The Trendiest Beach Bars in Crete: Beach Clubs That You Will Love!
Crete, home to the most stunning beaches in Greece, could not have a shortage of cool beach bars to spend your afternoons by the sea… and your nights, too! Read on to discover the best beach bars in Crete!
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Who doesn’t love a visit to a beach bar? Soaking up the sun, enjoying the view, and cooling off with a dive in the water. And the best thing is that you do all this with a drink! So, if you want to take some time off this summer and visit Crete, you will love this post. You’ll get to know some of the best beach bars in Crete. If you feel like it, you can select your favorite and plan a visit.
When I think of my favorite spots in Crete, the beach bars immediately come to mind. They offer the perfect blend of stunning views, delicious cocktails, and a laid-back atmosphere.
Exploring the diverse beach bars across Crete reveals unique offerings, from local flavors to international options. I love discovering hidden gems tucked away along the coastline. As I venture from one beach bar to another, I embrace the island’s spirit and hospitality. With captivating surroundings and welcoming vibes, these bars are not just about drinks but about creating memories.
Anyway, even if you don’t make it to Crete this year, you can still get a glimpse and a taste of how life is in a Cretan beach bar. It’s a win-win!
Local Drinks and Cuisine
Delicious drinks, cocktails, freshly made dakos, or Cretan salad take the beach bar experience to a different level on the island. Add a local beer or Crete wine to make it even better. Many places also offer fresh seafood. Grilled octopus and fried calamari are popular choices.
I can’t resist sharing a dessert afterward, like baklava drizzled with honey, which rounds off the meal perfectly.
Dining with a View
Dining at Crete Beach bars is as much about the atmosphere as the food. I enjoy sitting at establishments with expansive views of the sea. Some bars have terraces that create a serene dining experience. The ambiance enhances every bite, especially during sunset when the sky transforms into a palette of colors.
Top Beach Bars in Crete
I found several beach bars that stand out due to their location and atmosphere. They cater to various preferences with diverse amenities. Many have lounge chairs and umbrellas, creating comfortable spaces to unwind. I often notice that they offer a range of beverages, from fruity cocktails to local wines.
Entertainment options can include live music and DJ sets, especially in popular spots like Chania and Heraklion. Some bars even feature water sports rentals, such as paddleboarding or kayaking. Others might organize beach games, ensuring there’s always something fun to do -other than enjoying the sun and sea.
Here is a list of the best beach bars in Crete. They are selected based on location, price, and reviews on Google. Of course, there is also a degree of subjectiveness here. In any case, these are some of the most popular beach bars in Crete.
HERAKLION
Nemo Cocktail and Shisha Beach Bar
📍 Stalida, Heraklion – website
Nemo Beach Bar is another beach bar located in Stalis, not far from the more famous Malia Beach. Although rather small, this bar is known for its special cocktails and cocktails of the day.
You can taste them by the sea or in the sitting area above the beach. And if you feel like you need to move and burn off the calories, there is a mini-golf right next to you! The best part is that it is completely free for guests. So that’s a good way to have some fun.
At the same time, if you get too hot, the water is just a few meters away. If you are mostly interested in the cocktails part, it would be clever to visit at night once the sun has set. During the day, it can get a bit hot, though some refreshing drinks can help. In any case, make sure you come with some friends to make the most of your visit!
Pleasure Beach Club
📍 Malia, Heraklion – website
Suppose you want to relax on the beach, mostly doing nothing apart from enjoying the sun and the Cretan sea. In that case, Pleasure Beach Club is the place to go if you are near Malia.
It has comfortable sunbeds that you can book for the whole day. Although it is a bit crowded, there is lots of room on either side of the bar where you can walk, play, or meet others. The water is rather shallow, so if you want to swim, prepare to walk a bit into it.
The menu offers many drinks, and music plays in the background. If you feel hungry, there is also a tasty selection of sweets. Try their delicious crepes and stay long enough to see the sun setting over the hills and into the sea.
New York Beach Club
📍 Hersonissos, Heraklion – website
New York Beach Club is not a traditional beach bar. First, it is very tiny, and there is not a lot of space for sunbeds. However, it is one of the best dancing beach clubs in Crete. Of course, this means it is located in one of the most cosmopolitan and touristy areas: Hersonissos.
The New York Beach Club comes alive every night with parties that kick off in the late afternoon. As the sun sets, a lively mix of young locals and tourists gather to revel in the spirit of summer and life.
The main aim of the bar is to offer an unparalleled party experience, which it certainly does, judging from the reviews and its reputation. At the same time, it works during the daylight as a normal beach bar. So, if you want to check out this popular beach club, visit it in the early afternoon and see how crowded and loud it gets within hours. Surely, it is not a place for everyone, but it is worth visiting at least once.
Dolphin Beach Bar
📍 Malia, Heraklion – website
This traditional beach bar, a 30-minute drive from Heraklion, became one of Malia’s most visited and loved beachfront spots.
The water is shallow, and the sand soft. This makes this bar a perfect choice for families. Kids can play on the sand while parents do not need to worry about deep waters and big waves. Almost everyone talks about the great services the owner and the staff offer.
You will certainly find a more personal touch than in other luxurious beach bars. Moreover, the bar’s mascot is a 42-year-old talking parrot named Kostas. That’s an attraction on its own!
Regarding food and beverages, Dolphin Beach Bar offers a wide selection of cocktails, traditional Cretan dishes, and a few international meals. It is one of the beach bars where you can taste homemade Cretan flavors with fresh, biological ingredients. You can easily spend a whole day relaxing and having a great family time on the beach.
Ocean Bar & Restaurant
📍 Stalida, Heraklion – website
Ocean Beach Bar and Restaurant in Stalida is known for its location and cocktails. It is a traditional beach bar decorated in blue and white to remind you of Crete and Greece. The palm trees surrounding the place add extra beauty and appreciation.
The sandy beach is full of sunbeds, so you can easily find an open spot if you visit the bar anytime. There, you can enjoy the crystal blue waters while tasting some of the best drinks in Crete.
Ocean is renowned for its cocktails in the area, so don’t miss the chance to try something new. While there is a selection of meals, reviews show that the food is not as good as the drinks. However, feel free to go for the fast-food options, from gyros to club sandwiches, as they are usually fresh and preferred by locals.
Kahlua Premium Beach Bar
📍 Hersonissos, Heraklion – website
This is another well-known beach bar, popular for its live performances and parties that go on, non-stop, 24 hours a day. Also located in Hersonissos, it is right by the sea and aims to be an all-day and night destination for everyone’s entertainment.
Besides the live events and music, Kahlua offers a wide selection of cocktails from renowned bartenders. You can drink just meters from the sea, lying on your sunbed, or sitting on a comfortable sofa.
Although the bar mostly attracts couples and youth, families are welcome to have a different experience and explore Cretan life. You can enjoy the live music and have dinner with loved ones you will never forget.
Meltemi Beach Bar Restaurant
📍 Hersonissos, Heraklion – website
Meltemi is a beach bar and restaurant in Hersonissos dedicated to families. The beach has lots of space for the kids to play and create sandcastles. At the same time, there is a huge pool on the bar’s upper level where kids and parents can have a great time together. Of course, there is also a selection of drinks and cocktails like Mojito and Long Island. However, it is rather limited for being a beach bar.
Ultimately, Meltemi is the ideal destination for families seeking quality time together. It’s a place where fun and relaxation coexist, making it a must-visit for families searching for a unique experience.
The restaurant is next to the pool and overlooking the beach, with tables and seating areas where you can have an unforgettable meal. You can choose to eat anything from traditional Greek meals like pastitsio to more modern versions of Greek cuisine.
King Scorpio Beach Bar Restaurant Hersonissos
📍 Hersonissos, Heraklion – website
King Scorpio is a unique beach bar located on the central beach of Hersonissos. It covers an area of more than an acre. It has an elegant restaurant, two private sandy beaches surrounded by rock formations, a cosmopolitan bar with a freshwater pool, and a Nomad-style lounge area.
It is truly a place for everyone with a unique identity that combines characteristics from different styles: Elegant, Tropical, Nomad, and Cosmopolitan. Because of its location, it is usually full, and it is wise to reserve a spot beforehand if you want to find a table or sunbed available.
When you finally sit down, you will first embrace the atmosphere around King Scorpion. Then, you can order a refreshing cocktail or some of the local specialties. Feel free to ask the staff for recommendations about the food. They are very friendly.
Beachcomber Bar Restaurant Stalis
📍 Stalida, Heraklion – website
Beachcomber is a modern beach bar and restaurant in Stalida. If stars were given to bars as we do with hotels, this would be a 4-star beach bar, if not a 5-star. The location is stunning, and everything is built with great attention to detail. From the sunbeds and sitting areas to architecture and style.
Beachcomber aims to make your visit memorable. Chefs, bartenders, waitresses, and everyone working in the resort are highly skilled and always eager to help. And they take music seriously: A DJ always plays music in the background. Of course, all this comfort also comes at a cost since the prices are higher than usual in the rest of Crete. Is it worth it? It is, for one visit, at least.
>> Have a cocktail or enjoy a walk by the sea! Explore the best things to do in Heraklion at night!
BOHO Beach Bar
📍 Matala Beach, Heraklion – website
We fell in love with the comfy loungers, the pancakes, and the chill atmosphere at Boho Beach Bar on Matala Beach.
This cocktail and beach bar is open all day long and easy to find. It is the last bar (or first, depending on where you access the beach) on the sandy beach.
Right after, you will find a long stretch of sand with loungers, umbrellas, and the Matala Caves. Here, we loved the chocolate pancakes, the cakes, and the music, too! It has a great vibe for the whole family.
Gianni’s Mojito Bar
📍 Red Beach (Matala), Heraklion – website
If you’re visiting Matala and decide to hike your way up the hill to get to the legendary Red Beach (or also Kokkini Ammos), then you’ll be happy to know that this top naturist beach on the southern coast of Heraklion hosts one of the most famous beach bars in Crete: Gianni’s Mojito Bar.
Although the Mojito is the most requested drink in this small but picturesque canteen, you can enjoy beer and soft drinks. The music is amazing, and the vibe is relaxed and casual. This is a must-go place when visiting Kokkini Ammos.
CHANIA
Cabana Mare Beach Resort
📍 Agia Marina, Chania – website
This is one of the most popular beach bars in Agia Marina, just a 10-minute drive from Chania. It is well known for its location, overlooking the small island of Agioi Theodoroi in the north.
At the same time, in Chania Bay, you can see big hills and mountains on the west and east of the resort, just over the bay’s blue waters. It is a magnificent view. The beach bar is equipped with amenities you will not easily find elsewhere.
Private Jacuzzis, comfortable sunbeds, and other modern sitting areas are spread throughout the resort. If you move a bit further from the sand, you will find a huge pool surrounded by private lounges, all under the shade of tall palm trees. You can reserve a spot and have an unforgettable meal prepared by renowned chefs. You can choose anything from modern Cretan cuisine and Mediterranean flavors to sushi bites.
If you prefer something lighter, there are choices for ethnic breakfasts, brunches, and premium spirits and beverages. All in all, Cabana Mare is a place to celebrate summer!
Liokalyvo Beach House
📍 Falasarna, Chania – website
Liokalyvo Beach Club at the iconic Falasarna Beach is truly worth the journey. Inspired by the charm of the trendiest party Greek islands, this beach bar has quickly become a favorite seaside spot for locals and travelers.
Liokalyvo Beach Bar is set on one of Crete’s largest and most popular beaches, home to the island’s most spectacular sunset hours. It provides private cabanas, cocktails, fusion cuisine, shopping opportunities, beach chairs and lounges, and full service. This beach bar also hosts incredible summer events or -as they call them- “music rituals.”
Almira Beach Bar
📍 Agia Marina, Chania – website
Among the most popular places in Agia Marina, Almira Beach Bar prides itself on offering simple luxury at an affordable price. The venue features a beach bar and a restaurant with a stylish design and a stunning cocktail list. There are over 40 cocktail positions, so you cannot say you didn’t find the right spot!
Lazily relax on the comfy or taste the Mediterranean dishes served at the restaurant paired with a good selection of local wines. There are parties with musicians and DJs playing all kinds of music, including rock, funk, and pop.
Notis Beach Place
📍 Agii Apostoli, Chania – website
Chill surrounded by the great music while your feet rest on the warm sand on Agii Apostoli Beach. This cool beach bar is open from the morning until the evening and serves a good selection of local beers, cocktails, fresh juices, snacks, salads, and tasty burgers.
The place is particularly inviting at night when you can pick a table next to the shore, meet your friends, and enjoy hours of good music and conversation under the stars.
Playa Paraiso (My Favorite Beach Bar in Crete!)
📍Falasarna, Chania – website
Besides being located on one of the most amazing beaches in Crete, Playa Paraiso attracts visitors from the whole region of Chania during the summer season. Here, you can enjoy great cocktails, delicious food, and cold coffees at the restaurant, lounge, or by the sea!
Every season, they organize special beach parties with music, DJs, and sunset parties you cannot miss. Did you know that the best sunsets on Crete can be witnessed on this side of the island? Therefore, this beach bar is nothing short of amazing when it comes to spectacular sunset views!
Baralia
📍 Akti Papanikoli 27, Nea Chora, Chania – website
Visit Baralia if you’re looking for a nice setting near the old town of Chania and the picturesque Venetian harbor.
At Baralia, you’ll be greeted by a warm and friendly staff, ready to serve you delicious snacks and refreshing drinks well into the evening. This beach bar is on one of the most popular city beaches in Chania, Nea Chora Beach.
Rodakino Beach Bar
📍 Agia Marina, Chania – website
Looking for a place to swim, sunbathe, and enjoy good food, fantastic drinks, and great music? This is a great option for the seaside area of Agia Marina, just a short driving distance from the center of Chania.
Rodakino is a haven for families and a perfect getaway for groups of friends. The prices are pocket-friendly, and the staff is always ready to welcome you with a warm smile.
RETHYMNON
Baja Beach Club
📍 Rethymnon – website
Baja Beach Club is located in the Rethymnon region and offers over 12,000 square meters of privately organized beach. It features unique services, comfort, facilities, and a stunning swimming pool (and a pool for kids, too!).
If you spend a day here, you can enjoy parasailing, beach volleyball, jet skiing, and rackets. What’s more, Baja hosts DJs from all over the world and offers the best summer parties. The best part of it? Entrance to Baja Beach Club is free!
Mango Beach Bar
📍 Adelianos Kampos, Rethymnon – website
Mango Beach Bar is in a beautiful seaside location with a relaxed and friendly vibe. The bar offers comfortable beach sofas where guests can unwind while enjoying stunning sea views.
Mango Beach Bar has an excellent drink selection, including tropical cocktails that perfectly complement the beach setting. The bar’s DJs are praised for playing a great mix of music, contributing to the lively yet laid-back vibe in the evenings.
LASITHI
Amoodi -Lumen Nox- Beach Bar
📍 Amoudi, Agios Nikolaos, Lasithi – website
This beach bar is in a hidden cove just one km from Agios Nikolaos. It features creative drinks and cocktails, great music, and the perfect vibe to enjoy a day on the beach.
This boho place blends with the scenery, offering infinite sea views and soothing greenery, such as aromatic herbs. Wooden and stone pathways lead through tall palm trees to reach the shoreline.
Sabbia Beach Bar
📍 Sitia, Lasithi – website
There are great reviews for this Sitia Beach Bar that offers great drinks, fantastic music, good snacks, quick dishes, and everything at quite affordable prices. The place is located on the main Sitia Beach (Paralias Sitias) and is a must-visit when in the mood for a drink and some sunshine in the area.
I bet some of these beach bars in Crete have already made it to your list of places by the sea to visit this summer! Have you ever been to any of Crete’s beach bars?
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Guide to The Best Beach Bars in Crete
Gabi, the Crete Insider
Hi, I’m Gabi — your go-to local expert in Crete! I’ve been living in Chania, Crete since 2016, and I’ve turned my love for the island into a full-time passion — guiding travelers, writing for travel media, and curating local experiences.
I co-authored DK Eyewitness Top 10 Crete and other guides. I run the blogs The Tiny Book, Greece Planner, and My Cretan Recipe. Through this platform I help travelers design unforgettable trips to Crete.
