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The best beaches in Crete – our top picks!

By: pexeda
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Crete is an island well-known for its wild natural beauty, so it doesn’t come as a surprise that its beaches are stunning! From exotic lagoons to endless pink sand shores, Crete is blessed with some of the most beautiful beaches in the world.

 

If you want to discover the best beaches in Crete and what makes each one of them unique, keep reading!

Read also: Crete travel guide, The best 5-star hotels in Crete, The best restaurants in Crete

01
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Chania,  Crete,  Greece | Sandy | Natural beauty, Not organized, Organized
Balos is arguably the most iconic and most photographed beach in Crete. Boasting an exotic setting with Caribbean-like turquoise waters and white sand, Balos Lagoon has numerous fans all around the world, including Prince Charles and Princess Diana. Due to its popularity, Balos gets very crowded during the summer, especially in August. If you want to enjoy the natural setting of the beach, avoid peak season and opt for late spring/early summer or early fall. The water is almost always warm and pleasant for swimming, even in spring, so you don’t have to worry about that!
Who is it for?

Shutterbugs, honeymooners, nature lovers, and explorers.

Why we love it?

The paradisiacal and exotic setting of Balos beach is something else! If you climb up the mountain behind the beach at sunset, you can take some stunning photos -it’s worth the workout!

02
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Chania,  Crete,  Greece | Sandy | Laid back, Natural beauty, Organized
Falassarna is arguably one of the best beaches in Crete. It boasts a beautiful natural setting, as it is covered with golden sand and is insulated by mountains and orange groves. Thanks to its length, wind conditions, and enticingly clean turquoise waters, Falassarna is loved by windsurfers and nature lovers.
Who is it for?

Couples, families, and swimmers, nature lovers, and windsurfers.

Why we love it?

Falassarna is one of the best sunset-watching spots on the island! If you visit the beach in the afternoon, make sure that you stay until sunset time to take in the breathtaking view.

03
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Rethymno,  Crete,  Greece | Sandy | Laid back, Natural beauty, Not organized, Organized
Preveli is arguably one of the most exotic beaches in Crete! Insulated by a date palm forest and crossed by a river, this sandy beach has a stunning natural setting that’s nothing like you’ve seen before. When it comes to swimming in Preveli, you have two options: the beach and the river. Both are great for swimming, but taking a dip into the river, which is surrounded by palm trees and the stunning Kourtaliotiko gorge, is a unique experience. You can reach Preveli either by car (there’s a parking area nearby) or by boat from Agia Galini and Plakias.
Who is it for?

Nature lovers, hikers, adventurous travelers, and swimmers.

Why we love it?

One of the best things about Preveli is that it gives you the option to swim either in salty or sweet water! What’s more, if you love exploration, you can walk under the palm trees and take stunning photos of the forest. Our tip: To enjoy the unspoiled natural beauty of this beach without the crowds, come early.

04
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Crete,  Greece | Sandy | Natural beauty, Organized, Watersports
Vai is a verdant pine tree forest -the biggest in Europe- located 25 km away from Sitia in Crete. In front of the forest lies the beach of Vai, a long sandy shore with crystal-clear waters ideal for swimming. Vai beach is also perfect for water sports, including jet-skiing, windsurfing, and scuba diving. During peak season, Vai tends to get very crowded, so if you want to avoid the crowds and enjoy the beautiful setting, opt for late spring or early fall.
Who is it for?

Nature & adventure lovers, couples, families.

Why we love it?

The natural beauty of Vai beach is out of this world! The palm trees, the fine sand, and the crystalline waters will make you not want to leave this beach. However, keep in mind that it can get overcrowded in the height of summer, so be there early!

05
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Crete,  Greece | Sandy | Natural beauty, Not organized, Nudist

Red Sand Beach, Matala, Crete

Red Sand Beach (Kokkini Ammos to the locals) is one of the best nudist beaches in Greece. A former hippies’ favorite in the 60s, this secluded sandy beach has a retro charm and a wild landscape that will seduce you! Red Sand Beach is sometimes battered by the strong western winds that blow in the area, but it is worth a visit anyway. The reddish sand, the crystal-clear turquoise waters, and the steep rocks that border the beach create a unique setting that will make you feel connected with nature. This beach has some umbrellas and a canteen that is not always open. Other than that, it isn’t organized, nor does it have any facilities.
Who is it for?

Naturists, nature lovers, and hikers.

Why we love it?

If you are a mojito fan, then this beach is a must-visit for you! Although you won’t find any food on Red Sand beach (we recommend bringing some snacks with you), there is a mojito bar, which serves refreshing yet quite strong mojitos!

06
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Chania,  Crete,  Greece | Sandy | Natural beauty, Not organized
Located on a sandy peninsula in the southwestern part of the island, Elafonisi will make you feel like you’re in the Caribbean. The combination of the exotic turquoise waters and the pink sand, which is made of millions of crushed shells, attracts numerous tourists every summer. The part of the beach that’s on the mainland is organized with umbrellas and sun loungers. But, the island part of the beach, which is separated from the mainland by a shallow lagoon, is unorganized, keeping its natural beauty. Elafonisi is also a nice beach for families with little kids, as the water depth doesn’t exceed one meter at some points of the beach, making it safe for kids to swim and play.
Who is it for?

Couples, families, explorers, and shutterbugs.

Why we love it?

If swimming in cold water is not your cup of tea, you’re going to love Elafonisi! This beach has crystal clear warm waters, which make swimming here a luscious experience -just make sure you get there early in the morning.

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