Best Beaches in Crete - an Island-Wide Guide

West Crete (Chania region)

The famous postcard beaches. From Heraklion plan a full day or stay a night or two in Chania.

• Balos lagoon - visit by boat from Kissamos port. The gravel road to Balos is not allowed with a rental car and insurance does not apply there
• Elafonissi - shallow turquoise water and pink-tinted sand, reached on a paved road; arrive before 10:00 in summer
• Falassarna - long sandy beach on the west coast, one of the best sunset spots on the island
• Seitan Limania - a narrow cove near Chania with a steep path down; wear proper shoes

South coast (Rethymno and Chania)

Wilder, windier and quieter, with dramatic mountain drives to get there.

• Preveli - river beach lined with palm trees, reached by a walking path from the car park
• Plakias and Damnoni - good bases with sandy bays and tavernas
• Triopetra and Agios Pavlos - dunes and rock formations, best on calm days

Central Crete (Heraklion region)

Easy half-day trips from Heraklion, Hersonissos and Malia.

• Matala - sandy bay below the famous caves, about 1 h 15 min from Heraklion
• Kommos - long, uncrowded beach just north of Matala
• Agia Pelagia and Ligaria - sheltered bays west of Heraklion
• Stalis and Malia - shallow sandy beaches close to many hotels

East Crete (Lasithi region)

Clear water, fewer crowds and a relaxed pace.

• Vai - Europe's largest natural palm forest next to the beach
• Voulisma (Istron) - bright turquoise bay near Agios Nikolaos
• Xerokampos - quiet bays in the far south-east
• Chiona and Kouremenos near Palekastro - good for windsurfers

Calm beaches for families

Shallow entry and short walks from parking.

• Elafonissi's lagoon side
• Stalis and Malia
• Almyrida and Kalyves near Chania
• Georgioupoli

Getting there by car

Most beaches above are reached on asphalt roads. Add 30-40% to the time your map suggests, leave early in July and August, and never follow map shortcuts onto gravel tracks - they are not allowed with a rental car.