Top 10 World-Class Beaches in Chania & Lasithi.

Top left: The wild charm of Chrissi island at sunset. Hop on a boat at Ierapetra to reach it.

Bottom left: The protected area of Vai Beach does not just offer palm trees but also fantastic teal waters and soft sand. OUR INSIDER TIPS

The sheer size and variety of welcoming bays, beaches and coves on Crete can be overwhelming – that’s why we’ve asked those in the know for their expert tips.

CRETE IS THE LARGEST ISLAND IN GREECE, boasting 1,046 km of coastline with hundreds of incredible beaches, each unique in its beauty. Here are some of the very best beaches in the prefectures of Chania and Lasithi in western and eastern Crete respectively.

1. FALASSARNA

Easily accessible, Falassarna is situated in a beautiful fertile plain near the village of Platanos, 58 km west of Chania. Declared as one of the cleanest beaches in Greece, it welcomes visitors who flock to enjoy the pure soft golden sand and incredibly clear turquoise waters in what is a truly idyllic spot whose sunsets are celebrated. You’ll find a handful of traditional tavernas in the surrounding area as well as the ruins of ancient Falassarna, once a powerful city-state with a remarkable enclosed port which flourished mainly during the Hellenistic period.

2. SEITAN LIMANIA

Located close to Chania airport and all but hidden away in the rocky coastline, this gorgeous pebbly beach has incredibly blue, deep waters. Make sure you bring food and water as there are no amenities on the beach, and wear sensible shoes as the descent is rocky. You’ll nevertheless be rewarded for your efforts by the calm waters and stunning scenery.

3. AGIOS PAVLOS

In addition to its imposing sand dunes, striking sea caves, whitewashed rocks and translucent waters, the partially organized beach of Agios Pavlos also stuns visitors with awe inspiring vistas of Paximadia islands, which seem to almost hover in the middle of the Libyan Sea.

4. BALOS

The beauty of the shores and waters of Balos lagoon is legendary. When seen from above, the water looks almost transparent, glass-like, surrounded by multiple strips of an exotic, pure white sand. Opposite the beach, the rocky island of Gramvoussa with its Venetian castle beckons, while Mediterranean seals have been known to frequent the surrounding waters.

5. ELAFONISI

Located on the southwest tip of Crete, 82 km from Chania, the exotic islet of Elafonisi [“is-

land of deer” in Greek] is renowned all around the globe. In fact, it made the top 25 most beautiful beaches in the entire world in 2019 in Trip- Advisor’s Choice Awards for its pink coral sand and crystalline waters. You can get there by boat from Palaiochora or by car. There are cantinas and water sports facilities on the beach opposite Elafonisi, while the islet itself features white sand and many cedar trees, and can only be reached by crossing the reef on foot.

6. KOLOKITHA

Known for its fine white sand and calm waters, this secluded cove is made even more beautiful by the surrounding ancient olive groves and wheat fields. As it is very popular – especially in the peak summer months due to the excursion boats – we recommend you visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon. Remember to take an umbrella as the beach isn’t organized and the only natural shade is provided by a handful of tamarisk trees.

Elafonisi has been ranked in the top 21 beaches in the entire world. It owes its pink hue to millions of tiny seashells.

Left: Just 58km west of Chania, Falassarna beach boasts golden soft sand and incredibly clear waters.

Top right: The clear waters of Balos lagoon are nothing if not exotic and inviting; you won't want to leave this beach.

7. AGIA FOTIA

Situated 10 km east of Ierapetra, this renowned and wellorganized beach boasts powdery sand, inviting waters and a trendy beach bar that has become a hot spot with young people – locals and visitors alike.

8. VAI

On the northeastern side of Crete, exotic Vai Beach is surrounded by approximately 5,000 palm trees – the largest such forest in Europe. Following its hippy backpacker destination status in the 1980s, Vai has been declared a protected area by the state. Its utterly soft sand, crystal clear waters and overwhelming natural beauty have made it very popular with families.

9. CHRISSI ISLAND OR GAIDOURONISI

Located 8 nautical miles (approx. 50 minutes by boat) south of Ierapetra in the open Libyan Sea, Chrissi is a flat islet thousands of visitors visit every year, to swim in phenomenal bright blue waters and to marvel at the pink-hued sands, which are made up of millions of broken shells. Chrissi has been declared an area of outstanding natural beauty, so spending the night is strictly prohibited – as is collecting shells, sand or anything else, while visitors are also urged to take great care not to break the branches of the protected junipers when walking. Its most famous beach is initially rocky and then turns sandy – the setting of pure relaxation.

10. ΜAKRIGIALOS

A full kilometer long, Makrigialos is known for its fine golden sand and often referred to by the locals as "Hani" or simply “Long Beach.” A great choice for children and families due to its warm, shallow waters which maintain their high temperature even during the colder winter months, this is a great seaside spot to while away the hours as it is surrounded by cafes and eateries for refreshments and meals by the sea. Additional facilities and amenities include umbrellas, water sports and showers.