By Eurohoops Team/ info@eurohoops.net
From the dunes of Lafonissi and Xerokambos to the tropical shores of Kedrodasos and Chrissi, from the hidden beaches in the wild gorges of Sfakia and Asteroussia to the emerald bays of Triopetra and Plakias, from Balos and Elounda lagoons to the palm groves of Preveli and Vai, from piney beaches of Ierapetra to the long organized strands of the northern coasts, Crete offers the ultimate combination of carefree holidays and natural beauty.
Thousands of kilometers of coasts carved by salt, the sun and the wind. Crystal waters exhausting the color palette of blue and green. Steep mountains which abruptly raise above the sea … this scenery is met in all areas of Crete.
The coastline of Crete is 1046 km long, with very well organized, and popular beaches, but also isolated, scenic and pristine places.
Crete the island inside you – Crete Daydreaming from Incredible Crete on Vimeo.
North or South?
In Crete, visitors can escape to one of the many numerous hospitable, organized beaches located mainly in the northern coast that hosts the major tourist resorts. All those beaches offer visitors a wide range of services, amenities, security, cafes, bars, restaurants, water sports, lifeguards, etc. Most of them have been awarded with the Blue Flag for their safety, cleanness and immaculate amenities.
For romantics and adventure lovers, there are pristine beaches of incomparable beauty, especially in the southern coast. Small emerald heavens are reached after driving in serpentine dirt roads on the edge of steep slopes with breathtaking sea views, or after walking on ancient paths and crossing wild gorges.
Summer all year round
The winter in Crete is mild, while the spring and the autumn are soft and pleasant; the summer is warm and bright with cool breaks due to the northern winds (meltemi) of August. Crete falls into two climatic zones, the Mediterranean and the North African zone, mainly falling into the former.
Sea of colors
Mother nature was very generous in the creation of Crete. The island is adorned with fantastic sceneries and exotic beaches. From Chania to Lassithi, one comes across many beaches with white sand tinted with pinkish hues due to the millions of crushed shells. Turquoise water, aquarium-like seabed, sand dunes and rare coastal ecosystems give visitors the opportunity to discover their paradise in Crete.
Chania
The most famous and most photographed beaches on the island, known for their exotic water and majestic natural environment, are the heavenly lagoons of Balos at Gramvousa peninsula and Elafonissi, which lie in the southwestern edge of the island.
Rethymnon
The southern coast of Rethymnon hosts some of the most beautiful, untouched exotic beaches of Crete.
Heraklion
Driving on dusty dirt roads across rocky pastures and hiking in the canyons usually end up in a refreshing swim at a splendid secluded beach.
Lassithi
The eastern part of the island hides some of the nicest surprises. The exotic beaches of the islands Chrissi and Lefki can be explored by taking a sea trip on excursion boats from Ierapetra and Makrigialos.
Facilities
Lovers of crowded places, water sports, cocktails and parties on the beach have unlimited options due to the wide array of well-organized beaches in Crete. All beaches located near the major cities of the island generally offer all kinds of amenities such as sun beds, beach bars, showers, toilets, changing rooms, water sports and lifeguards. Most of them have been awarded the Blue Flag by the homonymous program that certifies beach cleanness, safety, accessibility for disabled people and infrastructure.
Chania
The beaches of Agia Marina, Stalos and Platanias are the most organized and popular ones and they are located near the city of Chania.
Rethymnon
Other organized beaches of Rethymnon are located along the 8km long coast starting from the port of Rethymnon and end at Skaleta.
Heraklion
Heraklion is the most developed tourist area in Crete, with Hersonissos and Malia hosting the largest numbers of tourists.
Lassithi
Lassithi beaches are quiet, but still organized. Apart from the beaches of the popular lagoon of Elounda that host prominent personalities from the fields of politics, media, sports and arts, all the beaches of the towns of Agios Nikolaos, Sitia, Makrigialos and Ierapetra are very well organized.
Breaking the waves
Windsurfing and kitesurfing are the two most popular wave sports in Crete. In recent years fans of a new form of sport, stand up paddle (SUP), have increased. During the winter days, the most adventurous are engaged in surfing.
Diving
Crete’s rugged terrain below sea surface, forms imposing abysses, caves and reefs. Furthermore, numerous shipwrecks and airplane carcasses are dispersed around Crete, as a reminder of its history.
Guests of Crete have the opportunity to escape to the magical underwater world by choosing among a large number of companies that deal with diving. Besides diving, visitors can explore coasts through snorkeling or participate in fishing trips or bottom-glass boat excursions.
Islets
Crete is surrounded by more than 80 large and small islands.
Gavdos is the only inhabited island around Crete. Secluded at the southern tip of Europe, Gavdos is home to emerald shores adorned by pine trees and junipers.
Coastal Nature
Travelers to Crete should explore the very important coastal nature. Development of tourism while respecting natural environment is a challenge for the authorities of the island.
Conquering deep blue
The options for exploring the coasts of the island are endless. There are daily boat services to many of the most famous remote beaches, such as Balos, Preveli and Agia Roumeli. Visitors can also join trips to the islands of Chrissi, Gavdos, Dia and Koufonisi.
Ideal destination for families
The sea is a main attraction for children who can play, run and roll about in the sand to their heart’s content. They make friends and feel the healthy power of nature. Crete has a wide variety of beaches that are safe and ideal for families with children.