Are you looking for the perfect beach to enjoy a relaxing vacation in Crete?
With its diverse landscapes, unspoiled beaches, and captivating culture, Crete is an idyllic destination for any traveler. But with so many stunning beaches to choose from, how do you know which one will be best suited to your needs?
In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the best beaches in Crete so that you can make an informed decision about where to go.
Crete is a large Greek island located in the Mediterranean Sea. It offers something unique for every visitor – whether it be crystal-clear waters and white sand or hidden coves surrounded by rocky cliffs. It’s no wonder why tourism has been on the rise over recent years!
There are numerous activities available including diving trips and sailing excursions as well as plenty of cultural attractions such as ancient ruins and Venetian fortresses.
Whether you’re looking for adventure or relaxation, there’s sure to be something on offer that will suit your tastes perfectly!
Top Beaches in Crete, Greece
Elafonissi Beach
Elafonissi beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in Crete, and it’s easy to understand why. Its crystal-clear waters and pink sandy beaches make for an unforgettable experience. The shallow lagoons on either side of the small island are especially unique, making Elafonisi a protected area due to its special ecosystem of plants and animals.
You can even walk through the shallow water to reach a tiny island just offshore – though if you want some peace and quiet from the lounges and large crowds, it’s best to cross over afterward!
The sunset views here are said to be truly amazing! Just bear in mind that windy conditions may not make this beach suitable for families with young children – so go earlier in the morning if possible so that you can secure yourself an umbrella or two sunbeds (rented at 10 Euro).
Also, don’t forget your snorkeling gear when crossing by ferry; you’ll definitely want to explore what remains of an underground town too!
Balos Lagoon
Balos beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in Crete, and its exotic white, vivid blue, and turquoise waters are truly astonishing. It’s definitely worth taking the time to visit this amazingly gorgeous beach.
You can reach Balos by ferry from Kissamos, Chania, Rethymno, or Heraklion; alternatively, you can also drive or rent a moped.
9-10 km of the way to the parking area is off-road and bumpy but it won’t cost you anything when you arrive at your destination.
Afterward, a pleasant walk of 1.3km (or 15 minutes) will take you to the beach where the sea water is very shallow and warm – perfect for young children!
Vai Beach
Vai beach is the perfect destination for a family day out. The clear waters and warm temperatures make it ideal for swimming, with plenty of colorful fish to discover.
There are also sunbeds and umbrellas available to rent (for 10€) if you want to relax in the sunshine. Behind the beach lies an impressive palm tree forest, which adds even more charm to this amazing spot.
For those looking for something extra special, there is also a nearby viewpoint that offers stunning views of Vai Beach and its surroundings – including a nudist beach and sand dunes! And don’t forget that parking here only costs 3€ – so it’s really affordable too!
Preveli Beach
Preveli beach is considered one of the best beaches in Crete, with stunning views and a special palm forest that makes it stand out from other beaches. The water in the river and the sea is colder than other Crete beaches, making for an invigorating swim.
The seabed is covered in pebbles which makes for a different experience compared to sandy beaches.
For those wanting to visit Preveli beach, there is paid parking available at 2-4 euros per car, however, be warned that the walk down and up to the beach can be tough but manageable if you are wearing good shoes instead of flip-flops.
Once you get down to the beach there is also a taverna nearby offering drinks and food so visitors don’t have to worry about bringing their own supplies.
Be careful on your way back up as it can be a dangerous walking road from parking on top of the rock – it’s a 10min walk down and 25min walk up with strong winds at times so make sure you wear sensible footwear!
Stavros Beach
Stavros beach is a great spot for families, due to its natural harbor and protection from the wind coming off the mountain.
It offers seats arranged through the restaurant across the street that can be rented out for €25, which includes an umbrella and two loungers. This may appear expensive compared to other beaches on Crete but it’s well worth it!
Food and drinks are available right to your seat which is great if you have small children as they won’t need to get up every time they’re thirsty or hungry.
The beach itself is very clean with white sand and crystal clear water making it ideal for swimming or just relaxing in the sun. There are a couple of rocks at the entry point into the water, but not enough that you would need shoes so feel free to come without them!
Matala Beach
Matala is an incredible place located on the south side of Crete, well known for its hippie caves built in the 1970s. There’s a small fee of 4 euros per person to visit these caves and it’s worth every cent!
It’s advised that visitors wear good shoes as there are no stairs leading up to the caves. The beach itself isn’t anything special with its stony seabed and murky waters, however, the water temperature was still warm enough for a refreshing dip.
Nearby you can find plenty of shops, cafes, and restaurants selling everything from souvenirs to snacks so it’s always nice taking a stroll around this area.
Matala is quite far away from any major city such as Heraklion which is about 80kms away so it’s best if you rent out a car to get there since driving through winding hills in central Crete can be pretty difficult without one.
All things considered, Matala Beach is definitely worth checking out when visiting Crete!
Falassarna Beach
Falassarna beach is a must-visit when in Crete. It is large, with fine sand and crystal clear water which makes it ideal for swimming or taking part in one of the many available water sports.
The beach provides plenty of amenities such as beach chairs and cabanas to make your day comfortable.
There are also plenty of food offerings on the beach, making it a great spot to visit when you’re hungry after a long day out exploring Chania’s attractions!
The easy access and close parking make Falassarna an ideal destination for anyone looking for some fun in the sun while visiting Crete.
Skinaria Beach
Skinaria beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in Crete and is a great place for visitors to enjoy. The scenery at this beach is breathtaking, and the crystal clear sea makes it ideal for snorkeling and diving.
The beach itself has small pebbles instead of sand, but there are umbrellas as well as a tavern and a beach bar available to make your stay more comfortable.
Snorkeling here can be quite enjoyable so if you’re looking to stay on the beach all day long then Skinaria Beach is definitely worth checking out!
Rethymnon Beach
Rethymnon Beach is an ideal spot to take in all that Crete has to offer. The beach is well-organized and provides everything you need for a fun, safe day in the sun.
The umbrellas and chairs are clean and in good working order, so you can relax and enjoy your time at the beach.
You can even get drinks like Greek iced coffee from nearby vendors if you’re feeling thirsty. However, be aware that the water can be quite rough at times, so it’s best to take caution or have someone spot you if you venture too far out.
And don’t forget about the sand – it’s soft yet firm enough underfoot for easy walking along the shoreline.