As a full-time travel blogger I’m often confronted with one dilemma when I discover a hidden gem: to share or not to share. You know the feeling… when you stumble upon a place that locals flock to during your travels, but is far from experiencing mass tourism (like the textbook examples of Santorini, Cinque Terre and Machu Picchu). But after much deliberation I always end up sharing. Partly because it’s my job, but more so because I love connecting YOU guys to the places that blew my mind. Crete is one such gem. The largest island in Greece, it has one of the most interesting coastlines I’ve ever explored. From stretches of pink sand to palm oases, here are the beaches you’ll want to put on your bucket-list:
10 Best Beaches in Crete, Greece
1. Balos Beach – Pilgrimage To Paradise
Like many of the jaw-dropping beaches in Crete, it’s not easy to get to Balos lagoon. But it’s worth it, trust me. This is the kind of journey you’ll want to make in a rental car: the ride is bumpy, the road is dusty and at times you’ll wonder if there really is a beach at the end of it all. Well, there is. And it is spectacular — from every, single angle…
2. Elafonissi Beach – Pink Sand Between Your Toes
Exotic beaches, sand dunes, turquoise waters… Elafonissi is basically heaven on earth. But don’t just take my word for it: it’s been consistently ranked as one of the best beaches in the world. I’ll never forget the breathtaking peninsula and found it quite entertaining to watch people hop from sandy patch to sandy patch while trying to balance gear on their heads (yup, the water is that shallow in many spots). To be honest, the entire experience feels like something out of a dream…
3. Vai Beach – Palms For Days
This, my friends, is one of Europe’s largest palm groves with approx 5000 trees. A land where coconuts are replaced by dates (thanks to pirates, legend has it — arrr). As you’ve probably guessed, Vai is a tourist hot spot so be prepared for an army of sunbathers and jacked up prices. But there’s a reason travellers flock here: it’s a palmy and balmy paradise…
4. Agios Nikolaos – A Weekend Getaway
Lined with bustling cafes and restaurants, the seaside town of Agios Nikolaos is the kind of place you’ll want to spend a few days exploring. Locals love it for a weekend escape and the tourists follow suit. There’s a beautiful marina, lively squares and a famous lake at the heart of it all. A dip in Mirabello Bay is one of my favourite things to do when I’m in Crete — there’s just something about floating in the sea with majestic mountains on one side and the buzzing town on the other…
5. Rethymno Beach – Fam Jam
A long, uninterrupted stretch of sand (over 12 km), Rethymno beach is perfect for families given the ease of access and shallow entry. It’s very popular, but rarely feels crowded. Fun fact: the loggerhead sea turtles lay their eggs on this beach so you may make a few tiny friends depending on the timing of your visit.
Photo c/o Aquila Porto Rethymno.
6. Preveli – A Secluded Palm Beach
You know those road trips when you pray every second that you make it to your final destination? That’s how you’ll feel when you drive to Preveli. Think: steep cliffs, rugged quarry, winding roads that are pretty much just made for donkeys… Not for the fainthearted, but it’s a trek you’ll want to embark on as the reward is a secluded beach surrounded by an exotic palm forest. If you’re feeling less adventurous, arrive by boat (one departs from Plakias)!
7. Voulisma Beach – AKA The Golden Beach
Istro(n) has three gorgeous beaches, but the one that gets the most love is Voulisma. A well-organized blue flag beach, you’ll find everything you need at your fingertips. The sea is usually calm and it’s shallow entry which makes it a great spot to take kids. And the sand… oh the sand!! It’s the softest, silkiest on the island in my opinion…
8. Agia Pelagia – A Small Fishing Village
I can’t quite put my finger on why, but there’s something really special about Agia Pelagia… It’s quaint, it’s simple, it’s perfect. A beach I visit frequently during our annual vacation to Crete. The water does get deep relatively fast, but it’s almost always calm because of it’s location in a protected bay. There’s plenty of marine life to gawk at so pack your underwater camera (there’s also a diving centre if you’re so inclined).
9. Limanakia Hersonissos – Where The Party’s At
Hersonissos is a well-known party destination for the young and hip. Think: tons of hotels, tavernas, beach/foam parties, Ibiza-style clubs and hundreds of ATVs buzzing around. But go for a stroll along the coast and you’ll easily find solitude. The area is essentially a string of beautiful bays and coves with a plethora of quiet nooks like this one…
10. Potamos Beach – Malia Without The Crowds
Just east of the Port of Malia you’ll find the less-populated Potamos Beach. Because of its location by an archaeological site (Malia Palace), there’s no development around this long stretch of sand so it’s surprising tranquil when compared to the central beach in Malia. No loud music or bars here, just some sun beds and a cute little taverna (Taverna Kalyva) that serves up some incredible Greek food.
What did I miss?? Let me know in the comments below and I’ll make sure to check out your favourite beaches on our annual trek to Crete. Here are a few I already have on my bucket list: Kedrodasos, Kalypso (aka the red beach), Sissi and Ammoudara. If you’re a beach-lover like me, I highly recommend visiting this Mediterranean gem. The island is sure to leave you with a perma-smile…
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