Best Beaches in Crete – What is the most beautiful beach in Crete? Situated between the Mediterranean Sea and the Aegean Sea, the island of Crete has become one of the most popular destinations in Europe. Thanks to its location, its sunshine and its numerous beaches, Crete is a true paradise less than 4 hours by flight from Paris.
The 9 Best Beaches in Crete, Greece
Do you also want to enjoy these beaches or do you want to book your accommodation as close as possible to the most beautiful beach in Crete? In this article, I offer you a selection of the most beautiful beaches in Crete. So, whether you decide to explore the west or the east of the island, here are the best Cretan beaches. On the way to the holidays!
The most beautiful beaches in western Crete
Elafonissi beach for a family stay
Elafonissi Beach is arguably the most famous of all the beaches on the island of Crete. Located on a peninsula surrounded by olive groves in the southwest of the island, it is a 1.5 hour drive from Chania. To find it, nothing could be simpler, because it bears the same name as the small village located just opposite.
This fine sand beach is best known for its pink and coral colors. However, this seaside resort is a victim of its own success. I therefore recommend that you avoid it in high season or go there early in the morning. From this beach, you can also explore the lagoon to the offshore island.
Balos beach for its wild side
Balos Beach is located in the far west of the island of Crete. This beach is also one of the wildest. At the edge of the Balos lagoon, at the end of the Gramvoussa peninsula and after 1 km of walking (and yes, a beautiful beach is worth it!), you will be able to discover turquoise waters, white sand, rocks on which Goats graze freely.
With its shallow water and wild scenery, this beach is one of the most protected in Crete, even in Greece. If you love nature, this beach is perfect for discovering endemic flora and fauna. Accessible by road, you can also reach this beach by boat from the village of Kissamos.
Preveli beach to relax
Preveli beach is an ideal beach for resting sheltered from the seaside wind. This beach, surrounded by numerous palm trees, is cut in two by two rivers (the Megalopotamos and Kourtaliotiko rivers) which throw into the sea. This environment makes it a privileged place to rest and relax. From this beach, you can also go to the monastery of the same name.
Falassarna beach for its romantic atmosphere
This beach is the beach for romantics. Located in the northwest of the island, 50 km from Chania, it offers an incredible view of the sunset every evening.
Falassarna is made up of very fine white sand and small dunes, which make them perfect spots for sunsets. But you can also watch the sunset from the village overlooking the beach or from the path that goes down to the beach.
This beach is truly a must-visit place for beaches in Crete.
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Kommos beach to get off the beaten track
In the south of Crete, Kommos beach is undoubtedly the largest in Crete, but it is also less crowded than its neighbor, Matala beach. Located next to the archaeological site of the same name, Kommos beach remains, in my opinion, one of the most beautiful beaches in Crete and the one to favor if you want to avoid the flow of tourists.
Seitan Limania beach to shine on the networks
The most famous beach in Crete is Seitan Limania beach. This beach has become famous in part thanks to the distribution of numerous photos on social networks. What made him famous? Its fine sand and the landscape mixing the blue of the waves and the white of the cliffs. This cove, located in the northwest of the island, is accessible by renting a car or reserving your place on one of the many boats that offer organized day trips. There are so many photos of this beach, but nothing beats your own exploration of this part of Crete .
The beaches of eastern Crete
Vaï beach for its heavenly atmosphere
On the east side of the island, there are also many beaches worth a visit such as Vaï beach. This place is very popular with tourists for its clear waters, but especially for its palm grove. If you are looking for charm and calm, I advise you to go and discover the small cove hidden at the end of a staircase. In any case, its palm grove (one of the most beautiful in Europe) invites you to travel and get a change of scenery.
Red Beach for a drink by the water
Red Sand Beach gets its name from the color of its sand. Despite the beauty of this beach, access requires good physical condition. Indeed, half an hour of walking and rock climbing are necessary to finally set foot on the sand. You will be greatly rewarded with the possibility of refreshing yourself thanks to the bar present. Cocktails in paradise are yours!
Matala beach for its unrivaled landscape
This sandy beach, although it is lined with bars and restaurants, its atmosphere mainly comes from the caves cut into the cliff all around.
Located 1 hour from Heraklion, this place served as a landmark for the hippie community in the 1970s. Finally, you can swim in complete safety, because a lifeguard is present there all year round.
Where to stay to enjoy the beaches of Crete?
The beaches presented here are all accessible by car, boat or public transport. To fully enjoy these beaches, I advise you to extend your experience by booking in a comfortable hotel.
The final word on the most beautiful beach in Crete
The Cretan land is full of many choices of fine sandy beaches, but when it comes to determining the best swimming spot and the best scenery, nothing beats an exploratory trip. Between sea, mountains, sand and coconut trees, you will never be disappointed.
