30 Best Beaches in Crete (A Complete 2025 LIST)

Santorini Secrets · 2025-07-22T05:13:32.383Z

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Balos, Elafonissi, Matala, Vai, Malia, and Falassarna are some of the best beaches in Crete, but there is more, as the island of Crete has hundreds of beautiful beaches in all areas (but the best ones are in Chania).

Crete is a massive island with probably thousands of beautiful beaches along its long coastline, but some are more popular than others.

BEST BEACH HOTEL IN CRETE:Creta Maris Resort

BUT ALSO CHECK:

In Balos: Balos Beach Hotel
In Elafonisi:Glykeria
In Falassarna:Romantica
In Stavros:Kavos Hotel
In Plakias:Plakias Resorts
In Agia Galini: Paralos Irini
In Hersonissos:Creta Maris
In Lasithi:Peninsula

Most of them have golden sand, crystal clear waters, and some of the best beaches in Greece, but you won’t have the time to visit all of them, as you would probably need to spend a couple of months on the island…?

READ ALSO:

I have categorized the beaches in Crete according to each of the island’s four prefectures (Chania—western Crete, Rethymnon, Heraklion, Lasithi).

Click to jump quickly:

Chania beaches (Western Crete: Balos, Elafonissi, Falassarna, Stavros, Seitan Limania, Kedrodasos, Agia Roumeli, Palaiochora, Marathi, Frangokastello, Loutro, Glyka Nera)
Rethymnon beaches (Preveli, Plakias, Livadi, Agia Galini, Agios Pavlos, Skinaria, Karavostasi, Spilies)
Heraklion beaches (Ammoudara, Matala, Malia, Potamos)
Lasithi beaches (Vai beach, Voulisma, Xerokampos, Agia Fotia, Erimoupolis, Kolokitha)

Crete beaches are similar to Mykonos beaches and a million times better than Santorini beaches.

*Crete has 4 prefectures from East to West*

VERY IMPORTANT TO KNOW

When You Can Swim in the Sea Water in Crete: the sea water is perfect in Crete between May and October (and including these 2 months); Crete is one of the hottest places in Greece as it is the most southern area in Europe
Best Beaches in Crete: Elafonissi, Balos, and Preveli beaches are considered some of the best in the world, and they are the most popular in Crete too (but you do need a car or a bus to reach them); in my opinion, Chania beaches are the best on the island
Where Are The Nicest Beaches in Crete: The Chania area (western Crete) has the best beaches of the island, but the Rethymnon area also has some really good ones on the south side of Crete
Are There Beaches in Chania Crete: Yes, there are many beautiful beaches close to Chania town, like Falassarna, Marathi, and Stavros
Best Beach for Families and Kids: Marathi is the best option for families with kids, as there are a lot of amenities and restaurants around
Best Beach Hotel of Crete: Elounda Beach Hotel & Villas
Best Beach Villa of Crete: Sea Front Villas

Keep reading!

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The best beaches in Crete are:

Chania Beaches

1. Balos Beach

*Balos is one of the most beautiful sea lagoons in the world*

Balos is a naturally formed lagoon with incredible turquoise waters around 60km west of Chania town, and along with Elafonissi, it’s probably the most photographed beach in Crete.

Balos Beach on Google Maps

Balos is easily in the top 5 beaches in Greece (and probably in the top 10 in the world), as these are some of the most incredible waters you will see in your life. The area is protected by NATURA 2000, meaning there are hundreds of rare species of fauna and flora, and hunting and fishing are strictly prohibited.

The area is a shelter for monk seals and sea turtles! The beach has very shallow waters, which makes it ideal for kids, and the sand is tropical white and pink (from the millions of crushed shells).

A small paradise for snorkelling too! There will be lots of people around when you visit the beach in July and August, but the best thing you can do is to go to Balos as early in the morning as possible, to appreciate the beauty of the scenery pretty much alone… (basically before the boats from Kissamos arrive if possible). There are a few canteens where you can buy water and drinks (these are only available in the summer months of June, July, and August).

How To Get To Balos Beach

You can reach Balos Beach by car or boat from Kissamos town (Google Maps). I highly recommend you take the boat as the road is rough and not asphalt-paved. It’s only a 15-km ride from Kissamos town, but you will probably do it in 45 minutes…

Firstly, you have to reach Kissamos town, which is about 40 km west of Chania (you have to take the national road), either by car or by bus from Chania. Then you have to drive to Balos (which I do not recommend, but it’s doable) or just take the ferry boat from Kissamos port (there are signs everywhere, so you won’t lose them).

Best Hotels in Balos Beach

Balos Beach (not directly on the beach, but the closest you can get to it)
Villa Archontariki (an exceptional traditional Cretan villa)

Best Restaurants in Balos Beach

2. Elafonissi beach

*Elafonissi,* with its turquoise waters, is one of the most beautiful beaches in Greece and the world.

Elafonissi beach is a naturally formed sea lagoon with tropical Caribbean-style waters and surroundings. Elafonissi is very similar to Balos.

Elafonissi beach on Google Maps

Elafonissi is also a NATURA 2000 preservation area, and it is one of the most tropical beaches in Greece, with beautiful dunes, shallow waters, and pink shells. The beach is much more organised than Balos, with many canteens, large car parks, and many umbrellas and sunbeds.

Elafonissi has a fascinating history. In the Middle Ages, it was where Mediterranean pirates hid their treasures. If you visit in July and August, try to be on the beach before 11 a.m.

Otherwise, your chances of finding a sunbed and an umbrella are close to zero Elafonissi’s coastline is massive, with many quiet areas as well. The western side of the island is also a nudist beach.

How To Get To Elafonissi Beach

You can reach Elafonissi by car (1.5 hr drive) from Chania and by local bus from Chania. The road to Elafonissi is a magnificent (but narrow sometimes…) ride up on the famous Cretan mountains through beautiful gorges (like Topolia gorge) and picturesque villages. The stunning landscape will make up for the rough journey…!

Best Hotels in Elafonissi Beach

There are not that many hotels around Elafonissi as this is one of the most remote areas in Crete, but if you want to stay close to the beach, I recommend the following:

Best Restaurants in Elafonissi Beach

3. Falassarna beach

*Falassarna is a long and wide sandy beach that is a 30-minute drive from Chania (though it sometimes gets windy).*

Falassarna is another exotic, long, wide beach close to Chania with many amenities, such as umbrellas, sunbeds, showers, and a beach volleyball court.

Falassarna on Google Maps

Falassarna is also one of the most famous beaches in Crete and Greece. Still, there is one issue: There are usually quite strong winds in that area, which can make Falassarna beach unsuitable for families and kids, so you should check the weather before driving there.

There are two long and wide beaches next to each other in Falassarna, but the main one is called “Pachia Ammos.” The area around Falassarna is amazing, with lots of great hiking opportunities. If you stay until the evening, you will witness one of the best sunsets in Greece (definitely the best in Crete!).

How To Get To Falassarna Beach

You can reach Falassarna beach mainly by car or by local bus. It is about a 1-hour drive from Chania town. Just follow the Kissamos signs and you will also come across the Falassarna sign. The road is not that bad.

Best Hotels in Falassarna Beach

Best Restaurants in Falassarna Beach

4. Stavros beach

*The Famous Stavros beach was featured in* “Zorba: The Greek Movie” with Anthony Quinn and has become very popular since then.

Stavros Beach is located at the northern tip of Cape Akrotiri in Chania Prefecture. It is also one of the most famous beaches of Crete.

Stavros Beach on Google Maps

Stavros Beach became worldwide famous when it was the set of the Hollywood movie “Zorba the Greek” :

Stavros is a great beach with many amenities, including sunbeds, restaurants, and cafes. It also has beautiful swimming waters.

How To Get To Stavros Beach

You can reach Stavros beach mainly by car or by bus from Chania. It is very close to Chania (17km) and the road is very good. You have to follow the signs to get to Chania Airport.

Best Hotels in Stavros Beach

Best Restaurants in Stavros Beach

5. Kedrodasos beach

*Kedrodasos means “cedar forest,” The* whole beach is covered by rare cedar trees, making it one of the only ones in Europe.

Kedrodasos (which means cedar forest) is a unique tropical and wild beach near Elafonissi.

Kedrodasos on Google Maps

Strong winds protect the beach, considered one of Europe’s last unspoiled beaches. The whole area is covered by a unique tree called Juniper, which is considered the “cedar of Crete,” In reality, these are not cedars (but they belong to the same plant family). Kedrodasos is also a spot for nudists, so prepare for that, too.

If you visit Kedrodasos, remember to bring water, snacks, and drinks, as there is nothing to buy there. You can combine a visit to Elafonissi with a visit to Kedrodasos, as they are very close.

There is also a dedicated parking space where you can leave your car. Whatever you do on the beach, though, please make sure you leave it as you found it: clean and unlittered. This is considered one of the wildest beaches in Europe, and any litter will be a shame…

How To Get To Kedrodasos Beach

Kedrodasos is a 5-10 minute drive from Elafonissi beach, and unfortunately, no bus can take you there (from Chania). You can only visit it by car.

Best Hotels in Kedrodasos Beach

Best Restaurants in Kedrodasos Beach

6. Seitan Limania beach

*Seitan Limania was a hidden paradise only known to locals a few years ago,* but it has gone viral and is now very popular.

Seitan Limania (or Stefanou Beach) is a little paradise that became Instagram famous a few years ago…!

Seitan Limania on Google Maps

Seitan Limania is a very small beach with incredible waters surrounded by massive rocks. The scenery will stay with you forever.

The beach was known only to locals 10 years ago, but has recently become viral through social media and is now considered one of the best beaches of Crete and the Chania area. No amenities are available, and the road to Seitan Limania is tough.

This is not a beach for families or kids. Apart from the tough road to get there, some serious climbing on steep rocks is also involved.

It’s not easy, but obviously, you will be rewarded with a unique experience. Remember that you will struggle to find a place to sit on the beach in July and August, as hundreds of people will be around. Also, there is no water or food around, so get prepared…

How To Get To Seitan Limania Beach

The road to Seitan Limania is very narrow and extremely steep. No bus can take you there.

Do not attempt it if you are not an experienced driver or are more than 50 years old.

If you have kids with you, do not attempt it. If you have health issues, do not attempt it.

Apart from the rough ride to the (small) parking on the top of the beach, there is some serious climbing to get there. I repeat: not hiking but climbing.

Best Hotels in Seitan Limania Beach

There are no hotels around as the area is very remote, but you can certainly stay at the lovely nearby Marathi:

Best Restaurants in Seitan Limania Beach

7. Agia Roumeli beach

*Agia Roumeli is a long* beach on the south side of Crete in the Chania prefecture.

Agia Roumeli is a beach in south Crete, a small village around 60 km from Chania town.

Agia Roumeli on Google Maps

Agia Roumeli is a unique place because access is only through the famous Samaria Gorge (Agia Roumeli is the end of it) or by a small ferry boat from Hora Sfakion or Palaiochora. I remember when I hiked the Samaria Gorge. Agia Roumeli’s beach felt like an oasis after all these hours of hiking under the summer heat…

This is a beautiful, long beach with pebbles. There are a few tavernas, restaurants, cafes, and amenities around. In my opinion, Agia Roumeli is only worth visiting if you are hiking the Samaria Gorge; otherwise, you had better visit the other beaches on this list.

How To Get To Agia Roumeli Beach

You can reach Agia Roumeli beach by a ferry boat or by hiking through Samaria Gorge. There is no way to drive to Agia Roumeli as there is no road to it!. If you want to hike Samartia Gorge (and you should!) there is a bus that can take you there from Chania.

Best Hotels in Agia Roumeli Beach

Best Restaurants in Agia Roumeli Beach

8. Marathi beach

*Marathi Beach* is a small beach close to Chania airport. It is an ideal family resort with many restaurants and cafes nearby.

Marathi Beach is one of the most family-friendly beaches on Crete. It has beautiful waters, is close to Chania, and has many amenities.

Marathi on Google Maps

There are 2 small beaches on Marathi, and they are both very well protected by winds, making them ideal in any situation. You will find lots of nice restaurants and cafes in Marathi, as well as sunbeds and umbrellas. The area is very well organized.

How To Get To Marathi Beach

Marathi Beach is a 30-minute drive from Chania town, and a bus can also take you there.

Best Hotels in Marathi Beach

Best Restaurants in Marathi Beach

9. Palaiochora beach

*Palaiochora beach is a sandy beach in south Crete with many amenities.*

Palaiochora beach is a long and sandy beach in a beautiful small village in southern Crete.

Palaiochora beach on Google Maps

The beach is more than 600m long and very wide, so it will never feel crowded or full of people, even though many people visit every summer. There are many amenities, restaurants, cafes, hotels, beach bars, lifeguards, and watersports along the beach, and it is a great choice for families with kids. Sometimes the beach can be windy, so you should always be prepared.

How To Get To Palaiochora Beach

You can reach Palaiochora beach mainly by car or the local bus from Chania (KTEL). It is about a one-hour drive from Chania. Unfortunately, no bus can drop you off at this beautiful beach; therefore, it’s not crowded and worth visiting as it is a truly natural and unspoiled “virgin” beach (yes…these places still exist in Mykonos…).

Best Hotels in Palaiochora Beach

Best Restaurants in Palaiochora Beach

10. Fragokastello beach

*Frangokastello is a beautiful,* remote beach in South Crete with a Venetian castle.

Fragokastello is a beautiful, long, sandy beach in south Crete, famous for the Venetian castle built on it.

Fragokastello Beach on Google Maps

The landscape is unique, but you must drive 2 hours south of Chania to reach the beach. The area is quite remote and secluded, but a few restaurants and hotels are around.

How To Get To Frangokastello Beach

You can reach Fragokastello Beach mainly by car or the local bus from Chania. Depending on your road, it can be a 1.5-2 hour drive.

Best Hotels in Frangokastello Beach

Best Restaurants in Frangokastello Beach

11. Loutro beach

*Loutro is a small fishing village with a lovely little beach and crystal clear waters.*

Loutro is a small fishing village in southern Crete, close to Hora Sfakion. Its waters are some of the most unspoilt and beautiful you will ever see.

Loutro beach on Google Maps

Loutro is only reachable by boat from Hora Sfakion, and its beauty comes mainly from its secluded location. There are only a few rooms and some restaurants. There are many wild gorges and stunning walking paths, and many people canoe to the near-deserted beaches.

How To Get To Loutro Beach

You can reach Loutro beach by boat from Hora Sfakion or through the mountainous paths. There are no cars in Loutro village. This is a truly unique and unspoilt place….

Best Hotels in Loutro Beach

Best Restaurants in Loutro Beach

12. Glyka Nera beach

*Glyka Nera is also a small family beach resort where a little river ends*

Glyka Nera means “Sweet waters,” This beach is famous for its amazing, crystal-clear waters and the potable water from the pebbles.

Glyka Nera (Sweet Waters) beach on Google Maps

The beach has been voted one of the top 20 beaches in Europe by The London Times, and for some very good reasons. The surrounding mountains are imposing, and the beach is well off the beaten path. There are umbrellas and sunbeds on the beach, and obviously…you don’t have to bring water as there are many natural water sources around! This makes the sea water quite cold at any time of the year.

How To Get To Glyka Nera Beach

The only ways to reach Glyka Nera beach are by boat (from Hora Sfakion, which you can get to by a local KTEL bus from Chania) or by hiking in the mountains behind the beach. The hike from Hora Sfakion takes about 30 minutes, and from Loutro beach takes about 60 minutes.

Best Hotels in Glyka Nera Beach

There are no hotels at Glyka Nera, but you had better stay at Hora Sfakion:

Best Restaurants in Glyka Nera Beach

There is only one tavern on the beach, and it is very good:

Glyka Nera Tavern

Rethymnon Beaches

1. Preveli beach

*Preveli is one of the most incredible beaches in Greece. It sits at the end of a palm tree forest that flows through an exotic river.*

Preveli Beach is a truly unique place, with a beautiful beach, river, and palm forest.

Preveli beach on Google Maps

Preveli was a famous location for the 60s and 70s hippies, as a small community of people lived there for many years. I don’t blame them. The place is truly magic, and along with Vai Beach, it is one of the most tropical places in Europe.

You will find a river through a small canyon with incredible emerald waters between palm groves and small lakes with refreshing waters. Besides a small cafe under the palm trees, there are no sunbeds or umbrellas on the beach as the area is protected to preserve its beauty.

How To Get To Preveli Beach

Preveli beach can be reached by car from Chania or Rethymnon (about 1.5 hours). A local bus from Rethymnon can take you to Preveli (three buses per day). However, there is no bus from Chania to Preveli, and you must go to Rethymnon first.

Best Hotels in Preveli Beach

There are no hotels in Preveli, and the closest area you can stay to be close to Preveli is Plakias village and beach:

Best Restaurants in Preveli Beach

2. Plakias beach

*Plakias,* with its massive rocks at the back of the beach, is a unique beach in the Rethymnon area, south of Crete.

Plakias is one of the most famous resorts in southern Crete and one of the best in the Rethymnon area.

Plakias beach on Google Maps

Plakias is a seaside village with many restaurants, hotels, showers, umbrellas, sunbeds, amenities, watersports, and even changing rooms on the beach.

The massive vertical rocks on the beach’s west side attract many climbers as they provide a perfect natural climbing wall.

How To Get To Plakias Beach

You can reach Plakias beach by car from Chania or Rethymnon (about a one-hour drive), but there is also a local bus from Rethymnon (four times a day).

Best Hotels in Plakias Beach

Best Restaurants in Plakias Beach

3. Livadi beach

*Livadi is a long sandy beach in the famous Bali area of Rethymnon*

Livadi beach is only one of the famous Bali seafront resorts of Rethymnon, one of Crete’s most beautiful areas.

Livadi beach on Google Maps

Livadi and Bali are very family-friendly areas. They are also considered a very romantic destination and one of the best areas for a honeymoon in Crete.

Livadi is a very well-organised beach with lots of amenities around, as well as lots of umbrellas and sunbeds.

Livadi is the longest beach in the Bali area, and it can be more windy than other beaches, like Karavostasi (to be honest, I personally like Karavostasi more than Livadi).

How To Get To Livadi Beach

Livadi beach and the Bali area are close to Rethymnon, with very regular local buses from Rethymnon (but you can also drive there).

Best Hotels in Livadi Beach

Best Restaurants in Livadi Beach

4. Agia Galini beach

*Agia Galini is a small village with a lovely beach and many tavernas around south Crete.*

Agia Galini is also a famous seaside resort on south Crete (close to Plakias).

Agia Galini on Google Maps

Agia Galini is a small village with lots of restaurants and tourist amenities. It has also been a famous hippie destination since the 1960s and 1970s.

The beach has small pebbles, and the waters can feel cold as they are mixed with the waters from nearby rivers. There is also a camping site at Agia Galini.

How To Get To Agia Galini Beach

You can reach Agia Galini beach mainly by car or the local bus KTEL from Rethymnon. There are 4-5 local buses from Rethymnon to Agia Galini.

Best Hotels in Agia Galini Beach

Best Restaurants in Agia Galini Beach

5. Agios Pavlos beach

*Agios Pavlos sits on a unique landscape covered with massive dunes*

Agios Pavlos is also a small village south of Crete with 2 beautiful and unique beaches with impressive dunes.

Agios Pavlos on Google Maps

It is said that Saint Paul stopped there while travelling to Rome, which is why the place has taken his name (Agios Pavlos means Saint Paul). There is also a small Saint Paul church. There are two beaches; the most impressive one is the one behind the village with the massive sand hills.

How To Get To Agios Pavlos Beach

Unfortunately, no local bus can take you to Agios Pavlos; the only way to reach the beach is by car. It is about a 1 hr drive from Rethymno town.

Best Hotels in Agios Pavlos Beach

Best Restaurants in Agios Pavlos Beach

6. Skinaria beach

*Skinaria is a small, quiet beach with turquoise waters*

Skinaria beach is the unofficial scuba diving capital of Crete!

Skinaria beach on Google Maps

Skinaria’s waters provide an excellent opportunity for snorkelling and scuba diving as this is one of the richest seabeds on the island. There are only a few sunbeds and umbrellas on the beach and a small beach bar.

How To Get To Skinaria Beach

You can only reach Skinaria beach by car. It is about 1 hr drive from Rethymno town.

Best Hotels in Skinaria Beach

Schinaria Bay

Best Restaurants in Skinaria Beach

7. Karavostasi beach

*Karavostasi is one of the most famous beaches of the Bali area in Rethymnon.*

Karavostasi is the most beautiful beach in Bali, east of Rethimno, and the smallest.

Karavostasi on Google Maps

The beach has emerald waters but is small and might feel very crowded in the summer (July and August, mainly). It has many amenities and is also ideal for families.

How To Get To Karavostasi Beach

You can reach Karavostasi beach by car or the local KTEL bus from Rethymno. It is about a 30-minute ride.

Best Hotels in Karavostasi Beach

Best Restaurants in Karavostasi Beach

8. Spilies beach

Spilies is a small beach east of Rethimno town with a few sunbeds and umbrellas, a 20-minute drive from Rethimno.

Spilies beach on Google Maps

The word “Spilies” literally means “caves” in Greek, and the reason for that is the caves and the beautiful geological formations on the rocks surrounding the beach. There is even a small water tunnel on the right of the beach which can be very fun (but not when it’s windy…).

How To Get To Spilies Beach

Spilies is a 20-minute drive from Rethymnon, and even though the beach is easily accessible from the main road between Rethymnon and Heraklion, no bus can take you there. So, the only way to reach the beach is by driving (20 20-minute drive from Rethimno).

Best Hotels in Spilies Beach

Best Restaurants in Spilies Beach

Spilies Tavern

Heraklion Beaches

1. Ammoudara beach

*Ammoudara is a massive, long sandy beach close to Heraklion*

Ammoudara is the best beach close to Heraklion, and it is a long and wide beach with many beach bars and amenities.

Ammoudara beach on Google Maps

Ammoudara is such a long and wide beach that it will never feel crowded, even though nowadays Ammoudara is considered part of Heraklion city. The beach has golden and brown sand, which is ideal for the kids and the families who want to have a nice day on the beach.

How To Get To Ammoudara Beach

Ammoudara is just 1 km west of Heraklion city, and you can walk to it from Heraklion. It is by far the most easily accessible beach close to Heraklion.

Best Hotels in Ammoudara Beach

Best Restaurants in Ammoudara Beach

2. Matala beach

*Matala’s caves have been a famous hippy destination since the 60s*

Matala Beach is unique as it is one of the most famous places that hippies visited and resided in the 60s and 70s.

Matala beach on Google Maps

On the beach’s right is a massive rock with many caves. These caves and beautiful rock formations used to be places where the hippies formed a community.

The whole beach is now dedicated to that era, and many things remind us of that lovely, innocent period. Joni Mitchell used to stay there after a serious breakup in the 1970s, and she even wrote a song about it. Matala now hosts a unique festival called the “Matala Beach Festival.”

How To Get To Matala Beach

Matala is about a one-hour drive from Heraklion, but if you don’t have your car, you can also take the local bus from Heraklion city to visit the beach.

Best Hotels in Matala Beach

Best Restaurants in Matala Beach

3. Malia beach

*Stalis is the famous beach of Malia town (which is a famous teenagers resort with cheap nightlife)*

Malia is one of Crete’s most famous beach resorts, and it has probably the most infamous nightlife in Greece. In reality, Malia in the summer is like spring break in New Orleans: lots of teenagers (mainly from Europe) and lots of cheap alcohol around…

Malia beach on Google Maps

Malia is a beautiful, long, and sandy beach, but it will feel extremely crowded at any given time between May and October. There are many beach bars with loud music, lots of watersports, amenities on the beach, and even massage parlours, but it is not a quiet place (and also not recommended for families in my opinion). The best thing about Malia is that there are so many things to do and spend your day in, such as an aquarium and some lovely waterparks that the kids would enjoy.

How To Get To Malia Beach

Malia beach is about 40 40-minute drive west of Heraklion, and you can visit it either by driving your car or by taking the local KTEL bus from Heraklion (there are buses throughout the day)

Best Hotels in Malia Beach

Best Restaurants in Malia Beach

4. Potamos beach

*Potamos beach is ideal for families,* but it sometimes gets windy in August.

Potamos is the second most famous beach in Malia, with many sunbeds and beautiful brown sand.

Potamos beach on Google Maps

The beach can get very busy in August and windy in the summer.

How To Get To Potamos Beach

Potamos is just 30 30-minute drive from Heraklion, but you can also take the bus that stops at Malia and just walk to Potamos beach.

Best Hotels in Potamos Beach

Best Restaurants in Potamos Beach

Lasithi Beaches

1. Vai beach

*Vai* *Beach is one of the most famous beaches in Greece and the only* palm and banana tree forest in Europe.

Vai Beach is Europe’s largest palm tree forest and, by far, the most famous beach on East Crete.

Vai Beach on Google Maps

Vai beach (along with Preveli) is the most exotic and tropical beach in Greece and possibly Europe, so it is worth a visit. The beach itself has amazing, crystal clear waters and golden sand. You don’t get to swim near a palm tree forest in Europe, very often…

However, the beach can get very busy after 11 a.m. in July and August, so you had better be there as early as possible. Snorkelling-wise, this is probably not the best beach, as the seabed is not something special, and you may not see that many fish, to be honest.

Please remember that you must pay for the parking lot and the sunbeds and umbrellas provided (from 10-30 euros, depending on how close to the seafront you are).

How To Get To Vai Beach

You can reach Vai beach by car or local bus from Sitia (three buses every day during the summer months). Vai is about a 30-minute drive from Sitia and a 2-hour drive from Agios Nikolaos.

Best Hotels in Vai Beach

There are no hotels around Vai Beach as the area is protected from any building activity. However, there are a few hotels close to Vai that I highly recommend:

Best Restaurants in Vai Beach

2. Voulisma beach

*Voulisma is the most famous beach close to the town of* Agios Nikolaos *in Lasithi*

Voulisma is probably the most renowned beach near Agios Nikolaos town in Lasithi.

Voulisma beach on Google Maps

Voulisma is a long sandy beach with almost every possible facility, and it surely gets quite crowded in the summer. The waters at Voulisma Beach are probably some of the clearest in Greece, and the place is very family-friendly. There is also a free parking spot near the beach and a nice beach bar/cafe that offers drinks and fresh fruit (along with some fast food options).

Many people make the mistake of visiting Voulisma while staying in Heraklion, but I do not recommend that because it is too far away (2 hours by car). I do not recommend visiting any Lasithi beaches if you are not staying in the Lasithi prefecture.

How To Get To Voulisma Beach

Voulisma beach is only a 15-minute drive from Agios Nikolaos, and you can also take the local bus.

Best Hotels in Voulisma Beach

Best Restaurants in Voulisma Beach

3. Xerokampos beach

*Xerokampos is a long and quiet beach in eastern Crete*

Xerokambos is one of the most remote areas in Crete, as it sits around 100 km southeast of Agios Nikolaos in a very remote area of the island.

Xerokampos beach on Google Maps

The beach is not organized, and there are no amenities around, so you must bring your own stuff: water, drinks, fruits, food, ice, etc. There is a small canteen with a few sunbeds and umbrellas, but it would be better if you brought your own things. The beach is very secluded, where you will enjoy the pure wild beauty of Crete without too many tourists and annoying beach bars.

How To Get To Xerokampos Beach

You can only reach Xerokambos beach by driving southeast of Agios Nikolaos and Sitia for 2 hours and 1 hour, respectively.

Best Hotels in Xerokampos Beach

There are only a handful of hotels around, as the area is very remote and ideal for relaxation and tranquility:

Best Restaurants in Xerokampos Beach

4. Agia Fotia beach

*Agia Fotia, with its wide and rocky beach*

Agia Fotia beach is a lovely, quiet, organised beach in southern Lasithi, close to Ierapetra town.

Agia Fotia beach on Google Maps

Agia Fotia is the beach of Ierapetra town (12 km away). It is very well organised, with many beach bars, canteens, restaurants, umbrellas, and sunbeds. The lovely pine trees surrounding the beach offer a very different experience from the other beaches of Crete, while being equally beautiful.

How To Get To Agia Fotia Beach

Agia Fotia is just a 15-minute drive from Ierapetra town, and local buses can also take you to the beach.

Best Hotels in Agia Fotia Beach

Best Restaurants in Agia Fotia Beach

5. Erimoupolis beach

*Erimoupolis is a small sandy and quiet beach in Lasithi*

Erimoupolis beach is a beautiful sandy beach north of Vai palm tree forest and about 30 km east of Sitia town.

Erimoupolis beach on Google Maps

The area also had the ancient name of “Itanos,” there are still ancient ruins behind the beach that you can visit for free (here they are). Most of Itanos’s ruins are still under the water, so you can snorkel and see them underwater!

How To Get To Erimoupolis Beach

Erimoupolis is 10 10-minute drive north of Vai and about 30 minutes away from Sitia town. There is no local bus that can take you there.

Best Hotels in Erimoupolis Beach

There are no hotels around, and the area is very remote. You can stay at one of the best hotels around Vai and Sitia:

Best Restaurants in Erimoupolis Beach

6. Kolokytha beach

*Kolokytha is the most famous beach in the Elounda area,* which has been a celebrity hot spot since the 50s

Kolokitha beach is a small, picturesque beach close to Elounda with beautiful waters and green surroundings.

Kolokitha beach on Google Maps

Kolokitha is the name of the small island opposite the beach (many people think this is Spinalonga island, but it’s not…). In my opinion, it’s a rough ride and a short walk to reach the beach, but it’s worth it. The beach is not all sand; there are a few stones and small rocks around (the sandy bit is quite small).

How To Get To Kolokytha Beach

You can reach Kolokitha beach by driving from Elounda and leaving your car in the open area behind the beach. It is a short walk to the beach, but the wilderness of the landscape will reward you.

Best Hotels in Kolokytha Beach

There are no hotels around Kolokitha beach, so you’d better stay at the beautiful Elounda, which has some celebrity-level hotels:

Best Restaurants in Kolokytha Beach

WHERE TO STAY IN CRETE

Best Place To Stay in Crete: Chania and Western Crete – this is the best area to stay in Crete as it has the best beaches, the famous Samaria Gorge, and the beautiful Chania Town
Best Hotel in Crete: Elounda Beach Hotel & Villas
Best Villa in Crete:Elounda Luxury Villas (but there are lots of amazing villas in Crete)
When should I go to Crete? The best time to visit Crete is in June or September because the weather will still be hot, but you won’t find that many tourists on the island; avoid July and August by any means.
North Crete or South Crete: South Crete (that looks to Africa continent) is full of unique beaches (like Agia Roumeli, or Palaiochora), cute remote villages (like Hora Sfakion) but no big towns (like Chania or Heraklion); the best hotels in Crete and the best cities in Crete are all on the north side of the island; it’s also good to know that the roads network between north and south Crete is not that good so it’s not worth it staying on the south side of the island.
Best Hotel in Chania Town:Domus Renier Boutique Hotel
Best Area To Stay if it’s your first time in Crete: I suggest you stay as close to Chaniaas possible because it is the best area in terms of hotels availability, beautiful villages and towns; however you should visit Knossos Palace and the Heraklion area because it’s where most of the historic sites of the island are
Best Hotel in Western Crete: Minoa Palace Resort & Spa
How to Book a Hotel for Crete: go to Booking.com and make your choice. Airbnb has far fewer rooms and villas available in Crete.
Best All-Inclusive Resort in Crete: Amirandes Grecotel Exclusive Resort
Best Beaches in Crete: You can stay close to one of the Crete beaches, but undoubtedly western Crete (close to Chania) has the most impressive beaches; the island has thousands of incredible beaches, and some of them are also close to Heraklion, Hersonissos, Elounda, and Agia Pelagia – the best beaches in Crete (with Google Maps links) are: Agia Roumeli, Palaiochora, Falassarna, Balos, Elafonissi, Kolokitha, Preveli, Agios Pavlos, Vai, Ammoudara, Seitan Limania, Potamos
Best Area for culture and History: if history, archaeological sites, and museums are your top priority, then you should stay as close as possible to the Heraklion area, as this is where Knossos Palace is, along with the excellent archaeological museum of Heraklion and the less famous Phaistos Minoan Palace
Cheapest Hotels in Crete: generally as a rule of thumb if you stay in less picturesque or remote areas you will find better prices but there is always a catch as you may spend lots of hours driving to and from your hotel – however I believe that Rethymnon (which is very picturesque but less touristic than Chania) is an excellent spot for you to explore both Chania and Heraklion areas as it is in the middle
Best Area in Crete for families with kids: Hersonissos – the best thing about Crete is that it has hundreds of all inclusive resorts that are probably the best thing for families with kids as they have plenty of amenities and everything in walking distance; Hersonissos is the area with the most family resorts around but there are family resorts all over the island and if you find another one that you like go for it (especially if it is around Chania)!
Best Family Resort in Crete: Caramel Grecotel Boutique Resort
Best Area for Nightlife: No, it’s not Malia as many online guides suggest; Malia is a teenager’s resort with cheap nightlife and junk food restaurants (unless this is what you want…). Chania is the best place for nightlife with beautiful bars, elegant clubs, lovely wine bars, and restaurants.
Best Alternative Places to Stay in Crete: Agios Nikolaos, Rethymnon, Sitia
Is it Always Windy in Crete? No, it’s not always windy, but it can get windy in July and August (especially on the north side that looks over the Aegean Sea), so you should get prepared for that scenario. The most important thing to remember is to check the wind and go to a beach that is not hit by the winds, and the best way to know that is to ask any locals!
What is Crete, Greece, famous for?: Crete is renowned for its history (Knossos Palace and Minoan civilisation), the fantastic landscape with the thousands beaches, the incredible Samaria gorge, the delicious Cretan food, the picturesque towns of Chania, Rethymnon, Agios Nikolaos and course the lovely and extremely hospitable Cretan people who are some of the proudest people in Greece

CONCLUSION

So, these are the best Crete beaches: Elafonissi, Balos, Falassarna, Vai, and Preveli, but there is more to those. You must understand that Crete has thousands of beaches you can explore and visit.

The best way to explore Crete’s beaches is by renting a car. Yes, the north Crete beaches can become windy in the summer (July and August), but if it does get windy, you can visit the beaches in the south.

Crete’s beaches are better than Santorini’s and far more diverse than Mykonos’s. Spending time on a beach in Crete is one of the best things you can do, and the wild beauty of the landscape will make it an amazing experience.