The 10 best beaches in Crete

One of the most photographed and best beaches in Crete, Balos should definitely feature in your island itinerary. Here, a wild and wonderful network of lagoons creates a fabulous topography of colour, swirling with cerulean blue, green and aquamarine. A spit of sugary sand leads visitors from the mainland to the remote almost-island of Tigani. It’s only accessible on foot or by boat, but that doesn’t stop people, and you’ll even find a kiosk or two, loungers and umbrellas. Hike down, stopping for a photo in the hills above for the best view.

Shimmering aquamarine waters, a sandy horseshoe and a grove of swaying palms. No, you’re not in the Caribbean – you’re actually on Vaï Beach, in the Cretan province of Lasithi. The shore remains resolutely undeveloped, which only adds to the desert island vibes, but you can rent shade and loungers here. You’ll also want to pack your snorkel for the partly rocky-bottomed bay, as it’s a sheltered haven for colourful fish. In the shade of the date palms, you’ll also find a handful of cafés for all your refreshment needs.

Remote Preveli Beach is only accessible on foot. A rather steep descent followed by a jaunt along a gorge is rewarded with something akin to a desert oasis. You follow the Megalopotamos river through its palm-lined gully until you emerge onto a shingle beach, backed by verdant cliffs, where the water flows into the Libyan Sea. It’s a one-of-a-kind experience, and you’ll definitely fancy a dip in the deep, clear waters. There’s a snack bar in high season, but it’s a good idea to pack a picnic and embrace the remoteness.

Georgioupolis Beach is a narrow, sandy strip spanning the length of the eponymous town, which is stuffed with delightful tavernas, bars and shops. It’s a well organised beach with plenty of umbrellas and loungers for rent, a pleasantly shallow slope into the sea, and a surprisingly lush green backdrop given the temperatures on the island. The tiny white chapel of Agios Nikolaos perches out in the bay, attracting tourists to wander along the rocky causeway in search of atmospheric and romantic photos, especially at sunset.

The sandy half-moon of Plakias Beach is tucked away in a sheltered spot on Crete’s sunny south coast. It’s so long that you can find a bit of everything along its length, from sand to pebbly patches, shade to full sun, beach bars to empty spots – it almost never feels crowded here. You can intersperse lounging in the sun with languorous dips in the sea and trips up to the road behind for refreshments. The east end of the beach is backed by a stunningly sheer cliff face, making for dramatic photos.

With its flamingo-pink sands formed from tiny, crushed shells, plus pale blue sea worthy of the Maldives, Elafonissi is an endlessly Instagrammable destination. Fair warning – it’s not only one of the best beaches in Crete, it’s one of the most popular too, so you won’t be alone here. However, it’s worth sharing a space this beautiful with others. The pastel pink colour at the edge of the soft-sand beach is endlessly fascinating. Grab a sunbed or head for the very ends of the bay to find a more private spot.

The main draw of Falassarna Beach is its truly incredible sunsets. This broad, sandy stretch is one of the finest beaches in Crete, especially if you enjoy watersports or plunging into the rolling Mediterranean waves (and on calm days, swimming is blissful too). You can pitch up your towel on the butter-coloured sand or hire a lounger and shade. If you get restless, head to the nearby ancient ruins or try windsurfing, jet-skiing, paddleboarding and more. For more seclusion, locals head to the south end (sometimes called Paralia Dumitopia).

Party-seekers in Crete will love Paralia Malia, just steps from great clubs and bars and with plenty of shade and loungers for the morning after. During the day, the wide, sandy shore is bustling with families and the sea is great for swimming – or wave-jumping when it’s windy. In the bay lies a pretty blue-roofed church, perched on a tiny rocky outcrop and only accessible by boat. Everything you could need is at your fingertips, from cafés and watersports to bars, clubs and family activities.

On Crete’s south coast, Damnoni Beach, Mikro Ammoudi, Kleisidi Beach and finally Ammoudi are a string of petite coves, each somehow more beautiful than the last. The sandy shore of Ammoudi is sheltered on either side by dramatic rocks, creating calm conditions for swimming in the gently sloping bay. At the back of the beach you’ll find a small café and seating in the shade of the trees. There are some loungers and umbrellas for rent, but locals like to bring all their own gear and find a peaceful spot for a day in paradise.

If you’re staying in the charming town of Rethimno, Rethymnon Beach is a no-brainer for easy-going family fun. The beach is technically one end (near the Venetian castle) of a miles-long stretch of sand that fringes the entire town, backed by hotels, restaurants, coffee shops and watersports facilities. It’s a haven for an action-packed day of jet-skiing, banana boat rides, swimming, wave-jumping, or perhaps just relaxing. For an off-the-beaten-track beach near Rethimno, meanwhile, check out Pirgos: a tiny shingle cove with no facilities that’s great for snorkelling. You can easily find yourself alone here.