From the dunes of Lafonissi and Xerokambos to the tropical shores of Kedrodasos and Chrissi, from the hidden beaches in the wild gorges of Sfakia and Asteroussia to the emerald bays of Triopetra and Plakias, from Balos and Elounda lagoons to the palm groves of Preveli and Vai, from piney beaches of Ierapetra to the long organized strands of the northern coasts, Crete offers the ultimate combination of carefree holidays and natural beauty, which can be finely reflected on its beaches.
Platanias beach 
The seaside village of Platanias is located 11km west of Chania. The wider area has faced a great development during the last decades and now is actually a suburb of Chania. The village is built on a hillside with fantastic view. During summer nights, the great clubs in the area host thousands of people, both Greeks and foreigners, who dance until dawn.
Melissa Cape Sandhills 
One of the best kept secrets in Rethymno aside from Akoumiani Gialia or more popularly known as Triopetra beach to tourists and locals alike, are the breathtaking Melissa Cape Sandhills, by Agios Pavlos, which is considered as among the best beaches in Crete.
Aspri Limni (i.e. White Lake) is one of the most gorgeous beaches in Crete, that almost nobody knows. This is a small secret beach, located 500m west of Chrysoskalitissa monastery and 70km southwest of Chania. Thousands of visitors are attracted by the nearby exotic Elafonissi lagoon, but actually nobody has heard of this magnificent neighboring place.
Menies or Diktynna is located 45km northwest of Chania, on the northeastern shores of Cape Rodopos and at the exit of Foundas Gorge. It is a lovely secluded beach with pebbles and deep crystal blue waters.
The Golden Beach (greek: Hrissi Akti) is located 2.5km west of Chania and a few meters east of Agii Apostoli. It actually consists of two sandy beaches separated by a small hill. The west cove is the main Golden Beach and the east one is called Aptera beach.
Kaminaki beach 
Kaminaki Beach is located 58km south of Heraklion, in the southeastern outskirts of Asterousia Mountains. The surrounding mountains form a purely Cretan landscape, with inaccessible gorges, bare rocks, steep cliffs and remote beaches accessible only on boat. The beach of Kaminaki is formed at the exit of the wild Perivoliano Gorge.
Kato Gouves (or simply Gouves) is a popular holiday resort located 18km east of Heraklion, in the foothills of Mount Ederi. In the past, the valley of Kato Gouves was cultivated by the residents of the village Ano Gouves with vegetables, olives and cereals.
The beautiful beach Domata is located 7km east of Sougia and 58km south of Chania, at position Tseses. The beach is the ending point of the wild and rugged gorge of Klados.
