The best Crete beaches and where to stay Stories > Experiences > The best Crete beaches and where to stay Curation by Yasmina Rodríguez, words by Laura TuckerThe colour spectrum of any Greece getaway will be centred on deep oceanic blues, gradually transmuting into vibrant pinks and balancing out in dusty whites. Crete is no different and goes one dimension further by adding pebbled beach textures and silky Aegean seascapes. If that wasn’t enough for the senses, the warm, salty breeze coming in off of the coast is sure to do the trick. To best experience the colours, sights, smells and textures of Crete, it’s to the beach we head, choosing from 1,046 kilometres to cover both Chania in the west and the Lybian coast in the south. Discover the best beaches in Crete and the hotels to stay at below. Tailor Made JourneyLuxury Beyond ConventionAt Mr Hudson, we understand that true luxury lies in the freedom to explore the world exactly as you envision it. Our curated collection of exceptional properties and experiences speaks to those who seek refinement in every moment—whether discovering hidden gems in storied cities, unwinding at distinguished resorts, or sailing aboard elegant vessels. We celebrate the sophisticated traveler who appreciates understated elegance and meaningful discovery. Explore in luxury Agios Nikolaos, Greece | Photo: Kirill Shavlo Elafonissi has a certain enigmatic charm, made so by rose-tinted sands and a pair of lagoons that flank the entry path1. ElafonissiWhen 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. Elafonissi Beach | Photo: Manos Chainakis Photo: Manos Chainakis2. FalassarnaGoing one hour west of Chania town will put you in the direction of Falassarna, a slightly lesser-known Crete vacation spot, with panoramic seascapes and the scent of olive groves in the air. Tavernas and villas run the hills behind, but it’s the beach that wins attention among windsurfers, families and honeymooners alike. While in the area be sure to check out the ancient Minoan harbour a little ways inland of Falassarna, returning to the beach for the dreamiest sunsets of burning orange on indigo horizons.3. BalosPerhaps 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. Balos Beach | Photo: Frank-EiffertWhere to stay in ChaniaIn 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. Domes Zeen Domes Zeen4. Seitan LimaniaLying 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. Phaea Blue Phaea Blue5. GeorgioupolisMost 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 GeorgiooupolisNestled 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. Rimondi Boutique Hotel Rimondi Boutique Hotel 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 below6. PreveliGaze 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. Preveli beach | Photo: Mary Fotinaki7. Matala & KommosA 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. Matala | Photo: Leonhard Niederwimmer Photo: Andrea Piacquadio8. Ammoudara BeachSomewhat 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 BeachFor 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. Amirandes Amirandes9. Agios Nikolaos & VoulismaAgios 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 NikolaosThe 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. Elounda Gulf Villas Elounda Gulf Villas10. VaïVenturing east to Lasithi province for one last look around, you’ll be happy to find Vaï, more Caribbean than Cretan in appearance thanks to an abundance of palm trees (a grove of over 5,000 of them!) lining calm shores. Don’t be fooled however because you are most certainly still in Greece, as reflected in the ancient Minoan site of Itanos which itself has a trio of secluded bay beaches. Though crowded in high season, Vaï runs for kilometres parallel to the ‘Palm Forest’ meaning there are any number of places to rest in tropical climes, with snack bars and cafés close at hand.Want to simplify luxury travel planning?Whether you want a resort vacation, wildlife safari, city break, luxury cruise, wellness retreat, honeymoon, once-in-a-lifetime adventure or weekend escape, the trip curation experts at Mr Hudson make travel planning a breeze. Find out how we can handle the finer details of vacationing in style. Matala beach | Photo: Tobias Reichshare Agios Nikolaos | Photo: Nabih El Boustani Agios Nikolaos | Photo: Tobias Reich Balos Beach | Photo: Eleni Afiontzi Chania, Greece | Photo: Andreas Pajuvirta Chania, Greece | Photo: Daan Huttinga Elafonissi Beach | Photo: Ben Michel Seitan Limania | Photo: Alexandra Tran Seitan Limania | Photo: Janis Beitins Matala beach | Photo: Leonhard Niederwimmer Matala, Greece | Photo: Frank Eiffert Matala, Greece | Photo: Tobias Reich Preveli beach | Photo: Dimitris Kiriakakis Preveli beach | Photo: Erro420 Preveli beach | Photo: Unsplash Matala | Photo: Tobias Reich Photo: Dirk Hoenes Matala, Greece | Photo: Unsplash Spinalonga Island, Agios Nikolaos | Photo: Unsplash Vai | Photo: Richard Innfield Preveli beach, Greece | Photo: UnsplashDid you enjoy this article? Then sign up for our newsletterDid you enjoy this article? 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