Crete’s beaches cover a wider range of types than any other Greek island: pink-tinged sand lagoons, palm-lined river gorges, remote south-coast coves, long north-coast stretches with full resort facilities, and dramatic cliff-backed bays. Most of the famous ones require a hire car — distances are substantial. Prices listed here are approximate as of 2026.
Boat Tours and Beach Excursions
| Tour | Duration | Price (from) | Group Size | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Balos Lagoon Boat Trip from Kissamos | 6 hrs | from €25/person | Up to 60 | Gramvousa island, Balos lagoon, chalk cliffs, swimming stop |
| Preveli Beach Boat Day from Rethymno | 8 hrs | from €55/person | Up to 30 | South coast sail, Preveli palm gorge, swimming, onboard lunch |
| Spinalonga and Elounda Boat Tour | 4 hrs | from €20/person | Up to 40 | Spinalonga Venetian fortress, leper colony history, gulf swimming |
| Crete Snorkelling and Coastal Cruise | 4 hrs | from €45/person | Up to 20 | North-coast reef snorkelling, sea caves, equipment and guide included |
| South Coast Day Boat (Agia Roumeli to Sfakia) | 5 hrs | from €35/person | Up to 50 | Samaria gorge exit, south coast villages, Loutro bay stop |
Browse all Crete boat tours and beach excursions → GetYourGuide
Elafonisi
Elafonisi sits at the far south-west tip of Crete, 77km from Chania and roughly 170km from Heraklion. The beach is famous for its pale pink-tinged sand — the colour comes from crushed shells and coral mixed with the sand — and its wide shallow lagoon. At low water it is possible to wade across to the small island of Elafonisi itself.
The water is clear and very shallow near the shore, making it unusually good for young children. It is also exceptionally busy in summer — the beach and car park fill by mid-morning on peak days in July and August. KTEL runs a summer bus service from Chania (approximately €7 each way), and there are organised tours from most north-coast resorts.
No entry fee. Sunbeds are available; some free beach areas exist. A seasonal cafe operates on the beach. Open year-round; facilities seasonal.
Balos
Balos is the other iconic Crete beach — a turquoise and white lagoon on the north-west tip of the island near the Gramvousa peninsula. The combination of white chalk cliffs, three-coloured water (deep blue beyond the lagoon, vivid turquoise in the shallows, white sand), and the uninhabited island of Imeri Gramvousa alongside it makes for one of the most photographed beach settings in Greece.
Getting there:
- Ferry: from Kissamos port, daily in summer. Duration approximately 45 minutes; fare approximately €20 return as of 2026. The trip includes a stop at Gramvousa island
- By car: dirt track from above Kissamos — approximately 8km, rough but passable. Park at the top (approximately €5) and walk 20 minutes down to the beach
The beach itself is free to access; there is no sunbed or umbrella provision — bring shade. Water is warm and shallow in the lagoon. Busy from late morning; early arrival gives you the best conditions.
Preveli
Preveli is one of Crete’s most unusual beaches — at the southern end of the Kourtaliotiko gorge, a freshwater river flows through a stand of Cretan date palms before entering the Libyan Sea. The contrast between the palm grove, river pools, gorge cliffs, and beach is unlike anything else on the island.
The beach is reached by a 20–30-minute descent from the upper car park on a rocky path. Water shoes are useful for the river crossing. A seasonal café operates at beach level. In summer, small boat day trips from Rethymno port also reach Preveli — a faster option for those already on the coast. No entry fee for the beach; parking approximately €2.
From Rethymno: approximately 1 hour by car. From Heraklion: approximately 1.5 hours. No direct public bus — requires a hire car or day-trip transfer.
Falasarna
Falasarna is in the far west of Crete, 55km from Chania. It is the broadest and most open of the island’s famous beaches — pale golden sand, consistently clear water, and reliable sunsets from its westerly aspect. Less compact than Elafonisi and less dramatic than Balos, it is easier to absorb at any size of crowd.
The beach has several separate bays; the main bay is longest and best served with sunbeds (approximately €10–15/set as of 2026) and seasonal restaurants. A small ancient harbour site is visible at the northern end of the beach. KTEL buses serve Falasarna from Chania (summer only, limited frequency); a hire car gives more flexibility. Entry is free.
Seitan Limania
Seitan Limania (sometimes spelled Stefanou) is a narrow turquoise cove on the Akrotiri peninsula north of Chania, dramatically enclosed by pale limestone cliffs. The water is intensely clear and a vivid blue-green.
Getting there requires a steep descent of approximately 20–25 minutes on a rocky path from a small parking area. The beach itself is tiny — room for perhaps 50 people before it feels crowded. Early arrival (before 9am) in July and August is essential. No facilities; bring water, shade, and shoes suitable for the descent. Drive from Chania is approximately 25 minutes.
Matala
Matala is on the south coast, 70km from Heraklion. The beach is a medium-sized sandy bay framed by dramatic sandstone cliffs — and the cliffs are honeycombed with caves that were used as dwellings by hippie travellers in the 1960s and 1970s. The caves are now fenced off and protected as an archaeological site; entry approximately €2.
The beach is well-served with sunbeds, restaurants, and accommodation. Matala is a good base for the south coast and more relaxed in pace than the north-coast resorts. KTEL buses run from Heraklion (connection at Mires, approximately 2.5 hours total, approximately €7–8 as of 2026).
Georgioupoli
Georgioupoli is on the north coast between Chania and Rethymno, at the mouth of the Almyros river. The beach runs for several kilometres in both directions; the river mouth creates calm, relatively shallow water and a sheltered swimming area. Good facilities, family-friendly, and well-positioned for a day trip from Chania (40km, approximately 45 minutes) or Rethymno (25km, approximately 30 minutes). KTEL buses from both cities stop in the village.
Voulisma (Agios Nikolaos Area)
Voulisma is on the north coast east of Agios Nikolaos — an organised beach with clear turquoise water, sunbeds, and taverna. Less famous than the west-coast beaches but significantly easier to reach from eastern Crete. Worth knowing for those basing themselves in the Lasithi region.
For the full island overview and how to get between beaches, see our Crete travel guide. For organised beach excursions and day trips that include transport, see Crete tours. For where to stay to access the best beaches efficiently, see where to stay in Crete.
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See Also
- Crete Travel Guide - island overview, regions, and what to expect
- Getting Around Crete - car hire, KTEL buses, and reaching the south coast
- Things to Do in Crete - Knossos, Samaria Gorge, and village walks
- Day Trips in Crete - how to combine beaches with cultural sites
- Where to Stay in Crete - Chania vs Heraklion vs Rethymno as a base
- Corfu vs Crete - comparing two of Greece’s most popular islands