The best beaches and coves in Crete incl. insider tips

Top beaches in Crete

The sandy beach of Falassarna, which is also one of the five most beautiful beaches in all of Europe, is repeatedly chosen as the top beach. In fact, there is not just one, but five beaches where you can sunbathe, swim and surf to your heart's content. Each beach has its own character: There is hardly any more variety at a destination.

If you like it exotic and a little more remote, the lagoon of Balos is the place for you. It can only be reached on foot or by ferry. The way is worthwhile, however, because the lagoon offers breathtaking plays of colour that are second to none. Divers and snorkelers are also in good hands here and can admire the diverse marine life up close.

Do you enjoy hiking tours that can last several days? Then you should visit the beach of Sougia: The coarse sand beach is also located on the south coast and offers not only an impressive gorge but also many taverns and cafés. By the way, the beach of Sougia is located directly on the European long-distance hiking trail E4.

Those who like to swim naked and indulge in nudism should try the sandy beach of Kommos, as the northern beach section is world-famous in this scene. The beach Glika Nera near Loutro, on the other hand, has a well-known and well-attended beach bar, but also ancient remains from times long past. Visitors to the white sandy bays of Koufonisi will look in vain for restaurants or sun lounger rentals. Bring your own water and food!

Ideal beaches for holidays with small children

If you are visiting Crete with your family, and among them are small children, you will have your own requirements for the beaches you can visit together. Of course, the Greek island also has several child-friendly beaches to offer. These include the sandy beaches of the City of Chania and the sandy beach of Frangokastello, which are characterized by very shallow access to the sea. The same applies to the sandy beach of Stavros, where even the smallest children can already play and splash in the sea.

Most famous among families is the longest sandy beach on the island: the beach of Georgioupolis, which is located on the north coast of the island and stretches for ten kilometres. The shore is very shallow here. The bay of Georgioupolis directly at the picturesque fishing village of the same name is also very well protected from sea currents, which is why the beach with its fine yellow-white sand is especially popular with families with small children.

Remote beaches for adventurers and nature lovers

Not every tourist feels like meeting other travellers on holiday: If you are one of those visitors to Crete who prefer to explore the island and its beaches in complete seclusion, we have a few insider tips for you. For example, visit the sandy beach of Triopetra, which is only known to a few tourists and takes you to two deserted beaches, which are located directly between a rock formation. Also at the beach of Agios Pavlos you can swim in peace and quiet and at often hardly visited coarse sand beaches. Far away from the tourists you will find the beach of Domata. Nature lovers will be thrilled by the untouched nature and the impressive scenery that is offered to them. Playing children and noisy tourists will look for you there in vain: instead, the breathtaking landscape of Crete awaits you.

A special attraction is the beach of Ilingas: Here you will find not only a beautiful beach sheltered from the wind, but also several spectacular caves with sandy bottom, where you can shelter from the Greek sun. In the bay of Seitan Limania - Hordaki - it gets adventurous: The steep rock face is an impressive sight and the bay is considered a paradise among divers - however, access to it is not easy and is only recommended to visitors with a good physical constitution. A similar situation is found in the bay of Agiofarago, which can only be reached by boat or on a long hike. Tourists who make it there are rewarded with a deserted beach and crystal clear water.

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