very windy, so bring warm clothing.
See more photos in our article (coming soon).
2. Elafonisi beach (Pink beach)
Why we love it
Elafonisi is known as Crete’s pink beach.
Why pink? It’s a natural phenomenon caused by the crushing of shells to form pink sand.
Mind you, not all the beach is pink. But at the water’s edge, you will indeed notice this characteristic hue.
But even without this color it’s a beautiful beach with a shallow lagoon and a large sandy area.
And it’s a wonderful place to watch the sunset! We recommend staying nearby to enjoy this magical place without the crowds. Early morning or late afternoon.
Access
- Southwestern tip of Crete
- Accessible mountain road, last few metres unpaved to parking lot
- Day trips available from main tourist towns(see options)
Useful information
- Sandy beach with pink hues
- Nearest city: Palaiochora
- Supervised in high season
- Small structure with facilities, snacks and beach equipment
- Shallow lagoon area, ideal for families
- Busy during the day, quiet early in the morning or late at night
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3. Preveli Beach
Why we love it
Preveli was a surprise. It’s very different from all the other beaches!
We were amazed by its location at the end of a gorge where a lake has formed, surrounded by lush palm trees. The green of the valley contrasts with the blue of the water and the rocky coastline.
And all the while, you can enjoy a magnificent view from the access path. Even if you don’t feel like going all the way down to the beach, we encourage you to take the first 130 steps to enjoy this breathtaking spectacle.
Access
- In the middle of the south coast
- Nearest city: Rethymnon
- Wide mountain road in very good condition
- Large pay parking lot
- Access to the beach via over 400 steps (up and down)
- Alternative: boat from Plakias
- Possible excursions from Heraklion or Rethymnon, more or less sporty: see options
Useful information
- Sandy beach and rocks
- Unsupervised beach
- Café-snack downstairs in summer
- Watch out for mosquitoes on the way to the gorges
4. Triopetra Beach
Why we love it
Triopetra is one of our favorite beaches in Crete! But that’s because we’re fans of amazing rock formations!
The beach itself is a very long stretch of pebbles, but it’s at the end that the magic happens. We were fascinated by the three rocks that give the beach its name (Triopetra means three rocks). As you approach, you’ll discover vertically stacked sheets of rock, a fascinating geological spectacle.
The beach is quite wild, with few buildings in sight. The rocks are magnificently struck by the sunset in the evening, offering an unforgettable spectacle.
Access
- In the middle of the south coast
- Nearest city: Rethymnon
- Smaller road at the end but not difficult
- 5min walk from parking lot to rock formations
Useful information
- Pebble beach
- Unsupervised beach
- Tavern
- Very quiet
- The rocks are beautifully struck by the evening sunset
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5. Xerokampos Beach
Why we love it
If you’re looking for sand, peace and quiet and don’t need shade, Xerokampos is a good option. Because of its secluded location, the long sandy beach is quiet and unspoilt. We liked the transparent water and pinkish rocks that make the beach more interesting.
The surroundings are magnificent, with a gorge and a bare mountain. The descent from the south coast is particularly spectacular! You’ll discover a unique blend of arid landscapes and crystal-clear waters that give this remote spot its charm.
Access
- East Coast
- Winding mountain road in good condition and fairly wide
- Roadside beach
- Parking nearby
Useful information
- Sand beach
- Unsupervised beach
- Few homes
- Off the beaten track
6. Seitan Limania Beach
Why we love it
Seitan Limania is a spectacular cove nestled between sheer cliffs. The place is often compared to a miniature fjord with deep blue waters. The view from the top before descending is breathtaking.
This small, secluded beach offers a dramatic setting with its barren rock faces plunging into the sea. The water is particularly clear and deep, perfect for swimming. Although access requires some effort, we find the beauty of the place well worth the effort. It’s one of Crete’s most photogenic beaches!
Access
- Akrotiri Peninsula, near Chania
- From Chania: about 30min drive
- Parking nearby
- Steep descent to the beach (bring good shoes)
- You can also hire a boat to take you to the cove – see options
Useful information
- Small beach with sand and pebbles
- Unsupervised beach
- No installation
- Can be very busy in high season
- Deep water, ideal for diving
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7. Falassarna Beach
Why we love it
Falassarna may not be as grand as some of Crete’s other beaches, but we like it for its practicality and accessibility. It offers a large sandy area and several small coves to explore. We were impressed by the intense colors: the turquoise water contrasts beautifully with the surrounding dark rock.
You can even play in a few small sand dunes. The descent from the main road offers a splendid view of the whole region. Facing west, this beach offers magnificent sunsets, even if it often has waves.
Access
- Northwest coast of Crete
- Nearest city: Chania
- Easy to reach from the north coast
- Nearby parking lots
- Excursions are available from Chania to enjoy the sunset – see options
Useful information
- Sandy and rocky beaches
- Unsupervised beach
- Taverns and facilities around the main beaches
- Full to bursting in the summer heat
- West-facing, often with waves
8. Vai Beach
Why we love it
Sand, turquoise water and thousands of palm trees! Vai offered us an exotic landscape unique to Crete. We’re big fans of seeing places from above, and this beach is no exception. You can climb both sides to admire the beach and the palm grove from above.
It’s a popular beach with charming facilities and surroundings.
Access
- Northeast coast of Crete
- From Sitia: about 30min drive
- Easy access from the main north road
- Large pay parking lot
Useful information
- Golden sand beach
- Supervised beach
- Taverns and beach facilities
- Very touristy
9. Matala Beach
Why we love it
Matala has long been one of Crete’s most famous beaches. We were fascinated by the wall on the north side carved with caves, testimony to a past when this place was a hippie center. The cove is well protected and perfectly aligned for watching the sunset!
We loved observing the shades of color behind the caves, with the long stretch of sand and the gently fading waves. This unique atmosphere makes Matala a place steeped in history and natural beauty.
Access
- In the middle of the south coast of Crete, not far from the palace of Phaistos
- Very easy to reach from the main road along the south coast
- Large pay parking lots in town
- Many excursions include a visit to Matala and its beach – see options
Useful information
- Mixture of sand and small pebbles
- Supervised beach in season
- Toilets and showers
- Many restaurants and stores nearby
- Very crowded, even at sunset
- The water sinks quickly and currents are quite strong
10. Voulisma Beach
Why we love it
Another beautiful bay with a fantastic view from the top as you descend from the parking lot. We were impressed by the shallow, very clear water, which offers a mesmerizing turquoise color all around the cove. This beach is perfectly situated for enjoying the natural beauty of the north coast.
Access from the top allows you to admire the panorama before reaching the sand. The colors of the water are particularly intense in this protected bay. It’s a popular spot for visitors who appreciate the quality of its crystal-clear waters.
Access
- North coast, near Agios Nikolaos
- From Agios Nikolaos: about 15min drive
- Close to the main road
- 30 steps + slope down to beach
- Parking nearby
- If you don’t want to drive, excursions are available – see options
Useful information
- Sand beach
- Supervised beach
- Snack bar and toilets
- Very busy
- Loud music in the bar and on the beach
HAVE FUN in: Crete
11. Palaiochora Beach
Why we love it
Palaiochora was one of our favorite places in Crete. It’s a beach destination but located away from all the major tourist centers. We appreciated the quieter atmosphere and cleaner environment. The mountains fall dramatically into the sea, creating an impressive natural backdrop.
Palaiochora has a large sandy beach with a magnificent view of the sunset. We particularly recommend settling in at the end of the day to enjoy this spectacle against the horizon. It’s the ideal spot if you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the tourist areas while enjoying a beautiful beach.
Access
- West of coast South
- Accessible mountain road
- Nearby parking lots
Useful information
- Sand beach
- Supervised beach in season
- Taverns and accommodation in town
- Less busy than the major resorts
12. Zakros Beach
Why we love it
Zakros is a fascinating historical site! We loved this unique blend of orange cliffs, turquoise water, caves and the ruins of an ancient Minoan city. Even if you don’t do the hike into the famous “Valley of the Dead” gorge, you can still enjoy the beautiful drive down with its bare landscapes and views of the Zakros cove.
Don’t miss the ruins where turtles have taken up residence, adding a touch of life to this archaeological site. It’s a place where history and nature meet in harmony.
Access
- East Coast
- From Sitia: about 45min drive
- Winding paved mountain road
Useful information
- Mixture of sand and pebbles
- Unsupervised beach
- Taverns and few accommodations
- Little frequented
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13. Plakias beach / Palimgremnos
Why we love it
Plakias is an excellent central location on the south coast. We like it as a good option for those wishing to alternate between relaxing at the beach in town and exploring the rest of the coast with its spectacular gorges and wilder beaches.
Plakias’ main beach is long and family-friendly, but if you head towards the far end, you’ll discover Paligremnos with its impressive 80m rock wall facing the beach. Once again, we love interesting rock formations…
Access
- South coast
- Easy access from the Route de l’Est
- Nearby parking lots
Useful information
- Sand and gravel beach
- Supervised beach
- Taverns and accommodation in town
14. Itanos Beaches
Why we love it
Itanos isn’t one of the famous beaches, it’s often overlooked by tourists and we think that’s just as well. We really liked this place because it was quiet and peaceful. The rocks around the beach offer a beautiful mix of colors, with greens, blues, oranges and pinks creating a fascinating natural palette.
Although it doesn’t have the spectacular attributes of Crete’s other “paradise” beaches, we found its authenticity very refreshing. The beaches are not very large, but you can also walk along the other side of the fortress ruins to another secluded cove.
Access
- East coast, north point, near Vai beach
- 4km from Vai beach
- Good road, parking near the beach
Useful information
- Sandy beach and rocks
- Unsupervised beach
- No installation
- Away from the crowds
13. Lake Kournas beach
Why we love it
Looking for something a little different? Lake Kournas is Crete’s only freshwater lake, and it has a beach! We found it a great option for enjoying something really different from the sea beaches. The beach is a bit muddy, but you can rent a pedalo and go swimming in the middle of the lake, surrounded by mountains.
We particularly recommend climbing up the road to the tavernas above the lake to see the lake in its entirety. This panoramic view of the whole lake is absolutely magnificent and well worth the detour alone!
Access
- Near the north coast (western half)
- Easy access, slightly narrow road at the end
- Large parking lots with a slight slope to reach the beach
- And if you don’t want to drive, many excursions make a stop at this lake – see options
Useful information
- Sand beach
- Unattended
- Numerous taverns
- Very touristy
- Pedal boat rental available
Other best beaches in Crete in Resorts
Beaches of Chania
In and around the town of Chania, you’ll find lovely sandy bays:
- Koum Kapi beach,
- Neo Chora beach,
- Chrissi Akti,
- Agioi Apostoloi,
- Iguana Beach,
- Marathi Beach
See our list of the best beaches in Chania (coming soon).
See the top-rated accommodations in Chania.
Rethymnon beaches
In and around the town of Rethymnon, you’ll find long sandy beaches:
- Koumbes
- Despotiko
- pervolia
- Missiria
- Plane trees
See our list of the best beaches in Rethymnon (coming soon).
See the top-rated accommodations in Rethymnon.
Heraklion Beach
In and around Heraklion, you’ll also find long sandy beaches:
- Ammoudara Beach
- Karteros Beach
- Arena Beach
See our list of the best beaches in Heraklion (coming soon).
See the top-rated accommodations in Heraklion.
Beaches of Malia
In the seaside resort of Malia, you’ll also find sandy beaches of medium length, but fairly well constructed:
- Malia Beach
- Ikaros Beach
- Mallion Beach
- Potamos Beach
- …
See our list of the best beaches in Malia (coming soon).
See the top-rated accommodations in Malia.
Bali Beaches
Bali’s seaside resort is known for its succession of east-facing coves.
- Karavostasi Beach
- Bali Beach
- Varkotopos Beach
- Livadi Beach
- …
See the top-rated accommodations in Bali.
Frequently asked questions
When to swim in Crete
The best time to swim in Crete is from June to September. During this period, the water temperature is at its most pleasant. In July and August, the sea reaches temperatures of up to 24°C, ideal for swimming.
To avoid the tourist crowds and still enjoy comfortable water, October is a pleasant month, with slightly lower but still bearable temperatures for swimming. In winter, the water is colder, but the walks along the beaches are magnificent whatever the season.
Where to find wild beaches in Crete?
You’ll find wild and sometimes isolated beaches mainly on the west and east coasts in places like Xerokampos, or Stomio. And also on the western half of the south coast, where the mountains plunge directly into the sea (so there are few settlements).
Which beaches are suitable for families?
Several beaches are family-friendly thanks to their calm waters, easy access and facilities. Elafonisi is a first choice because of its shallow lagoon area. Beaches close to town centers, such as Chania, Heraklion or Rethymno, make it easy to enjoy the seaside in safe conditions. The beaches of Bali and Plakias are also ideal for families.
Are there any naturist beaches in Crete?
Crete welcomes naturists. You’ll find plenty of options. There are often coves near the main beaches where naturism is tolerated. On long beaches, one end is often authorized for naturism.
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO Crete
- Best of
What to do in Crete
Most beautiful landscapes
Most beautiful cities
Most beautiful beaches in Crete
Best archaeological sites
Best museums
- Practical advice
When to go?
How to rent a car in Crete
Driving tips
- The must-dos
Attractions in Chania
Attractions in Rethymnon
Attractions in Heraklion
Matala
Balos Lagoon
Spinalonga Elafonissi
