Hidden gem
Triopetra
Quiet south-coast beach named after three rocks rising from the sea.
Secluded coves · Agios Vasileios
Beaches
Lagoons, pink sand, secret coves
Crete has more than a thousand kilometres of coastline, and almost every type of beach you can imagine: shallow turquoise lagoons in the far west, pink-tinged sand at Elafonisi, palm-fringed river mouths on the south coast and tiny coves you reach on foot. As a rule of thumb, the north coast is easier to reach and well organised, while the south coast (the Libyan Sea) is wilder, quieter and often calmer when the summer meltemi wind blows from the north.
Hidden gem
Kalypso Beach (Pirate Fjord)
A narrow rocky fjord with a little bridge, near Plakias.
Pebble beaches · Agios Vasileios
Hidden gem
Drymiskiano Ammoudi Beach
The westernmost of a row of small coves near Preveli, much quieter than Preveli itself.
Secluded coves · Agios Vasileios
Hidden gem
Agios Georgios Beach
Two pebble coves near Agia Galini, reached by a rough road or by boat.
Secluded coves · Agios Vasileios
Hidden gem
Ligres Beach
A large, untouched beach of coarse sand and white pebbles loved by naturists.
Sandy beaches · Agios Vasileios
Hidden gem
Mikro Ammoudi Beach
A small sandy cove near Plakias with turquoise water, popular with naturists.
Secluded coves · Agios Vasileios
Hidden gem
Klisidi Beach
A small golden cove between two long rocks near Plakias, nudist friendly.
Secluded coves · Agios Vasileios
Hidden gem
Prasonissi Beach
A peaceful pebble beach near Agios Pavlos, nice for families.
Secluded coves · Agios Vasileios
Hidden gem
Gialopotamos Beach
One of the least visited beaches in Rethymno, at the mouth of a stream.
Secluded coves · Agios Vasileios
Hidden gem
Katsouni Beach
A sheltered cove surrounded by big rocks, popular with naturists.
Secluded coves · Agios Vasileios
Hidden gem
Korakas Beach
A long, pebbly and peaceful beach below Rodakino, with caves on the east side.
Secluded coves · Agios Vasileios
Hidden gem
Stavri Beach
A small, calm pebble beach near Pefkia, perfect for snorkelling.
Secluded coves · Agios Vasileios
Hidden gem
Paximadia Islands
Two uninhabited islands off Agia Galini.
Sandy beaches · Agios Vasileios