Best beaches on Crete
Discover the best beaches in Crete, including Vai Palm Beach, Elafonisi, Falassarna, Triopetra, Agios Pavlos Sandhills, and Voulisma. Find out how to get there, what to expect, and why these stunning Cretan beaches are a must-visit.
Crete is well-known for its outstanding beaches. There are literally hundreds but a few of them stand out as being extra special. One such beach can be found on the extreme east of the island, after the small town of Sitia.
Vai Beach
Looking at the large palm grove at Vai beach you could be mistaken for thinking you have landed in some far-flung exotic location. Infact this area was made famous in the early 1970's when an advertisment for the popular coconut Bounty bar was filmed here. Visitors to the beach will therefore be surprised when they discover that there are actually no coconuts hanging from the palm trees but instead the trees produce dates (which although are highly nutritious are not as exotic as coconuts which we associate with some desert island). Having said that, with over 5000 palm trees this is the largest collection in Europe. The beach gets its name from the word "Vai" which is derived from the Greek word meaning "palm". It is said that the trees evolved from discarded date stones thrown into the sea so many centuries ago.
As you can imagine this advert for a chocolate bar made the beach a much sought-after destination. After all it promised a place of paradise with its off-white sand and turquoise waters encircled on the shore line with those exquisite palm trees. The area soon become a mecca for backpackers from all over Europe.
Nowadays the beach is slightly more organized and offers beach umbrellas and sun loungers which can be rented and for water lovers of course there are various water sports on offer. There are even showers available to wash the sand off before you leave and changing lockers a short distance from the beach. Although the palm grove has become a protected area by the Forestry Service, visitors can still find something to eat and drink as there are food canteens nearby. Also a small restaurant and cafeteria add to your selection of what and where to eat.
For a few euros you can leave your car / motorbike in the nearby car park.
As to be expected Vai Beach is extremely popular and during the peak season in summer you should be prepared for plenty of other tourists. Perhaps a visit in Spring or as the season ends would be advisable. For a good photo opportunity and those not afraid of a small walk, climb up the steps at the side of the beach and from this view point you have a panoramic view of the beach and the palm grove. As a protected forest camping is strictly forbidden as is the lighting of fires and any other activity deemed a danger to the environment.
How to get to Vai
As we said before, the beach is located on the far east of the island after the town of Sitia. From Heraklion taking the 'new' national highway you will travel towards Hersonissos, Agios Nikolaos and then Sitia which will take a good two hours and a further 30 minutes to reach Vai Palm Grove Beach. It is quite a long journey but worth every mile. Passing on your way is the Toplou Monastery which is about 6 miles before you encounter the beach. It is not difficult to find, the journey is long but at least you can combine it with a trip along the north east coast of the island.
Agios Pavolos - Melissa Cape Sandhills
Situated south of Rethymno are the extensive and breathtakiing sandhills of Melissa Cape which lead down to an equally impressive stretch of sand bordering a deep blue sea to the south of Crete The sandhills are situated approximately 55 km to the south of Rethymn near Agios Pavolos. The area is relatively secluded and beach lovers can be found in a variety of dress or more commonly a lack of. The sea is quite deep and is bordered by an untamed and breaktaking landscape in the form of huge sandhills. Please note that the beach has only a few umbrellas on offer but there are caves nearby in the sandhills which could provide some much needed shade.
This is probably the best beach in the area of Rethymno and there is also a rich seabed perfect for snorkelling. Due to the west winds the water can get quite choppy but at least the water temperature rarely falls below 15 degrees Celsius even in the winter making it an ideal destination even in the cooler months.
The area offers a tranquil atmosphere and the sunset is not to be missed. A good advantage point can be found directly above the beach if you don't mind an uphill hike to savour what will be an unforgetable sunset. Don't be surprised to find lovers of yoga and other forms of meditation making the most of this peaceful haven.
How to get there
Travelling from Rethymno take the main road south towards Ag. Galini. Look out for the turnings to Triopetra on your right and follow on to Agios Pavlos.
The easiest way to reach the Sandhills is by following the road leading to the west of Triopetra Harbor (Stomio), till you meet the beach in your right hand and the Akoumianos river below you. You can leave your car somewhere there, walk down to the small valley close to the river and then walk a short distance to the beach. Another way is to leave your car in Agios Pavlos and follow the path for about 10 minutes until you reach the western edge of the beach and then all you need is to descend the sandy incline. It might be worth mentioning due to the huge sandhills and dunes it is advisable to wear suitable footwear for walking on hot sand!!
Elafonisi Beach - Hania
Located in the south western-most tip of Crete 76 km from Hania this is one of the "must" locations on Crete to visit. It is actually a long stretch of land broken into pieces by the water. A protected area full of sand dunes with sea daffodils and jupiners. Known for its pink shells and sand it is strictly forbidden to take even a small momento home. The endangered loggerhead sea turtle and other rare animals have been known to take shelter on this "island".
With an array of exoctic beaches and white sand you could be mistaken for thinking you are in the Caribbean. The sea level in many places does not exceed 1m in depth which provides a small lagoon. Due to literally thousands if not millions of crushed shells the sand takes on a pinkish hue in many areas.
The eastern side of the beach which is in front of the lagoon is well organized and has the most people. There are umbrellas, showers, lifeguards, snack bars and changing rooms available. Also, near the beach there is a huge area for parking and a few rooms are available to be let. Indeed, it is no easy feat to get there and many visitors take the opportunity to stay overnight and make the most of this spectacular location. Walking through the shallow waters you can reach the other side of the "island" and here you are rewarded with the most beautiful and attractive azure colours.
The island of Elafonisi has a rich and varying history. From ancient times to occupation by pirates. Its most tragic history is the massacre of nearly 600 civillians which took place at Eastertime in the year 1824. Women and children had taken refuge on the island but were discovered by the Turks. In 1867 the historic ship the Arkadi was destroyed during a battle near Elafonisi. There is even a war memorial to commemorate the fallen. If you talk a walk to the far end of the island you will find an old lighthouse.
How to get there
From Hania it will take you approximately one and a half hours. The journey itself despite the narrow roads full of twists and turns to Elafonisi is itself a pleasure. The amazing landscape is simply stunning and you will pass the rich greenery of villages and the imposing gorge of Topolia. If accommodation at Elafonisi is difficult to find there are many more options available at the nearby Chrisokalitissa village (just 5 km to the north). You can also find plenty of opportunities to eat at the many tavernas located on the road as you return to Hania.
Falassarna Beach
Located on the west coast of Crete and sometimes written as Phalasarna, this beach is popular with day trippers who want to take advantage of its stunning beaches and crystal clear turquoise waters. The whole area is made up of several sandy beaches of varying lengths all facing west which provide an ideal setting to watch the sunset from.
Home to an antique harbour the remains of which can be seen surprisingly inland due to a sudden uplift of the land some 1500 years ago.
Driving down the hill towards the beaches there are many opportunities to stop at a small cafe for refreshments and a chance to admire the view from above. Also you cannot fail to notice the multitude of greenhouses taking advantage of the flat fertile land along the coast. Once down on the beaches though these are fortunately out of sight.
Each different beach is signposted and you can choose which one to visit as you drive down. During the summer season there are a few beach restaurants and cafes and a few small shops selling the basics.
This small resort can boast as being one of the best- known beaches in the Hania area and attracts large numbers of tourists every year. Due to its variety of flora and fauna it is an area of oustanding natural beauty.
The main beach has been noted as one of the top beaches in Europe with its fine white sand and warm crystal-clear water. It is so big that nobody feels crowded even in the high-season. The beach being exposed to northerly and westerly winds promotes huge waves which is an attraction to all windsurfers.
The beach is organised and offers sunbeds and umbrellas. Water sports are also available but of course you can just take your own towel and find a space to soak in the rays of the Cretan sun.
How to get there
Again not an easy journey, but well-worth the effort. From Hania take the national road to Kissamos, passing through and continue to Platanos and just follow the signs to Falassarna. Plenty of opportunities for photographs and selfies taken from an altitude with the beaches nestling in the background.
Triopetra Beaches
Another equally exquisite beach is that of Triopetra. This is also south of Rethymon about a distance of 52 km. It should take you about an hour to get there from Rethymno. Many have described this as being the best. It actually consists of two adjoining beaches; they are straddled in the middle by an impressive rock formation of three rocks which jut out of the water. It is from this striking geographical feature that the beach gets its name. Three meaning Tria and petra being the rock.
The first of the two beaches is also known as Koumado. With an enclosed sandy and rocky bay the beach houses a few tavernas and beach umbrellas are available. There is also a small harbour called Stomio which is at the mouth of the river as it reaches the sea.
Both beaches are easily accessible by car or bike and you are able to park quite close to the beach. As the beaches are off the beaten track this provides a calmer and less "touristy" opportunity to enjoy the clear water and the extensive sea-view towards the Libyan coast. It is a journey well-worth the effort and those willing to make the trip are rewarded with a true jewel in the crown of Cretan beaches.
Voulisma Beach, Agios Nikolaos
Near to the picturesque village of Istron can be found the beach of Golden Sands or more commonly known as Voulisma Beach. It is the largest in the vacinity of Kalo Chorio and is approximately 12 km to the east of Agios Nikolaos.
An extremely well-organised beach and despite being located on the northern part of Crete, one with rare beauty. Its white sand and waters of a turquoise colour lend themselves to a more tropical destination. The beach has been awarded with a Blue Flag and the seas are normally calm. With shallow waters it is ideal for families or for those less confident swimmers.
Golden sands offers the usual amenities of sun lounges, beach umbrellas, showers and toilets. In the high season there is also a lifeguard on sandby and free parking can be found close to the beach.
Nearby there is a friendly beach cafe with enviable views of the bay. You can also stock up with refreshments to take to the beach. Istron is quite an unspoilt holiday destination and due to several archaeological finds in the area which have brought with them strict development restrictions, will remain so in the foreseeable future.
How to get there
Taking the national road towards Agios Nikolaos and continuing onwards towards Sitia it is not long before you will see signposts for Istron and the beach on your left-hand side. From Heraklion allow yourself two hours for the journey.