Crete is the biggest island of Greece with a coastline that covers 650 miles which features 100 of stunning beaches. Crete can be found between the southern side of the Aegean Sea and the northern side of the Libyan Sea. Crete is a popular summer destination because of its stunning beaches, stunning scenery and traditional lifestyle of the locals.
Top beaches in Crete
Falassarna
This is among the stunning beaches in Crete and can be found 52km from Chania town. The beach is about 1 hour from the village of Platanos and can easily be reached by car. It features a large sandy beach with numerous watersports facilities, parasols, and sun loungers. You will also love the stunning turquoise color of the water. The beach is surrounded by beach bars and a small fishing harbor on the southern side. The highlight of the beach is that plethora beach parties are organized regularly at the beach which attracts thousands of young people from the surrounding area. You are also going to get mesmerizing sunset views from this beach.
Elafonísi Beach
This beach offers turquoise water which is contrasted beautifully by pink-tinted sand. This magnificent beach is located on the southwestern tip of the island. The beach is the perfect place to go for Instagram worthy pictures. You can easily walk through the warm water to numerous white sandbars or the natural islet that shelters the beach from the rough waters. There is a large crowd that visit the beach all year round particularly in the peak season. If you want seclusion, it is best to come here during the spring.
Glyka Nera
This beach can be found on the south coast of Crete and it is also popularly known as the sweet water beach due to the freshwater sources on the beach. The beach also features numerous trees and can only be reached on foot or through a boat. The highlight of the beach is that it offers thrilling hiking trails from both Loutro and Chora Sfakion. You will also get to see steep cliffs, chapel, and bays on the hiking trails.
Mátala Beach
This stunning beach was widely regarded as the hippie hangout in the ‘60s and ‘70s and it is filled with tourists and couples from all over the world who come here to enjoy late night drink with mesmerizing sights. The beach is suitable for swimming and it is filled with tourist all day. There are many convenient amenities available on the beach like a lifeguard and a bathroom.
Balos
Balos beach is a protected natural area filled with floras and faunas and can be found at the small peninsula of Imeri Gramvousa. The highlight of the beach is that you will get to see 400 different sea plants, wild donkeys, up to 100 protected or endangered bird species, green turtle, and so on. You will also be mesmerized with the colors of the sea water here which are exotic as it ranges from green to azure color. The beach is among the most beautiful beach in Greece and you can also visit the 16th century Venetian fort on the cliffs nearby.
Kedrodasos
This is a magnificent sandy beach that can be found southwest of Crete close to Elafonisi. This is the best place to go if you are looking for serene beach and want to avoid crowds. You can easily get to this beach by taking the exit to Sklavopoula which is just before Elafonisi.
Vai Beach
This is a mesmerizing beach located at the northeastern tip of Crete. The beach is popular for its palm trees which will fool you like you are in the Caribbean. The beach is filled with crowds in the summer as it is packed with sunbathers. The best time to come here is in the morning or come here during the early spring or late autumn so as to avoid the crowds.
Mýrtos Beach
This is the perfect place to go for sun-seekers in Crete since the 1960s with its laid back vibe which makes it unique. You are going to find numerous sunbathers lounging on the free sunbeds which scattered across the beach. The beach is also surrounded by multiple ancient Minoan sites that you can explore after you have enjoyed enough sun.
