The 10 most beautiful beaches to swim in Crete

One of the most important things to do when you leave on a holiday: get ready by the water! Here are the most beautiful beaches to swim in Crete and return in the shape of your stay!

Swimming at sea is one of the favorite occupations of holidaymakers. This is one of the reasons why sunny destinations are so popular. If you have planned a next trip on the side of La Canée and Heraklion, enjoy it to discover the Cretoise beaches, which are among the most beautiful in Europe!

To help you choose the beaches where to swim in Crete, here is a selection of the best 10 according to Wanderlix. You just have to prepare your things for naps on the beach, a little reading, sun cream, a good camera, and what to cover you! The wind is frequent (and a little cold) at the end of the day.

You will have to chill during your holidays, between visits!

1. Chrissi

The beaches Chrissi are among the best known to swim in Crete, including Golden Beach .

Chrissi Island, located in 12 kilometres the main island, offers large areas of white sand and pebbles. Its seabed will make the happiness of the snorkeling followers. She's very popular with tourists and you have to count 1 hour crossing.

• LocationSouth of Crete
• How to get there: boat only
• Equipment and services: snack, sun loungers and parasols
• Ideal time to swim: you have no other choice than to make depending on the time of the boat

2. Kommos

The beach Kommos is a beautiful stretch of fine sand with transparent waters. It is ideal for swimming in Crete. It is very large and, big advantage compared to other beaches of Crete, not frequented.

You'll find a place for sure. Its black sand beach is original, but think about taking shoes to walk on the burning sand. Attention also to the color of the flag because the waves can be more or less important. Some areas are protected, as turtles go there. Naturism is allowed.

• LocationSouth of Crete
• How to get there: car
• Equipment and services: sun loungers and parasols, shower and toilet, snack
• Ideal time to swimWhenever you want! To be avoided, however, in the event of wind, as the sand flies a lot.

3. Georgioupolis

Georgioupolis is a small seaside resort that offers all the comfort possible to its visitors. The hotels, shops and restaurants line the coast with the beach is right next door. By providing suitable shoes, you can even go to the church of Saint Nicolas which is located at sea. You will have to go to the end of the beach and follow the path of rocks.

This originality is one of the most beautiful beaches to swim in Crete! Beyond the beach, the village is also a charming area to discover.

• Location: northwest of Crete.
• How to get thereCar or foot.
• Equipment and services: it is a seaside resort, you will have everything you need on site.
• Ideal time to swim: out of season, you will easily find a place to install

4. Vai

Vai was to be part of our selection of the most beautiful beaches of Crete. It is one of the last to be located next to a palm grove and its water is clear. The seabed is splendid.

By taking the staircase that allows you to climb on the cliff, you can have a wonderful view of the coast. And by walking a little on the path (about 15 minutes), you can access a creek much quieter than the main beach (Naturism is tolerated there).

• Location: is Crete
• How to get there: bus and car (paying parking)
• Equipment and services: snack, parasol and sun loungers, shower w.c. and cabin on the parking lot
• Ideal time to swim: it is a very touristy beach, it is advisable to arrive early

5. Red Beach

Red Beach is very popular by tourists. Its red cliffs that give the impression of falling into turquoise water are superb! Admire the view from the path you follow from the parking lot.

To swim in Crest, Red Beach water is perfect. This beach is a little less ideal to presume: they are pebbles and not sand. Plan shoes to walk to the beach and to swim eventually.

• Location South of Crete
• How to get there : bus, boat and car
• Equipment and services: snack, parasol and sun loungers right next to
• Ideal time to swim: this beach is very touristy, it is advisable to arrive before 10 am

6. Preveli

The show offered by the beach Preveli is amazing: cliffs, palm trees, fine sand, limpid water, and especially a river that comes to throw into the sea, cutting the beach in half.

Swimming in Crest on the beach of Preveli deserves: you have to go down 400 steps before reaching it!

• LocationSouth of Crete
• How to get there: boat and car (paying parking)
• Equipment and services: coffee-snack in summer
• Ideal time to swim: if you want to have a place in the shade, it is better to come soon!

7. Falasarna

Falasarna must be ranked among the most beautiful beaches where bathing in Crete with its particularly limpid and turquoise water. A place to meet many romantics, it owes its fame to its incredible landscape at sunset.

Unlike lagoons, it is exposed to the wind and has waves. Composed of 5 different beaches extending over 3 kilometres , you will have a place easily!

• Location: northwest of Crete
• How to get there: bus or car
• Equipment and services: sun loungers, parasols, activities (ski subject) and shops
• Ideal time to swimWhenever you want! If you get away from the main beach (with equipment and animation), you will find a place to chill quietly.
• Other: there is a naturist part.

8. Matala

Matala was one of the most popular beaches in the region for many years. And for cause: the North Shore, dug in caves, has been the den of hippies for years! Its atypical side therefore still attracts many tourists.

• LocationSouthern Crete.
• How to get there: bus or car (very easy access from the main road along the southern coast of the Crest).
• Equipment and services: absolutely everything! The beach is right next to the city.
• Ideal time to swim: this beach remains one of the main places to swim in Crete. Even at sunset, it remains overcrowded.

9. Balos Lagoon

The Balos lagoon is one of the most beautiful beaches to swim in Crete. Its water, between turquoise and emerald, is warm and shallow.

No construction will alter its environment, you will feel lost in the middle of nature! And even if, on the boat, you are a little tight, the lagoon is quite large enough for everyone to settle at his ease. If you want to walk around, plan good shoes!

• Location: northwest of Crete
• How to get there: boat (from May to October only), 4×4 or walking (if good walkers)
• On-site equipment and servicesA snack. But if you've opted for the boat, it's still on dock. The toilets are therefore available on board and some parasols are for rent.
• Ideal time to swim: you will probably be forced to comply with the schedules of excursions!

10. The beach of Elafonisi

beach of Elafonisi is well known for its famous pink sand. To be exact, these are pink reflections due to the brushing of corals by the current. So don't expect all pink sand!

It is an ideal beach to swim in Crete, the water of its lagoon is warm and shallow. It is part of a protected area, so do not collect sand or shells!

• Locationsouthwest of the Crest.
• How to get there: bus, boat or car.
• Equipment and services: a few bars and shops, toilets and showers next to, some sun loungers, surveillance by a swimmer master in summer.
• Ideal time to swim: a lot of tourists go there on a trip. To enjoy this magnificent space without too many people, come either early or at the end of the day. The sunset is beautiful!