Best beaches in Crete – Lonely Planet

Crete has some of Greece’s best sandy beaches – many far from developed areas, so you can truly enjoy a remote holiday on the sand.

Although almost every main beach gets busy in July and August, you can usually walk just a few minutes away to find a patch of heaven sans crowds. With a few notable exceptions, the water at Crete’s beaches is usually calm and good for swimming and watersports.

Here’s our pick of the top eight beaches in Crete. 

For white sand and panoramic views, head to Elafonisi

Sparkling white sand with a pinkish hue makes Elafonisi a standout in a nation of islands where pebbly, grey beaches are common. Its shallow, azure waters surround an islet just offshore that is an easy walk.

Cliffs, dunes and semi-secluded coves are highlights here. Beat the summer crowds by walking 1km (0.6 miles) along the coastal trail east to Kedrodasos Beach. Otherwise, climb the dunes on the islet for panoramic views of this entire magical spot.

In summer, there’s no shortage of refreshments, and you’ll find umbrella, lounger and gear rentals on the main beach. Infrequent ferries link Elafonisi to beaches to the east along the southwest coast. Venture further afield for more solitude, or come in the off-season when the water dazzles with myriad points of light and the only sounds are the wind and waves.

Get off the beaten track with a trip to Balos

The drive alone to the beaches at Balos makes a visit here a must. The remote Gramvousa Peninsula on the far northwest tip of Crete boasts cliffside views and wild rocky terrain.

Lagoons surround the main beach with shallow waters brimming with tiny, darting fish and cagy shellfish. There are two easily reached islets right offshore (walk through the placid waters): Agria (wild) and Imeri (tame). The latter includes the ruins of a 16th-century Venetian fortress that has great views across the beaches and lagoons. Services here are few beyond umbrella and lounger rentals.

Just getting to Balos is an adventure. By road, you need 4WD to navigate the 12km (7.5 miles) dirt track from the village of Kalyviani. From a tiny car park with a snack stand, it’s a 1.2km (0.7 miles) hike down the sandy cliffs to the beach. An even better option is the day-trip boat from Kissamos, which includes a few scenic…