Beaches in South Crete That You Will Love!

General Traits of Southern Crete

Crete’s most developed area remains on the northern coast, with its capital, Heraklion, located in the island’s central area. Other most visited towns are also in the north, including Chania and Rethymnon in the west and Crete and Agios Nikolaos in the east. For that reason, most ports, airports, and important tourist resorts are on the island’s northern coast.

For those of us who live in Crete, this coast features better roads, the only National Highway, and better bus connections. There are also hospitals, universities, and more developed commercial centers.

With its imposing mountain ranges cutting the island in half, Crete’s geography has also contributed to maintaining the south as a more isolated region. Therefore, approximately 90% of the local population lives on the northern coast or close to it. As a result, Crete’s southern settlements have not changed much as the years have gone by, remaining mostly agricultural or fishing centers, where tourism is a secondary activity and family-owned businesses build the local character.

Map of South Crete (The Best Beaches)

We’ve identified 42 stunning beaches in the South of Crete. That’s a lot of places to put on any map! Check the references below for their names and regions.

All the beaches in this post are on this map!

Frequently Asked Questions About South Crete

Why Visit the South

It’s a common belief that those wanting to know Crete better choose the isolated south for their vacations, while first-time visitors spend their time on the north coast. This might be true, but travelers need at least 1.5 to 2 hours from any airport to reach the South.

Those who come to Crete looking for authentic rest and a taste of the local traditions are happy to cross any of Crete’s mountain passes to settle for as long as their holiday lasts. That’s key in their Cretan adventure: If they do so, they will avoid the crowds and enjoy Crete’s most stunning beaches. 

Day Trips to South Crete

Some areas in the south of Crete have become overcrowded in recent years due to the development of what I define as day-trip tourism. In short, people staying in the North jump on any given van to spend one very fast day at some of the most popular southern beaches, such as Elafonisi, Matala, and Loutro. At a lower scale, the same occurs with day hikers, who would not hike a mile back home but overpopulate Samaria or the easier Imbros gorge.

These day trips have devastating consequences in these once-solitary places. As a result, small villages have to tackle litter, noise pollution, disrespect for endangered species, and heavy traffic that our roads can’t cope with.

Considering these, I’ve included some remote and more popular locations. I wish to create awareness about Crete’s delicate environment, incredible resources, and unique landscape, hopefully making you think that an extended stay in one of these places will help locals a lot more than a fast day trip.
 
But most of all, I believe that the only way to respect and protect our island and our environment is not precisely by hiding its beauty. Nor the consequences of mass tourism. On the contrary, if we are aware of our actions, we can take better care of our environment, no matter what beach we choose for our vacation in Crete.

HERAKLION REGION

Matala Beach

📍 Matala, (34.994251 N, 24.749729 E)
⛱️ Sandy beach with small pebbles – Organized.

Kokkini Ammos, Red Beach

📍 Less than one kilometer from Matala (34.985996 N, 24.749467 E)
⛱️ Sandy – Poorly organized.
🎒 Bring: Hiking shoes, cold drinks, lunch, sun protection, and a hat.

GETTING TO KOKKINI AMMOS: You must hike from Matala Beach to access Kokkini Ammos. The hike is about 1 km and takes about an hour.

This secluded beach with an amazing landscape is near the village of Matala. To get there, you will hike up a steep hill that (45 minutes to an hour). If you are not into hiking, check with different restaurants in Matala, where they will know who to contact to get there by boat. 

Agiofarago Beach

📍 Kaloi Limenes (34.931367 N, 24.802133 E)
⛱️ Sandy with small pebbles – Not organized, naturism not allowed.
🎒 Bring: Cold drinks, lunch, and tennis shoes to explore the gorge.

The beach is at the exit of the gorge of the same name, about 80 kilometers from Heraklion. Considered one of the best beaches in South Heraklion, to get to Agiofarago, you must hike the gorge for about an hour. You can get there by boat, departing from Matala or Agia Galini in summer. 

Agiofarago Beach has clear waters and very fine pebbles; on the west part of the beach, there is a nice rocky arch, perfect for stunning photos.

Kokkinos Pyrgos Beach

📍 About 62 km from Heraklion (35.079709 N, 24.742006 E)
⛱️ Sandy beach with azure waters – Well organized, exposed to western winds.

This long sandy beach features sunbeds, umbrellas, and showers. Along the beach, a promenade offers bars, tavernas, and cafes, perfect for sipping an evening cocktail while admiring the great southern coast and a beautiful sunset. The beach is sandy, and the sea bottom is also soft sand.

This is a great beach for families with children as it has a gently sloping seafloor. The views over the coastline and the Libyan Sea are stunning! 

Vathi Beach

📍 Agiofarago area, (34.953928 N, 24.754533 E)
⛱️ Sandy beach – Not organized.
🎒 Bring: Cold drinks and lunch.

This magnificent beach hides in a bay protected by the walls of a gorge. It features a magnificent turquoise sea that remains sheltered from the winds even when other beaches in the area are affected by the breeze. The unspoiled shore has no organized facilities and welcomes just a few visitors. The water is crystal clear, ideal for snorkeling or just swimming and relaxing. The beach can be easily reached by car following the dirt road starting in the village of Sivas.

>> These are just a few of the most beautiful beaches on the southern coast of Heraklion. You can discover more beaches on the region’s southern coastline here.

CHANIA REGION

Elafonisi Beach

📍 Inachori, Elafonisi (35.271487 N, 23.541295 E)
⛱️ Pink sand, rocky coves – Organized.

Elafonisi is located around 75 kilometers from Chania. You can get there by passing through Topolia Gorge, dangerously narrow at times but with gorgeous views, or via the coastal road that passes from Falasarna and Sfinari beaches.

>> You can also check this super complete guide to Elafonisi Beach.

Kedrodasos

📍Pelekanos, Kedrodasos (35.268604 N, 23.563062 E)
⛱️ Sandy – Not organized.
🎒 Bring: Cold drinks and lunch, walking shoes to reach the coastline

This stunning place is one kilometer east of Elafonisi. There is a juniper grove all over the area which offers comfort and shade. Naturists are usual visitors to the beach, some even camp here for days.

The sand is white and there are some rocks near the coast. This is a completely secluded beach, so pack lunch and drinks if you visit for a day trip. Kedrodasos is home to a very fragile ecosystem that should always be respected. if you can, avoid camping in the area or damaging the unique juniper trees that grow by the sea.

Glyka Nera (Sweetwater Beach)

📍 Sfakia, Anopolis (Chora Sfakion) 35.201796 N, 24.107225)
⛱️ Pebbles – Poorly organized.
🎒 Bring: There is a taverna by the sea, but it’s better to bring at drinks and snacks. You get there hiking or by boat.

A wonderful beach in Sfakia is Glyka Nera (meaning “sweet water”). This wide sandy-pebbled beach has cold and blue waters. There are tamarisk trees for shade and it’s not weird to find goats on the cliffs that abruptly end on the sand.

More tourists started visiting the beach when the London Times included it in the list of the 20 Best Beaches in Europe. However, it still retains a lonely atmosphere since it’s not so easy to visit. Remember that the water in Glyka Nera is generally cold because of the springs, even in midsummer.

Frangokastello Beach

📍 Frangokastello (35.181586 N, 24.231458 E)
⛱️ Soft, fine sand – Organized.
🎒 Bring: There is a taverna by the sea, but it’s better to bring at drinks and snacks. You get there hiking or by boat.

About 14 km east of Chora Sfakion lies Frangokastello. This village is famous for its wonderful fortress right on the sand. The village is often solitary since the only attractions are the castle and a fine sand beach, ideal for children. Water is shallow but it can get a bit windy on occasions. Frangokastello is the perfect place to disconnect from everyday life, enjoy the local food, and get to know the traditions of the island.

The Castle

Even though it seems rather impressive from a distance, or even from the beach, nothing much remains but its huge walls and the corner towers. The Venetians built the fortress between 1371 and 1374 to deter pirate attacks and to bring order to the area of Sfakia, whose inhabitants are still known for their rebel character and spirit.

A curious legend lives among the walls of the castle. During an important battle fought at Frangokastello, in May 1828, hundreds of Sfakiots, in an attempt to spread the War of Independence from mainland Greece, occupied the castle but were killed by the Turks.

As a consequence, imagination fuels the legend. In fact, the locals claim that around the anniversary of the battle, shadows of the armed Cretan soldiers seem to march toward the castle. They’re known as Drosoulites (the dewy ones) because they appear in the mist at dawn. A phenomenon that has often been explained as meteorological.

Paleochora

📍 Paleochora (35.231045 N, 23.681817 E)
⛱️ There are sandy and pebbled beaches in Paleochora – Most beaches are organized.

Paleochora is a village about 77 kilometers from Chania, located on a small peninsula. It has the traditional atmosphere of Cretan villages plus some amazing beaches to enjoy. This relaxing destination is popular among locals and visitors alike. Several visitors that travel to Crete every year often keep coming back and staying in the area.

Not only do they find the village a perfect, relaxing place for a vacation in Crete, but there are also beautiful organized beaches with very clear waters. Several tavernas, cafés, bars, and hotels are present, and the area is lively at night. A ferry boat can also reach the area.

RETHYMNON REGION

Preveli Palm Tree Grove & Beach

📍 Kerames, Preveli (35.152323 N, 24.473218 E)
⛱️ Sand with pebbles, palm trees and a river – Poorly organized, protected area

Preveli Beach is about 35 kilometers from Rethymno, and it’s located at the exit of the Kourtaliotako Gorge. Its river, Megalos Potamos or Big River, flows through the gorge to reach the sea.

The palm forest on the margins of the river has also made the beach very well-known since they add a tropical note to the landscape. At the exit of the river, a sandy beach with pebbles and sand is formed, with sea water being very cool due to the river. In the eastern part of the beach, there is a beautiful rock reminding of a heart. The beach is not well organized because the area is protected.

Plakias Beach

📍Plakias (35.186085 N, 24.399113 E)
⛱️ Sandy beaches and some pebbled coved – Organized.

If you approach the south from Rethymno city, you can get to Plakias through a few spectacular gorges. You can drive through the narrow Kotisfou Gorge or the imposing Kourtaliotiko.

The whole area is worth the drive to reach the several beaches in Plakias, other than the more crowded Plakias itself. Most of them are divided by rocky promontories offering dramatic views of the sea.

Damnoni is a fantastic long beach with golden sand, clear waters, and a secluded angle for naturists.
Other pretty places to spend the day include the beaches of Souda, Peristeres, Ammoudi and Skinaria, popular among divers for their submarine landscapes.

Damnoni Beach

📍35.173992 N, 24.417078 E
⛱️ Sand and small pebbles – Organized beach.

This is a popular beach situated not far from the village of Plakias. The white sand, in some areas with pebbles, is clean and the waters are clear and shallow. This is a kid-frienfly beach that I recommend in the area. The beach has all the necessary amenities. During July and August, it gets crowded, so it is better to come in the early morning.

Triopetra Beach

📍 35.119377 N, 24.547915 E
⛱️ Sand and small pebbles – Organized beach.

One of the most stunning beaches on the southern coast of Crete is probably the lonely Triopetra Beach (sometimes also written as Triapetra). This extremely long and wide shore extends both west and east of the three-rock formation that gives the name to the beach.

Triopetra can be reached by driving from Rethymno (it’s about a 52-km drive), through the small mountain village of Spili, worth a lunch stop as well. From Triopetra it’s possible to reach the next beach on our list, Ligres, either walking or through a scenic semi-off-road trail, with some breathtaking cliffs by the side of the road.

After Ligres, you can check out the fantastic sandy beach of Katsouni, also good for naturism and complete relaxation.

Ligres Beach

📍 35.137884 N, 24.530168 E
⛱️ Sand and small pebbles – Poorly organized, just a taverna overlooking the sea.
🎒 Bring: You might want to pack cold drinks and lunch.

Probably one of my favorite beaches in Crete is the lesser-known Ligres. Ligres is about 5 km from Triopetra, and it’s a perfect place for complete isolation.

The vast sandy beach of Ligres has deep shores perfect for snorkeling and interesting rock formations. Kids love the small waterfalls on the west side of the beach. Since reaching the area is not simple, it still maintains a rather secluded atmosphere, with very few tourist structures. On the beach, there’s a wonderful tiny taverna serving exquisite fish and local salads.

>> Check this guide for more beaches in the Rethymnon region.

LASITHI REGION

Xerokampos Beaches

📍 Xerokampos area (35.049298 N, 26.238383 E)
⛱️ Sand, pebbles, clay, and rocky beaches – Just a few organized areas.
🎒 Bring: Depending on the shore you choose, you might need to pack cold drinks and lunch.

Xerokampos (or Xerocampos / Xerocambos) is a stunning group of several beaches on the southeastern coast of Crete. As you drive down the main road from the north (usually from Sitia or Zakros), you will be impressed by the massive extension of this coast, usually not crowded, unspoiled, and very peaceful due to its remote location. There are wide sandy beaches, both completely unorganized or with the possibility of renting sunbeds and umbrellas.

Among the different shores, Alatsolimni is a sandy beach worth mentioning because of the salt lake that lies behind it. With a harsh landscape of rocks and scarce vegetation, the place is simply perfect for a holiday on the beach for those travelers looking to put their brains completely offline!

Makrigialos

📍 Marina of Makrigialos (35.036063, 25.970403 E)
⛱️ Sandy beaches – Organized.

Makrigialos is a rare gem in the south of the island, not very popular among tourists so not usually crowded. It’s only a few kilometers east of Ierapetra, about 30 minutes by car. It’s also easy to reach from the nearby Sitia (just an hour away).

The village is mostly developed along the coast, where you can find nice and convenient tavernas for lunch and dinner, and lovely little venues for an afternoon drink.

It has a wide sandy beach with shallow waters and is rather calm due to the shape of the bay. Makrigialos is a great place for a day at the beach when staying in nearby bigger towns. Still, you should consider it’s also a good place to spend a few days too since there are several hotels, apartments, and rooms for rent. The relaxed atmosphere makes it a great place for family holidays or couples.

Chrissi Island

📍 Chrissi Island, Ierapetra (34.878586 N, 25.699505 E)
⛱️ Sandy beaches, some coves have small pebbles – Organized areas.
🎒 Bring: Water shoes, cold drinks and lunch to save money because the canteen is overpriced.

>> To get there you must board a day cruise from Ierapetra or a boat from Makrigialos.

Finally, this list could not be complete without Chrissi Island or Gaidorounisi. Situated about off the coast of Ierapetra (9 nautical miles to the south), the beach is a Natura 2000 protected area.

Since it’s isolated and also uninhabited, Chrissi is considered one of the last gems in the Mediterranean. The island is pretty small, there are no houses, structures, roads, or cars, so you mist visit on a day trip

It has very exotic waters, with a wonderful shade of turquoise and green, the beaches are sandy, some with rock formations. On Chrissi Island, there is a unique cedar tree forest too, which is about 200 years old. Chrissi can be reached from Ierapetra every day (weather conditions allowing).

The boat departs in the morning (11 a.m.) from the port of Ierapetra. However, please check the timetable because it is a seasonal service. The tickets start from €30, kids up to 2 years old travel for free, and meals are not included in the price.

The Beaches in South Crete with Kids

Families with kids looking for safe beaches and a relaxing atmosphere can easily head to the southern coast of Crete. These are the best and safest sandy beaches for kids in the South.

• ELAFONISI
  Sandy and shallow, gently sloping seafloor with a safe lagoon.

• PALEOCHORA
  Rather big village with basic facilities and a few sandy shores.

• FRANGOKASTELLO
  The somewhat isolated village features sandy, safe beaches with an interesting seabed for kids who enjoy snorkeling.

• PLAKIAS
  It is a small southern village in Rethymnon with a sandy beach (and pebbles), perfect for teens and older kids interested in scuba diving.

• MYRTOS
  A small village with a calm beach is not far from the more organized Ierapetra. The beach features coarse sand and is wide.

• MAKRIGIALOS
  Great kid-friendly beaches, the village is big enough to spend a few days with kids, and it features shops, restaurants, and pharmacies.

• XEROKAMPOS
  It is ideal for a day trip from nearby Ierapetra or Makrigialos but too isolated for families. The beach is wide and sandy, ideal for kids.

>> For kids interested in history and archaeology, check all the things to see in the southern Archaeological Site of Phaistos, a few minutes from Matala.

There are not many attractions in the South for children. For amusement and themed parks or better and bigger museums, you will need to reach the North. Families traveling with teens should know that the nightlife is very limited in the South.

Don’t Leave Before You Pin
Top Beaches in South Crete

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