Discovering Cretes Most Beautiful Beaches
Crete is renowned for its stunning coastline, and the regions around Heraklion and Elounda offer some of the most beautiful beaches in Greece. From pristine sandy shores to secluded coves, each beach has its own unique character and charm.
Beaches Near Heraklion
Heraklions coastline offers a variety of beach experiences, from family-friendly shores to more secluded spots perfect for relaxation.
1. Amoudara Beach
Located just 5 kilometers west of Heraklion, Amoudara Beach offers soft golden sand, shallow waters perfect for families, numerous beach bars and restaurants, water sports facilities, and beautiful sunset views.
2. Agia Pelagia Beach
Approximately 20 kilometers west of Heraklion, Agia Pelagia features a protected bay with calm, clear waters, excellent snorkeling opportunities, traditional fishing village atmosphere, and several tavernas serving fresh seafood.
3. Kokkini Hani Beach
Located 15 kilometers east of Heraklion, Kokkini Hani offers a long sandy beach with clear waters, less crowded than Amoudara, good facilities including sunbeds and umbrellas, and local restaurants and cafes.
4. Hersonissos Beach
About 25 kilometers east of Heraklion, Hersonissos provides a wide sandy beach with clear waters, lively atmosphere with numerous bars and restaurants, water sports and activities, and beautiful views of the Cretan Sea.
Beaches Near Elounda
Elounda and the surrounding Mirabello Bay area offer some of the most beautiful and exclusive beaches in Crete.
5. Elounda Beach
The main beach of Elounda village offers crystal-clear waters of the Mirabello Bay, soft sand and gentle slope into the sea, stunning views of Spinalonga Island, local tavernas and beach bars, and excellent swimming conditions.
6. Plaka Beach
Located near the village of Plaka, this beach offers direct views of Spinalonga Island, clear, calm waters perfect for swimming, traditional village atmosphere, excellent snorkeling opportunities, and local restaurants serving fresh seafood.
7. Kolokytha Beach
This secluded beach is accessible only by boat, featuring pristine, untouched natural beauty, crystal-clear waters with excellent visibility, no facilities for a true escape, and excellent snorkeling and diving opportunities.
8. Almyros Beach
Located near Agios Nikolaos, this beach offers freshwater springs creating unique swimming conditions, soft sand and shallow waters, beautiful natural setting, and good facilities including sunbeds and umbrellas.
9. Istro Beach
This long, sandy beach offers long stretch of soft sand, clear, calm waters, beautiful mountain backdrop, good facilities and services, and less crowded than more popular beaches.
10. Voulisma Beach
Known as the Golden Beach, Voulisma offers golden sand and crystal-clear waters, excellent swimming conditions, beautiful natural setting with pine trees, good facilities including restaurants, and easy access and parking.
Beach Activities and Water Sports
Crete offers numerous activities: snorkeling and scuba diving, windsurfing and kitesurfing, jet skiing and water skiing, paddleboarding and kayaking, and fishing trips and boat tours.
Best Time to Visit the Beaches
The beach season runs from May to October, with peak season (July-August) offering warmest water temperatures and most facilities, while shoulder season (May-June, September-October) provides pleasant weather with fewer crowds.
Conclusion
Crete offers something for every type of traveler, from family-friendly shores with excellent facilities to secluded coves perfect for romantic getaways. With crystal-clear waters, golden sands, and stunning natural beauty, Cretes beaches are sure to create lasting memories.
