Explore Crete

Beaches

Echoes of Blue – a photographic guide to the beaches of Crete
Photographic Guide

Echoes of Blue

A unique journey through the beaches of Crete, with images that capture the island’s light, colours and natural beauty.

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With around 1,000 kilometres of coastline,
Mediterranean-scented scenery is entwined with Crete’s
outdoorsy way of life.

20 Top beaches | Tips | Balos | Chrissi | Elafonissi | Vai | Preveli | Agiofarago | Sea Sports | Diving

Beaches

From the dunes of Elafonissi and Xerokambos to the turquoise waters of Kedrodasos and Chrissi, and from the secluded beaches in the wild gorges of Sfakia and the Asterousia Mountains to the sandy shores of Triopetra and Plakias, the coastline of Crete offers exceptional variety. The lagoons of Balos and Elounda, the palm groves of Preveli and Vai, the pine-fringed beaches near Ierapetra, secluded rocky coves and long organised sandy beaches complete the island’s coastal landscape.

Viena Beach (Krios Lake)

Viena Beach (Krios Lake)

1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 Rating 1.86 (436 Votes)
The Lake of Krios or Viena is located 10km west of Paleochora and 90km south of Chania. The beach is on the part of the European footpath E4 that links Paleochora and Elafonisi.

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Agriomandra beach

Agriomandra beach

1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 Rating 4.24 (197 Votes)
To get there you should follow the dirt road that crosses the green meadows west of Kavoussi, known as Lakos Ambelion position, till the entrance to the gorge. From here begins a short path, not particularly difficult, leading after 10 minutes on the beach of Agriomandra. Just before you reach the beach you will see several small caves in the rocks.

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Agios Antonios beach

Agios Antonios beach

1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 Rating 2.78 (214 Votes)
Agios Antonios (St. Anthony) is located 71km south of Heraklion, between the hamlet of Agios Ioannis and the Monastery of Koudoumas. The area is very isolated and can be accessed only via a footpath that connects Agios Ioannis with the monastery. The trail passes between pine trees.

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Kalo Nero beaches

Kalo Nero beaches

1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 Rating 2.67 (205 Votes)
Kalo Nero is located close to Kapsa Monastery, 68km south of Agios Nikolaos and 33km east of Ierapetra, in one of the most rugged areas of eastern Crete. It is a small village at the outlet of a small, but inaccessible, rocky canyon. You will see the church of Panagia (1881), around which the inhabitants of the mountainous village Pervolakia built buildings to stay, when they brought their cattle to graze here. The church was built on the remains of an older chapel, owned by Kapsa Monastery, which was built in 1461.

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Trafoulas beach

Trafoulas beach

1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 Rating 3.89 (148 Votes)
Trafoulas or Dragon Bay is located 4km east of Lendas and 69km south of Heraklion. It is a completely isolated beach of south Crete, which is formed at the exit of a small canyon on the Cape Trafoulas or Trahilas. According to the legend, this beach was visited by King Minos and his men, while the neighbouring Loutra beach was the bathing beach of Minos's wife, Pasiphae, and her female followers.

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Agios Nikitas beach

Agios Nikitas beach

1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 Rating 3.53 (194 Votes)
The most common way to get there is to drive in the rugged dirt road that starts from the village Ahendrias and ends at the Monastery of St. Nikitas after 15km. The fascinating route runs along steep cliffs and wild sharp rocks, a characteristic landscape of the Asterousia Mountains.

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Listis beach

Listis beach

1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 Rating 3.67 (195 Votes)
Listis is located 69km southeast of Iraklion, between Kastri (2km western) and Tsoutsouras. The street linking Kastri and Tsoutsouras passes next to the beach. However, in order to get to the beach you should descend a steep slope. Alternatively, you can get off at the next beach of Kamboula and walk eastwards. Whichever way you choose, it definitely is worth it.

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Fodele beach

Fodele beach

1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 Rating 2.63 (166 Votes)
Fodele beach is located 26km northwest of Heraklion and just 3km north of the village Fodele, which is believed to be the birthplace of the painter Domenikos Theotokopoulos, mainly known as El Greco. The National Road connecting Heraklion and Chania passes beside the beach.

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