Crete has some of Greece’s best sandy beaches – many far from developed areas, allowing you to truly enjoy a remote holiday on the sand.
Although almost every main beach gets busy in July and August, you can usually walk just a few minutes away to find a patch of heaven sans crowds. With a few notable exceptions, the water at Crete’s beaches is usually calm and great for swimming and watersports.
Here’s our pick of the top eight beaches in Crete.
For white sand and panoramic views, head to Elafonisi
Sparkling white sand with a pinkish hue makes Elafonisi a standout in a nation where pebbly, grey beaches are common. Its shallow, azure waters surround an islet just offshore that is an easy walk.
Cliffs, dunes, and semi-secluded coves are highlights here. Beat the summer crowds by walking 1km (0.6 miles) along the coastal trail east to Kedrodasos Beach. Otherwise, climb the dunes on the islet for panoramic views of this magical spot.
In summer, there’s no shortage of refreshments, and you’ll find umbrella, lounger and gear rentals on the main beach. Infrequent ferries link Elafonisi to beaches further east along the southwest coast. Consequently, you can venture further afield for more solitude, or consider visiting in the off-season when the water dazzles with myriad points of light and the only sounds are the wind and waves.
Get off the beaten track with a trip to Balos
The drive alone to the beaches at Balos makes a visit here a must. The remote Gramvousa Peninsula on the far northwest tip of Crete boasts cliffside views and wild rocky terrain.
Lagoons surround the main beach with shallow waters brimming with tiny, darting fish and crafty shellfish. There are two easily reached islets right offshore (walk through the placid waters): Agria (wild) and Imeri (tame). The latter includes the ruins of a 16th-century Venetian fortress that has great views across the beaches and lagoons. Services here are minimal, mostly limited to umbrella and lounger rentals.
Getting to Balos is an adventure. By road, you need 4WD to navigate the 12km (7.5 miles) dirt track from the village of Kalyviani. From a small car park with a snack stand, it’s a 1.2km (0.7 miles) hike down the sandy cliffs to the beach. A preferable option is the day-trip boat from Kissamos, which includes scenic stops along the peninsula. Even in summer, there are few people at Balos before 11am and after 4pm.
Wander around Paleohora, then hit the beach
The liveliest town on the southwest coast boasts two beaches, each with a name that tells you all you need to know about its character: Pahia Ammos Beach (Sandy Beach) and Halikia Beach (Pebble Beach).
Note that “lively” doesn’t mean anything close to manic. Paleohora still retains a village feel, with narrow, stone lanes meandering past cafes, tavernas, and bars known for their live Cretan music. Services abound, catering to families looking to rent gear for relaxing beach days. Moreover, the sports-minded can windsurf off Pahia Ammos Beach. Hikers will also find coastal trails leading to more quiet beaches and various historical and archaeological sites.
Few can resist the allure of the commanding Venetian castle, which dates back to the 13th century. However, don’t expect a fortress, as centuries of conflicts have turned it more into a ruin than a stronghold.
Paleohora is worth visiting year-round and is easily accessible by bus from Hania.
Surf the waves in Falasarna
Sunsets dazzle throughout the year at the long beach in Falasarna, which faces directly west across azure water. Waves here are regularly the largest in Crete, drawing surfers ready to ride them, whether on a board or freestyle. Sets of rollers crash into the sand from the open Mediterranean.
The sand boasts the same pinkish-white hue that makes Elafonisi famous to the south. Tavernas, cafes, modest hotels, and gear rental stands line the shore in summer. Olive trees and greenhouses form the backdrop. An easy 2km (1.2 miles) walk along a dirt path leads you to the site of Ancient Falasarna, which dates back to the 4th century BCE. Stones mark the remnants of walls that protected the old port.
Like most beaches in Crete, Falasarna gets busy in summer; however, there are more isolated and quiet sandy coves north of the long main beach. Buses operate only in summer. Lacking a year-round village, Falasarna becomes a lovely and lonely escape in winter.
Explore the cliffs at Vaï
Get here before the developers! A local monastery that owns much of the land at Vaï, on the northeast end of Crete, plans to build resorts; however, in the meantime, you can try to catch falling dates from the largest natural palm forest in Europe. Botanists believe that these trees are a unique sub-species found only in Crete. Visitors find them simply magnificent, offering a lush tropical appeal on an island better known for its sun-drenched, semi-arid landscapes.
The beach at Vaï is small but perfectly framed by turquoise waters lapping at the edges of the inlet. It’s a picturesque setting worth exploring beyond the main beach. Trails lead to cliffside walks, vista points, and more secluded, clothing-optional coves.
From May to October, regular buses operate here from Sitia, located 24km (14.9 miles) to the west. Riding these will help avoid the hassle of traffic on the access road to the car park.
Take a dip in a freshwater pool at Preveli
At the end of a gorge on the south coast of central Crete, the beach at Preveli has become legendary on the island. The river Megalopotamos flows into the sea here, and you can enjoy wandering the riverbanks while taking dips in freshwater pools shaded by palm trees. Sublime!
The main beach area has the standard umbrella and snack vendors. There’s no permanent village nearby, so out of season, the area is nearly devoid of people. It’s a steep walk down from the car park, but upon reaching the sand, it’s worth walking a bit further as the furthest reaches offer some of the most appealing and sandy spots.
Few visitors stop at Preveli without also visiting Moni Preveli, an ancient monastery perched high on a promontory overlooking the Libyan Sea. The chapel boasts a spectacle of glittering artwork and gilded artifacts. A museum in the monastery covers many struggles for Cretan independence that centered here.
Find your peace at Agios Pavlos
Not far from Rethymno, the beach at Agios Pavlos is picturesque: a lovely sandy crescent surrounded by rugged cliffs and lapped by brilliant blue water. This area is free from mega-resorts and exudes a sublime calm that attracts mystics and yoga enthusiasts alike. A few tavernas provide relaxed lunch options, while a scattering of low-key hotels means you can wave farewell to the day-trippers as the sun sets over a beach you can almost call your own.
Local lore has it that this was the spot where Icarus and Daedalus flew too close to the sun. With feet firmly on earth, you can explore hikes and walks over the high dunes to even more isolated beaches.
For family fun, head to Karavostasi
You don’t need to go to Indonesia for Bali – Crete has its own. Bali is situated almost equally distant from Iraklio (also known as Heraklion) and Rethymno, yet feels worlds apart. It’s home to a series of beaches nestled in cozy coves along the rugged shore. Karavostasi is ideal for family outings. It offers a quiet, sheltered space, perfect for inexperienced swimmers ready for their first dip. The sand is easily molded into castles, and a few summer vendors rent out watersports gear.
For a more energetic vibe, head south along the small bay to Livadi Beach, known for its tavernas blasting lively music for a nonstop beach party. You’ll find myriad choices for food, drink, and fun.
