Crete's beaches: The 10 most beautiful highlights for your dream vacation

Created: 04/14/2022, 14:55

By: Larissa Strohbusch

Discover the beautiful beaches of Crete.

© Imago

Crete has a varied landscape to offer.

The island has some beautiful beaches for all tastes - from relaxed to adventurous.

Crete is one of the most popular holiday destinations for Germans: In addition to picturesque old towns, the Greek island offers a varied landscape and beautiful beaches for paddling, relaxing or for sporting activities.

Which bays should holidaymakers not miss?

The ten most beautiful beaches in Crete: highlights in the north

In the north of the island is the capital city of Heraklion, as well as the popular holiday destinations of Rethymno and Chania.

But also one or the other dream beach can be visited on this side of the island.

The three most beautiful beaches in the north of Crete:

Caribbean-white sand awaits vacationers at Balos Beach.

© Nicolas Economou/Imago

Balos Beach:

Adventurously located behind hills, the beach of Balos enchants.

It boasts Caribbean-white sand and a beautiful lagoon with ankle-deep water for splashing about.

Sporty people can reach the beach after a thirty-minute walk.

If you like it more relaxed, take the ferry from Kissamos.

Falasarna at sunset.

© Imago

Falassarna:

It is one of the largest beaches on the island, which attracts tourists without getting too crowded.

Gentle waves and shallow pools make Falassarna Beach perfect for children.

But athletes also get their money's worth here.

The beach is about an hour from Chania and is easily accessible by car.

The sandy beach of Rethymno is not far from the old town of the same name.

© Nicolas Economou/Imago

Rethymnon Beach:

The beach of Rethymno is perfect for the easygoing - it is located directly at the beautiful old town.

Nevertheless, it is very spacious and just as perfect for long days by the sea as for leisurely walks.

With a bit of luck, holidaymakers can spot the loggerhead turtles that lay their eggs in the area.

Also read:

Crete's most beautiful beaches in the south

Steep cliffs and a breathtaking landscape give the south of the island its very special charm.

Here holidaymakers can also discover impressive beaches - from secluded bays to palm groves.

You will find these seven beaches in the south of Crete:

Straw parasols stand on Elafonissi Beach in Crete.

© imago-images

Elafonissi:

On the southwestern tip of Crete is Elafonissi - the perfect place for families.

The children can romp around in the shallow water while the parents enjoy the peace and quiet.

The special feature is the slightly pink-colored sand, which is caused by broken shells.

The beach is a nature reserve because many animals nest here.

Therefore there is no gastronomy.

Sun, sand and sea: The coast in southern Crete, here near Matala, is also popular.

© Imago

Matala:

This place used to be a popular meeting place for hippies who camped in the prehistoric caves.

These are now listed monuments, but are still an impressive sight.

The Agiofarago beach is characterized by its particular location.

© Imago

Agiofarago:

If you value the good scenery and an adventurous excursion more than relaxation, you shouldn't miss Agiofarago Beach.

The beach is located at the exit of a picturesque gorge and can only be reached on foot or by boat.

There, visitors can expect a romantic pebble beach and an Instagrammable rock arch in the water.

There is no gastronomy here.

But at the end of the gorge there is an old chapel from whose well hikers can draw drinking water.

Preveli beach is crowded in summer.

© Imago

Preveli:

Not far from Rethymno lies the amazing beach of Preveli.

Here the Megas Potamos river flows into the sea, lined with palm trees, giving the beach an African flair.

Families can swim in the shallow waters or stroll along the river.

The area is a conservation area, but there are still a few restaurants and bars.

You want it quiet?

Then Mirtos beach is the place for you.

© Imago

Mirtos:

Behind the small village of Mirtos lies the beach of the same name.

This former hippie paradise is a real insider tip for everyone who likes it quiet.

Protected from the wind, holidaymakers can relax here in the free loungers.

Also Read:

Sunbathing right next to a castle: Frangokastello is a unique beach in Crete.

© Imago

Frangokastello Beach:

Beach, Nature or Sightseeing?

This question does not arise here.

The quiet beach with its shallow water is a nice place for family outings.

There is an old castle right on the beach, behind which a magnificent mountain backdrop towers into the sky. 

The beach of Glyka Nera is a bit secluded - but beautiful.

© Imago

Glyka Nera Beach:

Sure-footed adventurers should not miss Glyka Nera Beach.

This can only be reached via a steep hiking trail or the waterway.

In return, he welcomes hikers at the end with a clean pebble beach and deep blue water.

Visitors can get provisions in a tavern.