iLoveElafonisi
Shallow lagoon with pinkish sand. Protected area — stay on paths.
Families · Shallow
DirectionsBeaches
Best beaches in Crete
Quick answer
Crete's best-known beaches are in the west: Elafonisi (shallow lagoon, pinkish sand), Balos (turquoise lagoon, reached by boat or a rough road and walk) and Falassarna (long sandy beach with sunsets). In the south, Preveli has a palm forest at a river mouth; in the east, Vai has a palm grove.
Beaches compared
| Beach | Ground | Faces | Wind |
|---|---|---|---|
| Elafonisi | Sand | South-west | Can be windy; shallow water |
| Balos | Sand | Lagoon | Sheltered lagoon |
| Falassarna | Sand | West | Exposed to west winds |
| Preveli | Sand & pebble | South | Calm in north winds |
| Vai | Sand | East | Usually calm |
| Seitan Limania | Pebble | North | Rough in north winds |
Balos
Turquoise lagoon. Boat from Kissamos, or a dirt road and a steep walk.
Views · Day trip
DirectionsAccess rules, facilities and boat landings change. Check locally and respect closures. Photos: Wikimedia Commons.