The 15 most beautiful beaches in Crete – 2024 guide

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Crete beaches map

In this map of the best beaches in Crete , it will be possible to more easily identify the best seaside locations for your relaxing trip to Crete on the beach, in Greece.

The island of Crete

Crete is the largest island in Greece and one of the most complete in the world. Picturesque villages , incredible archaeological sites and paradisiacal beaches, this island is therefore the perfect destination for a cultural trip but also for a holiday immersed in uncontaminated nature on the most beautiful beaches of Crete and its sea. However, its enormous size can scare travelers at first glance. Therefore, before starting our selection of the most beautiful beaches in Crete, we need to know what the main areas of this island are.

Beaches West Crete

Certainly, the west coast of Crete is the most famous part that attracts tourists the most for its sea. In fact, in this area of ​​the island there are some of the best and most beautiful beaches in Crete : the Balos lagoon and Elafonissi beach. In addition to being the most famous locations on the island, they are also the most beautiful beaches in Greece. Ultimately, West Crete needs no introduction and deserves an in-depth visit.

South Crete Beaches

Wild and uncontaminated, South Crete is a low-tourist area of ​​the island that offers wonderful corners . In fact, in this area there are beautiful beaches and picturesque villages far from mass tourism. Furthermore, the rugged coasts and the turquoise sea offer unforgettable landscapes. Therefore, the southern area of ​​Crete will be a very pleasant discovery for its sea and beaches.

East Crete beaches

The eastern area of ​​Crete is probably the wildest and least touristy area of ​​the island. In fact, the East coast is home to numerous pristine beaches with no services. Furthermore, this area of ​​Crete is characterized by the presence of olive groves , vineyards and palm groves that alternate with arid nature. Particularly recommended for those who want to avoid the chaos by taking refuge in enchanting beaches, the Eastern area is unique.

North Crete Beaches

Unlike the other areas of the island, the North is the most tourist and commercial part of this Greek island. This area, in fact, is full of large hotels, nightclubs and crowded beaches . Destination for numerous cruises and Northern European tourism, North Crete offers fun and nightlife.

What are the most beautiful beaches in Crete

So, let’s see together which are the 15 most beautiful beaches in Crete that you can’t miss!

1. Falassarna – Crete Ovest

Falassarna Beach is a beautiful beach located on the west coast of Crete. Having become a protected area since 2000, Falassarna beach is in fact a long stretch of white sand bathed in turquoise waters . Exposed to northern winds, this beach therefore attracts numerous surfers and water sports lovers. However, Falassarna beach stands out for its unforgettable sunset which guarantees it a place among the most beautiful beaches in Crete.

2. Elafonissi – West Crete

Among the best beaches in Crete, the paradisiacal Elafonissi certainly could not be missing . In fact, the Caribbean sea and the pink sand of this beach makes it one of the most beautiful in Crete, Greece and the entire Mediterranean. Elafonissi beach is a true paradise on earth which is located within a protected area . To put it briefly, Elafonissi beach is an obligatory stop on your trip to Crete.

Read also: Elafonissi Beach »

3. Vai Beach – Crete Est

Located at the eastern end of the Crete beach map, Vai Beach is one of the most exotic and tropical places in Greece. This beach, in fact, is renowned for hosting one of the largest palm forests in Europe. Furthermore, Vai Beach stands out for its white sandy beach and its rocky seabed which makes the sea bright colours. In summary, for all these reasons, Vai Beach is one of the most evocative beaches.

4. Translated by Creta Sud

Preveli beach is one of the pearls of this selection of the most beautiful beaches in Crete. In fact, this beach in South Crete is located at the end of the Kourtaliotikos Gorge and the river that ends in the crystal clear waters offers incredible colours. Furthermore, the golden sand and the dense palm grove embellish this wonderful beach. Wild and uncontaminated , Preveli beach is truly unique.

5. Balos – West Crete

On the map of beaches to see in Crete, Balos certainly cannot be missed . Renowned for its suggestive lagoon , Balos stands out for the thousand shades of its waters and for its white , soft sand. Furthermore, the shallow waters and uncontaminated nature make Balos an earthly paradise and among the best beaches in Crete and Greece.

6. Malia – North Crete

Malia beach is certainly the most tourist and commercial in Crete. In fact, if you are looking for a place that combines music , entertainment and water sports , Malia will satisfy you. Located on the northern side, Malia beach is the heart of Cretan nightlife .

7. Triopetra – South Crete

Triopetra beach is the perfect beach to see an unforgettable sunset. Triopetra, in fact, offers a spectacular panorama embellished by the three majestic rocks that rise from the sea and which give its name to this suggestive beach in Southern Crete. Finally, a long stretch of sand and a crystal clear sea complete one of the best beaches in Crete.

8. Chrissi – South Crete

Chrissi is not a beach in Crete but it is definitely one of the most incredible places to go to the sea in Greece. In fact, Chrissi is a small island not far from the coast of Ierapetra which stands out for its Caribbean sea and its golden sandy beaches . Furthermore, the island of Chrissi belongs to a nature reserve which offers a cedar and juniper forest. Therefore, with a small boat and 50 minutes of navigation, you can reach the paradise of South Crete.

9. Xerokampos – Crete

If you are looking for peace and quiet, Xerokampos beach is the ideal place. This beach in Eastern Crete, in fact, is a remote corner away from mass tourism. White sand and calm crystalline waters make this the ideal place to unwind and enjoy one of the best beaches in Crete. On the map of beaches to see, Xerokampos cannot be missed!

10. Matala – Southern Crete

Matala beach is one of the most renowned and evocative of Southern Crete. In fact, this beach in Crete, which is located not far from the palace of Phaistos, stands out for the imposing porous cliffs that plunge into the crystalline sea and which form numerous caves . Furthermore, it was the hippie beach in the seventies, so Matala is definitely one of the best beaches in Crete.

11. Stavros – Creta Nord

Stavros Beach is located in the northern part of Crete and, although it is very beautiful, it owes its fame to the film Zorbas the Greek . Indeed, in the famous final scene, Antony Quinn dances the sirtaki on this picturesque beach in Crete. Furthermore, Stavros is located inside a small bay protected from the winds and bathed by a transparent sea.

12. Glyka Nera – Creta Sud

Glyka Nera beach differs from all the others in this selection of the most beautiful beaches in Crete. In fact, the name of this beach derives from the fresh water springs that flow from the pebbles . The sea of ​​Glyka Nera is therefore crystalline and its colors vary from emerald green to electric blue. Reachable by boat from Hora Sfakion and Loutro , or with well-marked paths , this beach in South Crete will make you fall madly in love!

13. Kedrodasos – West Crete

Kedrodasos beach is in fact the younger sister of Elafonissi and, although it is not as renowned, it is certainly one of the most beautiful beaches in Crete. Kedrodasos, in fact, is a natural paradise immersed in a white sand beach and surrounded by a juniper forest . Furthermore, the sea of ​​this beach in West Crete has incredible shades and is always calm. Therefore, Kedrodasos deserves a place on the map of the best beaches in Crete.

14. Sougia – Crete Ovest

Far from mass tourism is the beach of Sougia , the ideal place to lose track of time. This beach, in fact, is a long stretch of pebbles located in a small fishing village on the western side of Crete. Finally, crystal clear waters and deep seabed make Sougia one of the best beaches in Crete.

15. Agiofarago – South Crete

Located at the end of the gorge of the same name, Agiofarago beach is a pleasant discovery. In fact, a turquoise and very clear sea washes this pebble beach . Reachable with a wonderful walk or by boat, the imposing cliffs make Agiofarago beach one of the most uncontaminated places in Crete. So, if you love trekking and nature, this beach is the ideal place for you!

Travel Tips for Beaches in Greece

How to reach them?

We have therefore positioned the most beautiful beaches in Crete on the map and analyzed their main characteristics. But how do you reach them? Therefore, during the summer season there are many direct flights from Italy to the two airports in Crete. Furthermore, this island can also be reached by ferry from Athens. The beaches of Crete, however, can almost all be reached by car or boat .

When to go to the beaches of Crete?

Without a doubt, the best time to go to the beach in Greece is in fact summer. In particular, the months we recommend are June and September, ideal for avoiding the peak season and for enjoying the beauty of this enchanting island.