Crete, the largest of the Greek islands, is renowned for its stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. From the pink sand of Elafonisi to the crystal-clear waters of Balos, the island boasts some of the most beautiful stretches of coastline in the Mediterranean. Whether you’re seeking a secluded cove or a lively beach with sunbeds and umbrellas, Crete has something to offer for every type of beachgoer. Other notable beaches on the island include Preveli on the southern coast, Vai on the eastern side, and Matala, a former hippie hangout on the south coast. No matter which part of Crete you choose to explore, you’ll find a beach that suits your taste and style. So, let’s dive into our list of the best beaches in Crete and discover the perfect spot for your next island getaway.
Our Pick of the Best Hotels in Crete 💎 :
- 💎 Luxury Hotel: Daios Cove Luxury Resort & Villas
- ✨ 5-Star: Blue Palace, a member of SLH | Elounda, Crete
- 🏨 4-Star: Infinity Blue Boutique Hotel & Spa - Adults Only
- 🛏️ 3-Star: Balos Beach
- 💸 Cheap: Sofia Hotel
- 🏡 Villa: Villa Marathi
- 👨👩👧👦 For Families: Anemos Luxury Grand Resort
- 🏩 For Couples: Acro Wellness Suites - Adults Only
Favorite Beaches on Crete: Quick Overview 📃
- 🎉 For Lively Atmosphere: Matala Beach
- 👪 For Families: Elafonissi Beach
- 🌴 For Relaxation: Vai Beach
- 🏄♀️ For Water Sports: Falassarna Beach
- 🏰 For Proximity to City Center: Ammoudara Beach
- 🌊 For a Quiet Escape: Glyka Nera Beach
1. Elafonissi Beach – Best Beach for Families 👨👩👧👦
🌴 Family-Friendly Paradise: Elafonissi Beach offers a safe and enjoyable environment for families, with its shallow waters and soft, pink-hued sand. Children can play and explore while parents relax and soak up the stunning natural beauty.
🏖️ Spacious Shoreline: The beach boasts a wide, expansive shoreline, providing ample space for visitors to spread out, play beach games, and enjoy a sense of privacy and tranquility.
🌿 Protected Natural Reserve: As a protected natural reserve, Elafonissi Beach is home to unique flora and fauna, including rare plant species and endangered sea turtles, making it a fascinating destination for nature enthusiasts.
🌊 Unforgettable Sunsets: Visitors can witness breathtaking sunsets at Elafonissi Beach, as the sky transforms into a mesmerizing array of colors, creating a romantic atmosphere for evening walks along the shore.
🌺 Wildflower Paradise: During the spring and early summer, the dunes surrounding Elafonissi Beach come alive with colorful wildflowers, creating a picturesque and fragrant landscape that enchants visitors.
Best Hotels Near Elafonissi Beach 🏨
- Elafonisi Paradise with Parking, WiFi – Located less than 1 km from Elafonisi Beach, this property offers mountain views, free WiFi, and free private parking. The air-conditioned apartments come with a private bathroom and a terrace or balcony, making it a comfortable stay near one of the best beaches on the island of Crete.
- Lafo Rooms – Just 800 meters from Elafonisi Beach, Lafo Rooms offers modern accommodation with a balcony, garden, and terrace. The rooms are equipped with air conditioning, a flat-screen TV, and a private bathroom, providing a comfortable and convenient stay near the pink-sand beach.
- Elafonisi Villa above the Beach – This villa offers stunning sea views and is located just a 17-minute walk from Elafonisi Beach. It features a fully equipped kitchen, a terrace, and BBQ facilities, making it perfect for a secluded and relaxing stay near one of the loveliest beaches on the island.
2. Balos Beach – Best Beach for Scenic Beauty 📸
🏝️ Instagrammable Lagoon: Balos Beach is a photographer’s dream, with its picture-perfect lagoon, shallow turquoise waters, and white sandy shores, all set against a backdrop of rugged cliffs and rocky islets.
🏰 Venetian Castle Ruins: The ruins of a Venetian castle on Gramvousa Island add historical charm to the breathtaking scenery, offering visitors the opportunity to explore the ancient walls and towers while learning about the region’s rich history.
🌊 Warm, Shallow Waters: The crystal-clear, turquoise waters are perfect for swimming and wading, with warm temperatures and shallow depths that make it ideal for families and less confident swimmers.
🌴 Unspoiled Natural Beauty: As one of the most beautiful beaches in Crete, Balos Beach is a true natural paradise, with its pristine environment, stunning coastal landscapes, and unforgettable views.
🐚 Shelling and Beachcombing: The sandy shores of Balos Beach are perfect for shelling and beachcombing, with a variety of colorful shells, smooth pebbles, and interesting sea treasures waiting to be discovered.
Best Hotels Near Balos Beach 🏨
- Balos Beach – Located near the stunning Balos Beach, this hotel offers comfortable rooms with sea views and a friendly atmosphere. The hotel features a swimming pool, a restaurant, and easy access to the white sand and turquoise waters of Balos.
- Gramvoussa Bay – Situated on the western coast of Crete, Gramvoussa Bay offers spacious apartments with sea views and a private beach area. The property is just a short drive from Balos Beach, making it an ideal base for exploring one of the best beaches on the island.
- Xenios Zeus – Located in Kissamos, this hotel offers comfortable accommodation with a terrace and garden views. The property is a short drive from Balos Beach and features air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi and private parking.
3. Vai Beach – Perfect Beach for Palm Forest Experience 🌴🌴
🌴 Europe’s Largest Palm Forest: Vai Beach is home to the largest natural palm forest in Europe, with over 5,000 Cretan Date Palms creating a lush, exotic landscape that is unique to the island.
🏖️ Organized Facilities: The beach is well-organized with sunbeds, umbrellas, and water sports facilities, ensuring visitors have everything they need for a comfortable and enjoyable day in the sun.
🌿 Lush Green Surroundings: The beach is surrounded by verdant hills and olive groves, creating a picturesque and serene environment that immerses visitors in the natural beauty of Crete.
🌊 Water Sports Adventures: Visitors can enjoy a variety of water sports activities, such as kayaking, paddleboarding, and windsurfing, taking advantage of the clear waters and the gentle sea breezes.
🐢 Turtle Nesting Site: Vai Beach is an important nesting site for loggerhead sea turtles, and visitors may have the chance to witness these majestic creatures during the nesting and hatching seasons.
Best Hotels Near Vai Beach 🏨
- Castri Village – Located near the famous Vai Beach, Castri Village offers comfortable apartments with sea views and a swimming pool. The property is surrounded by lush gardens and provides easy access to the palm forest and crystal-clear waters of Vai.
- Sunrise Apartments – Situated in Palekastro, Sunrise Apartments offers modern accommodation with a balcony and garden views. The property is a short drive from Vai Beach and features air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi and private parking.
- Lagos Studios & Apartments – Located near Vai Beach, Lagos Studios & Apartments offers comfortable accommodation with a terrace and garden views. The property features air-conditioned rooms with a kitchenette and free WiFi, making it an ideal base for exploring the eastern side of Crete.
4. Preveli Beach – Best Beach for Adventure and Nature 🌿
🌴 Palm Forest and River: Preveli Beach is characterized by a lush palm forest and the Kourtaliotis River flowing into the sea, creating a unique and enchanting landscape that combines freshwater and saltwater elements.
🚶♀️ Gorge Hiking Adventure: Accessing the beach involves a short but rewarding hike through the scenic Preveli Gorge, immersing visitors in the natural beauty of the area and offering opportunities for exploration and discovery.
🏊♂️ River Swimming: Visitors can enjoy the unique experience of swimming in the cool, fresh water of the Kourtaliotis River before it meets the sea, providing a refreshing contrast to the saltwater and a chance to explore the river’s small waterfalls and pools.
🌿 Diverse Flora and Fauna: The beach and its surroundings are home to a diverse array of flora and fauna, including rare plant species, migratory birds, and the endangered Cretan wild goat, making it a fascinating destination for nature lovers.
🌉 Historic Stone Bridge: A historic Venetian stone bridge crosses the Kourtaliotis River just before it meets the sea, adding a touch of history and charm to the already picturesque landscape of Preveli Beach.
Best Hotels Near Preveli Beach 🏨
- Mythos Apartments – Located near Preveli Beach, Mythos Apartments offers comfortable accommodation with a balcony and sea views. The property features a swimming pool, a restaurant, and easy access to the unique combination of river and sea at Preveli.
- Kassiani – Situated in Damnoni, Kassiani offers modern accommodation with a terrace and garden views. The property is a short drive from Preveli Beach and features air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi and private parking.
- Akti Damnoni – Located near Preveli Beach, Akti Damnoni offers comfortable rooms with sea views and a private beach area. The property features a restaurant, a bar, and easy access to the stunning natural beauty of Preveli.
5. Falassarna Beach – Perfect Beach for Sunset Views 🌅
🏖️ Expansive Golden Sands: Falassarna Beach boasts a long stretch of soft, golden sand, providing ample space for visitors to relax, play beach games, and soak up the Mediterranean sun.
🌅 Spectacular Sunsets: The beach is renowned for its breathtaking sunsets, with the sun dipping into the Libyan Sea and painting the sky in a mesmerizing array of oranges, pinks, and purples, creating an unforgettable and romantic atmosphere.
🏛️ Ancient Falassarna Ruins: The nearby ruins of the ancient city of Falassarna offer visitors a chance to explore the area’s rich history, with remnants of ancient harbors, fortifications, and public buildings waiting to be discovered.
🌊 Refreshing Swim Breaks: The crystal-clear waters of Falassarna Beach provide a refreshing escape from the heat, with gentle waves and a gradually sloping seabed that make it perfect for swimming and floating.
🌿 Natural Dune Landscape: The beach is backed by a natural dune landscape, with rolling hills covered in wild grasses, herbs, and flowers, creating a picturesque and fragrant backdrop for a day of relaxation and exploration.
Best Hotels Near Falassarna Beach 🏨
- Plakures – Located just steps away from Falassarna Beach, Plakures offers comfortable rooms with sea views and a swimming pool. The property features a restaurant, a bar, and easy access to the long stretch of sand at Falassarna.
- Romantica Apartments – Situated near Falassarna Beach, Romantica Apartments offers modern accommodation with a balcony and garden views. The property features air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi and private parking, making it an ideal base for exploring the western coast of Crete.
- Pachia Ammos – Located near Falassarna Beach, Pachia Ammos offers comfortable rooms with sea views and a private beach area. The property features a restaurant, a bar, and easy access to one of the best beaches on the island of Crete.
6. Matala Beach – Best Beach for History Buffs 🏺
🏜️ Hippie Cave Dwellings: Matala Beach is famous for its ancient caves carved into the cliffs, which were once inhabited by a thriving hippie community in the 1960s and 70s, creating a unique and bohemian atmosphere that still lingers today.
🌴 Scenic Coastal Hikes: The beach is surrounded by stunning cliffs and hillsides, offering scenic hiking trails that provide breathtaking views of the coast and the opportunity to discover hidden beaches and coves.
🎨 Artistic Inspiration: Matala Beach has long been a source of inspiration for artists, musicians, and writers, with its unique blend of natural beauty, history, and bohemian culture providing a creative spark for many.
🌊 Swimming and Sunbathing: The sandy shore and clear waters of Matala Beach are perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and simply relaxing, with the towering cliffs providing a stunning backdrop and a sense of seclusion.
🌺 Colorful Flower Power: During the spring and early summer, the hillsides surrounding Matala Beach come alive with colorful wildflowers, creating a vibrant and picturesque landscape that echoes the beach’s hippie past.
Best Hotels Near Matala Beach 🏨
- Matala Prime Villas – Located near Matala Beach, Matala Prime Villas offers modern accommodation with a terrace and garden views. The property features a swimming pool, a restaurant, and easy access to the ancient caves and hippie history of Matala.
- Dimitris – Situated in Matala, Dimitris offers comfortable rooms with a balcony and sea views. The property features a restaurant, a bar, and easy access to the sandy shore and clear waters of Matala Beach.
- Fantastic – Located near Matala Beach, Fantastic offers comfortable accommodation with a terrace and garden views. The property features air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi and private parking, making it an ideal base for exploring the southern coast of Crete.
7. Voulisma Beach – Best Beach for Clear Waters 💧
🏊♂️ Turquoise Waters: Voulisma Beach is renowned for its stunningly clear, turquoise waters, which are perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and simply admiring the mesmerizing hues of the Aegean Sea.
🏖️ Soft Golden Sands: The beach features a long stretch of soft, golden sand, providing a comfortable and inviting space for visitors to relax, sunbathe, and enjoy the beautiful coastal surroundings.
🍧 Beachside Refreshments: Visitors can enjoy a variety of refreshing drinks, ice creams, and light snacks at the beachside canteen, ensuring a comfortable and convenient day at the beach.
🌊 Gentle Shallow Waters: The waters at Voulisma Beach are generally calm and shallow, making it an ideal spot for families with children, as well as those who prefer a more relaxed and gentle swimming experience.
🌅 Romantic Sunset Spot: The west-facing orientation of Voulisma Beach makes it a perfect spot for watching the sunset, with the golden light of the sinking sun transforming the beach and the sea into a romantic and magical landscape.
Best Hotels Near Voulisma Beach 🏨
- Daios Cove Luxury Resort & Villas – Located near Voulisma Beach, Daios Cove Luxury Resort & Villas offers luxurious accommodation with sea views and a private beach area. The property features a swimming pool, a spa, and multiple dining options, making it one of the best choices for a relaxing getaway on the eastern side of Crete.
- Vrokastro Apartments – Situated near Voulisma Beach, Vrokastro Apartments offers modern accommodation with a balcony and garden views. The property features air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi and private parking, making it an ideal base for exploring the eastern coast of Crete.
- Elpida Apartments – Located near Voulisma Beach, Elpida Apartments offers comfortable accommodation with a terrace and garden views. The property features a swimming pool, a restaurant, and easy access to the golden sand and crystal-clear waters of Voulisma.
8. Sougia Beach – Best Beach for Tranquility 🧘♂️
🏖️ Unspoiled Tranquility: Sougia Beach is known for its peaceful and unspoiled atmosphere, offering visitors a chance to escape the crowds and immerse themselves in the natural beauty and tranquility of the Cretan coast.
🌊 Pebble and Sand Mix: The beach features a unique mix of smooth pebbles and soft sand, creating a picturesque and tactile landscape that is perfect for walking, lounging, and beachcombing.
🍴 Traditional Cretan Tavernas: Visitors can savor the authentic flavors of Crete at the traditional tavernas located in the nearby village of Sougia, enjoying fresh seafood, hearty meat dishes, and locally-grown vegetables in a charming and welcoming setting.
🌅 Spectacular Sunsets: The wide, unobstructed horizon of Sougia Beach offers breathtaking sunset views, with the sun sinking into the Libyan Sea and painting the sky in a mesmerizing array of colors.
🌿 Lush Green Surroundings: The beach is backed by lush green hillsides and olive groves, creating a picturesque and serene natural backdrop that enhances the overall sense of tranquility and relaxation.
Best Hotels Near Sougia Beach 🏨
- Aretousa – Located near Sougia Beach, Aretousa offers comfortable rooms with sea views and a private beach area. The property features a restaurant, a bar, and easy access to the peaceful and unspoiled atmosphere of Sougia.
- To Spiti Mas – Situated in Sougia, To Spiti Mas offers modern accommodation with a terrace and garden views. The property features air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi and private parking, making it an ideal base for exploring the southern coast of Crete.
- Pension Irene – Located near Sougia Beach, Pension Irene offers comfortable rooms with sea views and a private beach area. The property features a restaurant, a bar, and easy access to the calm and clear waters of Sougia.
9. Ammoudara Beach – Perfect Place for Water Sports 🏄♂️
👨👩👧👦 Family-Friendly Fun: Ammoudara Beach is a popular choice for families, thanks to its long sandy shore, shallow waters, and variety of amenities and activities that cater to all ages.
🏊♂️ Swimming and Snorkeling: The crystal-clear waters of beach are perfect for swimming and snorkeling, with a variety of colorful fish and other marine life waiting to be discovered beneath the surface.
🏄♂️ Water Sports Haven: The beach offers a wide range of water sports activities, including windsurfing, kitesurfing, paddleboarding, and jet-skiing, making it an ideal spot for adventure seekers and adrenaline junkies.
🏖️ Organized Comfort: Ammoudara Beach is well-organized, with plenty of sunbeds, umbrellas, and beachside services available for visitors’ comfort and convenience, ensuring a stress-free and enjoyable day at the beach.
🌴 Urban Oasis: Located just a short drive from the bustling city of Heraklion, Ammoudara Beach offers a convenient escape from the urban hustle and bustle, providing a refreshing and rejuvenating coastal oasis.
Best Hotels Near Ammoudara Beach 🏨
- Candia Maris Resort & Spa – Located near Ammoudara Beach, Candia Maris Resort & Spa offers luxurious accommodation with sea views and a private beach area. The property features a swimming pool, a spa, and multiple dining options, making it one of the best choices for a relaxing getaway on the northern coast of Crete.
- Tsagarakis Beach – Situated near Ammoudara Beach, Tsagarakis Beach offers modern accommodation with a balcony and garden views. The property features air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi and private parking, making it an ideal base for exploring the northern coast of Crete.
- La Santre Villa – Located near Ammoudara Beach, La Santre Villa offers comfortable accommodation with a terrace and garden views. The property features a swimming pool, a restaurant, and easy access to the sandy shore and clear waters of Ammoudara.
10. Seitan Limania Beach – Best Beach for Cliff Diving 🏊♂️
🏞️ Dramatic Natural Setting: Seitan Limania Beach is nestled in a stunning rocky cove, surrounded by towering cliffs and crystal-clear turquoise waters, creating a breathtaking and awe-inspiring natural landscape.
🏊♂️ Cliff Jumping Thrills: The beach is a popular spot for cliff jumping, with daring swimmers leaping from the surrounding cliffs into the deep, clear waters below, providing an exhilarating and unforgettable experience.
🌊 Snorkeling Paradise: The crystal-clear waters of Seitan Limania Beach are perfect for snorkeling, with a rich variety of marine life, including colorful fish, sea urchins, and octopuses, waiting to be discovered.
📸 Instagram-Worthy Views: The unique and striking natural setting of Seitan Limania Beach makes it a highly photogenic spot, with countless opportunities for capturing stunning photos and videos that are sure to impress on social media.
🧗♂️ Rock Climbing Opportunities: The towering cliffs surrounding Seitan Limania Beach offer excellent rock climbing opportunities for experienced climbers, with a variety of routes and challenges to suit different skill levels.
Best Hotels Near Seitan Limania Beach 🏨
- Isla Brown Chania Resort – Located near Seitan Limania Beach, Isla Brown Chania Resort offers luxurious accommodation with sea views and a private beach area. The property features a swimming pool, a spa, and multiple dining options, making it one of the best choices for a relaxing getaway on the western coast of Crete.
- Nanakis Beach Apartments – Situated near Seitan Limania Beach, Nanakis Beach Apartments offers modern accommodation with a balcony and garden views. The property features air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi and private parking, making it an ideal base for exploring the western coast of Crete.
- Paradice Hotel – Located near Seitan Limania Beach, Paradice Hotel offers comfortable rooms with sea views and a private beach area. The property features a restaurant, a bar, and easy access to the dramatic natural setting of Seitan Limania.
11. Plakias Beach – Best Beach for Sunbathing ☀️
🏖️ Expansive Sandy Shore: Plakias Beach boasts a long, wide stretch of soft golden sand, providing plenty of space for visitors to spread out, relax, and enjoy the stunning coastal scenery.
🌊 Clear Blue Waters: The waters at Plakias Beach are crystal-clear and inviting, with a mesmerizing blue color that beckons swimmers and snorkelers to explore the underwater wonders of the Libyan Sea.
☀️ Sun Worshipper’s Paradise: With its ample space, soft sand, and reliable sunshine, Plakias Beach is a perfect spot for sun worshippers to soak up the Mediterranean rays and achieve a perfect golden tan.
🌴 Natural Shade: The beach is backed by a line of tamarisk trees and umbrellas, providing welcome shade and a cool retreat from the midday sun, as well as a picturesque backdrop for a day of relaxation.
🛥️ Boat Trip Excursions: Visitors can embark on boat trips from Plakias to explore the nearby coastline, including the famous Palm Beach of Preveli and the secluded bays and caves of the Libyan Sea.
Best Hotels Near Plakias Beach 🏨
- Creta Spirit – Located near Plakias Beach, Creta Spirit offers comfortable rooms with sea views and a private beach area. The property features a restaurant, a bar, and easy access to the long stretch of sand at Plakias.
- Stefanos Village – Situated near Plakias Beach, Stefanos Village offers modern accommodation with a balcony and garden views. The property features air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi and private parking, making it an ideal base for exploring the southern coast of Crete.
- Horizon Beach Hotel – Located near Plakias Beach, Horizon Beach Hotel offers comfortable rooms with sea views and a private beach area. The property features a restaurant, a bar, and easy access to the clear waters of Plakias.
12. Agia Pelagia Beach – Best Beach for Calm Waters 🌊
👨👩👧👦 Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Agia Pelagia Beach is a popular choice for families, thanks to its calm waters, soft sand, and range of amenities and activities that cater to children and adults alike.
🏊♂️ Sheltered Swimming: The beach is located in a sheltered cove, with calm, clear waters that are perfect for swimming and snorkeling, especially for children and less confident swimmers.
🛥️ Boat Trip Adventures: Agia Pelagia serves as a convenient starting point for boat trips to nearby attractions, such as the uninhabited island of Dia and the stunning Fodele Cave, offering opportunities for exploration and discovery.
🌿 Lush Green Surroundings: The beach is surrounded by lush green hills and fragrant pine trees, creating a picturesque and tranquil natural setting that enhances the overall sense of relaxation and well-being.
🎣 Fishing Village Charm: Agia Pelagia maintains its authentic charm as a traditional Cretan fishing village, with colorful boats bobbing in the harbor and locals going about their daily lives, providing a glimpse into the island’s rich cultural heritage.
Best Hotels Near Agia Pelagia Beach 🏨
- Eva Mare & Suites – Located near Agia Pelagia Beach, Eva Mare & Suites offers luxurious accommodation with sea views and a private beach area. The property features a swimming pool, a spa, and multiple dining options, making it one of the best choices for a relaxing getaway on the northern coast of Crete.
- Perla Apartments – Situated near Agia Pelagia Beach, Perla Apartments offers modern accommodation with a balcony and garden views. The property features air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi and private parking, making it an ideal base for exploring the northern coast of Crete.
- Out of the Blue Resort – Located near Agia Pelagia Beach, Out of the Blue Resort offers comfortable rooms with sea views and a private beach area. The property features a restaurant, a bar, and easy access to the calm waters of Agia Pelagia.
13. Frangokastello Beach – Best Beach for Exploring Ruins 🏰
🏰 Venetian Fortress: The imposing ruins of the Venetian castle of Frangokastello tower over the beach, adding a sense of history and grandeur to the already stunning coastal setting.
🏖️ Wide Sandy Expanse: Frangokastello Beach features a wide, long stretch of soft golden sand, providing ample space for visitors to relax, play, and soak up the Mediterranean sun.
🌊 Crystalline Waters: The waters at Frangokastello Beach are crystal-clear and inviting, with a striking blue color that is characteristic of the Libyan Sea, perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and simply admiring the natural beauty.
🌄 Scenic Mountain Backdrop: The beach is backed by the majestic White Mountains of Crete, providing a stunning natural backdrop that adds to the overall sense of beauty and grandeur.
👻 Legendary Drosoulites: Frangokastello is famous for the legendary Drosoulites, ghostly apparitions of soldiers that are said to appear on the beach at dawn, adding an air of mystery and intrigue to the location.
Best Hotels Near Frangokastello Beach 🏨
- Blue Sky – Located near Frangokastello Beach, Blue Sky offers comfortable rooms with sea views and a private beach area. The property features a restaurant, a bar, and easy access to the Venetian castle and clear waters of Frangokastello.
- Monachus Monachus Apartments – Situated near Frangokastello Beach, Monachus Monachus Apartments offers modern accommodation with a balcony and garden views. The property features air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi and private parking, making it an ideal base for exploring the southern coast of Crete.
- Coral Apartments – Located near Frangokastello Beach, Coral Apartments offers comfortable rooms with sea views and a private beach area. The property features a restaurant, a bar, and easy access to the calm and clear waters of Frangokastello.
14. Marathi Beach – Best Beach for Relaxation 🏖️
🌊 Turquoise Waters: Marathi Beach is renowned for its stunningly clear, turquoise waters, which are perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and simply admiring the mesmerizing colors of the Aegean Sea.
🏖️ Soft Sandy Shore: The beach features a small, sheltered cove with soft golden sand, providing a comfortable and inviting space for visitors to relax, sunbathe, and enjoy the beautiful coastal surroundings.
🍴 Fresh Seafood Delights: The beachside taverna at Marathi Beach is known for its delicious, fresh seafood dishes, prepared with locally-caught fish and served with a side of stunning sea views.
☀️ Sunset Spectacle: The west-facing orientation of Marathi Beach means that visitors can enjoy spectacular sunset views, with the sun sinking into the sea and painting the sky in a breathtaking array of colors.
🚗 Easy Accessibility: Despite its secluded feel, Marathi Beach is easily accessible by car, with a convenient parking area located just a short walk from the beach, making it a great option for those looking to escape the crowds without venturing too far off the beaten path.
Best Hotels Near Marathi Beach 🏨
- Villa Marathi – Located near Marathi Beach, Villa Marathi offers luxurious accommodation with sea views and a private beach area. The property features a swimming pool, a spa, and multiple dining options, making it one of the best choices for a relaxing getaway on the western coast of Crete.
- Angela Apartments – Situated near Marathi Beach, Angela Apartments offers modern accommodation with a balcony and garden views. The property features air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi and private parking, making it an ideal base for exploring the western coast of Crete.
- Seaview Eleutheria Suite – Located near Marathi Beach, Seaview Eleutheria Suite offers comfortable rooms with sea views and a private beach area. The property features a restaurant, a bar, and easy access to the calm and clear waters of Marathi.
15. Glyka Nera Beach – Best Beach for Seclusion 🏝️
🌊 Freshwater Springs: Glyka Nera Beach is famous for the freshwater springs that bubble up from the pebbles and mix with the salty sea, creating a unique and refreshing swimming experience.
🏝️ Secluded Paradise: Accessible only by boat or on foot, Glyka Nera Beach offers a sense of seclusion and tranquility that is hard to find on more popular beaches, making it a true hidden gem of the Cretan coast.
🌿 Lush Natural Surroundings: The beach is backed by towering cliffs and lush greenery, creating a stunning natural backdrop that enhances the overall sense of beauty and serenity.
🧺 Picnic Paradise: With its secluded location and stunning natural surroundings, Glyka Nera Beach is the perfect spot for a romantic picnic or a peaceful day of relaxation and reconnection with nature.
🌊 Pebble Beach Charm: Unlike many of Crete’s sandy beaches, Glyka Nera features a unique pebble shore, with smooth, round stones that create a picturesque and tactile landscape that is perfect for lounging and soaking up the sun.
Best Hotels Near Glyka Nera Beach 🏨
- Aradena Traditional Houses – Located near Glyka Nera Beach, Aradena Traditional Houses offers comfortable rooms with sea views and a private beach area. The property features a restaurant, a bar, and easy access to the secluded and tranquil atmosphere of Glyka Nera.
- Platanos Rooms – Situated near Glyka Nera Beach, Platanos Rooms offers modern accommodation with a balcony and garden views. The property features air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi and private parking, making it an ideal base for exploring the southern coast of Crete.
- Oikia Phuntikake – Located near Glyka Nera Beach, Oikia Phuntikake offers comfortable rooms with sea views and a private beach area. The property features a restaurant, a bar, and easy access to the calm and clear waters of Glyka Nera.
FAQs about Trip to Best Beaches in Crete ❔
Which part of Crete has the best beaches?
The region of Chania in western Crete is known for having some of the best beaches on the island, such as Elafonissi, Balos, and Falasarna.
What is the nicest part of Crete to stay in?
Chania is considered by many to be the most beautiful and charming place to stay in Crete, especially for first-time visitors. It offers a picturesque old town, great restaurants, and easy access to top attractions and beaches.
Which part of Crete is most beautiful?
The Chania region in northwestern Crete is often regarded as the most beautiful part of the island, known for its stunning beaches, dramatic gorges like Samaria, charming villages, and the scenic old town of Chania itself.
What is the nicest beach town in Crete?
Chania is frequently mentioned as the prettiest beach town and best place to stay in Crete, with its lovely Venetian harbor, historic architecture, great food scene, and proximity to incredible beaches.
