Crete's best beaches: Elafonisi, Balos, Preveli and more (2026)
Ten of Crete's most famous beaches by region: how to get there, when to go, what it costs, and which suit children.
- Best for kids: Elafonisi (average depth about 60 cm), Stavros, Georgioupoli and Plakias.
- Reach Balos by boat from Kissamos or by high-clearance car on a dirt road plus a 20-minute walk.
- Go early: in season Elafonisi's car park fills by 9:00.
Choose beaches by the area you stay in, as Crete is big. Rent a car, check whether dirt roads are allowed, and reach the famous beaches early in the morning.
What are the best beaches in Crete?
Crete has more than a thousand kilometres of coastline, so the best choice depends mostly on where you stay. Here are the most famous beaches by region, with what to know before you go. Details follow Crete Direct's beach guide (May 2026); prices and hours may change.
| Beach | Region | What's special | For kids? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Elafonisi | West (Chania) | Shallow lagoon with pinkish sand | Excellent: average depth about 60 cm |
| Balos | West (Chania) | Turquoise lagoon below an island fortress | Shallow, but an unshaded walk |
| Falassarna | West (Chania) | Long beach, sunsets | Yes, organised sections |
| Stavros | North (Chania) | Enclosed, shallow bay | Excellent |
| Georgioupoli | North (Chania–Rethymno) | Very shallow, at a river mouth | Great for little ones |
| Preveli | South (Rethymno) | River meets the sea, palm grove | Less so: steps or a long walk |
| Plakias | South (Rethymno) | Calm sandy beach with facilities | Yes |
| Matala and Komos | South (Heraklion) | Cliff caves; Komos wild and quiet | Komos is quiet and wild |
| Vai | East (Lasithi) | Europe's largest natural palm grove | Yes, sheltered bay |
| Seitan Limania | Near Chania | Narrow dramatic cove, great snorkelling | No: steep descent |
Elafonisi: getting there and what to know
Elafonisi is about 75 km south-west of Chania, about 1h45 by car. Entry is free. In season the car park fills by 9:00 and thousands visit each day. There is no shade, so bring an umbrella. September and October are quieter. Nearby Kedrodasos is a quieter beach with no facilities.
Balos: boat or dirt road
- By boat: from Kissamos port, about an hour each way, May to October. Crete Direct gives about €15 return.
- By car: a 9 km dirt road suited to a 4x4 or high-clearance car. From the upper car park it's about 1.2 km on foot, roughly 20 minutes, with no shade. Check whether your rental contract allows dirt roads.
South coast: Preveli, Plakias and Matala
- Preveli: about 50 minutes from Rethymno. Take about 200 steps down from the upper car park, or walk about 45 minutes from Damnoni beach. Arrive before 10:00.
- Plakias: a calm, shallow sandy beach with tavernas and facilities, good for families.
- Matala: famous for its cliff caves. Komos, about 3 km north, is a wild 4 km beach in a protected archaeological zone, with marked turtle nests you must keep away from.
Vai in the east
Vai is about 24 km from Sitia. Crete Direct gives about €1.50 entry per person. Go before 9:00 or after 16:00. About 2 km north, Itanos is free and quieter.
Tips for Crete's beaches
- Wind: the north coast is sometimes wavy, while the south is often calmer. Check the forecast.
- Car: most of the best beaches are reachable only by car. See our car rental guide.
- Water shoes and shade: some beaches are rocky, and wild beaches have no shade.
- Where to stay: for Elafonisi and Balos, stay around Chania; for the east, Agios Nikolaos or Sitia. More on the Crete page and in our flights to Crete guide.
FAQ
What is the best beach for kids in Crete? Elafonisi, with a lagoon averaging about 60 cm deep. Stavros, Georgioupoli and Plakias are also shallow and calm.
How do you get to Balos? By boat from Kissamos port, about an hour each way, or by high-clearance car on a 9 km dirt road plus about 20 minutes on foot.
Do you pay to enter beaches in Crete? Most beaches are free. Some charge for parking or entry, such as Vai, and sunbeds and umbrellas cost extra.
When is the best time to visit the famous beaches? Early morning, before 9:00–10:00. In September and October there are fewer people and the sea is still warm.
