Explore the Secluded Beaches of Crete Accessible via Dirt Roads

The picturesque Alona beach (Krinakia) is located at the exit of the Katsounaki Gorge, to the east of Xirokambos settlement. It is a stunning sandy beach, often covered in white sea daffodils during the autumn months. Exploring the canyon is relatively easy; with its tall, wild walls, it’s possible to hike from Alona to the...Read More

Agios Pavlos, meaning Saint Paul in English, is a stunning and secluded beach situated in a picturesque cove on the Peninsula Rodopos. It is 40km northwest of the city of Chania. There are two main ways to get to the beach – by boat from either Ravdoucha or Kissamos, or by driving along a dirt...Read More

Situated 91km south of Iraklion and 54km southwest of Agios Nikolaos, Tertsa is a small village boasting a tranquil and peaceful beach, with coarse gray sand, as well as the picturesque and secluded cove of Vourdolakos or Chlia. This beach is made up of several consecutive bays, with short rocky parts that are ideal for...Read More

Vathi is a stunning beach located 79km southwest of Heraklion and 17km from the village Sivas. It is close to the southernmost point of Crete, Cape Lithino and far from urban centers, making it an ideal spot for those looking for a peaceful getaway. The semi-circular bay is sheltered from the open sea, with a...Read More

Maridaki is a small seaside settlement located on the eastern side of Asterousia Mount, 65km south of Heraklion and in the west side of Tsoutsouras Bay. The village can be accessed via a 15km long dirt road that starts before the village Ahedrias (near village Mesohorio). This picturesque route passes among the towering cliffs and...Read More

Situated 70 kilometers southeast of Chania and 500 meters northwest of Chrysoskalitissa Monastery, Voulolimni is a small crater that is surrounded by rocks and forms a tiny sea lake. The lake is well-shielded from strong winds due to a small opening that connects it to the open sea, creating a natural harbor for small boats....Read More

Skinias is an isolated area located 94 km east of Agios Nikolaos and 20 km east of Sitia, in one of the most secluded parts of East Crete. This wild terrain consists of three little bays, perfect for seclusion at the mouth of Katsara Gorge. Unfortunately, there is no access to any amenities or trees...Read More

Nestled at the western coast of Platia Peramata is the small settlement of Krigioi, known for its illegally built houses and cottages. A short drive along the local stream leads to a stunning beach with fine pebbles and crystal clear waters. Krigioi is also renowned for its numerous miniature beaches that are dispersed along the...Read More

Located 32km south of Rethymno and 4km east of Plakias, Ammoudi is a beach complex renowned for its stunningly turquoise waters and spectacular white coarse sand. To get here, one must drive through the paved road from the village Lefkogia. The first beach of the area is Ammoudi, where visitors will find umbrellas, taverns, and...Read More

Just 1km east of Chrysostomos lies the magnificent Maha beaches. The first beach is a rocky one, mainly used as a harbor. Unorganized, but with a few rooms and a tavern nearby, a road leads to the beach. 100m further, if you go east along the beach dirt road, you’ll find another delightful beach with...Read More