The island of Crete is the largest in Greece, and its 1,046 km (650 miles) coastline is home to numerous stunning beaches.
Crete, which lies between the southern Aegean Sea and the northern Libyan Sea, is a favorite summer vacation spot thanks to its stunning scenery, traditional way of life, and wonderful beaches. Crete has some of the best beaches in the country, and swimming is possible in practically all of them.
If you want to learn more about this magnificent island, be sure to check out our suggested Crete beaches.
1. Preveli
A popular beach, Preveli, can be found on the southern coast of Crete. Crete is the largest island in Greece, and it is popular with tourists since it has everything from metropolitan areas and exotic beaches to deep canyons and towering peaks. The palm groves near Preveli Beach, where a river flows out of a valley and into the ocean, are a major tourist attraction. Hippies from all over the world came to this area in the '60s and '70s to enjoy the unusual scenery and build their makeshift homes among the palm trees. Preveli Beach and the surrounding surroundings are a Natura 2000 designated natural reserve because of the delicate ecosystem.
2. Voulisma
Voulisma has quickly become a favorite among visitors to East Crete and all of Crete due to the stunning beauty that has made it one of the best beaches in the region. Voulisma Beach is well situated in a little protected cove south of Agios Nikolaos and north of Ierapetra and is easily accessible from the capital of Heraklion. It has been given the Blue Flag for its excellent conditions and services, including its clean and shallow blue seas, fine white sand interspersed with pebbles, and faultless organization. Voulisma is a lovely place that is well worth visiting when in Crete, even though it can get busy at peak times.
3. Matala
Matala Beach is a lengthy stretch of soft sand. The water is safe for swimming practically every day of the year, with the exception of the days when the waves are too high. While Matala Bay is protected from northerly winds, it is vulnerable to southwesterly and westerly breezes. Sunbeds, umbrellas, public restrooms, and showers may all be found at Matala Beach, and if you become thirsty, the beachside cafes and canteens will have whatever you want to drink. People looking for a more rustic atmosphere can take refuge under the tamarisk trees that line the beach's back end.
4. Agios Pavlos (Saint Pavlos)
Agios Pavlos, often known as Saint Paul, is a remote and picturesque beach on the Libyan Sea coast of Crete that is not well-known among tourists. Agios Pavlos is a little beach tucked away in a harbor between two capes, one of which is the rugged Cape Melissa. Layers of exposed limestone provide stunning geological formations here. The Apoplystra Folds is a geological formation that has taken millions of years to form. Rough sand, excellently clear green water, and a rocky seabed characterize the small beach in the cove. Some sunbeds and umbrellas have been set up. There are a few hotels and local taverns in the former fishing community that surrounds this beach.
5. Elafonisi
Elafonisi Beach, named after the nearby island of the same name, is a tropical haven just across from the town of Elafonisos. Elafonisi is the western Crete region's second-largest beach, and it transforms into a tropical paradise from June onward. You can drive to Elafonisi in no time, or take a bus from either Chania or Paleochora. You set off towards Elafonisi's first beach. There are six establishments within easy walking distance of the beach where you can rent chairs and umbrellas. You can get food and drinks in the local bars. At Elafonisi, the water is so transparent that you can easily see the seafloor practically everywhere.
6. Balos Beach
Imeri Gramvosa, a little peninsula, is home to Balos and Balos Beach. It's a wildlife refuge, so you know the native plants and animals will thrive there. Aside from the 400 varieties of (sea) flora, wild donkeys, the green turtle, and the Mediterranean sea lobe can all be found in Gramvosa. Lagoon-like Balos Beach can be found in a bowl-shaped bay. The tiny lagoon's seawater ranges in hue from green to azure, creating an unusual appearance.
The breathtaking photo of Balos Beach and Lagoon is one of the most well-known vistas in all of Crete. The blue water and pure white sand make this a picture-perfect beach. The beach is beautiful from afar, and it's even more enchanting up close and personal while swimming. If you're visiting Crete, it's highly recommended that you stop by this landmark. Balos Beach is a narrow isthmus of sand that links the mainland of Crete to the island of Tigani. To the south of the beach is a tiny lagoon with turquoise waters, while to the north is a stunning blue-water bay that is shallow and tranquil, making it perfect for families with young children.
Crete, which lies between the southern Aegean Sea and the northern Libyan Sea, is a favorite summer vacation spot thanks to its stunning scenery, traditional way of life, and wonderful beaches. Crete has some of the best beaches in the country, and swimming is possible in practically all of them.
If you want to learn more about this magnificent island, be sure to check out our suggested Crete beaches.
1. Preveli
A popular beach, Preveli, can be found on the southern coast of Crete. Crete is the largest island in Greece, and it is popular with tourists since it has everything from metropolitan areas and exotic beaches to deep canyons and towering peaks. The palm groves near Preveli Beach, where a river flows out of a valley and into the ocean, are a major tourist attraction. Hippies from all over the world came to this area in the '60s and '70s to enjoy the unusual scenery and build their makeshift homes among the palm trees. Preveli Beach and the surrounding surroundings are a Natura 2000 designated natural reserve because of the delicate ecosystem.
2. Voulisma
Voulisma has quickly become a favorite among visitors to East Crete and all of Crete due to the stunning beauty that has made it one of the best beaches in the region. Voulisma Beach is well situated in a little protected cove south of Agios Nikolaos and north of Ierapetra and is easily accessible from the capital of Heraklion. It has been given the Blue Flag for its excellent conditions and services, including its clean and shallow blue seas, fine white sand interspersed with pebbles, and faultless organization. Voulisma is a lovely place that is well worth visiting when in Crete, even though it can get busy at peak times.
3. Matala
Matala Beach is a lengthy stretch of soft sand. The water is safe for swimming practically every day of the year, with the exception of the days when the waves are too high. While Matala Bay is protected from northerly winds, it is vulnerable to southwesterly and westerly breezes. Sunbeds, umbrellas, public restrooms, and showers may all be found at Matala Beach, and if you become thirsty, the beachside cafes and canteens will have whatever you want to drink. People looking for a more rustic atmosphere can take refuge under the tamarisk trees that line the beach's back end.
4. Agios Pavlos (Saint Pavlos)
Agios Pavlos, often known as Saint Paul, is a remote and picturesque beach on the Libyan Sea coast of Crete that is not well-known among tourists. Agios Pavlos is a little beach tucked away in a harbor between two capes, one of which is the rugged Cape Melissa. Layers of exposed limestone provide stunning geological formations here. The Apoplystra Folds is a geological formation that has taken millions of years to form. Rough sand, excellently clear green water, and a rocky seabed characterize the small beach in the cove. Some sunbeds and umbrellas have been set up. There are a few hotels and local taverns in the former fishing community that surrounds this beach.
5. Elafonisi
Elafonisi Beach, named after the nearby island of the same name, is a tropical haven just across from the town of Elafonisos. Elafonisi is the western Crete region's second-largest beach, and it transforms into a tropical paradise from June onward. You can drive to Elafonisi in no time, or take a bus from either Chania or Paleochora. You set off towards Elafonisi's first beach. There are six establishments within easy walking distance of the beach where you can rent chairs and umbrellas. You can get food and drinks in the local bars. At Elafonisi, the water is so transparent that you can easily see the seafloor practically everywhere.
6. Balos Beach
Imeri Gramvosa, a little peninsula, is home to Balos and Balos Beach. It's a wildlife refuge, so you know the native plants and animals will thrive there. Aside from the 400 varieties of (sea) flora, wild donkeys, the green turtle, and the Mediterranean sea lobe can all be found in Gramvosa. Lagoon-like Balos Beach can be found in a bowl-shaped bay. The tiny lagoon's seawater ranges in hue from green to azure, creating an unusual appearance.
The breathtaking photo of Balos Beach and Lagoon is one of the most well-known vistas in all of Crete. The blue water and pure white sand make this a picture-perfect beach. The beach is beautiful from afar, and it's even more enchanting up close and personal while swimming. If you're visiting Crete, it's highly recommended that you stop by this landmark. Balos Beach is a narrow isthmus of sand that links the mainland of Crete to the island of Tigani. To the south of the beach is a tiny lagoon with turquoise waters, while to the north is a stunning blue-water bay that is shallow and tranquil, making it perfect for families with young children.
Posted on : 18/06/2023
