What is the best beach in Crete for your summer vacation? And which one is suitable for families with children? Review of the most popular with descriptions and photos. White sand resorts. A selection of highly rated and highly rated hotels with a private beach. Map with the beaches of Crete.
Map of the beaches of Crete in Russian
Beach holidays in Crete
The weather in Crete is approximately 340 days a year. At night, an unusually huge starry sky opens up to the view, and in the daytime - the beauty of beaches with palm trees and clear water of a blue or turquoise hue. In addition, a mild subtropical climate, a wide variety of fresh vegetables and fruits, cheese, wine. In general, everything is as in the most beautiful pictures of travel guides and advertisements.
According to tourists, the island is considered one of the most popular resorts in the world and is intended for various options for active, passive recreation and shopping - well, where without it. Vacationers have at their disposal the best beaches of Crete and a large selection of hotels for different budgets. Of course, 5-star apartments are much smaller than in Turkey, but 3 * and 4 * complexes offer good conditions with food and services. And since Crete is also considered a family resort, where even one-year-old kids come, many hotels provide small electric stoves and children's furniture.
Best hotels with sandy beach
Crete is considered the birthplace of the famous god Zeus and the place where the ancient Minoan culture passed into the antique one. Geographically, the island is divided into 4 regions.
Eastern part is occupied by Lassithi. It is here that the best, according to tourists, sandy beaches of Crete are located. Thanks to the gentle entrance to the water, the entire coast is literally dotted with luxury hotel complexes. Therefore, the best "star" accommodation is in Lassithi. This part of the resort is also famous for the beautiful Mirabella Bay and the Voulismeni salt lake.
Best hotels on the first line according to the reviews of tourists with sandy and pebble beaches in Lassithi:
- Grecotel Meli Palace Hotel 4 *
- Royal Marmin Bay Boutique & Art Hotel 5 *
- Aquila Elounda Village 5 *
- Elounda Beach Resort & Villas 5 *
- Blue Marine Resort & Spa Hotel 5 *
North part of the island is occupied by Rethymno. The coast is strewn with a mixture of sand and small pebbles. Families with children like to relax here, as the descent into the water is gentle. There is a beautiful freshwater lake Kournas with its own beach. It is always noisy and fun in the center of the resort, but in the villages it is quiet and pleasant to relax. Rethymno combines Venetian and traditional oriental architecture, so the historical buildings look beautiful and original.
Best hotels according to the reviews of tourists with its own sandy beach on the first line in Rethymno:
- Eva Bay Hotel 4 *
- Grecotel Caramel Boutique Resort 4 *
- Grecotel Creta Palace 5 *
- Aquila Rithymna Beach Hotel 5 *
Center considered Heraklion. The coast is designed for those who want to relax in a fun, noisy and exciting way. In this part of the island there is a lot of entertainment for young people, there is an aquarium and 2 water parks.
Best hotels according to the reviews of tourists with its own sandy beach on the first line in Heraklion:
- Stalis Heraklion 3 *
- Cretan Malia Park 4 *
- Aldemar Royal Mare Thalasso 5 *
- Aldemar Knossos Royal Beach Resort 5 *
On the west Chania is located - probably the most exotic part of the island. There is the greatest variety of vegetation and the best sandy beaches of Crete, and there is also a beautiful and scary serpentine road at the same time. Those who have come to look at the historical monuments of architecture and culture will also find something to do. On the west coast there are many temples and mansions built in the old Venetian style.
Best hotels according to tourists with its own sandy beach on the first line in Chania:
- Hydramis Palace 4 *
- Grand Bay Resort 4 *
- Atlantica Creta Paradise 4 *
- Atlantica Kalliston Hotel 5 *
The choice of accommodation is wide - from a luxury hotel to an inexpensive camping. Holidays in Crete are complemented by the best beaches, most of which have received the prestigious Blue Flag award in the new season.
The best sandy beaches of Crete
What's most interesting is that all beaches on the island are considered municipal. There are no fenced areas near the water, intended only for visiting guests of a particular hotel. Therefore, any vacationer will be able to settle down next to a fashionable hotel or a camping on the shore. The only thing is that all accessories on the shore will be paid. However, no one will drive you away if you come to one of the best sandy beaches in Crete with your own umbrella and a small rug.
Video of 10 popular beaches of Crete
Elafonisi
Elafonisi beach is the leader in popularity, popularity and beauty - one of the best in Crete. It is a paradise for children with unusual pink sand, azure water and shallow bottom. There are no waves, there is a bar and free parking nearby. The always crowded coastline is located in the southwestern part of the island. You can get to your holiday destination by taxi, rented car or regular bus from the nearest Kissamos. Tourist buses also call in this part of the region.
Wai
Another celebrity is Wai Beach in the Lassithi area. Its coastline is surrounded by a huge date grove and a large number of palm trees. It is the greenest beach in Crete with white sand and clear turquoise water. Probably, many commercials were filmed in this place. Interestingly, in the 70s of the last century, it was a hippie haven. And now - a protected area, which is marked with the "Blue Flag" for cleanliness and well-groomed. Therefore, when choosing which beach is the best in Crete, pay attention to this place. Just keep in mind that you will have to rent housing in the nearest Palikastro.
Balos
The beautiful and wild Balos beach features clean white sand and aquamarine water. The lagoon mixes the waters of three waters, which already sounds mesmerizing. Vacationers will be able to swim at the same time in the Libyan, Ionian and Aegean Seas. According to legend, pirates once settled in this place, built a fortress and moored their ship. Therefore, near the beach there are remains of a stone building and a sunken ship. Ships go here from Kissamos, and a dirt road has been laid from the Gramvousa Peninsula.
Anissaras
The village of Anissaras is considered a classic version of a spacious and clean coastline with fine sand, sometimes pebbles and a fully thought-out infrastructure. All of its beaches are urban and are free. At the same time, there are no noisy bars and discos here. For entertainment you need to go to neighboring Hersonissos. Limanakya is located between these two settlements. The place is distinguished by beautiful nature and the presence of a nudist beach. They get here from the airport (20 km) to the bus station in Heraklion, and from there - by shuttle bus or by taxi. It is best to book a transfer in advance at a convenient time.
Matala
If you want to see an unusual red beach - then you have to go to Matala. And there it takes about 40 minutes to go down the rocks and stones to the water. The bay is managed by one owner, who issues umbrellas and sunbeds, sells water. A small equipped strip is strewn with bright red sand. There are rocks nearby and nudists often sunbathe. This is a place exclusively for adults who can take the obstacle course to a beautiful and unusual beach.
Malia
In Heraklion there is a well-maintained Malia beach. Vacationers in this area are offered diving, jet skiing, yachting. Plakias is distinguished by a large number of bars, restaurants and hotels. Its coastline is considered the longest on the island and no less noisy.
Beaches for children located near the village of Agia Marina, the towns of Ierapetra, Sfakia. Sandy coasts with shallow waters and always warm sea have long been chosen by the parents of kids.
When is the best time to relax on the beaches of Crete
A feature of the island is its subtropical climate.Plenty of sun, no less wind and gentle transitions between seasons. Therefore, even in winter there are many holidaymakers in Crete who come for excursions or shopping. Read more about the weather in Crete by months.
IN winter months, the average temperature is considered to be in the range of +16 ... + 17 ° C. It is cooler at night - about + 10 ° C. Throughout the winter, the sea water temperature remains at + 16 ° C. It is during this period that there is no excitement and tours fall in price. This is the best time for excursions to interesting historical sites, of which there are a lot in Crete. Wear sneakers and a light jacket.
Video of the fabulous nature of Crete
If in march the air begins to warm up by 1-2 degrees, then in April real warmth comes. In the daytime it will be already comfortable (+ 20 ° C) and the sea will warm up to + 18 ° C. It is from the middle of spring that vouchers begin to rise in price.
May + 23 ° C in air is practically comparable to + 22 ° C in water. Although it is still cool at night (+ 14 ° C), the beaches are already filled with vacationers. Most of them are families with children.
June officially it is considered the beginning of the season, when the number of tourists increases sharply, the cost of services rises, but the temperature is still comfortable (no higher than + 28 ° C). The period is considered favorable for traveling with children.
Heat, July, only without poplar fluff ... Season, prices and temperatures are in full swing. During the day it can be up to + 30 ° C, and at night the heat does not drop below + 21 ° C. During this period, the hotels in Crete with the best beaches are completely full. Book your rooms in advance if you are planning a seasonal vacation. In doing so, get ready to shell out a lump sum.
The real hell begins in augustwhen, at + 35 ° С and higher, the city streets paved with stone heat up, and the sand burns your feet. During this period, the winds are saved, which gain strength by the end of summer. Therefore, the flow of those wishing to swim in the warm sea +25 ... + 26 ° С and get a beautiful golden tan does not decrease. Prices, by the way, also remain "at the same level".
September and October considered velvet months with warm weather, but already gentle sun. During this period, the sea is really gentle, and relaxation brings real pleasure. Swimming can be alternated with excursions, and it will cost much less than in the previous August.
Want to go to sea with November by April - also not a question. Come in the autumn-winter period or from the very beginning of spring. At this time, it is especially easy to breathe near water. And you can swim in the warm pool of the hotel.
