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.

Kamarelles beach at Koufonissi

Kamarelles beach at Koufonissi

1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 Rating 3.61 (179 Votes)
Kamarelles Beach, opposite the small islet of Marmaro and next to the ancient Roman Theatre, is an amazing sandy beach. It is very interesting to watch ancient pillars while snorkeling! On the south end of the beach, we meet two impressive natural arches, called Kamarelles.

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Papadiokambos beach

Papadiokambos beach

1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 Rating 1.02 (166 Votes)
Papadiokambos is located 12km west of Sitia and 59km east of Agios Nikolaos, west of Cape Trahilos and near the Monastery of Faneromeni (in Skopi area). It can be accessed via a good dirt road. In Papadiokambos you’ll meet a long beach with large stones and rocks. In some places a few bays with pebbles are formed, where you can swim.

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Gela beach

Gela beach

1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 Rating 1.72 (153 Votes)
Gela (or Tigania) is located at a rocky and pebbly coast of north Crete, quite protected by westerly winds. It is located around 58km east of Agios Nikolaos and 26km west of Sitia, close to Mesa Mouliana village.

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Spinalonga Beach

Spinalonga Beach

1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 Rating 2.67 (9 Votes)
The history of Spinalonga is well known to most of us, but what is really unknown is that there is a beautiful beach to enjoy a cooling bath, on the southwest part of the island. The visitor can relax below the several tamarisk trees on the beach and swim with the amazing backdrop of the fortress and the views to the opposite peninsula of Kolokitha.

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Astropelekita beach

Astropelekita beach

1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 Rating 4.13 (4 Votes)
On the E4 European trail that connects Sougia and Paleochora we meet the astonishing tiny beach of Astropelekita. We meet this beach to the east of Plaka stony cape and before starting ascending to Flomos Cape for reaching Lissos. This cove is a great chance to have a cooling bath while hiking the E4 trail.

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Amatos beach

Amatos beach

1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 Rating 2.79 (179 Votes)
The first beach of Xerokambos (on the west) is the harbor of Amatos. A natural harbor with calm waters is formed there with several boats. The remote beach is pebbly and is ideal for fishing. There are 2-3 tamarisk trees and a ramp for launching boats. The road leading to the harbor from the settlement of Xerokambos is an accessible dirt road. From here starts the path to the beach of Agia Irini.

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Skotini beach

Skotini beach

1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 Rating 2.10 (181 Votes)
To reach the beach you can walk into the small canyon, until you meet the sea. From Finokalias follow the short path that leads northwards, until you see the bed of the gorge. While walking along this, you will cross one beautiful and wild landscape with bare rocks, low vegetation and numerous spices and herbs.

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Skaria beaches

Skaria beaches

1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 Rating 0.78 (174 Votes)
East of the main beach of Hiona, there are several small coves, where you can find a quiet place to swim alone and nude. The first sandy beach is called Bondalaki. Continuing driving along a bad dirt track to the esat, you will soon meet several coves with pebbles and enjoy the eerie landscape with gorges and wild mounts in the background. The last cove is Skaria and is the easternmost beach of Crete. It is highly affected by the sea currents (there is a lot of rubbish). The previous beach, Pilos, is formed in clay ground and is ideal for seclusion.

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