The following list highlights some of the best beaches in Crete. So if you are in Crete, I recommend visiting the following:
Balos Beach, Chania
Address – Balos Beach, Chania, Trachilos, Crete
Google maps link – 35°34’46.0″N 23°35’19.1″E
Balos Beach is located in Chania, in eastern Crete. With its white sand and bright blue waters backdropped with mountains, Balos Beach is a favorite vacation spot among tourists and locals alike. You can get there either by boat or hiking for around 30 minutes; however, the boat trip will limit your stay to around 3 hours. To experience the beach when it is empty and quiet, visit early in the morning, when the hiking trail is not too crowded and the boats have not arrived yet. The water is shallow and safe for inexperienced swimmers. There is a small show where you can get drinks, but bring your own food and beach supplies.
Elafonissi Beach, Kissamos
Address – Elafonissi Beach, Moni Chrisoskalitissis, Kissamos
Google maps link – 35°16’15.5″N 23°32’26.8″E
Elafonissi Beach is located in Kissamos, Chania, in eastern Crete. This paradisiacal beach, with pink-ish, soft sand and crystal clear waters, gives the feeling of being in the middle of nowhere. It can get crowded, however, you can walk through the shallow water to the nearby Elafonisi Island; between mainland and island, there is enough space for everyone. There are sunbeds available for rent, and some beach stores offering food and drinks. Being so calm and shallow, the beach is safe for kids and inexperienced swimmers.
Vai Beach, Toplou
Address – Vai Beach, Eparchiaki Odos Monis, Toplou
Google maps link – 35°15’15.8″N 26°15’54.1″E
Vai Beach is located in Toplou, in the western Lasithi region of Crete. With its soft sand, clear blue waters, verdant palm trees and the rocky hills enclosing the beach on both sides, Vai Beach offers beautiful scenery and an unforgettable day. The water, crystal clear and warm, is great for snorkeling but it gets deep quickly. It gets crowded around midday; if you want to enjoy an empty, quiet beach, visit early in the morning or at evening. There are sunbeds and umbrellas available, and restaurants, cafes, beach bars and stores in the area.
Falassarna Beach, Kissamos
Address – Falassarna Beach, Falasarna, Kissamos Province, Crete
Google maps link – 35°29’35.3″N 23°34’47.5″E
Falassarna Beach is located in Kissamos, in the eastern Chania region of Crete. This fantastic beach is a favorite in Crete, with fine sand and bright blue water, backdropped with hills. There are umbrellas available, and the beach is wide enough that there is space for everyone. It can get crowded at midday; get there early in the morning to enjoy a lonely beach. Here, you can try paragliding and skydiving, and when the waves are strong enough, Falassarna Beach is a great surfing spot. There are some restaurants and bars in the area, with great food for good prices.
Preveli Beach, Preveli
Address – Previli Beach, Preveli, Crete
Google maps link – 35°09’08.9″N 24°28’24.6″E
Preveli Beach is located in Preveli, in the southern coast of the Rethymno region of Crete. With the sea on one side and a river on the other, this remote beach offers an unforgettable experience and stunning views. You can get there by a daily boat trip, or hike down the many rocky steps from the parking spot; the trek can be difficult for those who are not used to hiking. There are no umbrellas for rent, but the trees cast enough shade on the shore. Being so hard to reach, the beach is mostly empty, and you can explore the palm tree forest for even more peace and quiet. Bring your own supplies since there is only one beach bar in the area.
Matala Beach, Timbaki
Address – Mata Beach, Matala, Timbaki, Crete
Google maps link – 34°59’39.8″N 24°44’58.6″E
Matala Beach is located in Timbaki, in the southern coast of the Heraklion region of Crete. This small beach, both sandy and rocky, with its turquoise waters enclosed by cliffs, offers stunning views and a relaxing atmosphere. The warm water has great waves for surfing, you can find Roman ruins, and explore the caves on both sides. There are umbrellas available for rent, and trees casting enough shade. Many restaurants of all kinds and cafes are located nearby, and a camping site where you can stay the night.
Istro Beach, Agios Nikolaos
Address – Istro Beach, Istro, Agios Nikolaos, Crete
Google Maps Link – 35°07’33.0″N 25°44’48.5″E
Istro Beach is located in Agios Nikolaos, in the Lasithi region of Crete. This thin stretch of soft sand, with calm and bright blue waters, is a safe and perfect beach for everyone. There are many sunbeds and umbrellas available, but it can get crowded; head to the right side for a more isolated area. On this side, the beach gets rocky and many underwater creatures appear, becoming a perfect place for snorkeling. There are small beach bars scattered around, and a food truck serving great food.
Plakias Beach, Foinikas
Address – Plakias Beach, Plakias, Foinikas, Crete
Google maps link – 35°11’15.6″N 24°23’52.6″E
Plakias Beach is located in Foinikas, in the southern coast of the Rethymno region of Crete. Both sandy and pebbled, this long and peaceful beach is the perfect place to disconnect from the world. Some restaurants, beach bars and cafes offer tasty food with a stunning view of the sea. The road borders the beach, where you can walk or bike along. Avoid visiting if the wind is too strong; check beforehand!