Best Beaches & Top Tours in Crete

Best Beaches in Crete

Arguably one of the main reasons to visit Crete is the stunning variety of beaches you can visit on the island, each offering something different — from shallow sandy beaches to rocky coasts. Some of the top beaches in all of Greece can be found on this island.

The beaches of the northern coast of Crete tend to be more wavy and windy than the south. However, there are a few well-protected peninsulas and bays that are ideal for swimming.

Head to the west and discover the bay of Falassarna for some adrenaline-inducing waters sports. The wind conditions make the area ideal to chase the waves and enjoy the best sunset on the island.

I’ve already mentioned the beautiful pink sand beach of Elafonisi and the superb Balos Beach and Lagoon both of them in the region of Chania, but there are many other beaches in other areas that will blow your mind with their beauty.

Here are three of the lesser-known, top beaches in Crete:

1. Lentas Beach, Heraklion

At this remote beach south of Heraklion, you’ll find the most stunning landscape of sand dunes and blue water.  

Although it can be somewhat hard to reach, Lentas is a fantastic place for isolation and complete relaxation — making it one of the best beaches in Crete. 

The beach lacks any sort of amenities so it’s a great idea to pack your own necessities to spend a day in the area. The landscape is certainly an amazing treat for anyone who visits.

2. Triopetra Beach, Rethymnon

This beach is also located south of the island, in the region of Rethymnon.

It’s not as isolated as others, but the shore is wide and spacious making you feel alone even when thousands of tourists are on the same beach as you.

The three impressive rock formations that the beach is named after are located on the extreme east of the island. There, three uniquely shaped massive stones jut out of the sea forming a bizarre landscape.

It’s possible to rent sunbeds and umbrellas from the few tavernas that also sell drinks, snacks, and food. All you need to pack is your beach towel and your sunscreen.

3. Voulisma Beach, Lasithi

Also known as Golden Beach, this unique bay is located on the Mirabello Gulf, just a couple of kilometers away from the coastal town of Agios Nikolaos. Voulisma is a fantastic beach with a lush green backdrop.

The transparent waters are virtually waveless, which makes the place ideal for families with kids or for just lounging on your inflatable mattress for hours.

There is a great taverna serving snacks and drinks, so again, just pack your towel!

Top Tours in Crete

If you’ve had enough of beaches, road trips, and adventures in the mountains, organized tours are a great way to meet new people, learn something new and discover places you would otherwise have not been able to enjoy.

Gastronomic tours are a highlight of any trip to Crete. You can choose from wine tasting and winery tours, cheese-making experiences, cooking lessons, and gastronomic visits to the local markets.

You can also book sailing trips to Crete’s closest islands, such as Chrissi or Gavdos.

Cultural trips will take you to discover forgotten archaeological treasures, ruins, and ancient settlements, allowing you to discover more about the magnificent and puzzling past of Crete.

Here are 3 of the absolute best excursions in Crete:

1. Knossos Palace Skip-the-Line Entry with Guided Walking Tour

• GetYourGuide Rating: 4.8/5
• Cost: €40 per person
• How to book: Online. 

One of the top tours on Crete is the one that takes you to visit the Archaeological Palace of Knossos. This is one of the main reasons why people choose Crete for their holiday. 

Visitors eventually discover that there is more to the island than Knossos (which is considered to be the cradle of western civilization), but usually, travel planning for Crete starts with this site.

2. Authentic Greek Food Cooking Class in Heraklion

• GetYourGuide Rating: 5/5
• Cost: €340 (for a group of two people)
• How to book: Online. 

Cretan food is probably the second-best reason to travel to Crete, and what better way to explore the tastes of Crete than learning how to cook the local staples with a Cretan as a teacher?!

Roll up your sleeves and get your hands on the dough to bake Cretan pies, or stuff some delicious Mediterranean tomatoes and sprinkle with a generous dose of authentic extra virgin olive oil from Crete. 

If you’re a foodie, taking a cooking class in Crete will be a highlight of your holiday. 

3. Scuba Experience I-Discover Scuba

• GetYourGuide Rating: 5/5
• Cost: From €79 per person
• How to book: Online. 

No matter your age or your ability at sea, this experience can be enjoyed without any certification. This is an excellent way to get to know the marine life of Crete.

But also to learn how to breathe and communicate underwater with zero gravity. With this discover scuba tour, diving is accessible to everyone over 10 years old.