The 10 Best Beaches on Crete

Crete is the largest island in Greece and its coastline of 1,046 km, or 650 miles, makes for some extraordinary beaches. With crystal clear waters and sand in a variety of hues, Crete’s beaches are unforgettable.

Here are the top 10 of the best beaches on Crete

1. Elafonissi Beach in Chania

This is the beach that you want to go to if you are into sparkling water and beautiful pink sand — and who isn’t? Located on the southwestern side of Crete the beach has both soft white and pink sand and the coast is lined with cedar trees. There are sunbeds and umbrellas available on part of the beach.

2. Balos Beach in Chania

Located on the northwestern side of Crete, this beach gives you a view of the sea and an Greek island with a Venetian castle on top. There are many ways that you can reach this beach – either by car through a track road from Kissamos or by excursion boat from Chania Town and Kissamos.

Matala Beach, Heraklion. Credit: Rudi Heim/CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

Once known as a popular hippie destination in the 60’s and 70’s, this beach is now a popular family destination. Surrounded by caves that beg to be explored, there is much to discover and enjoy at this sandy beach!

4. Vai Beach in Lassithi

Why not go to a beach that is surrounded by the largest palm tree forest in Europe while on Crete? This beach is surrounded by over 5,000 trees and offers clear blue water. This beach once was a free camping site but now in recent years free camping has been prohibited. Polynesian-style palm-frond sun shades dot this lovely beach.

5. Falassarna Beach in Chania

Another beach on the west side of the Greek island and close to Kissamos town, this beach offers many organized facilities and activities which makes it an ideal place for families.

Above the beach, which has sparkling light blue water, you can visit the archaeological site of ancient Falassarna. Also there are many activities such as windsurfing which you can access from a windsurfing station at the beach during the summer months.

6. Plakias Beach in Rethymno

Want to get away form it all? This beach is the perfect escape as it has a mellow atmosphere and is located just in front of the village. There is part of the beach where you can access umbrellas and sunbeds, or you can just bring your own and enjoy this sandy little piece of heaven.

7. Istro Beach in Lassithi

While visiting the east of the region of Lassithi, stop by and check out this beach located near the town of Agios Nikolaos. The large beach has golden sand and turquoise water – not to mention you can rent sunbeds and umbrellas as well.

8. Preveli Beach in Rethymno

This beach, which is located on the south side of the prefecture of Rethymno, has a river which meets the sea, forming a pond as it meets the sand! Preveli is a lovely beach surrounded by mountains; surrounded by palm trees, it offers activities such as exploring the fresh water of the pond and the river. The beach itself has no organized facilities so bring your own towels and umbrellas and dive in!

9. Rodakino Beach in Rethymno

This beach is located on the southern side of Rethymno near the village of Plakias. The beach is sandy and wide and does have some organized sunbeds for rent. Also, there are some seaside tavernas and apartments which are in back of the beach.

10. Tymbaki Beach in Heraklion

This beach, large and featuring both sand and pebbles, is also known as Kokkinos Pyros. You can pass the entire day at this beach! It is complete with an organized section in case you want to rent sunbeds and umbrellas, not to mention it also has few seaside tavernas serving up scrumptious local dishes!

Here are the top 10 of the best beaches on Crete

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