Discover the top hidden beaches in Crete
From secluded coves with crystal-clear waters to untouched sandy shores, these hidden beaches are perfect for relaxation, swimming, and discovering the authentic side of Crete.
Listis Beach
The beautiful waters of this beach, combined with the relaxed rhythm of the area, offer you the ideal setting to enjoy moments of peace and relaxation that suit your holidays. You can choose between sand or pebbles, since the beach has both, which, along with the deep blue and calm waters of the cape, make swimming easy and enjoyable. However, the beach is also ideal for those who want to go on an underwater exploration, since thanks to the crystal-clear waters, life and marine fauna are always rich in these seas.
Of course, due to its shallow waters, the beach is also suitable for children and less experienced swimmers, making it perfect for anyone who chooses relaxation and exploration during their holidays.
How to get there
The Listis Beach is located in southeastern Crete, near Ierapetra. From Heraklion, the drive takes about two hours via Viannos or Ierapetra. In the final part of the route, you follow small dirt roads that lead to the beach.
Maridaki
A beach suitable for endless explorations and adventures. Maridaki is a beach with pebbles and gravel, surrounded by rocks that make its coves even more impressive. The caves enhance the beauty of the area and make it ideal for adventures. The beach is also the outlet of two gorges, which on calmer days await your discovery, while on hotter days you can relax beside the cool waters of the stream that flows into the sea. The water comes directly from the sources of the impressive waterfalls of Lichnistis. The combination of all these elements makes the beach geophysically rich and an important place for exploration, hiking, diving, climbing, and driving, since the road to Tsoutsouras through Mesochori is adventurous and impressive, while you also have the chance to stop at the palm forest of Agios Antonios.
To fully enjoy your explorations, we provide the right vehicles and experienced guides (tour guides) who will accompany you safely and show you the most impressive spots of the area.
How to get there
Listis Beach is located in southeastern Crete, near Ierapetra. From Heraklion, the drive takes about two hours via Viannos or Ierapetra. In the final part of the route, you follow small dirt roads that lead to the beach.
Souda Beach
Souda Beach is a large bay traversed by the beautiful River Finikas. This results in the waters being calm, without waves, cool and shallow, making it the ideal beach for swimming on very hot summer days, even for those without much swimming experience. The beach is sandy and soft for those who want to relax, while it also features the Gorge of Agia Irini for those in the mood for exploration. Thanks to the river, the route through the gorge is quite pleasant, as it remains cool even on the hottest days.
How to get there
Souda Beach is located west of Plakias, on the southern coast of Rethymno. From Rethymno town, the drive takes around 40 minutes through scenic villages before reaching the beach.
Polyrizos Beach
Between the beaches of Korakas and Rodakino lies an equally beautiful but less well-known beach. Polyrizos Beach has sand and shallow waters, while renting a sunbed is so affordable that it makes it suitable not only for families but also for young people looking for more budget-friendly and unique holidays. With its underwater caves and the area adorned with abundant olive groves, it offers adventures and lovely views to anyone who visits. Moreover, the locals are so friendly that a visit to the local taverns will make you feel part of the place.
How to get there
Polyrizos Beach is located next to the settlement of Rodakino, on the southern coast of Rethymno. From Rethymno town, the journey takes about one and a half hours via villages such as Spili and Rodakino.
Erimoupoli and Xapla Beach
These two small coves are not only for swimming, but also for resting for anyone who wants to enjoy the endless blue of the Aegean Sea. The route is quite long, since the distance from the nearest town, Agios Nikolaos, is at least 90 km. A CRF Rally can make your experience more pleasant, while the beautiful colors of the sky that adorn the coasts, combined with the tranquility of the sea, offer great serenity to any fatigue you might feel.
How to get there
Erimoupolis Beach is located near Xerokampos, in southeastern Crete. From Sitia, the drive takes about one hour, passing through the village of Ziros and continuing down a coastal road that leads directly to the beach.