Crete is the largest island of Greece and has a lot to offer tourists, including many beautiful beaches scattered along a magnificent coastline with a total length of over 1,000 m. . This Mediterranean paradise attracts tourists not only with the beauty of nature, but also with the wonderful local cuisine and hospitality of the inhabitants. In addition, there are many interesting places on the island, including the remains of ancient civilizations. In short, Crete has all the ingredients for a perfect holiday destination: traces of a fascinating history, spectacular landscapes and great weather. So check which beaches in Crete deserve to be called the most beautiful.
Many beautiful beaches with soft sand or colorful, small pebbles are located in the Chania region in the western part of Crete. Several of them, including Balos and Elafonissi, are certainly among the best beaches on the island. The surroundings of Chania abound in both organized and tidy beaches, as well as those secluded and wild, hidden among charming coves. The northern coast of the island near the beautiful Heraklion also impresses with its diverse beaches. The beaches around the tourist centers are organized, and numerous taverns make the stay more pleasant for tourists. However, you can also find many quiet coves with wild beaches, especially on the southern coast of Crete, which is less developed for tourism.
What are the best beaches in Crete?
Elafonisi
On the small island of Elafonisi, located just off the south-western shore of Crete, there is one of the most beautiful Greek beaches not only in Crete, but also in Europe. The turquoise waters of the Mediterranean Sea contrast beautifully with the unique pink colored sand. The beach can be reached on foot through the shallow lagoon surrounding it from the Cretan side. It is worth noting that the entire island is a place of unique natural values, where you can meet many endemic species of plants and animals. The waters of Elafonisi Bay are crystal clear, you can wade for hours in the shallow water and observe the seabed. There are several points by the beach where you can rent sun loungers and umbrellas, as well as taverns serving fresh seafood.
Balos
Another exceptionally beautiful place is the Balos lagoon and beach located on the small peninsula of Imeri Gramvoúsa, west of the resorts of Chania and Agia Marina. It is a protected area with natural habitats of rare species of fauna and flora. Balos Beach and the surrounding lagoon waters are often compared to the Caribbean, so if you’re temporarily unable to travel farther than that, this could be the perfect option for your next vacation in paradise. The color of the water in the lagoon makes an extraordinary impression on tourists, which is not uniform, but shimmers and changes, from turquoise to blue and sapphire to deep green. Near the beach, on steep cliffs, there is a 16th-century Venetian fort, which is also worth a visit.
Stavros
Stavros Beach is located on the northern tip of the Akrotiri peninsula, easily accessible from both Chania and Agia Marina. The wide, sandy beach, crossed by the river, is hidden in a secluded bay. Stavros Beach gained fame many years ago, because part of the filming of Zorba the Greek was filmed here. Located right on the beach, the former fishing village of the same name has remained quiet and peaceful, and the family-run taverns serve delicious local dishes. On one side, the beach is dominated by a high mountain, and nearby are the remains of an old fortified city and a cave, a place of Minoan worship. Interestingly, Stavros beach is not crowded even in the high season, so it is definitely worth coming here from the nearby resort, even for one day.
Malia
To the east of Heraklion is the seaside resort town of Malia, which is famous for its beautiful beaches dotted along the shore of the picturesque bay and numerous windmills decorating the local landscape. The complex of six beaches with a total length of 4.5 km is an ideal holiday destination, especially for families with children, because the surrounding waters are quite shallow and calm. Since the beaches are located in a fairly well-developed resort, the infrastructure is extremely rich, which is conducive to relaxation, but does not deprive them of their natural charm. Near the town there is an interesting archaeological site worth visiting in your free time.
Tobrouk
Just 10 km east of the city of Heraklion is the large and well-organized beach of Tobrouk. This piece of coast is very popular in the summer, especially among lovers of various water sports, due to the ideal conditions for practicing them. The soft, white sand and crystal clear waters are as if made for relaxation and rest, and when you want to take a break from the sun and lazing around, just a few steps are enough to find yourself in one of the nearby taverns, where Greeks are happy to share not only food, but also stories about the region.
