Crete isn’t just a summer destination for us—it’s home. I lived on this stunning island for five years, and as a tour guide, I had the chance to show travelers some of Crete’s most iconic beaches like Balos, Elafonissi, and Falassarna—places that truly take your breath away.
But when the tours ended and the backpacks were packed away, my blog partner Natassa and I would set off to discover the other side of Crete’s coastline. Off the map, off the radar—where only locals or the occasional curious traveler wander. Over the years, we explored countless hidden coves, sandy stretches, and pebble shores, often with our kids in tow.
Today, Natassa still lives in Crete and continues to explore beaches with her family. We often share her gorgeous photos and travel tips across our social channels—and many of those gems made it into this list too.
In this post, we’re sharing our 12 Best Beaches of Crete, a mix of world-famous favorites and personal discoveries. Whether you’re planning your first trip or coming back for more, these are the beaches that have truly left a mark on us—and we think they’ll do the same for you.
Read also: Tips for the Best Beach Holiday with Kids
📍 1. Balos Lagoon (Gramvousa)
Balos is the kind of place that looks like it’s been photoshopped. With its bright turquoise waters, pink-tinged sand, and wild, remote setting, it’s one of the best beaches of Crete. It is also in the top 10 Accessible by boat or a hike, it’s well worth the effort—just be sure to arrive early before the crowds.
📍 2. Elafonissi
Famous for its unique pink sand and shallow lagoon-like waters, Elafonissi is a paradise for families with young children. The water is warm, calm, and clear—perfect for paddling and playing. While it’s popular, it’s also spacious, so you can always find your own little spot.
📍 3. Falassarna
One of the largest beaches on the island, Falassarna is all about space and sunsets. The golden sand stretches on for what feels like forever, and the waves are fun for older kids who like to splash or try a bit of bodyboarding.
📍 4. Vai Beach
This beach in the Lassithi province is famous for the natural palm forest that backs it—the largest in Europe! The vibe here is tropical, the waters are crystal clear, and there are plenty of facilities for families. Great for snorkeling and photo ops. Not to be missed if you are looking for one of the best beaches of Crete at the Eastern part of the island.
📍 5. Preveli Beach
Located on the south coast near a historic monastery, Preveli offers a dramatic setting where a river meets the sea, lined with palm trees. You can reach it by foot or boat, and it feels like a true adventure. We loved visiting this one with our teens.
📍 6. Seitan Limania
A narrow beach tucked between steep cliffs, this one’s more for adventurous families with older kids. The hike down is short but steep, and the view from above is just incredible. The waters here are electric blue and so refreshing!
Hidden Gems: Lesser-Known Beaches We Love
📍 7. Kedrodasos
Just a short drive from Elafonissi, Kedrodasos is often overlooked by visitors. It’s wild, peaceful, and lined with juniper trees that offer natural shade. The sand is soft, the water is perfect, and it feels like a secret.
📍 8. Almyros Beach (near Agios Nikolaos)
A family favorite of ours! It’s calm, sandy, and has shallow waters that are ideal for little swimmers. There’s also a small river flowing into the sea, which kids love exploring. Local families come here, so it feels very authentic.
📍 9. Agiofarago Beach
You reach this beach via a short hike through a gorge—a fun little adventure. I used to do this as a tour guide. The landscape always reminded me of something from another planet. The beach at the end is quiet, scenic, and often empty even in summer. Ideal for a family day out with older kids who enjoy walking and nature.
📍 10. Tripiti Beach (southern Crete)
Far off the tourist track in Gavdos, this beach is raw, rugged, and beautiful. You’ll likely have it all to yourself. There are no facilities, but we always brought a picnic and made a day of it. Total freedom!
📍11. Old Vienna and Krios Beach, Paleochora
Old Vienna and Krios Beach, located near Paleochora in Crete, offer a unique blend of history and natural beauty. The beach itself is a secluded cove with clear waters, perfect for swimming and snorkeling. Nearby, the ancient ruins of the city of Vienna, including marble columns and remnants of a temple, provide a fascinating glimpse into the past.
📍12. Ag. Apostoloi
Agii Apostoli beach, near Chania in Greece, is a scenic and family-friendly sandy beach nestled in a deep cove and is known to be the home of Natassa. This area is worth checking out for a vacation as it’s a nice place for swimming, sunbathing, and has several eateries nearby. The beach is approximately 4 kilometers from Chania.
Crete’s Year-Round Beach Paradise
Did you know that Crete enjoys a wonderfully mild climate, making its beaches enjoyable throughout the year. Even in the shoulder seasons and winter months, sunny days are common, allowing for pleasant walks along the shore and moments of relaxation.
Today we went on a hike at Ag. Apostoloi from the less popular side , more wild and steep but safe and more interesting! The views are amazing and there’s hardly any people there. Love this couch. With view to the sea.
Read also: Anastasia’s Family Friendly Crete
Crete is full of postcard-worthy beaches, but it’s also rich in hidden corners and quiet shores waiting to be discovered. Whether you’re here for the icons or the secrets, we hope this guide helps you fall in love with Crete’s coast, just like we did.
If you’ve visited any of these or have your own favorites, let us know in the comments or tag us on Instagram—we’d love to share your beach moments!
