Discover beaches across Crete, from the coves near Hersonissos to the island’s southern and western shores.
Limanakia near Hersonissos
Small coves with sandy, pebbly and rocky stretches near Hersonissos.
Location: Hersonissos, north Crete
Sea water colour: Blue and green
Sand type: Sand, fine pebbles and rocks
Depth: Varies across the beach
Sea surface: Depends on weather and sea conditions
Crowds: Vary by season and time of day
Facilities: Check locally before visiting
Other information: Follow local signs and respect protected areas
Accessibility: Road access to the area; walking or steps may be needed
Matala Beach
A south-coast bay known for its cliffside caves and seaside village.
Location: Matala, south Crete
Sea water colour: Blue and green
Sand type: Sand and fine pebbles
Depth: Varies across the beach
Sea surface: Depends on weather and sea conditions
Crowds: Vary by season and time of day
Facilities: Check locally before visiting
Other information: Follow local signs and respect protected areas
Accessibility: Road access to Matala
Preveli Beach
A beach where the river, palm grove and southern sea meet.
Location: Rethymno, south Crete
Sea water colour: Blue
Sand type: Sand
Depth: Varies across the beach
Sea surface: Depends on weather and sea conditions
Crowds: Vary by season and time of day
Facilities: Check locally before visiting
Other information: Follow local signs and respect protected areas
Accessibility: Check walking routes and current access arrangements
Vai Palm Beach
A sandy beach beside the palm forest in eastern Crete.
Location: Sitia area, east Crete
Sea water colour: Blue and green
Sand type: Sand and fine pebbles
Depth: Varies across the beach
Sea surface: Depends on weather and sea conditions
Crowds: Vary by season and time of day
Facilities: Check locally before visiting
Other information: Follow local signs and respect protected areas
Accessibility: Road access to the visitor area
Elafonisi
A lagoon landscape with pale sand in southwestern Crete.
Location: Chania, southwest Crete
Sea water colour: Turquoise
Sand type: Pale sand
Depth: Varies across the beach
Sea surface: Depends on weather and sea conditions
Crowds: Vary by season and time of day
Facilities: Check locally before visiting
Other information: Follow local signs and respect protected areas
Accessibility: Plan the long journey from Stalis and check current access arrangements
Balos
A lagoon and coastal landscape in the Kissamos area.
Location: Kissamos, west Crete
Sea water colour: Turquoise
Sand type: Pale sand
Depth: Varies across the beach
Sea surface: Depends on weather and sea conditions
Crowds: Vary by season and time of day
Facilities: Check locally before visiting
Other information: Follow local signs and respect protected areas
Accessibility: Check organised boat options and current access restrictions
Falassarna Beach
A broad sandy beach on the western coast of Crete.
Location: Kissamos, west Crete
Sea water colour: Turquoise
Sand type: Sand with rocks in places
Depth: Varies across the beach
Sea surface: Depends on weather and sea conditions
Crowds: Vary by season and time of day
Facilities: Check locally before visiting
Other information: Follow local signs and respect protected areas
Accessibility: Road access to the area
Chrissi Island
An island off Ierapetra known for its coastal scenery and protected natural environment.
Location: Off Ierapetra, south Crete
Sea water colour: Turquoise
Sand type: Pale sand
Depth: Varies across the beach
Sea surface: Depends on weather and sea conditions
Crowds: Vary by season and time of day
Facilities: Check locally before visiting
Other information: Follow local signs and respect protected areas
Accessibility: Confirm boat services and landing restrictions before booking
Plakias Beach
A sandy bay beside the village of Plakias on the south coast.
Location: Rethymno, south Crete
Sea water colour: Blue
Sand type: Sand
Depth: Varies across the beach
Sea surface: Depends on weather and sea conditions
Crowds: Vary by season and time of day
Facilities: Check locally before visiting
Other information: Follow local signs and respect protected areas
Accessibility: Road access to Plakias
Voulisma Beach
A sandy bay in Istron, near Agios Nikolaos.
Location: Istron, east Crete
Sea water colour: Turquoise
Sand type: Pale sand
Depth: Varies across the beach
Sea surface: Depends on weather and sea conditions
Crowds: Vary by season and time of day
Facilities: Check locally before visiting
Other information: Follow local signs and respect protected areas
Accessibility: Road access to the area
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