Crete Beach – The 10 best beaches on the Greek Island

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A beach holiday in Crete, Greece’s largest island, takes you to enchanting secluded bays and miles of coastline with the finest sand. Numerous hotels have sprung up, especially on the beaches of the north coast. The coast there is characterised by excellent infrastructure with restaurants, bars, water sports facilities and changing rooms.

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Tips for a beach holiday in Crete

Families love to come here because of the shallow, crystal-clear water for swimming. However, some of the island’s most beautiful beaches are also located in the south. They are mostly more unspoilt, idyllic and somewhat more secluded. Those interested in history who want to combine culture and relaxation will feel particularly at home in Minoan Crete.

For sun worshippers and beach bums: Crete’s most beautiful beaches

If you’re looking for Crete’s most beautiful beaches, just go with the flow – to secluded bays, shallow pebble beaches and wide sandy beaches. Picturesque bays and fine sandy beaches, breathtaking gorges, olive groves, ancient sites and crystal-clear water – Crete is without question one of the most beautiful and popular islands in Greece.

The island is the perfect destination for an unforgettable beach holiday. Its beaches are famous for their natural beauty and diversity, which enchant everyone. Whether you are looking for peace and relaxation, a family-friendly beach, hidden coves or want to combine a day at the beach with hiking or surfing – Crete has the right beach for every taste.

Spoilt for choice with the most beautiful beaches in Crete

The picturesque bays and rocky coastlines provide an idyllic backdrop and offer spectacular photo opportunities. On the north coast of the island, wide sandy beaches stretch for miles. Here, there is more hustle and bustle and a little more beach comfort in the form of restaurants, small shops and sanitary facilities. A little further away on the south coast, you can discover hidden gems such as secluded bays and quiet beaches where you can enjoy the beauty of nature undisturbed.

With so many coastlines to choose from, it wasn’t easy for us to select the most beautiful beaches in Crete. Nevertheless, we gave it a try and chose our ten favourites.

Crete – Beaches in the West

Balos Beach – Carribean flair on Crete

Balos Beach is the name of the beach on a beautiful lagoon in the west of the north coast of Crete. A rocky road takes you by car to the soft sandy beach with turquoise blue sea water. Local farmers sell their produce, such as honey and the aniseed raki, at the large car park leading before the hiking trail starts. If you get hungry after swimming in the sparkling water, you can get delicious snacks at a small tavern. Except for the kanteen like restaurant, Balos Beach has retained its original character.

About a kilometre away, the now uninhabited rocky island of Gramvoúsa rises proudly out of the water. In the 16th century, the Venetians built a mighty fortress here, the remains of which can be visited today. No wonder that Balos Beach is not only one of the most beautiful beaches in Crete, but in all of Greece.

How to get to Balos Beach? You can reach Balos Beach by 4×4 bus, quad bike, with your own rental car (need to drive carefully) or with a boat tour from Kissamos (the most convenient option).

Tip: Make sure to get there early (before 10am) as the beach is most scenic before the crowds arrive and temperatures rise.

Hotel Tip: I stayed at Agarathos Rooms & Pool Kaliviani. The pool and garden have been done beautifully and it is a lovely place to relax. You can pair you stay there with a visit to one of the best restaurants in the area – Gramboussa Restaurant.

Elafonisi (or Elafonissi) – The pink beach

One of the island’s most fascinating natural landscapes stretches across the south-west of Crete. Elafonisi beach (also known as Elafonissi) enchants visitors with its pink sand, which is created by large quantities of shells that are finely ground by the sea currents and deposited on the beach.

Where the pink sand meets the turquoise water, the fascinating interplay of colours creates popular photo opportunities. In 2022, the beach was voted eighth in the Best Beaches in Europe ranking, which selects the most beautiful beaches in Europe every year.

Getting there: If you are travelling by car, you can easily park near the beach. Toilets, showers, changing rooms and a few restaurants are also located near the beach. There is a large car park about 500 metres away in the centre of Elafonisi. Tip: Many tour operators also offer guided tours to the pink beach of Elafonisi.

Preveli Palm Beach Crete

Preveli Beach is a must on any list of the most beautiful beaches in Crete. Preveli Beach is located on the south coast of the Greek island, about 40 kilometres south of Rethymnon and ten kilometres east of Plakias. It lies at the entrance to the impressive Kourtaliotikos Gorge, where the Megalopotamós River flows into the Libyan Sea, forming a lush oasis. A highlight: on the riverbank there are several freshwater pools that form natural rock pools and are deep enough for splashing around in.

Preveli Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Crete. Palm trees line the sandy beach, which is why it is also called ‘Palm Beach’. The palm forest behind the beach is idyllic and a real highlight on Crete.

Nearby is the Preveli Monastery, where the monks who built the nearby stone bridge over the river in the 1800s once lived.

Tip: The easiest way to get here is via the neighbouring beach of Drimiskiano Ammoudi. Or drive your car to the car park further up from the beach, then walk downhill. Buses stop at the turn-off to the car park. Excursion boats from Plakias and Agia Galini also sail directly to the beach for a small fee, providing access by water.

Plakias Beach – Tranquillity on the south coast of Crete

With its long and wide beach, partly covered with dunes, Plakias is a wonderful retreat in Crete for those who seek tranquillity without wanting to leave civilisation completely behind. A few bars, restaurants and taverns cater to your physical well-being, a long promenade invites you to stroll, small shops sell parasols and other beach accessories, and changing rooms and showers are also available.

Tip: Plakias is located in the southwest of Crete, about 35 kilometres south of Rethymno town. There is plenty of accommodation in this popular tourist resort. If you follow the coast further west, you will come across more beautiful beaches. The region is also perfect for hiking, windsurfing and kitesurfing.

Getting there: Drive to the car park at the northern end of the beach. Buses stop right next to it at the bus station – in the centre of the village.

Seitan Limania Beach Chania – Hidden Gem on Crete’s Coast

Surrounded by high, rugged cliffs, the fine sandy beach nestles picturesquely in the bay of Seitan Limania, a bay on the east coast of the Atrokíri Peninsula, which stretches north of Chania. The bright turquoise sea contrasts beautifully with the rocks, which can be admired especially when descending to the bay from above.

If you want to visit Seitan Limania beach, you first have to tackle a few adventurous slopes and the last stretch on foot along a rocky path. It is not without reason that the name of the bay means ‘Devil’s Harbour’: this hidden gem used to be a popular retreat for pirates because of its inaccessibility. Be sure to pack food and a parasol in your beach bag.

Getting there: You can drive to the small (free) public car park above the bay. Buses also stop here at the end of the road – at the ‘Bus Stop Seitan Limania Beach’. From there, you have to walk down a steep path to the beach in the bay. There are two main paths down – the path on the right side when facing the sea is slightly shorter and includes some safety chains.

Glyka Nera – The Sweet Water Beach

Paralia Glyka Nera, also known as ‘Sweet Water Beach’, enchants visitors with its secluded location and a quaint tavern. An imposing rock face forms the impressive natural backdrop to Glyka Nera pebble beach, tucked away on the south-west coast of Crete. It has an original beach bar and lots of colourful parasols that provide the necessary shade for a small rental fee. The beach got its melodious nickname ‘Sweetwater Beach’ from the many freshwater springs that bubble up from the seabed all around.

Getting there: Hikers can reach Glyka Nera beach on foot via the approximately seven-kilometre-long coastal hiking trail from Chora Sfakion to Lutro. If you want to drive, you can drive to Chora Sfakion or leave your car near Ilingas beach and then continue on foot. The most comfortable option is to take a taxi boat from the surrounding villages to this fascinating stretch of coastline.

Agiofarago Beach and Gorge

About 75 kilometres south of Heraklion city lies the small beach of Agiofarago (also known as Agio Farago), which we consider to be one of the most beautiful beaches in Crete. Its location at the end of the gorge of the same name, directly at the mouth of a river flowing into the open sea, is picturesque. Here, pebbles meet turquoise blue water, a few trees provide shade and the surrounding rocks create a sheltered location. But don’t worry: the pebbles are so fine that you can walk barefoot with ease.

Agiofarago Beach is popular with campers – even though it is not an official camping site, camping is tolerated here. Many climbers are also drawn here to show off their skills on the almost vertical rock faces in the nearby gorge. Tip: On the east side of the beach, a hiking trail leads to the top of the cliffs, offering breathtaking views of the Libyan Sea.

Getting there: If you want to combine a day at the beach with a hike, first walk through the gorge (an easy hike of less than an hour). Alternatively, take a boat from Kaloi Limenes or a ferry from Matala or Agia Galini, which will drop you off at Agiofarago beach.

Falassarna – The surfer’s paradise

In ancient times, Falassarna was an important port city. Today, this town in the far west of Crete is best known for its beautiful beach. Several restaurants and taverns, beach bars, parasol rentals and small shops line the long sandy bay, which is bordered by fairly shallow waters. Strong winds and heavy surf are common on this stretch of coast, which is why Falassarna is particularly popular with surfers.

If you get bored, it’s best to walk to the northern end of the beach. There you will find the remains of the ruins of the ancient Roman city. An unpaved road winding through countless olive trees leads to the ancient site.

Getting there: If you are coming by car, you have a choice of three car parks – one in the north, one in the south and one in the middle of the beach (the largest). Regular buses also serve Falassarna.

Crete – Beaches in the East

Vai Palm Beach

With its magnificent palm grove, the idyllic palm beach of Vai, located about 25km east if Sitia is one of the most famous photo motifs in Crete – often featured in travel brochures and on postcards. But, as is so often the case, popularity has its advantages and disadvantages and leads to differing opinions among beachgoers. The so-called ‘Palm Beach’ attracts numerous visitors to this secluded part of the island every year. I found only a few hotels or holiday accommodations near this beach, most people come for a day trip by car or coach.

• Location: Vai Beach

A fee is charged as soon as you enter the official parking – rather unusual for Crete. The beach itself is also well organised: from different price categories for sun loungers and parasols to a beach bar and tavern to public toilets for a fee. Everything here is geared towards tourism. Although this gives Vai a bit of a water park feel, this organisation also has its advantages: despite the crowds, the beach is clean and well maintained.

The mesmerizing beauty of the landscape makes Vai a special destination that reveals its full magic, especially in the off-season. Those who travel in May, for example, will be enchanted by the idyllic tranquillity, the shady palm trees and the turquoise blue sea.

Mazida Ammos (Xerokampos)

About 45km to the southeast of Sitia in the small town of Xerokampos, a dream beach awaits you with the finest golden sand that slopes gently into the crystal-clear sea. In the midday sun, the water glows a breathtaking light blue – a true paradise! Even on windy days, it is easy to enter the sea, as the underwater world is largely free of rocks and we have never experienced high waves during our visits.

In the high season, there are a few sun loungers and parasols available for daily rent, but otherwise there are hardly any shady spots. It is therefore advisable to bring your own parasol, refreshments and snacks before visiting Mazida Ammos. But don’t worry: it’s so beautiful there that you won’t want to leave.

• Location: Mazida Ammos Beach

Xerokampos is one of my absolute favourite destinations on Crete. Of course, with the increasing popularity, the number of beach visitors is also growing here. But even during the hight of the season, I have never found this small coastal town to be too busy with visitors. As always, if you prefer to enjoy the secluded, unspoilt bays of Crete on your own, you should visit outside the main season. On my last visit in November 2025, the beache here wasalmost deserted.

Malia – Sandy beach near the Minoan Palace

If you are looking for the ideal place for a beach holiday with the whole family, Malia is the place for you. This popular holiday resort in the north-east of Crete boasts miles of sandy beaches and modern infrastructure. Young children can splash around carefree in the shallow, clear water, while teenagers and young adults can dance the night away at the music bars right on the beach. Active holidaymakers can burn off energy with jet skiing, water skiing and banana boat rides. Sun lounger and parasol hire, bars and restaurants round off the amenities on offer.

Malia Beach on Crete is a lively, fine sandy beach known for its nightlife and ideal for water sports. To the east of the town lies the quieter Potamos Beach, while to the west of Malia is Stalis Beach with its promenade and various shops.

Tip: Visit the Minoan Palace. The archaeological site of the Minoan Palace of Malia is located a short distance from the beach and is a significant historical landmark. 

Chrissi Island – My insider tip

If you feel like taking a day trip during your holiday in Crete, Chrissi Island is a worthwhile destination. The small island is located off the south coast of Crete in the Libyan Sea. It is just seven kilometres long and two kilometres wide and is a nature reserve. The island is particularly famous for its juniper trees and cedar forests, fine sand dunes and beautiful beaches, such as the ‘Golden Beach’ on the northern side of the island with a view of Crete and the ‘Kataprosopo Beach’ at the eastern end.

In 2021, however, the Cretan regional administration imposed a ban on entering the island. The reason: the natural environment on Chrissi Island needs to be allowed to recover. Visitors are only allowed to approach the island by boat and swim to the shore – but ‘landing’ is prohibited.

Getting there: Various tour operators offer boat trips to the small island of Chrissi, most of which depart from the ports of Ierapetra and Makrigialos. Those who jump into the sea from the boat can swim across to the island from there.

All Crete Beaches on the Map

Crete’s beaches offer something for everyone: the famous Elafonissi Beach is known for its pink sand, Balos Lagoon for its unique beauty, while Vai Beach delights visitors with the largest palm forest in Europe. Other top beaches include the unspoilt Preveli Beach with its palm oasis and the secluded Seitan Limania Beach. Whether you are a family, a hiker or someone seeking peace and quiet, the island offers a variety of dream beaches.

The most famous beaches in Crete

• Elafonissi Beach: Famous for its pink sand made up of shell fragments and clear, turquoise water.
• Balos Lagoon: A picturesque lagoon with fine sand and shallow, turquoise water, ideal for swimming.
• Vai Beach: Here you will find the largest natural palm forest in Europe, surrounded by golden sand.
• Preveli Beach: A unique palm beach at the end of the Preveli Gorge, where a stream dams up to form a lake.
• Falassarna Beach: A long sandy beach, ideal for water sports such as wakeboarding or windsurfing.

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