City: Crete
Top Things to do in Crete
Top Hotels in Crete
- 1. Candia Park Village
- 2. Stella Island Luxury Resort & Spa
- 3. Creta Maris Beach Resort
- 4. Mitsis Laguna Resort & Spa
- 5. Kiani Beach Resort Family All Inclusive
- 6. Stella Palace Resort & Spa
- 7. Angela Studios & Apartments
- 8. Domes of Elounda, Autograph Collection
- 9. Village Heights Resort
- 10. Asterion Suites & Spa
Countries
10 Beaches in Crete That You Shouldn't Miss
Crete (Greek: Κρήτη, Kríti ['kriti]; Ancient Greek: Κρήτη, Krḗtē) is the largest and most populous of the Greek islands, the 88th largest island in the world and the fifth largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, after Sicily, Sardinia, Cyprus, and Corsica. Crete and a number of surrounding islands and islets constitute the region of Crete (Greek: Περιφέρεια Κρήτης), one of the 13 top-level administrative units of Greece. The capital and the largest city is Heraklion. As of 2011, the region had a population of 623,065.
Restaurants in Crete
1. Kouloura Beach
2. Elafonissi Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 14,358 reviews
Reviewed By Caligaltraveler
We rented a car from Chania and took this amazing drive to the countryside. The drive was quite long but so scenic and amazing. We stopped along the way and enjoyed the roadside vendors. Bought some delicious olive oils and olives. The eateries along the way were small, authentic and affordable. Once we arrived at the beach we were stunned. The water was crystal clear with no rocks or seaweed. You could wade out quite far before it got deep so this would be a very safe beach for kids. The beach sand was soft and clear of any debris and the colors of the water turning pink as the waves crashed really was spectacular. A must see and one of the highlights of our trip!
3. Balos Lagoon
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 10,155 reviews
Reviewed By marcotL403QV - Rome, Italy
The most beautiful beach in Creta (together with Elafonisi) and famous for its wild nature, with turquoise waters and white sands turning to amazing shades of pink in some places. Waters are shallow, perfect for kids and lovely for grownups too. A legendary lagoon is also worth stopping by. Beware the boats throwing thousands of tourists in the middle of the day, although that is a very practical way to reach the place without going by car on a bumpy road. Ferries go back and forth from Kissamos port, but there are multiple trips during summer time, so I’d recommend to take the earliest trip available and then move to the island of Gramvousa nearby when the beach gets too crowded !
4. Red Sand Beach (Kokkini Ammos)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 967 reviews
Reviewed By XeniaWestb - Helsinki, Finland
We found this beach accidentally when coming to see Matala, and decided to follow the path and take a hike to this beach. Amazing hike thru the mountain, breathtaking views on the way. It takes about 30 min to get tot he beach from the parking, but so so worth it! Hidden beach, with only one “Mojito” bar in the entire beach away from all the touristy vibe. It is a nudist beach, so be prepared. Water is AMAZING, so clean and you can swim forever. One of the best beaches in Crete for sure.
5. Matala beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,158 reviews
Reviewed By 79jelenap
Absolute must see when in Heraklion or Rethimno region, as this beach has so mich to offer. First, the beach itself - sandy, shallow water just for couple of meters, followed by clean, blue, calm see where you have a wide bay to swim around. At the very beach beside sunbeds and umbrellas there are trees in which shade you can spread your towel and hide from the midday sun. Then there are several cliffs from which you can safely jump and dive into water, that is neither hot nor cold. Further you will see the caves that used to be Minoan graves and later shelters of those who wanted peace and solitude. Last but not least, there is wonderful, picturesque village with market, shops, restaurants and bars where you can savour local flavours and dishes. It is live and vibrant the whole day long :) this beach is absolute winner this year.
6. Stalis Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,796 reviews
Reviewed By LouandMark2012 - Surbiton, United Kingdom
Lovely clean beach, my daughter loved playing in the sand and swimming in the sea, clear water and lots of water sports for you to enjoy x
7. Kedrodasos Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 545 reviews
One of the best beaches in Chania prefecture, quite untouched and unexplored. Many travelers use the area around the beach as a free camping spot. It is actually a cedar forest next to the beach. It is also a favorite beach for naturists. The road up to Elafonisi is quite good and then you need to take a non asphalt road for about 10 minutes. Then you also need to take a walk path for another 15-20 minutes. No matter the time you will need to go there, it's sure that you will enjoy that unique beach.
Reviewed By MrJDB - London, United Kingdom
Made the mistake of going to Elafonisi first which was beautiful but very very overcrowded with shallow waters. This beach is an absolute stunner; peaceful and an amazing landscape of trees and rocks down to the shoreline. Pack a lunch and water for a day of bliss.
8. Falassarna Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,518 reviews
Reviewed By DustinhoRoadinho - Zurich, Switzerland
Falassarna Beach: After my last visit last year here I went here again to visit my absolut favorite beach. Of course there is Balos Lagoon, Elafonissi and so on , but Falassarna is just perfect. 15 min by car from Kissamos, super crystal clear water (snorchling recommended :)) you can have there umbrellas if you want, water sport (Jet ski etc), (surf spot for kite and surfing), you can also have it a bit more quiet. There are areas without umbrellas, natural places with rocks and stony formation. Good to travel in corona time because it is reachable in 15min from Kissamos. (no crowded ship tours needed) Although I was there last year (without Corona) and these year, it seemed for me also last year that Falassarna is not overwhelmingly overcrowded like Elafonissi or Baloos or Gramvousa. You have few Tavernakis here also. Amazing view from the top, natural sites and small dunes, rocky formation, crystal clear water, not too many people. Also stay till sunset..really, amazing, just amazing. I will return to Falassarna next year for sure. It is my favorite beach
9. Damnoni Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 425 reviews
Reviewed By Lancejou - Zurich, Switzerland
We stayed at Hapimag Damnoni Resort, the beach is clean and quiet. People could easily do some water sport or activities.
10. Seitan Limania Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,097 reviews
Reviewed By KjetilRau - Ski Municipality, Norway
What an amazing place! A bit hard to hike to, a steep hill with loose rocks down. And a bit of narrow steep turning roads to drive. Which makes it not a big destilnation, so not too crowded, which is nice. Magical!
