Boasting more than 1,000 kilometres of shoreline, Crete offers beaches of golden sand, pink sand, secret coves, and hidden bays. Adventure lovers, sun babies, relaxed souls, and even travel photographers: This Crete beach guide is for you.
In this guide, we will talk about the best beaches in Crete, where in Crete you can find the best beaches, what to bring, where to eat, and how to dodge the tourist trail. Plus, we’ll answer practical questions like, “Is Crete expensive?”, “What is the best of Crete for a budget beach bum, and which part of Crete has the best beaches?”
Elafonissi Beach is arguably one of the most postcard-worthy Crete beaches, and for good reason. Tucked away on the rugged southwest coast of the island, this natural beauty is known for its soft pink sands created by thousands of bits of crushed seashells mingling with one of the most significant white sand beaches in Crete. The dusty rose colour is most visible under the afternoon sun, giving the entire lagoon a magical, otherworldly effect. It’s no wonder adventure-seekers from all over the world put this sandy haven on their lists of the best beaches in Crete and beyond.
But other than its good looks, Elafonissi is also designated as a nature reserve for its otherworldly foliage and migratory birds. The clear, shallow waters are perfect for little ones to make a splash in, while the larger lagoon area is explorable and perfect for a nice wade around.
To avoid the tourist crush, try to arrive early morning or late afternoon at Elafonissi, especially in the high-busy months of July and August. The parking lots fill up quickly, so make sure to plan accordingly. If you want to try the local eateries, start with a post-beach lunch or drinks at Taverna Kalomirakis, a quaint little eatery with great views and fresh, simply prepared seafood dishes.
Pro tip: Watch out for slippery rocks underfoot in some areas and wear water shoes to be safe.
Balos Lagoon: postcard-perfect views with a twist
Balos Lagoon, situated on the north-west side of Crete, Greece, is a real gem of the natural world. When it comes to the comparison of north vs south Crete beaches, Balos Lagoon never misses out of this comparison. It’s the kind of place that seems too stunning to actually exist. Backed by the sharp crests of the highest surrounding hills and looking out to the promontory of Gramvousa Peninsula, Balos is best known for its unique-looking sandbank, azure waters, and otherworldly beachscape. This is a beach where the colours of the landscape are in eternal motion, changing from blue to pink to white, and creating a visual spectacle. And it’s one of the best beaches in west Crete, one that’s impossible to forget.
The hike to get there is all part of the magic. You can board a boat at Kissamos, or go on foot from Kaliviani for a wild adventure. The latter offers excellent panoramas on the approach, as well as a stunner of a descent. It’s the ideal trek if you love shooting photos or drone videos. Just be sure to know that the path is uneven and stony, so don’t wear flip flops and leave your folding chairs at home.
As for the services available at Balos beach, it’s safe to say they are second to none. You won’t find any kiosk shops or beach bars, so bring your own water, snacks, and suntan lotion.
Head there in June or September for the best conditions in terms of weather and overcrowding. Summers get absolutely chaotic in these parts, so visit in the early hours to have the place to yourself.
Seitan Limania: the secret cove for adventurers
Tucked away in a slender ravine, a majestic 20 kilometres away from Chania, Seitan Limania is amongst the most magnificent secret Crete beaches, a well-worth-it prize for spontaneous explorers. This drastic cove is outlined by sky-high cliffs and takes the shape of a lightning bolt, with unusually-coloured fluorescent sapphire waters that practically seem to gleam in contrast with the translucent hues.
To get to the coast, you’ll need to negotiate the ravine, along a crumbly trail that zig-zags along the cliff. It’s a comparatively short hike, but the ground is oddly angled, uneven, and the path is uncertain, so it’s a good idea to use robust shoes and certainly not in the warmest hours of the day. Keep in mind, the trail is not suitable for young children or people who have trouble with mobility.
After you arrive at the coastline, you’ll find a calm heaven that is perfect for swimming, chilling out, or grabbing a handful of fantastic images. What is the most effective position for capturing photographs? Just where the trail starts going downhill, the aerial look down to the bay and the beach is absolutely impressive.
Arrive early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid peak crowds, especially in July and August. Note that there are no facilities here, so bring plenty of water, snacks, and sun protection. Seitan Limania is raw, rugged, and completely unforgettable.
Vai Beach: palms, golden sand, and caribbean vibes
Vai Beach, appropriately located at the easternmost point of Crete, is one of the most original things you can experience on the island: a piece of the tropics in the Mediterranean. Unlike any other shoreline in Crete, or for that matter, the rest of Greece, Vai is best known for its tropical palm forest, Europe’s largest natural grove of its kind.
The comparison to beaches further afield in the Caribbean is recognisable, as the forested area encompasses over 5,000 palm trees and leads down to golden beaches and tranquil, shallow waters. The beach is a true rarity on Crete and one of its most scenic and most relaxing stretches of sand.
Local folklore holds that the palm forest first grew after local date seeds were planted by marauding Saracen pirates, adding extra layers of mystique. Today, Vai is a well-developed beach with sun beds and other facilities, while retaining a certain amount of allure for any kind of traveller.
Adventurers can rent windsurf boards, stand-up paddleboards (SUPs), and kayaks for some gentle exercise on the waters here, while families can relax on the sand or try to spot the island’s rare bird species (local authorities have designated part of the palm forest as a wildlife reserve).
Travellers looking for a cheap vacation in Crete will find that the nearest settlement, Sitia, has lots of decent and affordable accommodations and traditional village tavernas to dine at. It offers the opportunity of an exotic location for travellers who want the whiff of the tropics but don’t necessarily need the glamorous digs of other resorts.
Matala beach: caves, cliffs, and 70s counterculture
Matala Beach, on the southern coast of Crete, is one of those places that combines natural beauty with a cool backstory. Flanked by stunning sandstone cliffs filled with ancient Roman caves, Matala rose to fame in the 1960s and 70s when it drew a bohemian crowd of international hippies, artists, and free spirits. Joni Mitchell even lived here for a bit, and the story goes she wrote her song Carey about the place.
Today, Matala is a chill, happening place that should pique the interest of history buffs and sun worshippers alike. The beach, with its golden soft sand and clear turquoise water, is comfortable for sunbathing, swimming, and snorkelling. In fact, this is one of the best beaches if you are thinking of where to swim in Crete. And the caves, carved out of the cliffside, these small spaces were once burial tombs and later, homes for some of Matala’s most famous temporary residents.
Grab a seat on the water at Scala Fish Tavern for the fresh catch and a stunning view. Or try Hakuna Matata, that just sounds like a hippie kind of place, doesn’t it? With its colourful interior and beachside dining, this place serves up cocktails and Mediterranean-style dishes in a relaxed but artsy setting.
Though once a year (during the third week of June), Matala relives its glory days with the Matala Beach Festival, celebrating hippy culture with music, dance, and art under the Cretan stars. But whether you’re here for the history, the hippies, or the beach, Matala is one of Crete’s most unique and spiritual coastlines.
Falassarna beach: wide, windy, and perfect for sunsets
If you really need some space to spread out and feel the freedom of the open sea, head to Falassarna Beach, located along Crete’s west coast. One of the best sandy beaches in Crete, it is renowned for its open views across the water and the steady breeze that comes off the sea, making it a great choice for those in want of long walks along the shoreline, windsurfers, or sun-seekers with a thirst for uninhibited, wide open spaces. Plus, the breeze helps to keep the stifling summer heat at bay, so you’ll have a stunning respite away from the other summer beachgoers.
Compared to other beaches in western Crete, Falassarna is a little less developed, with only a few casual tavernas around, some sun loungers for rent, and a parking space not too far away. The overall relaxed and low-key atmosphere of the beach, along with the shallow entrance to the water, makes it our top choice for this part of the island if you’ve brought the kids along with you on vacation, although couples and solo travellers will appreciate the quiet atmosphere here, too.
But the name of the game at Falassarna is the sunset. Showing up around 6:30 PM is ideal for grabbing the best spot on the beach and watching the orange, pink, and purple hues painted across the sky reflected on the surface of the water. Photographers take note: this is one of the best sunset spots in Crete.
For a relaxed and open beach experience in Crete, surrounded by natural beauty and beautiful, clear waters, we recommend Falassarna Beach to couples, families, and solo travelers seeking a quiet day in the sun without the noise and crowds of some of the larger resort towns around the island.
Insider tip: avoid tourist traps and discover local favourites
If you’re after budget travel, Crete is certainly not stingy. Here’s how you can get that bargain: skip the mega-tourist beaches in high season and go off the beaten path. Two of our favourite hidden beaches in Crete are Kedrodasos Beach and Gyka Nera.
Kedrodasos Beach is close to Elafonissi but far less crowded, reachable only on foot, with soft white sand and cedar trees. On the other hand, Glyka Nera is near Loutro, this pebble beach is accessible only by boat or on foot. There’s one beach taverna with a wooden deck right over the water.These spots are perfect for escaping crowds and saving money. Is Crete expensive? It can be in July and August, especially on the north coast. Visit in May, June, or September for lower prices and a more laid-back vibe. You can also explore more must-see places in Greece.
What to eat on a beach day in crete: local snacks and seaside tavernas
No beach day in Crete is complete without sampling the island’s incredible local food. From seaside tavernas to casual food trucks, even remote Crete beaches offer a taste of authentic Cretan cuisine.
Must-tries include dakos, a crunchy Cretan bruschetta topped with juicy tomato, mizithra cheese, and olive oil; kalitsounia, delicious hand pies filled with cheese or herbs; and a variety of fresh seafood, especially grilled octopus, sardines, and calamari.
Some top spots to eat beachside include Taverna Elia at Falassarna for its sunset views and seafood, Akrogiali in Matala for classic dishes with a sea breeze, and To Stachi near Chania for a standout vegetarian option. Discover the best Greek food to try during your trip for more culinary inspiration.
Take the scenic route: group trips to Greece’s most beautiful shores
Beach-hopping in Crete is more than just swimming and sunbathing, it’s a chance to explore stunning coastlines, connect with new people, and create unforgettable memories. From the hidden coves of Seitan Limania to the palm-lined shores of Vai, each stop offers its own unique charm.
But planning it all can be overwhelming; that’s where group travel comes in. An organised beach group trip takes the stress out of logistics while adding a social twist to your adventure. Whether you’re a solo traveller or with friends, you’ll enjoy curated itineraries, local insight, and plenty of shared moments under the sun.
