The best Crete beaches and where to stay

When sampling the western shores of Chania, it’s Elafonissi Beach that will undoubtedly become a favourite thanks to its pinnacle location on the island’s westernmost point, 82 kilometres northwest of Chania main town. Connected to the rest of Crete via a shallow reef, crossable in calm water, Elafonissi has a certain enigmatic charm, made so by rose-tinted sands and a pair of lagoons that flank the entry path. Being so far west, Elafonissi is notorious for heavy winds and as such is a popular spot for windsurfers and kiteboarders. Study the sport or snap up a sunbed, moving towards the coves and dunes beyond for more solitude and varying degrees of nudity.

Perhaps the most famed of beach resorts in the west, Balos is undoubtedly postcard material. Located on the north-western peninsula of Gramvousa, Balos is best reached by boat from Kissamos Port, its scrub-laden hills and turquoise lagoons coming into view soon after departure. Alternatively, channel your inner Princess Diana (who once visited with Prince Charles) by arriving via private yacht, or get adventurous with a bumpy drive and 25-minute downward hike to the water. Despite seeing lots of visitors, the beach itself is wholly undeveloped meaning your best bet is to pack a picnic and plenty of water before heading out.

In the heart of Chania’s enchanting old town, where Venetian harbours meet contemporary Greek elegance, Domes Zeen, A Luxury Collection Resort emerges as a masterpiece of understated luxury. This adults-only sanctuary transforms the traditional Greek island aesthetic through a lens of modern sophistication. Each suite showcases handpicked local artworks and bespoke furnishings that celebrate Cretan craftsmanship, whilst private terraces offer uninterrupted views of the crystal-clear waters. The rooftop restaurant elevates local ingredients to sublime heights, where Cretan olive oil and wild herbs transform into culinary poetry against the backdrop of sunset-painted harbour walls.

Lying within a secret cove up on the northeast side of Crete’s Akrotiri Peninsula, Seitan Limania is a rocky wonder. On approach, you’ll see just barren mountains before winding steeply downwards from atop the cliffs. After a series of hairpin bends leading down to Seitan Limania, you’ll see an unearthly strip of blue, wedged between jagged rocks in what one might call a paradise sandwich. Delight in the views atop the hill before carefully climbing down the path towards a tiny strip of white sand, azure shallows and little else but stunning seascapes.

Most Crete beaches don’t come made like Georgioupolis and the namesake town at its centre runs rather greener than most. The many restaurants and bars here come shaded by huge trees, adding comfort in the hottest months. At its rolling edge there lies a 2-kilometre stretch of shoreline, along which you’ll find all the facilities you could ever need. Developed as it is, Georgioupolis may not be the quietest beach break on the island, but varied options and proximity to both Chania and Rethymno make it a contender. Take the drive to Rethymno and you’ll also be rewarded halfway with views of Agios Nikolaos chapel set way out on a rocky jetty. Georgioupolis’ location at the point where the Almyros River enters the sea is also a reason for nature lovers to visit. As well as being the key habitat for a vast array of migratory birdlife, it’s also here on the riverbed that loggerhead sea turtles come to nest each year.

Where to stay in Georgiooupolis

Nestled between rolling hills and pristine coastline, Rimondi Boutique Hotel in Georgioupolis presents an intimate interpretation of Cretan hospitality. This carefully curated property balances traditional architecture with contemporary comforts, where stone-walled suites feature handwoven textiles and locally sourced ceramics. The hotel’s position allows for morning walks along deserted beaches before retreating to the serene spa, where treatments incorporate indigenous botanicals. Evenings unfold on the terrace restaurant, where the chef’s passion for Cretan gastronomy shines through dishes that honour both tradition and innovation.

Gaze down on Preveli from the precipice above and you may get butterflies from either the steep descent that awaits you or the perfect views below. Regardless of your jitters, taking the rocky pathway is certainly worthwhile, leading visitors through the endpoint of Kourtaliotiko Gorge down to an undeveloped pebble beach and snorkelling haven. Stay amidst the jagged hills and jungle vegetation to fully realise your desert island self, or alternatively visit the nearby Preveli Monastery set on a hill overlooking the Libyan Sea.

A legend among hippies since the 1960s, Matala prior to that was a small fishing village known only in Greek mythology as the place where Zeus swam ashore with a kidnapped Europa on his back. Since the hippies took over, Matala and the nearby beach of Kommos have boomed in popularity to become two of the favourite tourist spots on the island. Outside of high season, however, Matala calms down to provide a dreamy selection of bays, cliffs and caves ripe for exploration. Come to Matala via a 1-hour, scenic road trip from Heraklion, stopping by Matala Beach to see the cave once inhabited by singer/songwriter Joni Mitchell, or by Messara Bay for something slightly less crowded. Those seeking local experiences thereafter can head inland to the peaceful villages of Pitsidia, Sivas and Kamilari where traditional lifestyles and archaeological intrigues await.

Somewhat closer to the city of Heraklion is the 7-kilometre stretch known as Ammoudara Beach, based just 5 minutes from the Old City and considered one of the best in the area. Walk the entire length at a leisurely pace, renting a sunbed, kiteboard or windsurfing instruction whenever you fancy. Ammoudara Beach comes fed by the River Giofyros and outlined by the ancient coastline, with areas for both socialising and solitude. The west part of the beach – from Pancretan Stadium to the dunes of Xeropotamos – comes quieter than other parts, as do the beaches at the mouth of the Almiros and Gazanos River. During your stay in Heraklion, there is much else to do besides beaching, including visiting the Heraklion Archaeological Museum and Palace of Knossos, ending the night on vibrant squares filled with restaurants, shops and bars.

Where to stay in Ammoudara Beach

For those seeking direct access to Crete’s legendary coastline, Amirandes A Grecotel Resort To Live at Ammoudara Beach delivers palatial luxury mere steps from pristine sands. The resort’s architecture pays homage to Minoan heritage whilst embracing contemporary elegance, with suites that feature private pools seemingly suspended between earth and sky. The thalassotherapy spa harnesses the healing properties of the Aegean, whilst multiple dining venues celebrate everything from casual beachside fare to Michelin-worthy gastronomy. Here, days flow seamlessly from sunrise yoga on private beaches to champagne toasts as the sun melts into the Mediterranean horizon.

Agios Nikolaos is a top choice for travellers seeking both culture and coast, as it lies close to a range of sublime beaches while centred within a lively town. Beaches in the area include Kitroplatia Beach with its views across Mirabello Bay and the mountains beyond, based not far from the town’s lake and port areas. Almyros Beach lies a little further out beckoning visitors with its undeveloped pristine sands. Of the best Crete Greece beaches in the region, however, Voulisma Beach wins out owing to its wide, curving bay set against a spectacular backdrop of cliffs. Largely undeveloped, Voulisma is reachable via a long staircase and offers water sports and jet ski rentals.

Where to stay in Agios Nikolaos

The sophisticated resort town of Agios Nikolaos offers discerning travellers three distinct expressions of luxury. St. Nicolas Bay Resort Hotel & Villas crowns a private peninsula with suites that seem to float above secluded coves, where personalised service reaches the level of intuition. For those preferring ultimate privacy, Elounda Gulf Villas provides exclusive residences with private beaches and dedicated staff, perfect for those who measure luxury in solitude and space. Meanwhile, Phaea Blue brings contemporary boutique sensibilities to this timeless coastline, where minimalist design frames dramatic sea views and each room tells its own story through carefully curated local art.