Best beaches in Crete for holidays – find below the ultimate summer destinations! There is no better way to enjoy summer than visiting a beach during a hot day. Sunbathing, swimming, dining in “tavernas” next to the sea and appreciating the beautiful sunsets is what summer is all about. Crete is well-known for its magical and diverse coasts, some of which are among the best in Europe and in the world! More specific, from beaches with azure and shallow waters, which are perfect for families, to white sand beaches, Crete has it all. Greece’s biggest island has many popular beaches as well as more peaceful and secluded ones. In other words, beaches in Crete are truly a paradise for sun-seekers and water lovers.
Find our list with the best beaches in Crete for holidays
1. Balos Beach
Situated on the northwestern coast of Crete, Balos Beach is known for its turquoise waters and its stunning scenery. The beach is accessible by boat or by a rough dirt road, but the journey is well worth it. Surrounded by steep cliffs, it offers breathtaking views of the nearby area. In fact, Balos is listed as one of the best beaches in Crete for holidays , as it boasts magical scenery and crystal-clear waters. This natural wonder is a must-visit destination for tourists who want to experience the beauty of the Mediterranean Sea.
The beach itself is a long, sandy stretch that gently slopes into the tranquil waters of the sea. The waters are shallow and calm, making it a perfect spot for families with young children. Furthermore, Balos Lagoon is separated from the sea by a narrow strip of sand, and the water is so clear that you can see the seabed even from a distance. It is perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and relaxing.
Access to Balos Beach can be a bit of a challenge as it is located in a remote area and the last part of the road is unpaved. Visitors can either drive to the beach or take a boat from Kissamos, which is a popular option as it allows for breathtaking views of the coastline. Overall, Balos Beach is a true paradise that you will not want to miss.
2. Elafonisi Beach
Located in the southwestern part of Crete, Elafonisi Beach is a popular destination for tourists. The beach is known for its pink sand and shallow waters, which are perfect for swimming and snorkeling. To begin with, Elafonisi is actually a small island, connected to the mainland by a shallow lagoon. The lagoon is perfect for children to play in. The waters are shallow and warm and the gentle waves make it an ideal spot for swimming and relaxing.
What makes it so special is the sand. It is truly a piece of art which was created by the small pieces of red and pink shells mixed in with the sand. It is also soft and amazing to take a stroll along the beach. The whole area is surrounded by cliffs that make the image of an exotic paradise. Moreover, Elafonisi is home to many rare and endangered plant species. That’s why it is protected by Natura 2000 program. Visitors can take a walk along the nature trails and experience the unique flora and fauna of the area. In addition, access to Elafonisi Beach is relatively easy, with a paved road leading to the area. There is also a small parking lot and several restaurants and cafes for visitors to enjoy.
3. Falassarna Beach
Among the best beaches in Crete for holidays is Falassarna Beach. A popular destination on the western coast of the island of Crete. With its long stretch of golden sand and crystal-clear waters, Falassarna is a paradise for sunbathers, swimmers, and water sports enthusiasts. More specific, the beach itself is about 3 kilometers long and slopes gently into the sea, making it an ideal spot for families with children. The waters are outstandingly clean and there are plenty of spots for snorkeling or exploring the underwater world.
Falassarna Beach is also a popular spot for windsurfing and kitesurfing, as the winds in the area are usually quite strong. One of the unique features of Falassarna Beach is the stunning sunset. As the sun sets over the horizon, it creates a magical and an unforgettable experience for visitors. In addition, the area around Falassarna is also worth exploring. You can take a walk along the nearby cliffs or hike to the ancient ruins of Falassarna, which date back to the 4th century BC. The ruins offer a glimpse into the rich history of the area and are a must-visit for history buffs.
4. Preveli Beach
If you want to experience the ultimate exotic daytrip, then Preveli Beach is your destination. A stunning beach in the southern part of Crete, at Rethymno Prefecture, known for its natural beauty. It is located at the mouth of the Kourtaliotis River and the area is full of tall cliffs in lush vegetation. The river flows through a gorge and creates a beautiful lagoon where it meets the sea.
Take your camera, because you will love the palm forest. Yes! Preveli’s unique feature is the palm tree forest that covers the whole area. Approximately 5000 palm trees offer a unique and peaceful environment which make it the ideal place for the ultimate relaxation. Moreover, the area around Preveli is also worth exploring. Take a hike along the river or explore the Monastery which dates back to the 17th century.
However, the access to the beach is a little bit difficult. It requires a hike down from a steep and rocky path, as the way up will truly be a memorable experience! But believe us, the effort is well worth it!
5. Matala Beach
Live like a hippie! Visit Matala beach, one of the best and historic beaches in Crete. With its golden sand, the clear blue waters and the unique rock formations, Matala Beach is a popular spot for tourists and locals alike. It is surrounded by tall cliffs and is famous for its unique rock-cut caves. More specific, the caves were carved out by the ancient Minoans and afterwards they were used by hippies in the 1960s and ’70s. It was a place to live and create art. Today, the caves are a popular spot for visitors to explore and take photos.
The beach is about 300 meters long on the southern coast of Crete and offers plenty of space for sunbathing and swimming. The waters are clear and calm, making it a great spot for families with children. Furthermore, there are also plenty of water sports available, including snorkeling, scuba diving, and windsurfing. You will find there many shops and restaurants where you can rest all day. The town has a laid-back and a bohemian atmosphere, which is a reflection of its rich history and cultural heritage.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the list with places to visit is never-ending and these were just a sample of the best beaches in Crete. This island has so many stunning beaches that all of them are worth a visit. Depending on your preferences, you will find cosmic or remote ones. Whatever you are looking for, it is sure that you will find a beach that meets your needs in Crete. However, we truly believe that the above are great starting points during your first time in the island. We would love to hear your impressions, thoughts and feelings after visiting these places.
What other places would you like to visit in Crete while staying in Chrispy Waterpark Resort?
