Best Beaches in Crete: Which One Is Right for You?

The best beaches in Crete are spread across the island: Balos and Elafonissi in the west, wide-open shores on the south coast, and clear sandy bays such as Voulisma in the east. The right choice depends on more than the colour of the water. Some beaches are easy for families, while others involve a long drive, a steep path or a boat trip. If you're planning time in Crete, it helps to choose beaches close to the part of the island you're exploring. Here are the ones we like, organised by region, with the details that make a difference on the day.

Best beaches in Chania and western Crete

Balos Lagoon

Lagoon · Turquoise water · Full-day outing

Balos is one of Crete's most recognisable landscapes, with pale sandbars and shallow water in changing shades of blue. The view is as much a reason to visit as the swim itself.

You can arrive by boat or take a rough access road followed by a walk down to the lagoon. The return climb can be demanding in the heat. Families with small children should think about the journey as well as the shallow sections of water.

Good to know: Treat Balos as a proper outing, not a quick stop, and plan for sun exposure.

Elafonissi Beach

Pale sand · Shallow areas · Families

Elafonissi is known for clear, shallow water and sand that sometimes shows a pink tint from tiny shell fragments. When conditions are calm, parts of the lagoon are appealing for families with children.

It's also one of the most visited beaches in Crete. Arriving early can help in summer, and wind can make the experience less comfortable even on a sunny day.

SEASCAPE NOTE: Elafonissi is worth considering for a family beach day, but it may not justify a cross-island drive if you're based far away.

Falassarna Beach

Wide sandy beach · Open sea · Sunset

Falassarna is a great choice if you want space to settle in for the day. Instead of a compact lagoon, it offers a broad sandy shoreline and open views across the sea.

Its west-facing position makes sunset particularly appealing. The beach is exposed, though, so wind and waves can affect swimming conditions.

Good to know: Check the wind forecast before travelling, especially with young children.

Seitan Limania

Rocky cove · Dramatic cliffs · Challenging access

This narrow cove on the Akrotiri Peninsula is framed by steep rock formations. The contrast between the cliffs and blue water makes it an appealing stop for adventurous travellers.

The descent is steep and rocky, the beach is small, and facilities are limited. We'd choose it for the landscape rather than an easy day out with toddlers.

Marathi Beach

Sheltered bays · Easy day out · Families

Marathi offers a more straightforward beach day near Chania, with small bays and places to eat close to the water. On calm days, the setting can be comfortable for families.

Its appeal is convenience rather than dramatic scenery. Not every good beach day needs a long drive.

Beaches around Rethymno and the south coast

Preveli Beach

Palm trees · River · Nature

At Preveli, a river runs through a palm-lined valley before meeting the sea. The combination of cliffs, greenery and coastline makes the surroundings as interesting as the beach.

Access usually involves a walk down or a boat arrival. The climb back can be tiring in the heat, so bring water and suitable footwear.

Rethymno Beach

Long sandy shoreline · Town access · Convenience

For travellers based around Rethymno, the long beach near town is an easy way to combine swimming with cafés, restaurants and a walk through the old streets. Organised sections and nearby facilities make planning simple.

It's an exposed northern beach, so the sea can be choppy when the wind rises.

Plakias Beach

Broad bay · Southern scenery · Relaxed pace

Plakias sits beneath the mountains along a wide south-coast bay. The shoreline includes sandy and pebbly sections, with places to eat nearby.

We like it as part of a day exploring southern Crete rather than a rushed stop. Check the wind conditions before heading out.

Triopetra Beach

Open coastline · Three rock formations · Space

Triopetra takes its name from three prominent rocks near the shore. Its open setting is appealing if you prefer natural landscapes and room to spread out.

The coast is exposed and the sea can become rough. Facilities are more limited than at the island's main resort beaches.

Best beaches near Heraklion

Matala Beach

Cliffside caves · Seaside village · Tavernas

Matala combines a beach with a village worth exploring. Caves carved into the cliffs overlook the shoreline, while tavernas nearby make it easy to stay for lunch.

The beach has sandy and pebbly areas and can be busy in summer. It's a good choice if you enjoy the atmosphere of a coastal village as much as the water.

Agia Pelagia

Bay · Waterfront dining · Families

Agia Pelagia is built around a bay with clear water and places to eat near the shore. Its relatively sheltered setting may be more comfortable than exposed beaches on some windy days, though conditions always vary.

The main beach is compact and can feel crowded during peak season.

Ammoudara Beach

Long beach · Close to Heraklion · Easy access

Ammoudara, west of Heraklion, is a practical option for a sandy beach day without travelling far from the city. There are organised sections and places to stop along the shore.

Choose it for flexibility and convenience rather than lagoon scenery. Wind can affect the sea here too.

Best beaches in eastern Crete and Lasithi

Voulisma Beach

Pale sand · Clear blue water · Swimming

Voulisma near Istro is one of the most appealing sandy beaches in eastern Crete. Its clear water and light sand make it a natural choice for travellers around Agios Nikolaos.

The bay is relatively small and can get busy in summer. As elsewhere, swimming conditions depend on the weather.

Almyros Beach

Near Agios Nikolaos · Sand · Families

Almyros is an accessible sandy beach near Agios Nikolaos, with areas where the entry into the water is gradual. Freshwater flows into the sea nearby, making some parts feel cooler.

It's worth considering for families staying in the area, with the usual attention to sea conditions and supervision.

Vai Beach

Palm forest · Eastern Crete · Day trip

Vai is known for its natural palm forest beside the beach. The landscape feels different from most other stretches of Crete's coastline.

It attracts plenty of visitors, and the journey can be long from western Crete. We think it works best as part of a day exploring the east.

Kolokytha Beach

Small cove · Clear water · Elounda area

Kolokytha is a small cove on the Spinalonga Peninsula near Elounda, with clear water and rocky surroundings. It makes a lovely swimming stop while exploring the area.

Access involves a rougher route and some walking. The cove has limited facilities and can become crowded when excursion boats arrive.

Which beach in Crete suits you?

• For young children: Consider Marathi, Almyros and the shallow areas of Elafonissi, depending on sea conditions.
• For scenery and a day out: Balos, Preveli and Vai are destinations where the journey is part of the experience.
• For a spacious sandy beach: Falassarna or the long shoreline at Rethymno.
• For a small rocky cove: Seitan Limania or Kolokytha, if you're comfortable with less convenient access.
• For swimming followed by lunch: Matala, Agia Pelagia and Marathi.

What to know before visiting Crete's beaches

Crete is a large island, and its famous beaches are not all close together. If Balos, Elafonissi and Falassarna are priorities, plan time in the west. Around Agios Nikolaos and Elounda, Voulisma and Almyros are more practical options. Our Crete destination guide explains the different areas.

Wind matters as much as sunshine. An exposed beach can be uncomfortable on a windy day, while a sheltered bay nearby may feel very different. Check local conditions and access arrangements before you set off.

June and September are generally appealing for beach holidays, while July and August are busier. Conditions can be less predictable in May and October. Travelling as a family? Our Crete with kids guide offers more ideas for the trip.

You don't need to tick off every famous beach. Choose a handful that fit your route and the way you like to spend your days, and leave room for an easy afternoon by the sea.