Maleme beach is sandy and the wider area is touristic. Next to the beach you will find all necessary amenities. If you are looking for a remote place to swim, you can find a quieter part of the beach at its west end, next to the old military airport.

Kokkinos Pirgos (i.e. Red Tower) is located 67km west of Heraklion and close to the town of Tymbaki. The name is taken after the tower that was there and was built with reddish soil. The purpose of this tower at this point is still unknown. It is the seaside village of Timbaki, home of the port of the region and developed touristically.

The seaside resort of Kalamaki is located 6km west of Chania and is the seaside part of Galatas village. Galatas is located in a fertile plain with citrus and olive groves.

In front of the big tamarisk trees of the square Kitroplatia there is a small beach with sand and pebbles in places. Here you will find umbrellas and showers. Next to it there are many options for accommodation, food and drink. It is a perfect choice for children and anyone looking for a beautiful and clean beach, close to all amenities of a city.

In Xerokampos the landscape is arid and truly eerie, characterized by bare rocks and steep mountains. The vegetation is limited to bushes and there are some places with a few olive groves. A small tourist destination has started developing during the last years, especially after the roads were paved with asphalt.

Ammoudi is located just 1km north of Agios Nikolaos city centre, in a large and well protected bay. It is a small sandy beach with shallow waters, which is preferred both by locals and visitors. It is hidden among large tamarisk trees and picturesque buildings, offering many options for accommodation and eating around. The beach has also water sport facilities.

1km south of the village Agios Ioannis lies the Long Beach of St. John that has a length of 5km, being one of the longest in Crete. This wide quiet beach the characteristic wonderful coarse grayish sand of southern Crete, which in the sea turns to fine sand. This is an interesting detail, because although you walk on the fine sand in the sea, when you get out your feet is clean because you step on the fine pebbles.

The beach is artificial and is formed in a narrow bay, which is very well protected from the winds. Only easterly winds could affect the area, but they are very rare in Crete. The beach has fine white sand, making the colors of the sea stunning. It is very well organized, because it is operated by the luxurious local hotel.