Safe Swimming at Crete's Calm Beaches

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

Nestled at the northeastern edge of Crete, Agios Isidoros is a secluded coastal spot renowned for its wild beauty and its unique landscape shaped by the salty sea and winds. Home to a church and lighthouse that bear the same name, the area also features the ruins of an old 14th-century temple and a 4th-century...Read More

Manovas beach is situated 500 metres to the south of the renowned Seitan Limania beach, close to Cape Akrotiri or Melecha. It is bordered by high cliffs on either side, and is situated in the depths of a ravine, where the Kouroupitos stream enters the ocean. Although aesthetically stunning, it has not been a popular...Read More

Kalami, situated 70km south-east of Agios Nikolaos and 34km east of Ierapetra, is a perfect destination for those seeking a tranquil and secluded spot. It is easy to access due to the road passing close to the beach. Kalami boasts a pebbly beach and a spring with fresh water, and its visitors can find natural...Read More

Nestled in the remote and picturesque Asteroussia Mountains, 58km south of Heraklion, lies one of the most beautiful and serene beaches in Crete, the majestic black beach of Aspes. Located 4km east of Tris Ekklisies, Aspes is characterized by its dark-colored sand, almost vertical high cliffs and beautiful caves with orthogonal sides, as if they...Read More

Just a short drive from the city of Chania, the small beach of Macherida is situated 14km to the northeast and 1km west of the village Chorafakia, close to the area of Tersanas. It is believed that it is named after the rocky cape located in its northern end, resembling a knife (“machairi” is the...Read More

Located about 35km south of Rethymno and 10km east of Plakias, Preveli is a renowned beach destination in south Crete. With the Grand River (Megalos Potamos) flowing out of the imposing Kourtaliotikos Gorge and forming a 500m long small lake, the area is home to a large colony of Theophrastus palm trees, giving the region...Read More

Agia Pelagia, located just 21km west of Heraklion, is a bustling tourist resort surrounded by several picturesque coves and beautiful beaches. The main beach of the settlement is a long and narrow beach with sand and turquoise waters, often calm due to the protection of the nearby Cape Souda. This beach provides a variety of...Read More

Perched on the east end of the village of Tsoutsouras, just 500 meters away, lies Pourgonero beach. This remote beach is part of the Tsoutsouras Bay and is located in front of the Sarakinos hill. According to legend, beneath this place lies the eternal sarcophagus of King Minos, the King of Knossos in Greek mythology....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