Balos

Balos Lagoon and Beach is one of the most beautiful places in Greece and among the most photographed. Located at the end of a pretty much uninhabited peninsula you can get there by dirt road or by excursion boats from Chania or from Kissamos There are umbrellas and beach chairs to rent if you get there early enough and if you take the boat they offer them as well. You will want to get there early because in the afternoon the beach fills up with people and a never ending parade of boats which also stop at the island and beach of Gramvousa. There is no taverna, just a snack bar and you need cash for everything including the entrance fee to the park if you drive. (4WD is suggested). The sea is shallow and the sun is hot and coming and going is not as easy as walking out of your hotel to a beach that is not quite as beautiful. But the views are spectacular and you will probably be glad you went. Not much to see if you are snorkeling and you are not allowed to bring your own umbrella but that means you can travel lighter which you will be happy to do if you are walking to or from the parking area which is a couple kilometers away. But the views are spectacular and you may decide this is the most beautiful place you have ever been. Go in the off season or if you can't go early in the morning and be out of there before the crowds come.

Gramvousa

The islet of Gramvousa which can be seen from the beach at Balos has a sandy beach deep enough and interesting enough for snorkeling, as well as a Venetian fortress and a shipwreck. Many people prefer Gramvousa to Balos (which is mostly too shallow) and the small beach can get quite crowded in July and August so again, go early or avoid those months. Water shoes are recommended, not for the beach but for the rocks when entering the sea. The hike to the fortress takes about 20 minutes and is worth it for the view but don't do it in flip-flops. You need real shoes. Lots of fish and flora here. More than most places in Greece.

Ag. Apostolis, Chania

This sandy beach, also known as Iguana Beach, is in a cove right outside of Chania, with free parking, beach beds and umbrellas, a beach bar, showers and a changing room and you can get here by public bus. The sea is relatively shallow and suitable for children and there are several other beaches within easy walking distance if you are not happy here. Other beaches within walking distance include Glaros Beach, Chrisi Akti, and Yiannis Beach Place which all have similar amenities. Lots of accommodation nearby including the highly rated Astra Hotel Apartments, Dionyssos Village, Domez Noruz Adults Only, Hotel Ammos, and Potoula Apartments and lots of restaurants too. See more nearby hotels

Nea Hora Beach, Chania

This surprisingly nice beach is right in the city of Chania and is a perfect area to stay in for those who want to spend their days on the sea and still be able to walk into Chania harbor or downtown for nightlife and shopping. Not that there is nothing to do at night here. There are cafes, bars, restaurants and multi-story hotels. Reasonably priced sunbeds and fish restaurants right on the sea where you can watch the sunset. Sure there are nicer beaches on Crete but in an urban setting like this? Not many. Recommended hotels include Hotel Christina, Chania Flair Boutique Hotel, Sea and City Apartments, and the Domes Zeen Luxury Resort. But if you are staying anywhere in or near the old town of Chania this is probably your beach too. See Chania Hotels.There are also a number of villas and holiday homes available

Agia Marina and Kato Stalos

This series of beaches is located several miles west of Chania in what could be called the suburbs of the city. There are beach beds and umbrellas for rent lots of restaurants, cafes, shops, hotels and holiday homes. Many of the sunbeds are available for the price of a drink or a meal at a taverna or restaurant and in the summer it is packed with families. Nice for a change of scenery if you are staying in Chania but probably if you are swimming here you are staying nearby. Recommended hotels include Hotel Phaedra, Esperides Beach Apartments, Cretan Dream Resort and Spa, Renieres Hotel, and the Mini Beach Hotel. There are also a number of villas and holiday homes available.

Elafonissi

Another amazing Beach in far western Crete south of Kissamos known for its pink sand and crystam clear water. It gets crowded in the summer so it is best to come early. The parking area is a 15 minute walk to the beach. There are toilets and showers and the sea is shallow so it is perfect for kids. There are beach chairs and umbrellas available but you can bring your own if you want to be away from other people. There is a cantina that sells snacks and drinks. The popular Glykeria Taverna is worth a stop, located near the Krissokalitissis Monastery if you want real food. It is part of the very highly rated Glykeria Hotel. Closer to the beach and also highly rated the Kalomirakis Family Resort has a taverna and rooms with and without kitchens. There are actually quite a few places to stay in the area but if you want to go in July or August you have to act fast. But since most of the people come for the day from Chania and other towns, if you stay here you can have the beach to yourself before they arrive and after they leave. See more hotels, rooms and villas in Elafonissi.

Falasarna Beach

Another amazing beach in the western tip of Crete, Falasarna is located in an agricultural area northwest of Kissamos. The sandy beach is several kilometers long with boulders and rocks in the northern part that is excellent for snorkeling. There is a large parking area close to the beach, beach beds and umbrellas available and a couple tavernas and cafes nearby. Though it is not as well known as Balos and Elafonissos many people consider it the best beach in Crete. It can get crowded in July and August, especially weekends, but it is big enough so you can get away from people if you want. There are some water sports available. There can be large waves here too and if you see a red flag that means it is dangerous. But since it faces west even if it is too rough to swim you can hang out and watch the sunset. The Diamond Star Hotel is less than a mile from the beach and has a pool if you get lazy. The Petras Resort is further from the beach but is rated exceptional and also has a pool. If you want to be closer to the sea Pachia Ammos is a 2 minute walk. There are also a number of Holiday Homes and Villas nearby.

Kalathas

Located on the Akrotiri Penisula NE of Chania this sandy beach has few stones, is shallow and perfect for small children. There are beach beds and umbrellas for rent but you probably need to bring food or water with you. Parking is close by and easy to get to the beach from. The beach is sheltered from the north wind so if you are in Chania and there are too many waves at your usual swimming place come here. The Lena Beach Hotel is just off the beach and has a great restaurant, and  there are lots of apartments and villas within walking distance.

Stavros

Fans of the film Zorba the Greek know that Stavros is where it all takes place. Not that you would recognize it now with beach beds, umbrellas, cafes and even a Zorba Taverna. Nice day trip if you are coming from Chania or Rethymnon. Maybe not worth the drive from Heraklion or east unless you are a die hard Zorba fanatic. But it is not a bad place to stay for a day or a week or whatever if Chanis is too much of a city for you. See hotels, apartments and villas in Stavros.

Maleme

The beach at Maleme is a long stretch of sand and pebbles around 20 minutes drive west of Chania. If you want to get away from the world of beach beds and umbrellas there is plenty of room to do so here. There are tavernas, cafes, shops and even trees for shade. The beach faces north so gets waves during meltemi not to mention stuff that washes up on the beach. But if it is a calm day you will probably be happy here and if not you can keep walking to Gerani Beach. Highly recommended hotels include Aegean Breeze Luxury Apartments, Olivia Beach and The Secret Garden Hotel which are all a few steps from the sea. The famous ERIA RESORT for people with special abilities is exclusively designed for guests with accessibility needs. It features a wellness center, a heated pool and a poolside bar-restaurant with Cretan cuisine. There are lots of hotels, apartments, rooms and villas in Maleme for those who want to be within striking distance of Chania but not necessarily in Chania.

Episkopi

Located half way between Chania and Rethymnon this north facing beach, like all north facing beaches, gets wind and waves when the Meltemi blows. But if you don't like wind and waves luckily that doesn't happen every day. There are beach beds and umbrellas, a small cantina, showers and a few restaurants. It is one of those long endless beaches for those who like to take long endless walks or just want to get away from the people who rent beach beds. The sea is shallow and suitable for families with small children. The Eneria Suites have self-catering rooms and suites with sea view and is very highly rated. See more accomodations in Episkopi.

Rethymnon

You want long sandy beaches? Rethymnon has them. Go east or west you will find long stretches of sand facing the north as well as a few scattered beaches in coves. Even Rethymnon itself has a long sandy beach that starts at the entrance of the Venetian harbor and continues about as far as you can walk. Beach bars, umbrellas, beach beds, cafes, restaurants, small hotels, resorts, and even areas where you will find none of these Retymnon is more than a place to go for a beach day. It is a great place to spend your holiday with or without a car. See Rethymnon Hotels. Also see the Diane Farr Louis Guide to Rethymnon

Glyka Nera

This small secluded beach west of Hora Sfakion in southern Crete is accessable by footpath or excursion boat. There are beach beds and umbrellas for rent and a free shower and a very nice family owned taverna. The beach is popular with nudists though they have not taken it over so you don't have to feel naked because you are wearing a bathing suit. You probably won't come here unless you are staying in Hora Sfakion or Loutro. If you are walking here do it in decent shoes. See nearby hotels

Komos Beach

Located on the southern coast a few miles north of Matala, this long sandy beach has beach beds, umbrellas, showers and a couple cafes and an area for nude bathing. When it is windy there can be waves and when it is REALLY windy the sand can be a problem. But if everywhere else around (like Matala) is crowded this beach may not be, or it may be but there is so much room to spread out you won't notice. There is also an archaeological site. The beach is part of a line of beaches that face west so you actually can see a sunset. There are loads of hotels, apartments and villas in Kalamaki which also has a long sandy beach and lots of restaurants.

Matala

This beautiful beach was made famous by Joni Mitchel and the hippies who inhabited the caves in the late 60s and early 70s until they were ceremoniously removed by policemen led by priests. The beach and the town are both in a small bay and with tour buses arriving from all over the island it can get crowded in the summer, especially on Saturday and Sunday. Plenty of restaurants, shops, fastfood, cafes and if you plan to stay here (why not? Most of the beach people are gone by sunset) there are hotels, rooms, apartments and villas in and around the town. The stylish Plaka and Scala restaurants are a step above your typical Greek seafood taverna but not really overpriced, unless you are on a souvlaki and fried potatoes budget in which case one souvlaki joint is as good as another and there are several.

Kokini Ammos Matala

Those who want to get away from the crowds and fasaria of Matala need only follow the trail that leads from the town to what we used to call Red Beach, a 20 minute hike that is worth the walk. There are a couple cafes, beach beds and umbrellas for rent, and though historically it was a nudist beach that doesn't mean you have to be one to swim here.

Paliochora

Pachia Ammos is the main beach in the town of Paliochora, south of Chania. Beach beds, umbrellas, tavernas, cafes, shops, and people, though not as over run as some of the beaches on the north coast of Crete. It can get windy at times but facing the south it doesn't usually have waves. If you walk as far as you can go bathing suits are optional. Paliochora is a great place to stay. Recommended accomodations include Manto Studios, Aris Boutique Hotel, Glaros Hotel, and Paliochora Apartments but there are dozens of hotels, apartments, rooms and villas in Paliochora.

Sougia

Sougia is a beautiful pebble beach in southern Crete between Paliochora and Agia Roumeli (where the Samaria Gorge ends) surrounded by a small town with tavernas, cafes, shops and a few places to stay. Some areas are for nudity and on calm days the sea is excellent for snorkeling. If you are not into the high impact tourism of the northern coast of Crete then Sougia is probably the antidote and there are some very nice hotels, apartments and villas to stay in.

Plakias

Located in southern Crete around an hour's drive from Rethymnon, Plakias is east of Hora Sfakion and west of Agia Galini. With a long sandy beach, beach bars and cafes, restaurants, beach beds and umbrellas, walking trails and water sports Plakias is a nice place to visit for the day or longer. It can get windy and waves can get big but the sea is shallow and suitable for families with young children. Recommended accomodation include the Cyano Hotel, Belvedere Apartments and Spa, and Plakias Seaside Residences. See more accomodations in Plakias

Prevali Beach

This small beach at the end of the Kourtaliotis River is one of the most photographed places in Crete and the closest thing to a tropical island paradise. There is a 20 minute walk from the bus stop and parking area but there is a cafe, a palm forest and the river is swimable and cold. There are excursion boats from Plakias if you are not up to the walk (going back is worse). There is an easier walk from Katsouni beach. During the tourist season go early because it will get crowded. No beach beds or umbrellas but plenty of sand and shade.

Arena Beach

Located in the Kokini Hani area close to the city of Heraklion, Arena Beach is what you would expect from a long sandy beach near a large cosmoplitan area with beach beds, umbrellas, people, free parking and even a lifguard. It is just 10 km from Heraklion so expect it to be busy on weekends but the general consensus is that it is the best beach within easy striking distance of the city. The sea is shallow and when the north wind blows there are waves. Bring snacks because if you are hungry you have to drive pretty far for the closest tavernas which are in Gouves. If food is important you can swim there too. The nearest hotel is the Arina Beach Resort but there are plenty of hotels, apartments and villas in Kokino Hani which is nearby.

Hersonissos

Hersonissos is a popular resort town with hotels, restaurants, bars, cafes, and a number of small beaches and coves as well as a number of long sandy beaches. It is not really a place you go to swim if you are staying somewhere else but if you are staying here you have a lot of choices. The main beach is Annisaras which is mostly fine pebbles but there are also stones in the sea and water shoes are recommended. When the north wind blows there are waves and wind surfers. The small beaches in town are narrow and you need to get there early for the sunbeds. The Star Beach and WaterPark has its own beaches, pools and water slides and you don't have to be staying in the hotel to use them. (Some of the things cost money). Recommended hotels include Creta Maris Resort, Venus Mare Adults Only, Mitsis Laguna Resort and Spa, and the Cleopatra Apartments but there are literally hundreds of places to stay from full bang resorts to self-catering rooms, apartments and villas. There is even a golf course at the Crete Golf Club Hotel if you are having trouble getting your husband enthused about the trip. See Hersonissos Accommodations.

Malia

Golden sand beach with clean shallow water and suitable for familes with children though there can be waves when the wind blows from the north. Beach beds, umbrellas, restaurants, cafes, shops and everything you would expect to find in one of Crete's main tourist towns. Most of the beds are owned by hotels and the cafes and restaurants but are available to rent except for places where you can use them for the price of a meal or a drink or two. The beach gets crowded as you would expect in the summer and there are bars and cafes with partying and loud music and the type of young people that old people try to get away from. Chances are if you are swimming here you are also staying in Malia like almost everyone else. Lots and lots of hotels, rooms, apartments and villas and if you are planning to stay here try to find one right on the beach.

Vai

They say Vai is the only natural palm forest in Europe. I feel like I have seen others but maybe they were not natural. But it is a beautiful beach, a destination beach, with tour buses from all over the island and a giant parking lot to accommodate them and the hundreds of cars. But don't let that keep you from coming to one of the most beautiful and famous beaches in Greece. Umbrellas and sunbeds, a cafe and restaurant and clean sea which rarely has waves make this a must see beach if you are staying in eastern Crete. There are not many places to stay in the emmediate vecinity but there are lots of hotels, apartments and holiday homes in Palekastro which is close enough and also has a nice beach. No palm forest but it does have an ancient city.

Makrialos

This town has a series of sand and pebble beaches in southeastern Crete on the road between Sitia and Irepetra. There are a few sunbeds and umbrellas that you can use by having a meal at one of the restaurants and some reed umbrellas you can use for shade if you bring your own beach chairs or towels. There are lots of restaurants on the sea (try Kima or George's if you are just passing through but if you are staying here try them all). There are many hotels, rooms, apartments and villas in Makrialos if you want to stay longer.

Kato Zakro

This beach was discovered by my pal the late Dorian Kokas when he and his wife went there on holiday around nineteen-eighty-something and he dubbed it the amazing beach at the end of the world. It would be hard to find a beach that is further, especially if you are staying in Chania, but Zakros is the type of place you go for a swim and then you come back the next year and stay there for a week or more. The beach faces east so early risers or insomniacs will see the sunrise and there are several tavernas and cafes as well as a handful of places to stay on the beach and more in the upper village. See Zakros Accomodations