Discover the Best Beaches in Crete
Crete has many kilometers of different coastlines. You can easily find quiet beaches to enjoy. Many of these beaches are in small, romantic bays, hidden behind big mountains. You are sure to find your favorite spot. You can also find areas for nudists and dog-friendly zones.
Top Beaches in Southern Crete
Crete has one of the longest coastlines and is the perfect place for an unforgettable beach holiday. The island combines breathtaking beaches, crystal clear water and impressive natural scenery. Whether you want to relax in the quiet bays of Elafonissi or marvel at the imposing cliffs of the Balos Lagoon - Crete has something for everyone. The variety of beaches ranges from fine sand to dramatic cliffs, so you are guaranteed to find your personal favorite spot. With a little attention, you will also find a designated nudist beach or an area designated for your own dog beach.
Top Family-friendly Beaches in South Crete
Elafonissi
Elafonissi is one of the most beautiful beaches in Crete. It’s in the southwest part of the island.
This beach is famous for its pink sand and looks a bit like the Caribbean.
Why is the sand pink? The pink color comes from tiny shells of sea creatures. When these shells break, they become fine sand and mix with the white sand on the beach. Please remember, it is not allowed to take sand from here.
How to Get There:
From Pitsidia, you can reach Elafonissi by car in about 3.5 to 4 hours. Take the northern highway: Pitsidia → Rethymnon → Chania → Kissamos. Just before Kissamos, turn left to go south.
Alternatively, you can book guided tours through sites like GetYourGuide. The beach can be crowded in the summer due to its popularity.
Preveli
You can reach Preveli Beach in two ways:
Start at Preveli Monastery and park in the large parking lot. From here, you have an amazing view of the lagoon and palm trees. The walk to Preveli Beach takes about 30 minutes, but it has stairs. Bring sunscreen and enough water, and good shoes are helpful.
About 5 kilometers after Drymiskos, turn left towards Drymiskiano Ammoudi. From the parking lot, it’s a 15-minute walk to Preveli Beach.
How to get to Preveli Beach:
Drive through Timpaki and Agia Galini towards Spili. In Kissou Kampos, turn left twice towards Preveli. You will arrive in about 1.5 hours.
Triopetra
This long sandy beach is only about 1 hour from Pitsidia.
Arrive early for good parking. Enjoy the quiet and the rocks both on land and in the sea. It’s great for families with children because of the shallow water and shaded areas. There are no major tourist facilities, so bring your own food, drinks, and sunscreen.
Agia Galini
Agia Galini is a small village, just 30 minutes by car from Pitsidia. It sits beautifully on a hillside and has surprises, like the statues of Icarus and Daedalus. The beach is popular for its family-friendly atmosphere.
Kokkinos Pyrgos
This place has the “Red Beach of Ioannis” and another beach called Katalyki Beach. Both are a 20-minute drive away.
Afrathias
From Agia Triada, you can see the beach below. It’s between Tymbaki and Kalamaki, just 15 minutes from Pitsidia.
Komos Beach
Komos Beach is perfect for sunbathers. The water is shallow and there are wide areas to relax.
You might see amazing sunsets here.
There are two islands called “Paximadis” in front of the beach.
Komos Beach has a nudist area. Walk 100 meters to the right, away from the point.
In summer, the Caretta Caretta turtle lays eggs on this beach at night. Please don’t touch the baby turtles if you see them during the day. You can sprinkle a little seawater on them to cool them.
How to get to Komos Beach? Komos beach ist only a 3-minute-drive from our holiday homes in Pitsidia.
Matala Bay
This bay is popular with locals. Be careful with children, as the water gets deep quickly. You can reach a small sandbank after a few meters.
Enjoy a great view of the sandstone caves! There is a small entrance fee. Taverns offer cool drinks and delicious food.
Matala Bay ist only 3.5 kilometres from the holiday homes.
Red Beach
You can reach Red Beach on foot from Matala. You need to cross rocky hills. Bring good shoes, enough drinks, and snacks.
Beach exploration and hiking adventures
Other beaches that may not be ideal for families...
Gournia
This beach is nicely placed between rocks. You can only reach it on foot, so it’s a bit of a hike without shade.
Vathi
Vathi Bay is a quiet place for those who enjoy clear water and beautiful scenery.
The road is a bit bumpy, so a 4WD vehicle is best. The route goes past Odigitrias Monastery, which is nice for a short stop.
It will take about one hour for inexperienced drivers.
Agio Farango
Nice bays require a bit of effort.
The way from Pitsidia is similar to the road to Vathi. Look for signs to Agiofarango Gorge.
Park the car before the gorge, but avoid parking in the tempting shade under the trees. The Kri Kri goats may use your car to reach leaves, leaving marks behind!
The path through the gorge is rocky and beautiful. Good shoes are helpful. You might see wildflowers and Kri Kri on the cliffs.
After 20-30 minutes, you will reach the bay with crystal-clear water. The beach has big pebbles, so be ready.
Martsalos
The way from Pitsidia is similar to the road to Vathi. You will then walk through a stunning gorge. It’s a challenging path, but it’s worth it!
Discover the Best Nudist Beaches in Crete
Crete is a big and beautiful island in Greece. Many people visit Crete for its amazing beaches. For people who like naturism, nudist beaches in Crete offer a nice mix of nature and a relaxed feeling. If you are a naturist or want to try a clothing-optional beach, Crete has many quiet places to go.
Understanding Nudism in Crete
Nudism is not officially legal everywhere in Greece. But people accept it (tolerate it) on many quiet beaches, especially in places with few people.
- No Official "Nudist Only" Beaches: There are no beaches just for nudists by law. But many popular beaches have a special part (usually at one end) where naturists meet.
- Respect the Culture: You must respect local people and Greek families. If the main beach has many clothed people, go to the area for nudists. The south coast is usually more open to nudism than the busy north coast.
Popular Nudist Beaches in Crete
The best nudist beaches in Crete are often on the rough and beautiful south coast. Here are some top beaches:
- Kommos Beach - South (near Pitsidia) - Long sand beach, very popular for nudists, old ruins nearby.
- Red Beach - South (near Matala) - Special red sand, hippie history, you must walk a little to get there.
- Glyka Nera Beach - South (near Sfakia) - Beautiful stone beach, fresh water from springs, very peaceful.
- Kedrodasos Beach - West (near Elafonissi) - Quiet and natural, cedar trees, a calm place for naturists.
- Sougia Beach - North - West (near Chania) - Long stone beach, the far west end is the area for nudists.
More About the Beaches
- Kommos Beach: Many people say this is the best place for nudism in Crete. It is a very long, sandy beach where you can easily be private. The north end is mostly clothing-optional.
- Red Beach (Kokkini Ammos): You can walk here from Matala. This beach is famous for its red sand. It was a place for hippies for a long time and is great for naturists.
- Glyka Nera Beach: The name means "Sweet Water." Fresh water comes up from the ground through the stones. This beautiful spot is great for a quiet day away from many people.
Finding Your Quiet Spot
Most nudist beaches in Crete need some effort to reach. You often have to walk a little, hike, or use a boat. This makes them private and peaceful. The south coast is the best place for naturists to find sun, sea, and beautiful nature.
Beach Vacation Tips
It’s best to wear shoes on the beaches in Crete. The sand heats up quickly in the sun and isn’t as fine as on other coasts. Before you drive, check if the road is suitable for your car and if your rental company allows it. Crete has something for everyone. What is the best beach? You choose! They all have one thing in common: the beautiful blue and clean sea.
Conclusion
Enjoy the sun and the sea on the beautiful island of Crete, and enjoy the freedom of its many quiet, clothing-optional beaches.