Crete has one of the longest summers in Greece, giving you plenty of time to soak up the sun. You’ll find beaches for windsurfing, skinny dipping, sunset strolls, and lazy days with a book in hand. From remote coves to lively stretches lined with tavernas, the island delivers on variety. Here’s our guide to the best beaches in Crete – some wild, some laid-back, all worth your time.
When it comes to the best beaches in Greece, Crete doesn’t just make the list – it practically owns it. This is Greece’s largest island, where mountains drop into the sea and hidden coves sit next to long, golden stretches of sand. You’ll find Crete beaches that feel wild and remote, and others where you can sip a cold beer with your toes in the water.
Whether you're into windsurfing, snorkeling, or just lazing on a lounger, Crete delivers. And if you’re planning your Greece itinerary of the best places to visit in Greece, these beaches are a must. From pink-tinted sands to turquoise lagoons, here’s where to throw down your towel and dive in.
Elafonísi Beach comes as an exotic shock. The almost tropical waters – sheltered by the islet of the same name – boast white sand tinged pink by crushed coral, aquamarine shallows, salt-encrusted rock pools, and the occasional bright-red starfish. The sea here is calm, shallow, and bathwater-warm. It’s ideal for kids, casual swimmers, or anyone who just wants to float and forget the world. Wading over to the islet across the sandbar is all part of the fun.
This spot is a highlight on any Crete itinerary, especially if you're chasing beaches that look like they belong in the South Pacific.
Elafonísi is about a two-hour drive from Chania, with rental cars and daily bus services available in summer. The road winds through mountains and gorges – scenic but not for the faint-hearted. Parking fills up quickly, so get there early if you’re driving.
Elafonissi beach with its pink sand - one of the best beaches in Crete © Patryk Kosmider/Shutterstock
Koureménos Beach is a magnet for windsurfers (one of the best things to do in Crete). A natural funnel effect sends strong, steady winds racing across this long stretch of sand-and-pebble shore – perfect conditions if you’re into catching air or just finding your balance.
The beach has a low-key vibe, with a few tavernas, a beach bar, and a scattering of guesthouses nearby. In summer, it draws a mix of camper vans, hardcore wind junkies, and laid-back beach lovers. Never tried it? There’s a well-run windsurfing center offering lessons and gear.
If you're planning a trip to Greece and want to mix in some adventure with your beach time, Koureménos is a solid bet.
Koureménos sits on Crete’s far eastern edge, just outside the village of Palékastro. It’s about a 90-minute drive from Sitia, and you’ll need your own wheels – the area’s too remote for regular buses.
One of the best Crete beaches for windsurfing — Kouremenos beach © Shutterstock
Mátala might have traded its hippy days for souvenir shops and summer crowds, but the beach still holds its charm. Set against honeycomb cliffs dotted with ancient caves, this is one of the best beaches in Crete for couples who don’t mind a bit of buzz. The vibe is lively, the bars are plenty, and sunset cocktails come with a view straight out of a movie.
At night, the caves glow under soft lighting, turning the beach into an unexpectedly romantic hangout spot.
Had enough of the crowds? Scramble over the hill to Red Beach. With its copper-tinged sand, nudist-friendly attitude, and a scruffy seasonal café, it still carries a whiff of Mátala’s free-spirited past.
Mátala is on Crete’s south coast, about an hour and a half’s drive from Heraklion. Regular buses run from the city in summer, but a car gives you more freedom, especially if you want to explore nearby beaches.
Matala beach, Crete, has wonderfully clear water © gevision/Shutterstock
Váï Beach doesn’t try to compete with Crete’s wilder shores – it leans into the laid-back. Backed by Europe’s largest natural palm grove, this stretch of sand feels more Caribbean than Cretan, especially in the quiet of early morning or late evening. If you hit it in early spring or late autumn, you might just have the place to yourself.
The nearby Toploú Monastery offers a dose of serenity, but down here it's all about sun, sand, and swaying palm trees. In peak summer, the beach does get packed, yet even then, those early and late hours give you a glimpse of Váï at its unspoiled best.
Váï is located on Crete’s remote northeast coast. You’ll need a car to get here, but the drive is scenic and worth every turn. There’s a large parking area and basic facilities nearby.
The palm-tree-lined Vái beach, Crete © Shutterstock
Mýrtos is the kind of place where time slows down – and you’ll be glad it does. This whitewashed village on Crete’s southern coast has a long, shingle beach that easily ranks among the best beaches in Crete. Even in August, when it fills up with sunseekers, the vibe stays blissfully low-key.
You won’t find beach clubs or party crowds here. Think lazy swims, long lunches, and lingering drinks by the sea. If you feel like stirring, you can rent a boat or explore nearby Minoan ruins. The hills behind the village also offer quiet trails for mountain hikes, if you fancy a break from the beach towel.
Mýrtos is about a 15-minute drive west of Ierapetra. Buses run from Ierapetra in summer, but having a car makes it easier to explore the surrounding region and nearby archaeological sites.
Mirtos bay and beach at Crete island in Greece © Shutterstock
Just 3km (about 1.9 miles) beyond Horafákia, Stavrós offers one of the most family-friendly spots on the island. Set in a nearly enclosed circular bay, the sea here is dead calm and shallow, with soft sand underfoot – perfect for paddling and swimming. If you're exploring Greece with kids, this Crete beach is an easy win.
It’s a striking spot, too. A dramatic, bare mountainside rises just across the bay, giving the beach a wild, cinematic backdrop. Film buffs might recognize it as a location from Zorba the Greek.
There’s also a cave tucked into the cliffs, once home to an ancient sanctuary – you can just about spot the entrance from the beach. While the main beach does get busy in summer, a quieter stretch facing the open sea offers a bit of peace if you want to escape the crowds.
Stavrós is on the Akrotiri Peninsula, around 30 minutes by car from Chania. You can also reach it by bus from Chania in summer, though driving makes it easier to explore nearby beaches and villages.
Stavros is one of the best beaches in Crete for ocean swimming © Mike Drosos/Shutterstock
For pure peace, Frangokástello delivers. This beach is one of the island’s best, with soft sand and crystal-clear water that’s perfect for snorkeling. It’s a slow-paced kind of place – ideal for lazy swims and long, unhurried days.
The beach near the Venetian castle is the most popular stretch, with gentle, shallow waters and a few tavernas nearby. It’s great if you want a bit of company without the crowds.
Craving solitude? Head west along the shoreline to find more secluded spots. Or follow the coastal path east for ten to fifteen minutes and you’ll end up at the edge of a low cliff overlooking nearly a mile of empty sand and rock-strewn coastline – just you, the sea, and silence.
Frangokástello is on Crete’s remote south coast, around 50 miles (80km) from Chania. A car is your best bet, especially if you plan to explore nearby beaches or continue east toward Sfakiá.
Frangokástello Beach in Crete, complete with castle © Shutterstock
Sweetwater Beach isn’t your typical Crete beach – and that’s exactly the point. From a distance, it looks like a thin sliver of grey wedged between sheer ochre cliffs and deep, dark sea. Up close, it opens into a rugged, narrow beach with dramatic mountain views on one side and the Libyan Sea stretching endlessly on the other. It’s remote, raw, and completely captivating.
The beach gets its name from the freshwater springs that bubble up beneath the pebbles. Dig a shallow hole almost anywhere and you’ll find cool, drinkable water seeping up. Just don’t use soap here – it pollutes the fragile groundwater.
There are no roads to Sweetwater, which keeps the vibe quiet and wild. It's clothing-optional, too, so don’t be surprised if things get a bit free-spirited.
You can reach Sweetwater Beach by boat from Chora Sfakíon or Loutro, or on foot via a rocky coastal path (about a 30-minute hike from either direction). Bring sturdy shoes, plenty of water, and some shade – there’s little infrastructure once you arrive.
Arial view of Sweetwater Beach, Crete © TravelNerd/Shutterstock
Balos Bay looks like it belongs on another planet – or at least another continent. Set on the far northwest tip of Crete, this jaw-dropping lagoon blends white sand, turquoise shallows, and wild terrain. It’s one of the most photographed spots on the island, but it still feels remote thanks to its location and limited access.
The surrounding area has stayed largely untouched by mass tourism. While development is creeping in, it’s still mostly small-scale – think guesthouses and rooms for rent rather than sprawling resorts. The nearest town is Kastélli Kissámou, a working port with a ferry link to the Peloponnese, regular buses to Haniá, and a surprisingly good museum.
Balos sits on the west side of the Gramvoúsa Peninsula, a rugged finger of land that juts into the Aegean. This part of Crete is light on public transport and even lighter on luxury. What you’ll get instead: raw nature, quiet beaches, and a view that’s hard to beat.
You can reach Balos by boat from Kastélli Kissámou (a popular option in summer) or by a rough dirt road and a short hike down to the beach. The road is bumpy, and rental car companies don’t always love it, but it’s doable with care. Wear decent shoes – the descent isn’t flip-flop friendly.
Balos lagoon on Crete island, Greece © Shutterstock
Palm Beach at Preveli is where Crete swaps rugged coastline for tropical vibes. Tucked into a cove at the mouth of the dramatic Kourtaliótiko Gorge, this Crete beach sits at the edge of a freshwater stream that feeds a palm grove and a cluster of wild oleanders. It’s no surprise it’s become one of the island’s most famous spots.
But fame has its downside. For much of the year, the beach is swamped with sunbeds, umbrellas, and pedalo rentals that strip away some of its wild charm. If you want to see it at its best, get there early – or aim for spring or late autumn when the crowds thin out.
That said, there’s still room for a mini adventure. Head inland along the palm-fringed riverbanks, either on foot or by pedalo. Further upstream, you’ll find a couple of deep, clear pools – perfect for a freshwater dip before the gorge narrows too much to pass.
Back on the beach, a small bar-taverna offers drinks, snacks, and a few basics to keep you going.
Most people access Preveli via a steep path from the nearby car park at the clifftop viewpoint – it’s about a 15-minute walk down (and a sweaty climb back up). Alternatively, take a boat from Plakiás or Agía Galíni if you’d rather arrive by sea.
Preveli palm beach on Crete island, Greece © Shutterstock
If you're looking for a beach where locals actually go, head to the Akrotíri Peninsula near Chania. While much of the south side is military territory – with naval bases and an airfield – there are still gems to be found, especially around Maráthi and Seitan Limani.
Maráthi Beach, just beyond the airport, is a favorite weekend escape for Cretans. The sand is soft, the water calm, and the tavernas are seriously good. It can get busy, especially in summer, but that just adds to the buzz. Expect a lively, local crowd and some of the best seafood lunches on the island.
Then there’s Seitan Limani – dramatic, wild, and not for the faint-hearted. This tiny, fjord-like cove on the peninsula’s east coast is reached via a steep, winding road to the village of Hordháki, followed by a nerve-rattling scramble down a rocky cliff. The payoff? Ice-blue water, jagged rocks, and a beach that feels like a secret – even if it’s no longer much of one.
Maráthi is about a 30-minute drive from Chania, with decent roads and parking close to the beach. Seitan Limani takes a little more effort – drive to the car park near Hordháki, then make the 10- to 15-minute hike down to the cove. Wear good shoes; flip-flops won't cut it.
Seitan beach on Crete island, Greece © Shutterstock
If Crete’s mainland beaches feel too crowded, too polished, or just too... familiar, hop on a boat and head offshore. Crete’s outlying islands offer a different kind of beach escape – wilder, quieter, and just remote enough to feel like an adventure. You won’t find all-day beach clubs or fancy resorts here. What you will find: cedar forests spilling onto sand dunes, snorkeling spots with zero crowds, and coves that feel like they belong to you alone.
Here are two of the best Crete beaches that aren't actually on Crete.
Also known as Chrissí Island, Gaidhouronísi lies about 6 miles (10km) off Crete’s south coast. When temperatures inland hit 104°F (40°C), locals and in-the-know travelers flee here for a cooler, more tranquil scene.
This uninhabited, cedar-covered island is just over 2.5 miles (4km) long, with soft sandy beaches, shallow turquoise water, and a vibe that screams "stay all day." The standout is Shell Beach, where the shore crunches underfoot with generations of sun-bleached mollusc shells. It’s raw, it’s beautiful, and it might just be one of the best beaches in Crete, even if it’s technically off the coast.
There are a couple of seasonal tavernas near the ferry drop-off point, but not much else. Bring water, shade, and your sense of freedom.
Boats leave daily from Ierápetra during summer. It’s a short, scenic trip across shallow, brilliant blue water – roughly 45 minutes each way.
Gaidhouronísi island beach © tuulijumala/Shutterstock
Gávdhos is Crete’s largest satellite island and Europe’s southernmost point. It's remote, underdeveloped, and all the better for it. Life here moves at the speed of a beach nap.
Kamaréles, near Tripití cape, is a pebbly stretch with crystal-clear water and zero frills. There’s no natural shade and only minimal facilities, but the snorkeling is excellent and the solitude is next-level.
The beach’s iconic three-holed rock is a rite of passage – climb it, snap a photo in the oversized chair, and dangle your feet off the edge of the continent.
Ferries run a few times a week from Chóra Sfakíon or Paleóhora to Gávdhos, depending on the season and the weather. From the island port, you’ll need to hike or arrange local transport to reach Kamaréles.
Monument to the Southern Point of Europe. Giant Chair. Tripiti Beach. Gavdos Island. Greece © Shutterstock
written by
Olga Sitnitsa
updated 09.06.2025
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