Get inspired by the best beaches in Crete in Greece!
Paradise beaches can be found not only in the Caribbean or in some corner of Southeast Asia, but also without leaving Europe. Here, we will show you the Greek island that receives the highest number of tourists every year: Crete.
Can you imagine sunbathing lying on a wide expanse of pink sand? Are you looking for a vacation where white and turquoise colours dominate the views? Do not miss these beaches during your trip to the beautiful island of Crete.
1. Elafonisi
Elafonisi
In the extreme southwest of the island, you will find one of the most desired beaches by any tourist who travels to Crete: the Elafonisi area. There are organized excursions to get there, and it is also possible to get there by renting a car. You need to know that the roads and access are somewhat rudimentary so you have to arm yourself with patience until you reach this gorgeous destination.
Once in Elafonisi, you will find a large outdoor space where you can bathe in small natural pools of shallow turquoise water. The drawback of this beach is that there are many tourists there at any time of the year. However, due to its vast size, it is possible to get away from the busier areas. You can also rent an umbrella and a beach chair.
Undoubtedly, one of the main characteristics of Elafonisi is the pinkish colour of its sand due to the erosion of corals. This unique place will make you feel in paradise.
2. Balos
Balos
Another unspoilt corner of Crete in which you feel an adventurer is Balos. Located inside the Natural Park it requires a symbolic donation of one euro per person to access it, as long as you come by car.
Those who prefer to arrive by the sea, can book an excursion in which to take a small cruise on the north-western end of the island and reach Balos by boat. If you opt for the latter, you will have about 3 hours to enjoy the beautiful lagoons of crystalline and turquoise water of the Gramvoussa Peninsula. If you go on your own, you will have all the time you want to dedicate to this piece of paradise.
The road that leads to the parking lot is only 7 kilometers long but it is not paved and it is necessary to moderate the speed all the way. After leaving the vehicle, you have to descend a kilometer and a half on foot while enjoying spectacular views of the beautiful beach of Balos from above. It is definitely one of the best beaches in Crete.
3. Falasarna
Falasarna
It is impossible to visit Crete and not to contemplate one of the most beautiful and free spectacles of the island: the sunset. And if there is a beach that offers the most impressive views of the sunset, it is the beach of Falasarna. It is located on the western coast, a few kilometers from the Balos Lagoon, and in its beautiful turquoise waters, shallow and with moderate waves you can bathe until it starts to get dark.
This beach, like most of the Cretan bathing areas, has all kinds of facilities adapted to tourism, that is, showers, toilets, sunbeds and umbrellas, rooms to stay in front of the sea, small shops and restaurants where taste the culinary specialties of Greece.
Unlike other beaches on the island, Falasarna is close to the main road of Crete so you will not lose much time to get there.
4. Frangokastello
Frangokastello
Another among the best beaches in Crete, where mass tourism does not usually arrive even in the summer months, is the beach of Frangokastello. It is located on the south coast, next to a beautiful Venetian-style castle which offers great views of the beach. The waters of the sea around Frangokastello are transparent, with hardly any depth and with a moderate swell.
For those looking to enjoy their holidays “big time” – here you can find several restaurants, rent sunbeds or umbrellas and even stay at the beach in one of its guest rooms.
And what better way to end a day at the beach than visiting the castle! Access to the castle is € 1.50 per person and it stays open until 7:00 p.m.
Written by Laura Crusellas of Wuking.
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