What’s the first image that comes to mind when you think of an Aegean paradise? Chances are, the picture in your head looks a lot like one of Crete’s 300+ stunning beaches. With 1,000 kilometers of coastline, the island’s breathtaking shores make it one of the best Mediterranean destinations for a sun-and-sea getaway.
Here, surrounded by natural beauty, you’ll find yourself completely in the moment, immersed in the unique charm of Crete’s rocky coves and golden beaches.
Whether it’s a hidden gem waiting by the shore or a magical moment in the waves, every experience in Crete has the potential to surprise you. And as you gaze at the endless horizon, you might just feel like a part of you expands into infinity. Because in Crete, the beaches seem to go on forever.
To help you navigate this paradise, we’ve put together a list of the best beaches in Crete—Keep this handy with your Crete Travel Guide so you don’t miss out.
The 5 Best Beaches in Crete
Elafonisi Pink Beach
Elafonisi Beach, also known as the Pink Beach, gets its name from the soft rosy hue of its sand. It proudly holds the top spot on TripAdvisor’s Best Beaches of Crete 2025 list—and for good reason.
This natural wonder, located in the Chania region, is surrounded by crystal-clear lagoons and dramatic cliffs. The sand owes its pink tint to tiny crushed shells and marine sediments, which glow even more intensely when the sun hits just right.
Elafonisi Beach has a unique funnel shape with distinct sections. As you walk toward the narrowest part, the landscape becomes wilder and more untouched. The rocky formations create shallow pools along the shore, perfect for a peaceful swim—or even a safe splash for little ones.
Falassarna Beach
Repeatedly voted the best beach in Greece and ranked among Europe’s top beaches, Falassarna Beach will steal your heart with its powdery white sand and emerald-green waters. The sea here is calm and crystal-clear, almost unreal in its beauty.
Love adventure? Falassarna is a dream spot for snorkeling, with hidden coves and underwater caves teeming with marine life. Without straying far from shore, you’ll spot colorful fish, octopuses, sea sponges, and other fascinating sea creatures in their natural habitat.
Just an hour’s drive from Chania, Falassarna is also close to archaeological treasures that bring Crete’s rich history to life. Visit the ruins of ancient Falassarna or stop by Agia Paraskevi, a charming chapel built beside a freshwater spring.
Lianos Kavos Private Beach
For a more exclusive experience, head to Lianos Kavos Beach, accessible only to guests of the Iberostar Selection Creta Marine hotel. This five-star resort, recently renovated by renowned Cretan architect Marios Ninos, is in a prime location—less than an hour from the island’s capital and just five minutes from the marina.
Its three private coves offer turquoise waters, total seclusion, and a peaceful atmosphere—ideal for couples or families looking to unwind. Just because you’re near Heraklion doesn’t mean you can’t find quiet, pristine beaches!
At the resort, you can relax by the beach club, take a dip in saltwater pools, or indulge in a spa treatment. In between swims, enjoy delicious local dishes at the hotel’s four restaurants and bars, with specialties like dakos and baklava.
Rethymnon Beach
As you’ve probably gathered by now, Crete’s beaches are spectacular—so staying in a hotel with panoramic views will take your experience to the next level.
The Iberostar Waves Creta Panorama & Mare is part of the same resort as Iberostar Selection Creta Marine, and its name says it all: this All-Inclusive retreat is designed for all ages, offering spacious bungalows, kids' activities, and a lively entertainment program.
Just 25 minutes away, in the historic town of Rethymnon, lies one of Crete’s most unique beaches. Sea turtles return here every summer (from June to August) to lay their eggs, burying them in the sand before their tiny hatchlings break free and race to the sea. If you’re lucky, you might witness this magical moment during your stay.
Balos Beach
Some places leave a lasting impression, and Balos Beach is one of them. Also called the Balos Lagoon, this beach offers one of the most breathtaking sunsets in the Mediterranean.
The geography is unique—one section has a semi-circular bay, while the other is separated from the open sea by a thin strip of land, creating a shallow, lake-like lagoon. Between them, a majestic rocky islet stands as a dramatic backdrop.
Located in the Gramvousa Peninsula nature reserve, Balos Beach also features patches of pink sand along the shore.
Keep in mind that there’s only one beach bar, open in peak season, offering drinks and light snacks (but no full meals). If you’re planning a day trip, pack a picnic! Sunbeds and umbrellas are available for rent.
Other Must-See Beaches in Crete
Preveli Beach
Among Crete’s most beautiful beaches, Preveli Beach stands out—not just for its stunning scenery, but for its deep ties to Greek mythology and romance. Legend has it that after the Trojan War, Odysseus spent some time on this picturesque coastline in Agios Vasilios, particularly near Lake Preveli, before setting sail for his homeland, Ithaca.
Another myth linked to Preveli Beach is the story of the "Lovers' Rock", a heart-shaped stone said to have a magical power: couples who visit it together are believed to seal their love forever.
Nearby, you’ll find the historic Preveli Monastery and the Plakias Port, which provides easy access to this legendary beach.
Matala Beach
In Heraklion, Crete, the beaches are full of fascinating stories, and Matala Beach is no exception. Awarded the Blue Flag for its environmental quality, this stunning beach—framed by dramatic mountains—has a vibe that might remind you of the movie Mamma Mia.
Back in the 1960s and ‘70s, Matala became the heart of Crete’s hippie movement, attracting free spirits from all over the world. Even today, the village is known for its flower-painted streets and laid-back atmosphere. The beach still holds traces of that era, with thatched huts and cave dwellings carved into the cliffs—once home to artists, travelers, and dreamers looking for an alternative way of life.
As for Greek mythology, legend has it that Zeus himself once passed through this very coastline—disguised as a bull, carrying Europa on his back.
Seitan Limania Beach
Exploring Chania, Crete, and its beaches is not just about relaxation—it’s also a chance to tap into your adventurous side. And if you’re up for a bit of a challenge, Seitan Limania Beach is the perfect destination.
This hidden gem is tucked away in a canyon, shaped over time by the forces of the sea. Getting there requires navigating a winding, rocky path between steep cliffs, passing through lush Mediterranean vegetation along the way. Be sure to wear sturdy shoes, as the final stretch must be done on foot.
With its zigzagging shoreline and secluded setting, Seitan Limania offers a peaceful escape far from the usual tourist spots—making it a paradise for those willing to go off the beaten path. As one of the most remote beaches in Crete, it’s also one of the most breathtaking. When you finally arrive, you’ll be stunned by the vivid blue waters that make this spot truly unforgettable.
Kedrodasos Beach
What is it about Crete and its beaches that makes them so irresistibly magnetic? What is it about this Greek island that captivates lovers of the sea and the slow-life philosophy? You might just find the answers at Kedrodasos Beach—a place where snorkeling, paddleboarding, and kayaking unfold like scenes from a living masterpiece, set against a backdrop unlike anywhere else in the world.
Nestled along the coast, this enchanted forest by the sea spans 110 hectares, home to one of the largest populations of twisted juniper trees (Juniperus oxycedrus) in the Mediterranean. The landscape is a dreamlike mix of smooth, rounded rocks, and hidden nooks perfect for camping, strolling, and sleeping under a star-filled sky.
Kedrodasos Beach is also nudist-friendly, but above all, it’s a place of untouched nature. Visitors are expected to respect the fragile ecosystem—especially the juniper trees, which are highly sensitive to disruptions in their habitat. If you're looking for a beach that feels truly wild and serene, this hidden paradise is the perfect escape.
Triopetra Beach
Located on the southwestern coast of Crete, Triopetra Beach gets its name from the three golden rock formations that mark the entrance to its sandy shore ("petra" means "rock" in Greek, while "tri" signifies "three").
The calm, shallow waters here feel like a natural saltwater pool, making it an inviting spot for swimming and snorkeling. The beach has a laid-back yet vibrant atmosphere, perfect for soaking up the sun and finding a sense of balance between body and mind, as time slows down by the Mediterranean Sea.
You can easily spend the entire day here, bringing along a backpack with everything you need. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, explore the surrounding area with impromptu hiking trails. Just a short distance away, you’ll find the Kourtaliotiko Gorge, one of Crete’s natural wonders—featuring cascading waterfalls and lush vegetation, with towering palm trees completing the idyllic landscape.
Now that you know more about Crete’s most beautiful beaches and their unique personalities, the next step is to experience them with all five senses.
You may not be able to explore all 300+ coastal gems, but what truly matters is immersing yourself fully in the moment—embracing the island’s beauty while discovering a little more about yourself along the way.
