Crete: These are the best beaches on the island!
There are many reasons to love Greece’s largest island that finds itself in Europe's list of the most popular destinations. The island’s nature is unique, because it combines exotic beaches with traditional mountain villages.
A vacation in Crete is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Choose to go during summer to discover the island and swim in award-winning beaches of rare beauty.
In Crete, you will find bustling beaches, as well as hidden paradises, that will satisfy even the most demanding traveler.
Chania: You won't want to leave
Cedar forest: Crete's tropical beach
For many years it was one of the hidden gems of Crete, beloved by free camping and nudist fans. But as years go by, more and more articles appeared regarding Kedrodasos, making it famous to travelers from all over Greece. On this beach you will find sea cedars, a tree that grows near sandy beaches. Don't forget to pick up your trash when you leave, as there are no bins, nor does the municipal cleaning service reach the area.
Type of beach: Sandy and in some places rocky.
Amenities: No sunbeds / No sun umbrellas
Distance from port or airport: 90 km from Chania airport. Because the route is difficult, the drive takes about 2 hours.
Elafonisi: You will fall in love with this beach!
Pink sand, shallow and green waters. These are the characteristics of one of the most beautiful beaches of Chania and Crete. Elafonisi is a peninsula protected by the NATURA program. It is very likely to find yourself swimming next to loggerhead turtles since the beach is at the southwesternmost end of the island. It gathers a lot of people in the summer, but you can always find a quiet spot.
Type of beach: Sandy.
Facilities: Organized, with a lifeguard, parking, food canteens, changing rooms and showers.
Distance from port or airport: Only 90 km separates you from the heavenly beach if you arrive in Chania by air. Make your experience comfortable and search for car rentals from Chania.
Balos: The island's most photographed spot
The idyllic landscape that unfolds on the peninsula of Gramvousa is one of the most romantic places in Chania. Balos is a habitat protected by the Natura 2000 network. Access is either from the Geroskinos rock or by boat from Kissamos. The waters are shallow and quite warm, while the sand can turn pink in some places, due to shells. The seabed is crystal clear making it an ideal location for snorkeling.
Type of beach: Sandy.
Facilities: No sunbeds / No sun umbrellas but with a canteen.
Distance from port or airport: The port of Chania is 60 km away, while the airport is 70 km. Travel safely and book a car rental in Chania from the airport or port.
Falassarna: Natural beauty and history in one spot
Another famous beach located near Kissamos. The long coastline features Pachia Ammos as its main beach, and you will find other smaller coves around it. Here you will also see the ruins of the ancient city of Falassarna. The beach is often bathed in strong winds, attracting many windsurfing enthusiasts.
Type of beach: Sandy
Facilities: Organized, with food canteens and water sports infrastructure.
Distance from port or airport: The port of Chania is 60 km away, while the airport is 70 km. Carwiz allows you to travel from Souda by renting a car at great prices.
Heraklion: Μodern and historical at the same time
Agiofarago: You will fall in love with this beach!
It got its name from the homonymous gorge which is relatively easy to cross. In what is also known as the "Gorge All Saints", you will see the caves where monks used to live and at the end of it, a dreamy beach awaits you. If you have an appetite for adventure and proper shoes, you can climb a few rocks and reach the eastern side, to get to the lake of Vourvoulitis.
Beach type: Fine pebbles.
Amenities: No sunbeds / No sun umbrellas
Distance from port or airport: The most famous attractions in Heraklion, such as the Heraklion Archaeological Museum and the Knossos Palace, as well as the port and the airport, are 80 km away from the beach.
Matala: Famous beach for carved beaches
In the 60s and 70s, it was the gathering place of hippies with well-known artists, such as the Canadian singer Joni Michell and Greek artist Dimitris Poulikakos. Located in the village of Pitsidia, in the Heraklion prefecture, Matala is characterized by magnificently carved caves. If you hear about Paximadia, it's the uninhabited islets with unspoiled beaches.
Type of beach: Sandy.
Facilities: Organized with showers, lifeguards, boat rental, water sports and cafes.
Distance from port or airport: It is 65 km away from Heraklion. If you arrive by plane or ferry, make your journey stress-free with a car rental from Heraklion.
Trypiti in the Asterousia Mountains: Raw Cretan beauty
It is located on the south side of Heraklion and is ideal for quiet holidays! It has deep waters and plenty of trees for natural shade and is an excellent camping destination. Situated at the exit of Steno Farangi, which is so narrow that in some spots only one car can go through. If you choose Carwiz for car rental to Trypiti, choose a small size vehicle, that will comfortably fit through the canyon.
Type of beach: Fine pebbles.
Amenities: No sunbeds / No sun umbrellas but has a tavern.
Distance from port or airport: 75 km away from Heraklion.
Rethimnon: Crete's most beautiful Venetian city!
Sand Dunes of St. Paul: Enjoy its wild beauty!
The locals call it Alatsogremni and it is one of the most "zen" beaches in Rethymnon. In the place where Saint Paul is said to have found refuge, a yoga school operates today. Alatsogremni is considered one of the most beautiful places to watch the sunset. Some of its impressive sand dunes are 25 meters high, while the coastline stretches for almost a kilometer. The beach is never crowded and is nudist-friendly. Access is through paths, about 10 minutes from where you will leave your vehicle.
Type of beach: Sandy with rocks in some places
Facilities: Organized, with shower, canteen, and possibility for water sports.
Distance from port or airport: It is 55 km away from Rethymnon. At Carwiz you rent cars from Rethymno to make a comfortable trip to the north or south side of the prefecture.
Lasithi: Create unique experiences
Vai Palm Forest: Α rarely-seen setting!
At the eastern end of Crete, there is a protected area with an exotic look. It hosts migratory birds before they travel to Africa. The palm forest of Vai is the largest you will find in Europe. It is characterized as a protected area so camping and staying overnight, as well as visiting the fenced areas are strictly prohibited.
Type of beach: Sandy and in some spots with pebbles.
Facilities: Organized, with shower, canteen, and possibility for water sports. No Camping.
Distance from port or airport: It is 150 km away from Heraklion. In order to reach the beach after you land by plane, prefer to rent a car from Heraklion airport.
Voulisma: The vacation destination with turquoise seas
The beach belongs to the Municipality of Istron and is 12 kilometers away from Agios Nikolaos. It has blue-green water and you need to walk down some steps. Many Cretans call it "Golden Sand" since the sand here never loses its sparkle.
Type of beach: Sandy.
Facilities: Organized, with showers, parking, lifeguard, cafeteria, and possibility for water sports.
Distance from port or airport: It is 50 km away from Agios Nikolaos and 75 km from Heraklion.
Make your vacation in Crete exciting and start your journey comfortably and safely by booking a car rental from the port of Piraeus. Explore the most beautiful beaches with a comfortable and safe car, ready to follow you on your adventures!