Crete is a magnificent island all year round, but when it comes to summer, you can be certain that you won’t be short of beaches to choose for your itinerary.
The island of Crete is home to over a thousand stunning shores, some of them famous, some of them very well hidden, beaches that only an insider will really know about. If you want to know all about them, when to visit, how to get there, roads to access and driving there but also how to visit using public transport, you’re in the right place.
And if you want to discover all the things to do on the beach and the nearby places of interest… plus what you should and should not take with you… then this is your place to be!
Best Beaches in Crete
Check down below all the beaches that you must see this summer!
In this section, you will find all the beaches of Crete that you should make time to visit on your next trip to the island!
They have been divided by:
- Regions
- Interests
- Things to do nearby
- Islands
Do you have your beach bag ready? Sunscreen, flip flops, and beach towel at hand?
Then, if you are really ready, let’s go to the beaches of Crete!
All the beaches in Crete
TOP +40 BEACHES IN CRETE
In the blog, you’ll be able to find several different guides to unique beaches in Crete. There are guides to beaches grouped by region, and group by interests too. Yet, this article includes the best of the best beaches in Crete.
3 Top beaches in Crete
Elafonisi Beach
Arguably the best beach you can visit in Crete, the pink sand beach of Elafonisi is on the southern coast of Chania, about 70 km from the center of town. Check this complete guide to visiting the area.
Balos Beach
The breathtaking beauty of Balos Bach and Lagoon is made of a shallow emerald sea, soft white sand, and the spectacular landscape. Balos Beach is one of the most popular spots on the island you can visit.
Falasarna Beach
The splendid bay of Falasarna (also Falassarna) is on the west coast of Crete. The beach is in a very quiet area with a magnificent mountainous backdrop and boasts the best point on the island to watch the sunset.
>> Check the best Airbnbs in Elafonisi.
Beach guides
West Crete Beaches
The region of Chania is an area that concentrates the most spectacular beaches on the island. In this list, you will find the best-known ones and many more.
South Crete Beaches
The beaches in Crete can be split into two categories: the crowded beaches on the north and southern Crete, home to some of the most spectacular beaches of the island.
East Crete Beaches
Lasithi, the easternmost region of Crete, is a place ideal for a quiet holiday and perfect to relax on the heavenly beaches, some of them completely overlooked and isolated.
Beaches for kids
Crete is a great destination for families! Kids of any age can enjoy the fantastic coast of the bays that are as calm as lagoons, virtually waveless, and perfect for children.
Akrotiri beaches
There are wonderful beaches hidden in the region of Chania, along the coast of the Akrotiri Peninsula. This visit guide will help you find each and every one of them!
Naturist beaches
Those who prefer to enjoy the beach without clothes will be happy to discover the most beautiful hidden coves which for years have been a paradise for naturists.
More beaches in Crete
The following generic guides also include thorough sections to plan a trip to some of Crete’s best beaches. Take a look!
Rethymnon Beaches
In this guide to the best beaches in in Rethymnon, there’s a complete list with the top beaches in the region, both on the north coast and in the south.
Matala Beach
This complete guide to Matala presents a list of the best beaches in the region, including the legendary hippie beach, the caves, and other shores in the area.
Ierapetra
Here you will find more than the best things to do in Ierapetra. The guide has a complete section about local beaches and tips to visit the uninhabited Chrissi island.
Gavdos Island
This island at the end of the continent boasts some of the most remote and beautiful beaches on Crete. Take a look to this Gavdos Island guide.
Chrissi Island
This complete guide to Chrissi Island features every beach on this tiny islet off the southern coast of Crete. Discover also how to get there on a day trip.
Are you ready to explore Crete? It can be the trip of your lifetime. Get in touch if you need extra help to plan your itinerary. Crete’s best beaches are mostly located on the western coast of the island. Check this guide if you’re touring West Crete. You’ll find detailed info about where to go, what to see, where to eat, and more!
Coming to Crete any time soon? These resources will help you organize the trip!
Start by reading these helpful tips to plan a trip to Crete or check family holidays in Crete if you travel with kids. To visit Crete’s heavenly beaches, check my guide to the best beaches. Discover what region is best to stay in or check what to do in Crete.
Finally, make sure you’ve got everything for a hassle-free trip!
I never move around Crete without my Osprey backpack, a sturdy but light travel partner I just love. For short trips, I carry this little crossbody bag. If I’m driving around, I pack my Michelin map and my Nikon.
When it comes to plane tickets, compare prices with a powerful search engine. However, nothing beats traveling by sea in Greece. With Ferry Hopper, you can book in advance at the lowest price.
For accommodation, I personally use Booking.com and Airbnb.
Traveling to remote places is easier with Discover Cars. Other times, I join organized tours with GetYourGuide, which features anything from cooking lessons to airport transfer!
Now you just have to get ready to discover Crete, Greece’s most beautiful island!
This guide to the best beaches in Crete is updated regularly with new content.
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