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.

Order the book
Order the book

Get inspired

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.

Goudouras beach

Goudouras beach

1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 Rating 1.46 (207 Votes)
The village has faced a very mild touristic development, which makes it a very quiet destination even in August. Along the seaside village road stretches a large pebbly beach with clean and cool water, not very well organised, although there are some places with umbrellas and taverns nearby. After swimming you can enjoy the famous local fish.

Read more ...

Vigglia Beach

Vigglia Beach

1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 Rating 1.49 (295 Votes)
The beach starts from the church “Madonna of the Harbor”, near the port of Kissamos, and extends along a 2km shore with coves, up to Kaliviani. Vigglia has coarse sand and crystal clear waters. In some parts, the sand is interrupted by a few pebbles and rocks.

Read more ...

Kalamokanias beach

Kalamokanias beach

1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 Rating 3.82 (143 Votes)
Kalamokanias is located 57km southeast of Agios Nikolaos and 22km east of Ierapetra, on the west side of Makrigialos settlement. It is located on the west side of the hill that rises behind the harbor area. It takes its name after the migratory bird stilt (Himantopus himantopus) that has red legs and body reminding of a miniature stork and stops in the local streams.

Read more ...

Pantanassa beach

Pantanassa beach

1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 Rating 1.93 (188 Votes)
Pantanassa is located 12km west of Heraklion and takes its name after the homonym monastery, dedicated to Virgin Mary. The beach is next to the port of Pantanassa, which was built a few years ago. Before the port, Pantanassa was a fantastic beach, hidden by a small pine forest and with crystal clear waters. Now, the port has “cut” the beach in half and Pantanasa has lost its old charm.

Read more ...

Korfalonas beach

Korfalonas beach

1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 Rating 1.10 (309 Votes)
Korfalonas is a nice sandy beach with shallow waters located in the central part of the vast beach that runs from Kissamos to Cape Rodopos. There are a few amenities near the beach, with umbrellas, showers, taverns and hotels included.

Read more ...

Koudoumas beach

Koudoumas beach

1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 Rating 2.14 (203 Votes)
The monastery of Koudoumas is located 74km south of Heraklion, on the western side of Cape Martelos and south of Kofinas Peak (the highest peak of Asterousia Mountains). The whole area is full of cavities where hermits used to live. To reach the monastery, you have to drive in a passable dirt road of 20km, starting from the village Sternes, which descends from an altitude of 1000m to the sea level.

Read more ...

Armenopetra beach

Armenopetra beach

1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 Rating 3.64 (182 Votes)
Armenopetra is located 73km southeast of Heraklion and 5km east of the seaside village of Keratokambos. The beach is situated south of town Kapsali and is one of the most beautiful beaches in the region of Keratokambos. The area is quite dry, as it’s name implies (Kapsali means dry and arid).

Read more ...

Skiadaki beach

Skiadaki beach

1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 Rating 2.87 (203 Votes)
The beach, which is in one of the most isolated areas of the island, has beautiful pebbles and is surrounded by tall vertical cliffs. The beach is mainly accessed by boat, but you could also trek from Agios Nikitas. The surrounding area is ideal for fishing. Moreover, if you come by boat, do not forget to walk in the gorge and admire the rugged landscape, till the dead end with falls that get dry in summer.

Read more ...

Download Free Premium Joomla Templates • FREE High-quality Joomla! Designs BIGtheme.net