Calling all beach lovers! With one of the longest summer seasons in the Mediterranean, where it’s beach weather from May pretty much through to the end of October, it’s no wonder that Crete is such a big hit with holiday makers in search of some much-needed R&R.
As Greece’s largest island, at 280 kilometres long and up to 64 kilometres wide, Crete is far larger than most people imagine. As such, its coastline boasts a huge array of hidden inlets and beaches where you can have pretty much to yourself (even in high season) to the honeypot sandy stretches to which tourists, families, couples and groups of friends understandably flock.
Having operated here for over 30 years, we know every beach here, so bag your beach towel, scoop up the sunscreen and see which one will suit you best!
Balos Beach
With a beach that looks like it’s in the Caribbean, yet overlooked by a nearby Venetian castle, Balos beach is breath-taking. A beautiful lagoon which is found between two headlands which is easily accessible from Chania by boat or car. Whilst a great place to people watch, Balos is also a great place for families to hang out as the water is shallow and sheltered. To reach Balos you will need to travel down a track road from the nearby village of Kaliviani, or by luxury boat from Kissamos.
Elafonisi Beach
An instagrammer’s dream, it’s the unusual pink sands and crystal-clear waters which make this beach stand out from the crowd. Located in the far south west of the island and connected to the main body of Crete by only a shallow reef, Elafonsi is a small islet which is protected from high winds by surrounding dunes. At high tide you may need to roll your trousers up as the sand bars that you can see at low tide will be submerged.
Plakias Beach
The sandy beaches of Plakias are a popular and well-catered for tourist haunt. Quiet, it is not. However, offering an array of sun beds, cafes, restaurants and taverns, the beautiful clean waters are also suitable for an array of watersports. There’s something for everyone here.
Preveli Beach
Reminiscent of an exotic lagoon, Preveli is lined with palm trees, with turquoise waters lapping at its soft beach. The Kourtaliotis River and delta become part of the beach and breeds lush vegetation and palm trees along its banks. Due to the location being such a dreamy slice of paradise, the beach can become crowded, however there is also a nearby monastery, where you can opt to park and reach the beach by foot. Alternatively, you can experience a piece of local culture by hopping in one of the local fishing boats and travelling to the beach from Plakias or Agia Galini.
Falassarna Beach
Consisting of soft golden sands lined by its clean and emerald waters, Falassarna is one of the most beautiful beaches in Crete. Get to the beach early and you can find yourself an umbrella and sun bed to laze beneath, although out of peak season the beach remains fairly quiet. With local taverns nearby and gorgeous sunsets to behold, you will want to visit the idyllic land of Falassarna again and again.
Want to know more? Our Crete Travel Guide is the ultimate introduction to the best beaches, places to eat and things to see and do here. Alternatively, look at our Crete destination page or choose from over 30 hand-picked villas suitable for couples, families and large groups. You can also e-mail us at info@freelancevillas.com or call us on 01789 297705.