Top 10 must-see Beaches in Crete

There are three things Crete’s beaches have in common – stunning colours, rugged terrain – and good footwear! Wait, what?

Elafonissi

Elafonissi Beach is famous for its pink sand and shallow, clear waters reminiscent of exotic destinations. You can walk across the shallow lagoon to a small islet with sand dunes, rocky coves, juniper, and stunning coastal views. The pink hue of the sand varies throughout the day, as it is not really sand but crushed seashells and coral fragments mixed with sand. While you absolutely should admire it up close, remember it is protected, so please don’t take any with you. Whether lounging on the soft pink sands or immersing in the clear waters, visiting Elafonissi promises an unforgettable beach experience, though expect crowds during the summer months. Sun protection is a must as there is no natural shade. We highly recommend bringing sun umbrellas with you.¹

Kedrodasos Beach

Consider exploring Kedrodasos Beach as an alternative (or addition) to Elafonissi. This hidden gem offers unspoiled beauty and a peaceful atmosphere. Despite being named after cedar trees, the beach features plenty of juniper trees providing an enchanting atmosphere and much-needed shade. Enjoy the fine golden sands and clear blue waters, contrasting beautifully with the black-colored rocks. Keep in mind there are no facilities or snack bars available, so be sure to bring everything you need for your visit.²

Vai Beach

Vai Beach is renowned for its unique palm forest, famously featured in a Bounty chocolate commercial. These palm trees produce dates, but in the ad, coconuts had to be falsely hung to create the right coconut-falling atmosphere.

The beach offers golden sands, clear waters, and lush greenery, perfect for relaxation. The palm trees provide natural shade, ideal for picnics and strolls. Despite getting crowded in summer, Vai remains one of Crete’s most special beaches worth visiting.³

Kolokytha Beach

Follow the downhill trail to discover Kolokytha Beach, one of Crete’s loveliest beaches. With its white sands and calm waters, nestled amidst olive groves, it’s a picturesque cove. While it can get crowded in the summer months, mornings and late afternoons offer a tranquil escape.⁴

Seitan Limania (Stefanou Beach)

Despite its name translating to Satan’s Harbor, Seitan Limania is a stunning hidden cove shaped like a lightning bolt. Your journey starts with the breathtaking view from above. Followed by a steep and rugged downhill hike. Once again, good footwear is highly recommended. But the journey is well worth it for the turquoise waters embraced by towering cliffs, creating a dramatic setting. While the beach itself is small and can get crowded during peak season, the secluded cove provides a sense of tranquility and escape. And goats, let’s not forget about goats. You will appreciate the opportunity to swim in the crystal-clear waters or explore the surrounding rock formations.⁵

Marmara Beach

Marmara Beach, situated at the end of the Aradena gorge, offers a secluded and unspoiled paradise for beachgoers. It is accessible only by boat or a challenging hike – wear good shoes and bring plenty of water as you trek your way through the mountain goats’ habitat! But you’ll be rewarded with a sense of exclusivity and tranquility this remote beach provides. Its pebbled shoreline and turquoise waters create a stunning contrast against the backdrop of towering cliffs and lush greenery. Marmara Beach is a haven for nature lovers, with opportunities for snorkeling and exploring hidden caves along the coastline. Despite its remote location, visitors are rewarded with breathtaking views and a serene atmosphere that makes the journey worthwhile.⁶

Skinaria Beach

Skinaria Beach offers a serene escape with its sand and small pebble-lined shores and crystal-clear waters. The beach is a favorite spot for snorkeling and diving enthusiasts due to its water clarity and rich marine life. Surrounded by rugged cliffs and lush vegetation, Skinaria provides a charming setting for sunbathing and relaxation, offering a peaceful retreat from the crowds of the island’s busier tourist areas.⁷

Matala Beach

Matala Beach is famous for its unique history and stunning beauty. Once a hippie hangout in the 1960s and 70s, the beach is now a popular tourist destination known for its golden sands and crystal-clear waters. Surrounded by dramatic cliffs with caves carved into them, Matala offers a picturesque setting for sunbathing and swimming. Visitors can explore the caves that were once used as burial crypts, with many of them now having rooms, stairs, beds, or windows, suggesting they were later used as residences in the hippie era, also attracting big names like Joni Mitchell, who wrote a song for Matala called “Carey”, Bob Dylan, Janis Joplin, and Joan Baez. With its vibrant atmosphere and rich cultural heritage, Matala provides an unforgettable experience.⁸

Balos Lagoon

Balos is arguably the most famous and most photographed beach in Crete. It is accessible by boat or a somewhat challenging drive and hike. The drive is not so bad, just make sure your rental insurance allows it. The hike on the other hand is about 30 minutes, so plan your footwear, headgear, and time of day accordingly. And don’t forget water, especially for the later ascent back to the parking lot.

You’ll be met by mesmerizing beauty and stunning scenery of turquoise waters and white sandbars framed by rugged rocky cliffs creating a breathtaking backdrop. The beach boasts soft white sand and clear waters. A natural shallow pool is perfect for the little ones, while the deeper and cooler waters are ideal for swimming and snorkeling.

A visit to Balos is a memorable experience you won’t soon forget!⁹

Bonus tip: Lake Kournas

Lake Kournas is Crete’s only large natural freshwater lake, offering a peaceful escape from the coastal crowds. Rent a paddleboat or kayak to explore the serene fresh waters or relax on the sandy shore. Surrounded by diverse greenery and the White Mountains backdrop, the lake is also home to various birds, fish, and terrapins adding to its natural charm. Its dark waters inspired a myth the lake is bottomless. Measurements have since proven its maximum depth is very much measurable at 22.5m. If the fairy combing her hair in the moonlight, sitting on a rock in the middle of the lake sparks your interest, read about the legends in the description.¹⁰

The Legends of Kournas

Lake Where the lake is today there was once a village where a beautiful girl lived with her father. They often walked to the fields together, seeking moments of rest. One day, as the daughter combed her hair, her father’s admiration took a dark turn. He attempted to seduce her, and in her desperation, the girl cried out, “Lake, come! I will be the ghost of the lake!” Miraculously, the ground beneath them sank, and water flooded the area, forming the lake.

Locals claim that visitors have glimpsed a fairy combing her hair by moonlight, perched on a rock in the middle of the lake. This ethereal being is said to protect the animals and ducks that inhabit the waters.

Another version of the myth suggests that divine wrath caused the flooding. The villagers, steeped in sin, were submerged, except for the priest’s daughter. She became the fairy who now appears to those who visit the lake.

Lastly, some attribute paranormal occurrences to the lake’s electromagnetic fields, which can either cause discomfort or uplift spirits.¹¹

Preveli Beach

Preveli Beach is renowned for its natural beauty and river mouth. Accessible by car followed by a short hike down a steep path, the journey to the beach offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The beach is characterized by the lazy river flowing through the palm forest into the crystal-clear azure sea. Surrounded by towering cliffs and ornate green palm trees, Preveli Beach exudes a tropical paradise vibe. Don’t miss the nearby Preveli Monastery for a cultural touch to your beach experience.¹²

Crete – where to next?

Unique beauty, crystal-clear water, golden sand, and rugged cliffs – enjoy exploring these stunning coastal gems! To continue your journey through Crete, the visit to arguably the oldest city in Europe is a must – check it out in this post here.

Now pack your flip-flops, put on your walking shoes, and gently tap the thumbs-up on your way to the beach!

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