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.

Balos lagoon

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Balos Lagoon lies between the Gramvousa peninsula and Cape Tigani in northwestern Crete. It is known for its shallow turquoise water and pale sand. It can be reached by excursion boat from Kissamos or via the dirt road from Kaliviani, followed by a walk down to the beach.

Preveli palmbeach

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Preveli Palm Beach, also known as Lake Preveli or Finikas, lies at the mouth of the Megas Potamos on the southern coast of Rethymno. The palm grove reaches almost to the sand. Two footpaths lead to the beach, one from the road to Preveli Monastery to the west and the other from Drymiskiano Ammoudi to the east.

Elafonissi beach

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At the southwestern tip of Crete, a shallow channel separates Elafonissi Beach from the islet opposite. Turquoise water and patches of pink sand line the shore, while coastal junipers and sea daffodils grow on the protected dunes.

Matala beach

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Matala, on Crete’s south coast, is known for the caves carved into the cliff above the beach. The ancient tombs became a temporary home for hippies in the 1960s and 1970s. From the sandy beach, the caves are visible at one end of the bay and the Paximadia islets lie offshore.

Falassarna Beach

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At Falassarna, on Crete’s west coast, the wide sandy beach of Pachia Ammos is flanked by smaller beaches and rocky coves. Pale sand gives the water its turquoise shades, and the coast faces west towards the open sea. The remains of the ancient harbour lie at the northern end of the bay.

Kedrodasos beach

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Kedrodasos is a beach with no visitor facilities in southwestern Crete, east of Elafonisi. White sand alternates with smooth rock slabs along the shore, with juniper-covered dunes behind it. A footpath leads down from the car park, and the E4 European trail passes along the beach.

Vai palmgrove

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At the northeastern tip of Crete, the Vai palm forest reaches almost to the sandy beach. It is home to Europe’s largest natural stand of Cretan date palms. Behind the beach, the palms, springs and wet grassland are all part of the same coastal wetland.

Livadi beach at Bali

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Livadi is the largest beach in Bali and the first you reach on entering the village. The main sandy beach has seasonal facilities, while the two small coves of Kouskouras at its eastern end have no facilities.

Beaches

Echoes of Blue

Chania

Rethymnon

Heraklion

Lassithi

Beaches

Balos lagoon

Preveli palmbeach

Elafonissi beach

Matala beach

Falassarna Beach

Kedrodasos beach

Vai palmgrove

Livadi beach at Bali