Find Your Perfect Beach in Crete

Agia Marina lies about 9–10 km west of Chania along the northern coast of Crete, forming part of a continuous sandy stretch also including Stalos and Platanias. The beach is wide and long, offering golden sand, shallow entry zones, and scenic views — including the islets of Thodoroi offshore.

Agiofaraggo (also Agiofarago) lies on Crete’s southern coast in Heraklion region, at the mouth of the dramatic gorge of the same name. To reach the beach, visitors hike through the gorge passing caves, a small church (Agios Antonios), and steep cliffs before arriving at a secluded cove. The setting is wild, rugged and scenic, with vertical cliffs framing the beach and a natural rock arch to swim under.

Almyrida is a resort beach on the Apokoronas peninsula east of Chania, with shallow protected water and a long sandy shore that suits families and swimmers of all levels. The village behind the beach has cafes, tavernas, and water-sports operators offering windsurfing, SUP and small-boat rental.

Anidri is a quiet, semi-remote cove east of Paleochora on Crete’s southern coast. It lies along a stretch that includes Gialiskari and is accessed via narrow roads and sometimes by hiking through the nearby Anidri Gorge. The beach offers a peaceful escape, dramatic coastal scenery, and clear waters.

Bali is a resort village between Heraklion and Rethymno, set around four small protected coves that together form one of the most photogenic stretches of north coast of Crete. Each cove (Limani, Varkotopos, Karavostasi and Evita) has its own character, from organized family beach to quieter swimming bay.

Balos is a spectacular coastal lagoon on the Gramvousa Peninsula, in northwestern Crete (Chania region). Its pale coral-white and pink sand, shallow turquoise waters, and wild surrounding landscape make it one of Crete’s iconic natural beaches. The lagoon is separated by sandy bars and islets, giving a dreamy, otherworldly feel.

Chrissi (also Chrysi or Gaidouronisi) is an uninhabited island in the Libyan Sea south of Ierapetra, reached by daily seasonal boat from the Crete mainland. A protected nature reserve with shallow tropical-looking water, pristine pale sand and pink shell fragments, and a juniper forest behind the beach.

Damnoni is a small sandy cove just east of Plakias on the south coast of Crete in Rethymno region, set between two rocky headlands with clear shallow water and views toward the Libyan Sea. The main beach has umbrellas and a couple of tavernas, and smaller adjoining coves (Mikro Damnoni and Ammoudi) are reachable on foot for those seeking more seclusion.

Elafonissi (or Elafonisi) is a spectacular coastal gem on Crete’s southwestern tip, known for its shallow turquoise lagoons, sandbars, and patches of pink sand derived from crushed shells. The beach is partly separated by a narrow sand strip from a small islet, which becomes walkable at low tide. It’s a protected natural area, combining lagoon calmness, scenic dunes, and a wild, dreamy atmosphere.