Beaches · Crete · Greece
The best beaches in and near Crete
Where to swim and spend a beach day, and when the water is warm.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Olaf Tausch, CC BY 3.0
Quick answer
The best-known beach is Elafonisi (About 75 km from Chania; 1.5–2 hours by car). The sea is usually warm enough for a comfortable swim (21°C+) in June–October.
Key facts
- Beaches in this guide
- 8
- Swimming season
- June–October
- Warmest sea
- 25°C (77°F)
The beaches
About 75 km from Chania; 1.5–2 hours by car · Families and lagoon swimming
1.Elafonisi
Shallow lagoon water and pink-tinged sand around a protected islet you can wade to; very calm for children.
About 55 km from Chania; boat from Kissamos or dirt road · Spectacular views and photos
2.Balos
A turquoise lagoon framed by the Gramvousa peninsula, best seen from the path above before walking down.
About 60 km from Chania; 1 hour by car · Sunsets and long swims
3.Falasarna
A long sandy beach on the west coast with clear water and some of Crete's best sunsets.
About 20 km from Chania · Adventurous swimmers
4.Seitan Limania
A tiny cove at the end of a narrow, cliff-lined inlet on the Akrotiri peninsula, reached by a steep, rocky path.
About 35 km from Rethymno; steep path or summer boat · Nature and a unique setting
5.Preveli
A sandy river-mouth beach backed by a palm-lined gorge, with fresh water to walk through upstream.
About 40 km from Rethymno · Relaxed south-coast days
6.Plakias
A long, wide sandy beach on the south coast with tavernas and room to spread out.
About 25 km from Sitia · A remote eastern beach day
7.Vai
A sandy cove fringed by a grove of native Cretan date palms, often described as Europe's largest natural palm forest.
About 12 km from Agios Nikolaos · Calm water and families
8.Voulisma
A sheltered sandy beach with turquoise water near Istron on Mirabello Bay.
Sea temperature by month
| Month | Sea | Air high |
|---|---|---|
| January | 17°C (63°F) | 16°C (61°F) |
| February | 16°C (61°F) | 16°C (61°F) |
| March | 16°C (61°F) | 18°C (64°F) |
| April | 17°C (63°F) | 21°C (70°F) |
| May | 19°C (66°F) | 24°C (75°F) |
| June | 22°C (72°F) | 28°C (82°F) |
| July | 24°C (75°F) | 29°C (84°F) |
| August | 25°C (77°F) | 30°C (86°F) |
| September | 24°C (75°F) | 27°C (81°F) |
| October | 22°C (72°F) | 24°C (75°F) |
| November | 20°C (68°F) | 20°C (68°F) |
| December | 18°C (64°F) | 17°C (63°F) |
Staying near the beach
$$ · Best for families, beach and nightlife
Platanias and Agia Marina
West of Chania, the coast road links a string of sandy beaches and resort villages, including Agia Marina and Platanias, with family hotels, tavernas, bars and water sports facing Thodorou island. Buses run into Chania in about 20–30 minutes.
- Good
- Long sandy beaches; Family-friendly hotels; Frequent buses to Chania
- Watch out
- Built-up resort feel; Busy main road
- Nearby
- Thodorou island, Chania, Kolymbari
Getting to the beaches
- Car — The national road along the north coast links Kissamos, Chania, Rethymno, Heraklion and Agios Nikolaos; Chania to Heraklion is about 140 km, roughly two hours.
- Bus — KTEL buses run frequently along the north coast and to major sights such as Knossos, Samaria, Elafonisi in summer and the south-coast villages.
- Ferry — On the southwest coast, ferries link Chora Sfakion, Loutro, Agia Roumeli, Sougia and Paleochora, which have no road connections between them.
- Boat — Day boats run from Kissamos to Balos and Gramvousa, from Plaka and Elounda to Spinalonga, and from Ierapetra to Chrissi island in summer.
Beach-weather months
Days of 24°C (75°F) or more with no more than nine rainy days come in May–October. The busiest of those is July, so book early.
Beach safety
Crete is generally relaxed for visitors. Take care on narrow, winding mountain roads, carry plenty of water and sun protection on gorge hikes, and respect warning flags on windy west- and north-coast beaches, where currents can be strong. Swim at lifeguarded beaches where possible and follow local flag warnings.
Questions travellers ask
+Does Crete have beaches?
Yes: Elafonisi, Balos, Falasarna, Seitan Limania, Preveli, Plakias, Vai and Voulisma.
+When is the sea warm enough to swim in Crete?
Usually June–October, when the sea averages 21°C or more.
+What is the best beach near Crete?
Elafonisi: Shallow lagoon water and pink-tinged sand around a protected islet you can wade to; very calm for children.