Find a beach accessible by Boat near you
Agii Pantes island is home to a quaint sandy beach situated just across the port of Agios Nikolaos. The beach, as well as the whole island, is accessible only by boat or via kayak or SUP departing from Ammoudi beach. It stands adjacent to the little islet Mikronisi, both acting as natural barriers safeguarding Agios Nikolaos. Moreover, the island serves as a habitat for several hybrid species of the endangered Cretan ibex.
The stunning Aspes beach, with its dark sand, is nestled approximately 58km south of Heraklion, in one of the most remote and hard-to-reach areas of the Asteroussia Mountains. This beach lies 4km to the east of the Tris Ekklisies settlement. Aspes is known for its almost vertical cliffs surrounding it, adorned with spectacular caves that appear as if carved by hand due to their orthogonal sides. The vibrant turquoise hues of the sea make it one of the most picturesque beaches in Crete, and perhaps the most beautiful in the Heraklion region. The beach offers fantastic opportunities for swimming and fishing.
Reaching the beach by foot is not possible, so it’s only accessible by boat. The closest harbours are in Treis Ekklisies or Tsoutsouras. The beach, due to its secluded location, provides a tranquil atmosphere, waiting to greet the fortunate boat owners. Boats are typically moored high on the beach’s rocks, their ropes creating an interesting grid-like pattern. If you visit Aspes, it’s recommended to bring a spoon to collect salt from the natural salt pans formed on the rocks at the beach’s edge. Additionally, don’t miss the towering rocks at the beach’s western end, reminiscent of scattered Obelix’s menhirs!
Red Beach, known in Greek as Kokkini Ammos, is a red-sand beach on the south coast of Crete, about 800 metres south of Matala and 68 kilometres southwest of Heraklion. You reach it on foot over Kastri hill or by boat from Matala harbour. The rust-red sand comes from the local geology and sets off a blue-green sea, which is what makes the beach so striking.
The beach is remote and unorganised. It has no road access, so it stays quiet even in high season, and it is open to the western winds that blow across this part of the coast.
Most visitors walk from Matala on a marked trail that crosses Kastri hill north of the village. The walk takes about 15 to 25 minutes one way and involves some rock scrambling at the start and a steep descent near the end, so wear proper walking shoes rather than sandals. The route is clear but rough underfoot.
Follow these steps from Matala:
You can take a boat from Matala harbour for a small fee of around 5 euros each way if you would rather not hike. A car makes the wider Matala area much easier to reach, since the beach sits on the exposed south coast with no road nearby, so you can compare options for a hire car in Crete.
Red Beach has very few facilities. There is a simple stone-wall coffee shop that opens occasionally for food and drinks, plus a small number of umbrellas that fill up quickly. The only natural shade comes from a few tamarisk trees near the canteen, so it is worth bringing your own mat, umbrella, water, and snacks.
You can swim here, but the beach faces the prevailing western winds and the sea is often wavy, so take care on windier days. The reward for the effort is a quiet bay with panoramic views, clear water, and wide sunset views over the sea.
Red Beach was a favourite of hippies in the 1960s and 1970s, and enthusiasts have kept visiting ever since. The northern part of the beach is known as a nudist-friendly area and has an international reputation for it. The beach and its surroundings are protected under the Natura 2000 programme because of their ecological value.
At the northern end, a long limestone formation resembles the rock of Matala. It is decorated with carvings of Minoan and Egyptian sea figures made by Gerard, a Belgian admirer of Matala, and these sculptures have become part of the beach’s character.
Between Matala and Red Beach stands a large rock called Theosini, which gives wide views over Messara Bay. The sea has eroded it into a marine cave known as Kouroupi, reachable only by boat. The cave shelters endangered Mediterranean monk seals and several species of wild pigeon.
Walk the marked trail from the northern edge of Matala over Kastri hill, which takes about 15 to 25 minutes and includes some rock scrambling and a steep final descent. Alternatively, take a boat from Matala harbour for around 5 euros each way.
Yes, you can swim at Red Beach, but it faces the western winds and the sea is often wavy, so swim with care on windy days. Calmer conditions give clear blue-green water.
Red Beach rewards the short hike with rust-red sand, clear water, panoramic views, and quiet sunsets. Its limestone carvings and protected setting make it more than an ordinary swim stop.
Yes. The northern part of Red Beach is well known as a nudist-friendly area and has an international reputation for it.
Facilities are minimal: an occasional stone-wall coffee shop and a few umbrellas. Bring your own mat, umbrella, water, and food, since the only natural shade comes from a few tamarisk trees.
No. Red Beach has rust-red sand from the local rock, not pink sand. The pink-tinted sand Crete is famous for is at Elafonisi, in the southwest of the island.
Imeri Gramvousa is the small, visited islet off the north-western tip of Crete, reached by excursion boat from Kissamos and usually paired with the Balos lagoon. Imeri Gramvousa sits in Kissamos Bay in the Chania region, opposite Cape Gramvousa and about 3 kilometres from the Balos lagoon. Its name means “tame” Gramvousa, which sets it apart from Agria, the “wild” sister islet just to the north that stays steep, rocky and closed to visitors.
The islet draws day-trippers for three things: a Venetian fortress on its summit, a rusting shipwreck on its beach, and a white-sand cove with clear turquoise water. All three sit on one small, walkable island that is reached only by boat, so a visit combines a short climb, a swim and a piece of Cretan history in a few hours ashore.
Imeri Gramvousa lies about 20 kilometres north-west of Kissamos, at the north-western tip of Crete in the Chania region. The islet stands in Kissamos Bay, opposite the tall Cape Gramvousa and about 3 kilometres from the Balos lagoon, and it is administered by the municipality of Kissamos. Two bays open on its southern side, and the western cove, below the castle, holds the beach that visitors come for.
The Venetian fortress on Imeri Gramvousa was built between 1579 and 1584 to defend Crete from the Ottomans. The fortress stands about 137 metres above the beach on the island’s highest point, and a climb of about 20 minutes up a steep, uneven path reaches it and opens wide views over the bay. During the Greek War of Independence in the 1820s, Cretan insurgents used the island as a fortified refuge and lived as pirates in the surrounding sea, and at times up to 3,000 people sheltered here. The islet takes its name from Vousa, a pirate chief’s wife and the only inhabitant to evade capture when the pirates were finally removed, and local legend still claims a pirate treasure lies buried somewhere on the island.
The beach lies in the western cove below the castle, next to the Church of Agioi Apostoloi. The cove has white sand with rocks in places and turquoise water that stays calm and clear, and tamarisk trees behind the sand give natural shade. The seabed is rocky and rich, so the cove suits snorkelling. A rusting shipwreck sits on the shore of the same cove and has become the islet’s landmark and a favourite photo spot.
Reach Imeri Gramvousa in two steps, since the islet is accessible only by boat:
The boats carry food and water from onboard bars, because the islet itself has no shops or facilities.
A trip to Imeri Gramvousa almost always includes the Balos lagoon, about 3 kilometres away. Boats stop at the islet for the fortress, the beach and the shipwreck, then sail on to Balos, one of Crete’s most photographed lagoons, or take the two in the reverse order. Both sites lie in a Natura 2000 protected area, so the islet stays uninhabited and overnight stays are not allowed.
A day trip to Imeri Gramvousa begins on land, at the port of Kissamos, and the drive there is simpler with your own car than by bus in high summer. Having a car lets you reach the port in time for the morning boat, carry beach gear for the family, and combine the trip with Falassarna or the villages around Kissamos on the way back. For flexible timing on the drive to the port, book a car rental in Crete.
This is Imeri Gramvousa, the tame, visited islet off the north-western tip of Crete, in Kissamos Bay in the Chania region. It sits opposite Cape Gramvousa, about 3 kilometres from the Balos lagoon, and should not be confused with Agria Gramvousa, the wild, inaccessible sister islet to the north.
Yes, Imeri Gramvousa is worth a visit for its Venetian fortress, its shipwreck and its white-sand beach, usually combined with the Balos lagoon. The day trip pairs a short climb to the castle with a swim in the turquoise cove below.
Reach Imeri Gramvousa by driving or transferring to Kissamos and then taking an excursion boat, because the islet is accessible only by boat. The boat takes about an hour and stops at the islet before or after Balos.
The excursion boat from Kissamos takes about an hour to reach Imeri Gramvousa. It then continues to the Balos lagoon, about 3 kilometres away.
The Venetian fortress on Imeri Gramvousa was built between 1579 and 1584 to defend Crete from the Ottomans, and it later sheltered Cretan insurgents who lived as pirates during the Greek War of Independence. The fortress stands about 137 metres above the beach, and a climb of about 20 minutes reaches it.
Yes, Imeri Gramvousa has a white-sand beach in the western cove below the castle, with turquoise, calm water and tamarisk trees for shade. A rusting shipwreck on the shore is the beach’s landmark.
No, Imeri Gramvousa has no facilities, because it is uninhabited and protected under the Natura 2000 program. The excursion boats carry food and water from onboard bars, and overnight stays are not allowed.
Yes, Imeri Gramvousa suits families, with calm water in the western cove and the fortress, beach and shipwreck to explore. Keep children close near the water and the rocks, and bring your own food and water, because the islet has no shops.
Glyka Nera, translated as “sweet water” ranks as one of Crete’s most picturesque beaches, adorned with captivating deep blue waters and charming pebbles. In 2003, it earned a place amongst the top 20 European beaches by the London Times. Positioned 43km west of Chora Sfakion and 75km south of Chania, its unique name stems from the freshwater springs that bubble up amongst its pebbles.
Typically, Glyka Nera is most readily accessible via boat. However, for thrill-seekers, two hiking paths offer an alternate route: a 30-minute journey from the closest parking spot near Iligas beach, and an hour-long trek from Loutro. Despite the trails bordering steep edges, safety is ensured by regular maintenance from local authorities, given the paths are part of the renowned E4 European footpath.
A quaint tavern perched on a rock offers food, refreshing drinks, and loungers. You need not carry water as the spring water is drinkable. Interestingly, even in the peak of summer, the sea remains refreshingly cool due to these springs. Tamarisk trees generously provide shade along the beach. If given the chance, a visit to Glyka Nera is a must.
Agiofarago is a remote pebble beach at the mouth of the Agiofarago Gorge on the south coast of Crete, roughly 80km south of Heraklion, reached only by a walk through the gorge or by boat. The beach has deep blue water, fine pebbles, towering cliffs, and no facilities of any kind. Agiofarago rewards the effort with a quiet cove, the small chapel of Agios Antonios, a natural sea rock-arch, and some of the best rock climbing on the island.
Plan for a car journey followed by a walk on foot, and carry everything you need for the day.
Agiofarago is a small, undeveloped cove framed by steep cliffs where the gorge meets the Libyan Sea. The shoreline is made of fine pebbles, and the water reads as a clear deep blue that deepens quickly a short way out. High rock walls give patches of shade at certain hours, so the light and the shadows shift across the beach through the day.
The cove sits opposite a rocky islet called Papadoplaka, which frames the view out to sea. West of the beach, a unique rock formation creates a sheltered spot that many visitors single out for swimming. The scale of the cliffs and the absence of buildings give Agiofarago a wild, end-of-the-road feel that sets it apart from the developed beaches of the same coast.
To reach Agiofarago on foot, walk down through the Agiofarago Gorge, a scenic trek of about 25 to 50 minutes depending on your pace. The path follows the gorge floor between tall vertical walls until it opens onto the beach at the sea. The route is not technical, yet it crosses uneven, rocky ground, so proper shoes and water matter more than they would on a roadside beach.
The gorge itself is the reason many people come, since it ranks among the most striking short walks on the south coast. Its sheer limestone walls draw climbers as well as walkers, and the shade between them offers relief on hot days. Anyone comparing routes across the island can browse the wider collection of Crete’s gorges before choosing a day out.
The chapel of Agios Antonios sits inside the gorge near the beach, with a small well of brackish water beside it. The little church gives the gorge much of its character and its religious significance, and it is one reason naturism is discouraged here out of respect for the site. Walkers pass the chapel on the final stretch down to the shore.
The other landmark is a natural sea rock-arch carved into the cliffs, a feature that photographers and swimmers seek out. Beyond the arch lies Vourvoulitis, a hidden saltwater lake ringed by steep cliffs and linked to the open sea through an underwater passage. The chapel, the arch, and the lake together make the short walk feel like a series of small discoveries rather than a single destination.
Agiofarago has no facilities at all, so bring your own food, water, and shade. There are no restaurants or shops at the beach, no sunbeds or umbrellas for hire, and no lifeguard on duty. The nearest supplies are back in the villages inland, well before the dirt road and the gorge walk.
Pack for a self-sufficient day using this short list:
Camping is not allowed at Agiofarago, and swimmers should note there is no lifeguard cover, so judge the sea conditions yourself before entering the water.
Reach Agiofarago by driving toward Sivas and the Odigitria Monastery, then following the dirt road for about 4km to the parking area above the gorge. From the monastery the track leads past the area of St. Anthony’s church, and a sign for Agiofarago marks the turn down to a small plateau where cars stop. From that plateau you continue on foot through the gorge to the beach.
When you park, avoid leaving your car directly under trees, because goats climb on them and can damage the bodywork. The drive from Heraklion covers roughly 80km to the south, so a hire car makes the trip far simpler than public transport; you can compare vehicles and pick-up points when you rent a car in Crete.
Boats reach the cove as an alternative to the walk, setting out from Matala, Agia Galini, Kokkinos Pirgos, or Kali Limenes. A relaxed way to arrive by water is a south Crete sailing trip along this stretch of coast.
Agiofarago suits swimming, snorkeling, rock climbing, and quiet exploring rather than beach-resort comforts. The clear, deep water and the rock formation to the west make it a fine place to cool off after the walk. Divers with certification can also base a day around this coastline through a scuba diving trip from Heraklion.
Try these activities once you reach the cove:
If you want the effort handled for you, a guided Matala and Agiofarago Gorge day tour packages the visit with transport.
Agiofarago pairs well with other remote coves on the same southern stretch of Heraklion. The beaches here share the same off-grid character, with hard access and no services in return for quiet water. Just along the coast lies Martsalo beach, another cove reached on foot and often visited on the same trip.
For anyone planning a route, Agiofarago belongs to the group of Cretan beaches you reach by hiking rather than by car, which shapes how much time to set aside.
The walk through the Agiofarago Gorge takes about 25 to 50 minutes each way, depending on your pace and how often you stop. The path is rocky but not technical, so wear sturdy shoes and carry water.
No, Agiofarago has no facilities. There are no restaurants, shops, sunbeds, or lifeguards, and camping is not allowed, so bring your own food, water, and shade.
Drive toward Sivas and the Odigitria Monastery, then follow the dirt road about 4km to the parking plateau above the gorge. From there you walk down through the gorge to the beach, and you should avoid parking under trees because goats can damage cars.
Yes, boats reach Agiofarago from Matala, Agia Galini, Kokkinos Pirgos, and Kali Limenes. Arriving by sea avoids the gorge walk and suits anyone who prefers not to hike.
Yes, the tall limestone walls of the Agiofarago Gorge are a well-known rock-climbing site. The same cliffs that shade the beach provide the routes that draw climbers to the area.
The famous Balos beach is a well-known lagoon found approximately 56km northwest of Chania and 17km northwest of Kissamos, situated between Cape Gramvousa and Cape Tigani below the range of Platiskinos. It is highly photographed and a popular subject for tourist guides in Greece. It was also visited by Prince Charles and Princess Diana on their private yacht many years ago.
Balos is renowned for its striking turquoise waters, picturesque natural scenery, and stunning exotic beauty. During summer, thousands of visitors arrive mostly by ferry from Kissamos port. However, it can be overcrowded, especially in July and August, so it is advisable to visit in the morning before the boats arrive, to enjoy a few hours of isolation in this breathtaking paradise.
The lagoon’s white-pink sandy beaches feature vivid blue and turquoise waters, which are very shallow and warm, ideal for young children. The sand has a lovely pinkish hue in many areas due to millions of crushed shells. The water beyond the lagoon’s rocky boundaries is deeper and colder, perfect for snorkelling. The wider area, including the lagoon, has rare flora and fauna species and is protected under the Natura 2000 program. Eleonora falcons, shags, and cormorants nest in the caves of the area, while the monk seal and the loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta), which are protected species, also find refuge there.
Balos Lagoon Updates
Balos Lagoon, designated as a protected Natura area, boasts breathtaking golden-pink sands and crystalline turquoise waters, providing habitat to diverse marine and avian species. While its allure draws many visitors, it’s imperative to uphold the integrity of this fragile ecosystem. Therefore, visitors are urged to exercise conscientious behavior by properly disposing of all waste, minimizing plastic use, and refraining from removing sand or oysters to preserve the lagoon’s pristine condition for generations to come.
In 2024, significant conservation efforts include the implementation of reduced ferry services and a cap on visitor numbers. Additionally, plans are underway to introduce shuttle buses in Kaliviani to reduce car traffic. To further minimize environmental impact, consider visiting during less crowded times such as early mornings or late evenings.
The picturesque Domata beach, positioned 7km east of Sougia and 58km south of Chania city, resides at Tseses. This beach marks the end of the Klados gorge, a wild and rugged landscape. Its unique natural beauty is a result of the erosive power of water. The name Domata, translating to “roofs”, is derived from the layered structure of the surrounding conglomerate rocks, reminiscent of enormous walls. The beach owes its creation to the large amounts of pebbles and dirt deposited by the gorge, and the continuous oscillation of the sea and air.
The beach is striking, with its fine pebbles and transparent blue waters. By digging in the sand, you can discover fresh water from subterranean springs. As anticipated, the area is devoid of roads and infrastructure. However, the abundant pine trees near the beach provide natural shade and ideal camping spots. The southernmost section of the beach, separated from the main beach of Domata by rocks, is known as Kolotrividis, named after the adjacent cape.
You can reach Domata via the E4 European trail, which heads east and guides you to Agia Roumeli (a 3 -4 hour walk). Be cautious though, as the trail ascends to an altitude of 700m, with some sections being steep and potentially hazardous.
Kaminaki Beach, a secluded pebbly beach ideal for fishing, is situated 58km south of Heraklion, on the southeastern fringes of the Asterousia Mountains. The rugged mountains surrounding the beach create a quintessentially Cretan landscape, featuring hard-to-reach gorges, bare rocks, steep cliffs, and isolated beaches mostly reachable by boat. The beach lies at the end of the wild Perivoliano Gorge, also known as Gerontzou.
Access to Kaminaki Beach is primarily via sea, given the difficulty in descending the gorge and the beach’s distance from the nearest road. The closest harbour can be found 3km west in Treis Ekklisies. A smaller beach located 400m west in the Agio Pnevma area is not as aesthetically appealing as Kaminaki.
On the opposite side, a striking beach with turquoise waters and a unique Δ-shaped sea cave can be found 700m east of Kaminaki. The beach is nestled in the embrace of Alykevra Bay, at the Sfakidia location, and is well-shielded by Cape Alykapounda. Heading west beyond Alykapounda Cape, you’ll find Alykevra, where a small rocky bay houses a freshwater spring. This spring was historically used by local shepherds to quench their flocks’ thirst. The area of Alykevra features a single beach situated at the mouth of a narrow canyon at the Prikovlyhada location. Despite its small size (1.5m in width), the pebble beach of Prikovlyhada is exceptional, with the canyon walls providing sunshade and nearby caves adding to its charm.
Crete is home to numerous stunning beaches, and the Golden Beach on Chrissi Island is considered one of the finest in all of Europe. However, a significant update has recently been implemented by the local government: they have suspended all boat access to the island.
Here’s what this implies:
These changes have been put into effect to preserve the land and marine environments of Chrissi Island.
Typically, throngs of visitors would arrive daily by boat from Ierapetra to enjoy the famous Belerinina or Golden Beach on Chrissi Island. The stunning tableau of vivid blue waters, white sands tinged pink from countless crushed shells, and junipers with expansive roots holding the sand in place is an irresistible allure for anyone.
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