Beaches
Don't miss these!
Seitan Limani
A picturesque beach in the north of the island at a location that takes your breath away. When you park your vehicle at the end of the road, you will have to cross a rocky path almost at the edge of the cliff. High attention and sports shoes are required.
Once you reach the beach you will be fully rewarded with one of the best beaches in Crete, with turquoise waters in a narrow cove cutting through a mountain. It gives you the impression that you’re swimming in a pool.
Tip: The beach isn’t organized, so make sure to bring a beach umbrella, straw beach mats, water, food and snacks to feed the goats. Arrive early.
Falasarna
A charming beach at the west end of Crete that has been awarded in the past as the best beach of the island and one of the top 10 in Europe!
A big coast (1 km) of fine and light-colored sand stretches in front of you and gives the waters an incredible blue color. The beach is ideal for everybody, whether you seek to relax or play some beach tennis. Stay there until the sun comes down and you’ll be rewarded with one of the best sunsets you’ve ever seen…
Tip: choose to visit this beach on a day that’s not very windy.
Elafonisi
Elafonisi is an outstanding beach in the southwest of Crete. Its main feature is the pink sand which has taken its color from thousands of small shattered shells!
The beach is massive, it has shallow and warm waters, and it’s ideal for families and children.
Tip: You can walk in the shallow waters, reach the small islet, and get to the opposite side where there is another beach with deeper and cooler waters.
Kedrodasos
A more “alternative” beach in Chania district is the Kedrodasos Beach. Blue waters, white sand, a few rocks and, as the name suggests in Greek, a cedar forest.
This beach is a hidden treasure for many. It’s less busy, very quiet and has tall cedar trees providing deep shade for all visitors. It will take you 5 minutes to walk through a relatively easy path until you reach the beach. Also, make sure you are equipped with the beach necessities since it is an isolated place and there’s no bar nearby.
Tip: You can combine this trip with Elafonisi Beach which, different as it may be, is just 2 kilometers away.
Preveli
A beach literally located in the mouth of a river, and hides many surprises!
On the one side is the sea, and on the other is the pine forest stretching along the river waiting for you to explore it. All these are found at the bottom of a canyon. Walk through the pine forest against the river stream and find beautiful places with pine-trees, rocks and lakes with cool waters where you can swim.
Tip: Mind your bags and cell phones as you will be walking deeper and deeper into the canyon.
Balos
Balos is one of the most beautiful beaches in Greece. It’s located in the northwest side of Crete, 17 km from Kissamos. It’s about an exotic place with wild natural beauty and an amazing beach with fine sand and turquoise waters.
There are two ways to get there. You can drive there up to 1 km before the beach, and then make your way down some stairs (the last 7 km of driving is on a dirt road). The other way is to drive to the port of Kissamos (Kavonisi), and from there catch the ferry that goes to Balos and Gramvousa and stops at the beach for a few hours. You can find more information online.
The first way there is more tiring, but you’ll forget all about it the moment you set your eyes on the beach from up above.
Kalipso
Kalipso Beach is in Southern Crete, and although it’s not very popular, it’s one of the most beautiful beaches in Rethymno district.
It’s organized and is located in a narrow gulf between tall rocks. It’s not a sandy beach, and the entry to the sea is through stairs. There’s space for safe diving too!
Tip: You can rent equipment and go scuba diving with a professional! For more information ask the bar staff.