Find a beach accessible by Handicap friendly near you
Georgioupolis, a small coastal town located 38km east of Chania and 21km west of Rethymnon, is a seaside resort nestled in a verdant valley crisscrossed by rivers and springs. Situated on the western edge of a sprawling 10km beach, the town’s beach spans 2km to the east, beginning at the Almiros river and terminating at Kavros beach, a natural continuation of the former. The beach in Georgioupolis is sandy, dotted with dunes, and has shallow waters.
The beach is well-maintained and child-friendly, with lifeguards on duty. Caution is advised during windy conditions due to sea currents. Amenities such as umbrellas, showers, and food and drink stalls are available for beachgoers. Approximately 700m east of the port, the Perastikos river bifurcates the beach, which then widens as it continues eastward. On the opposite end, west of Georgioupolis’s port and near the Almyros river’s exit, lies the picturesque Kalivaki beach.
Hersonissos, a bustling tourist hotspot in Crete situated just 28km to the east of Heraklion, is renowned for its tranquil beaches and calm seas – a rarity along the northern coast of Crete due to the prevailing northern winds. The most serene beaches can be found to the west of the port, shielded by the Cape Sarandaris. Towards the east of the port, however, lie the resort’s most frequented beaches.
As you venture east from the port of Hersonissos, the first sight to greet you is a sprawling, narrow, sandy beach, buzzing with throngs of beachgoers. It’s impeccably organized and conveniently close to the city’s amenities, though it may not be the best choice for those seeking a more serene environment.
Journeying further east, a series of small, sandy coves become apparent, primarily situated in front of hotels. Of these, Silva Maris Beach stands out with its high level of organization, a lifeguard, and numerous facilities. Continuing eastwards, you’ll encounter Star Beach, one of Crete’s most populous beaches, largely patronized by British and Dutch tourists. Lastly, near Cape Drapanos lie the peaceful beaches of Eastern Hersonissos, offering a quieter seaside experience.
The beach of Matala is situated 68km southwest of Heraklion, where the Messara plain and Asteroussia Mountains intersect. It is one of the most frequented tourist spots in Crete and the most well-known beach in the southern region of the Heraklion prefecture. Matala is notable for its rock-carved caves and its association with the hippie culture of the 1970s. It lies in close proximity to Phaestus, the second largest palace of the Minoan civilization, having once served as its port. During the era of the Romans, Matala transformed into a port for Gortyn.
Nestled at the end of a small valley, Matala overlooks an enclosed bay with a picturesque view of the Paximadia islands. The beach spans 300m and features beautiful sandy shores, fine gravel, and crystal-clear deep waters. However, parts of the seabed, particularly the central area, are quite rocky and waves are common due to frequent westerly winds. A large cave can be found on the northern part of the beach, from which some thrill-seekers dive.
Matala beach is well-equipped with amenities such as umbrellas, restrooms, showers, lifeguards, first aid facilities, beach volleyball courts, snack bars, water sports, excursion boats, and a camping site. The surrounding area of Matala offers a range of accommodation, dining, and entertainment options. The beach is largely shaded by tamarisk trees, providing a respite from the sun. Come evening, the beach bars are brimming with people, both locals and tourists. The internationally acclaimed Matala Festival draws large crowds every June.
Almyros beach (Almiros) is located 2.5km south of Agios Nikolaos and 12 km from Elounda. It is shaped near the exit of Almiros River, which empties on the south part of the beach. Next to the beach, the protected wetland of Almiros hosts several rare birds, towering eucalyptus trees, reed and some palm trees.
The beach is quite long – 300 m – and very well-organized. It is sandy and the water is shallow and usually calm, making it ideal especially for young children. There are a lot of trees behind the beach, and to the east, you can see the pretty Thrypti Mount. The entrance to the water is very smooth. This beach is suitable for different categories of people, lonely travellers, relaxation getaway lovers, families with children, seniors etc. It is partially crowded during the high season. The area has a few canteens, while there are also many options for water sports. The sea water is very cold in some places due to the river that flows all year round. On the south side of the beach, there are small hotels and apartments.
To reach the beach from Agios Nikolaos city centre, if you do not have a car, you should walk the pedestrian street (5 ‘) which runs along the rocky coasts north of the beach. The pathway starts from Gargadoros beach, which is located 5 minutes south of the town’s marina.
Situated 64km east of Agios Nikolaos, Sitia is the furthest city to the east on the island of Crete. In the broader region of the Sitia province, there are numerous petite beaches that offer a delightful combination of sun and sea. For those who enjoy staying near the urban area, the city’s long beach is an attractive option. Situated to the east of the city, Sitia beach stretches from the port all the way to the Petras area. The beach, largely composed of sand with some pebbles scattered here and there, has shallow waters. It is well-equipped with amenities such as umbrellas, showers, lifeguards, beach/water sports, and beach bars. However, quiet spots can be found along its extensive shoreline, particularly towards the east. The east side also accommodates campervans and is dotted with a few trees.
Beyond the Petras area to the east, you can explore the ruins of an ancient city at Trypitos Cape, alleged to be Itia, the hometown of the Wise Myson. Moreover, archaeologists have discovered remnants from various phases of the Minoan era in Petras. West of Trypitos’s archaeological site, another small beach named Karavopetra is located. This name translates to “Ship Stone”, inspired by the sea boulder where ships would traditionally anchor.
Potamos Beach is a quiet, sandy beach about 3 km east of Malia on the north coast of the Heraklion region of Crete, named after the small river that runs beside it. It sits just east of Malia’s port, next to the Malia wetland and the Minoan Palace of Malia, and stays calmer than Malia’s busy main beach. From Heraklion it is roughly a 30 to 35 minute drive east.
Potamos is a long, well kept stretch of sand that draws far fewer people than the main beach in the middle of Malia. The eastern end stays largely undeveloped because of the archaeological site and the protected wetland behind it, while a few hotels sit to the west, each with its own patch of sand.
The Malia wetland is an ecologically important reed bed that shelters many bird species and preserves coastal plants that have disappeared from much of Crete. Water flowing down from Mount Selena keeps a stream running here, turning into a small river close to the shore in winter and feeding clear water into the sea. The water is fresh enough that goats often come down from the hills to swim and drink at the edge of the beach. In autumn, white sand lilies bloom across the low dunes that back the shore.
The beach is fine golden sand, and the sea is clear and shallow, deepening gently over a soft, sandy seabed. That makes it a good choice for families with young children, who can paddle safely close to shore.
Potamos is really more than one beach: a couple of sandy stretches with small rocky coves in between. The eastern bay is more sheltered and calmer, while the longer western stretch catches the north and northwest winds and turns wavier, so pick your spot to match the day. The rocky coves between the sandy sections are good for snorkeling.
Sunbeds and umbrellas are available to rent, and there are showers and a lifeguard on duty in season. Tamarisk trees along the back of the beach give natural shade, which helps when the midday sun is strong, so bring sun protection as well. For food and drink there is a snack bar on the sand, plus tavernas and a few hotels on the western side. Potamos flies a Blue Flag for its water quality and organisation.
By car it is a short drive from Malia, with parking beside both main sections of the beach. By bus, the Heraklion to Malia and Agios Nikolaos service stops close by, near the Malia Palace, from where it is a short walk down to the shore. You can also walk from Malia in about 30 to 45 minutes along Machis Kritis or Grammatiki. If you would rather have a car for the day and reach the quieter coves and nearby villages easily, you can rent a car in Crete.
Potamos Beach sits within easy reach of several sights. It is a short walk from the Minoan Palace of Malia, one of the largest Minoan palace complexes on the island, so a beach day pairs easily with some history. The wetland right behind the sand is a good spot for a short nature walk and birdwatching.
A coastal path runs east over the headland to the next cove. That walk ends at the small, church-side Agia Varvara beach.
Potamos Beach is on the north coast of Crete, about 3 km east of Malia and roughly a 30 to 35 minute drive east of Heraklion. It takes its name from the small river that runs beside it, next to the Malia wetland.
You can drive from Malia in a few minutes and park beside the beach. The Heraklion to Malia and Agios Nikolaos bus stops nearby, close to the Malia Palace, and it is also walkable from Malia in about 30 to 45 minutes along Machis Kritis or Grammatiki.
Yes. The water is clear and shallow and deepens gently over a soft sandy seabed, which suits children. The eastern bay is the most sheltered, so it is the calmest part for young swimmers.
There are sunbeds and umbrellas to rent, showers, and a lifeguard on duty in season. Tamarisk trees give natural shade, and there is a snack bar on the beach with tavernas nearby on the western side.
Potamos is quieter than Malia’s main beach and keeps a relaxed feel. It is busiest in July and August, while June and September are calmer.
The long western stretch catches the north and northwest winds and can get wavy. The eastern bay is more sheltered, so head there on windier days.
Yes, Potamos Beach holds a Blue Flag, awarded for water quality and beach organisation.
The Minoan Palace of Malia is within walking distance, and the Malia wetland behind the beach is good for a nature walk and birdwatching. A short coastal walk east over the headland reaches Agia Varvara beach.
Platanias beach is a long, organised, Blue-Flag sandy beach on the north coast of Crete, 11 km west of Chania. Platanias beach lines the front of the Platanias resort, so sunbeds, beach bars and water sports stay a few steps from the sand, while the old village on the hillside behind looks out over the sea and the islet of Thodorou.
Platanias beach sits 11 km west of Chania city, on the north coast of western Crete. Platanias grew from a small hillside village into a lively suburb of Chania, and frequent buses from the city make it one of the easiest beaches to reach near Chania. The beach runs for about 2 km, starting at the edge of Agia Marina and reaching west to the mouth of the Keritis river.
Platanias beach is a long stretch of sand with small pebbles in parts. The water is clear and deepens fairly quickly over a partly rocky seabed, so it suits confident swimmers as well as families who stay near the shallower sections by the shore. The beach faces north, so afternoon winds can raise short waves, and mornings are usually the calmest time to swim. The western end near the Keritis river is quieter and less built-up, which gives swimmers more space away from the busiest stretch.
Platanias beach is well organised along most of its length. Platanias beach offers sunbeds and umbrellas, beach bars, snack bars, showers and lifeguards on duty in season. Much of the shore is free public beach where you can set your own spot, so the beach mixes organised sections with open stretches. On the east side of the local harbour, close to Agia Marina, several small man-made coves give sheltered spots for a swim.
Platanias beach offers a wide choice of water sports through the summer. Visitors can try jet skiing, stand-up paddleboarding, parasailing, banana-boat rides and beach volleyball along the organised sections. After dark, the nightclubs of Platanias fill with Greek and foreign visitors who dance until dawn, which has made the resort one of the main nightlife spots west of Chania.
Platanias beach is a nesting point for loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta). The turtles nest on this coast from May to September, so keep clear of any marked nests and leave the dry sand undisturbed after dark. Tamarisk trees along parts of the beach give natural shade for hot afternoons.
The coast on either side of Platanias beach runs into several more sandy beaches, listed below by distance.
Platanias beach lies 11 km west of Chania on the north-coast road. Frequent buses run from Chania to Platanias through the season, the approach road is paved, and the beach has handicap-friendly access. A beach day here pairs well with the nearby beaches at Agia Marina, Stalos and Maleme and with the Botanical Park and Gardens of Crete inland, and the easiest way to reach them on your own schedule is with a rental car, which you can compare on our car rental in Crete page.
Platanias beach is on the north coast of western Crete, 11 km west of Chania, on the stretch of coast that runs from Agia Marina to the Keritis river.
Platanias beach is 11 km west of Chania city, reached by a short drive or by the frequent bus from Chania to Platanias.
Yes. Platanias beach is a long sandy beach with small pebbles in parts, running about 2 km between Agia Marina and the Keritis river.
Yes. Families can use the shallower sections near parts of the shore, and lifeguards are on duty in season, though the water deepens fairly quickly and afternoon winds can bring short waves.
Platanias beach has sunbeds and umbrellas, beach bars, snack bars, showers and lifeguards, along with water sports and free public stretches where you can set your own spot.
Platanias beach offers jet skiing, stand-up paddleboarding, parasailing, banana-boat rides and beach volleyball along its organised sections in summer.
Take a bus from Chania on the frequent Platanias service, or drive 11 km west along the paved north-coast road, and a rental car also makes the nearby beaches at Gerani, Stalos and Maleme easier to reach.
Damnoni is an organized sandy bay on Crete’s south coast, about 35 kilometres south of Rethymno and 5 kilometres east of Plakias, with clear turquoise water, coarse pale sand, and a busy west end that gives way to a quieter east end and secluded coves. Damnoni faces the Libyan Sea at the mouth of a green, olive-covered valley ringed by mountains, and it is one of the most popular and well-developed beaches in the Plakias area.
Damnoni beach lies on the south coast of Crete, about 35 kilometres south of Rethymno city and 5 kilometres east of the resort village of Plakias. Damnoni sits at the mouth of a wide valley covered with olive groves and fed by mountain streams, so the land stays green right behind the sand. The beach belongs to the Agios Vasilios area of the Rethymno regional unit and faces the Libyan Sea. A short dirt road along the eastern side links Damnoni to the neighbouring Ammoudi coves.
Damnoni is a long, wide bay with clear turquoise water and coarse, whitish sand. Damnoni has two distinct ends that give the beach its character. The west end is the organized, busier part, and a small river reaches the sea here and keeps water almost all year round. The east end is calmer and quieter, and it leads along a short dirt road to the smaller Ammoudi and Ammoudaki coves. Just west of the main bay, beside the area’s small harbour, a few secluded coves of sand and rock offer a spot to get away from the crowd.
Damnoni beach is a fully organized beach with the facilities for a full day by the water. Damnoni offers the following facilities along and behind the sand:
Damnoni is reached by a paved road, is handicap friendly, and has parking beside the beach.
Damnoni is well suited to swimming and snorkelling, because the water is shallow near the shore, usually calm, and clear. Damnoni draws snorkellers to its clear water and to the rockier edges of the bay, where small fish gather. The wider stretch of coast around Damnoni holds some of the finest snorkelling and diving spots in the Plakias area, and the neighbouring Skinaria and Ammoudaki coves reward a mask and fins. Families use the shallow, gentle entry at the main bay, and stronger swimmers explore the rocky coves toward the harbour.
Damnoni beach is about a 45-minute drive south from Rethymno, on a paved road that turns off toward Plakias. No public bus runs directly down to the beach, and the Rethymno to Plakias bus stops in Lefkogia or Plakias rather than at the sand, so most visitors arrive by rented car or taxi. Parking sits beside the beach and fills up on peak-season afternoons, so arriving earlier in the day helps. In summer, small boats also run from Plakias along the coast toward Preveli Palm Beach and call at Damnoni on the way.
The best time to visit Damnoni beach is from June to September, when the sea is warm and every facility is open. Damnoni is busiest through midsummer and along its organized west end, so an early start means easier parking and a quieter stretch of sand. Late spring and early autumn stay warm enough to swim and draw smaller crowds, which makes May and October good months for a calmer visit.
Damnoni sits within walking or short driving distance of several other south-coast beaches. Damnoni connects to the following beaches nearby:
A day at Damnoni is easiest with your own car, because no bus runs down to the beach and the coves nearby are spread along a rough coastal road. Driving lets you arrive early for a parking spot and the quiet east end, then chain Damnoni with Ammoudi, Skinaria and Kalypso or catch the boat to Preveli in one day. A car also carries the beach gear for a full day by the Libyan Sea without waiting on bus timetables. For that flexibility across the Plakias coast and the wider south of Rethymno, book a car rental in Crete.
Damnoni beach is on Crete’s south coast, about 35 kilometres south of Rethymno and 5 kilometres east of Plakias. The beach faces the Libyan Sea at the mouth of an olive-covered valley in the Agios Vasilios area of Rethymno.
Yes, Damnoni beach has coarse, whitish sand along a wide bay. Some pebbles and small rocks appear at the edges and in the secluded coves west of the main beach.
Yes, Damnoni is good for both, because the water is shallow near the shore, usually calm, and clear. Snorkellers explore the rockier edges of the bay and the neighbouring Skinaria and Ammoudaki coves.
To reach Damnoni beach, drive about 45 minutes south from Rethymno and turn off toward Plakias, since no bus runs directly to the beach. A rented car or taxi is the practical way to arrive, and parking sits beside the sand.
Damnoni’s main bay is a family beach, while naturists gather at the neighbouring Ammoudaki cove just east of Damnoni. A short dirt road from the east end of the beach leads to the Ammoudi and Ammoudaki coves.
Ammoudi and Ammoudaki lie about 0.6 kilometres east, Skinaria about 1.1 kilometres away, and Kalypso is a short walk to the west. Preveli Palm Beach, with its palm-lined river, is reachable by boat from Plakias or Damnoni.
The swimming season runs from late spring to October, and June to September brings the warmest, most settled conditions. May and October are quieter than the midsummer peak and stay warm enough to swim.
Nea Chora, a picturesque sandy beach, lies just a kilometer west of Chania city center along Akti Papanikoli Street, opposite the Lazaretta islet. A short 15-minute stroll from Chania’s old harbor, this beach boasts a well-maintained main area with several facilities at hand. While mostly sandy, Nea Chora also features rocky patches. It’s the perfect spot for those who prefer to stay nearby the city center. East of the beach, you can still spot the old soap factory’s towering chimney and the former sanatorium of Chania. Nea Chora is a favorite among locals for its seafood taverns, but there are also plenty of restaurants, snack bars, and cafes to choose from. Every summer, the beach hosts the “Sardine Festival”, complete with traditional music, dancing, and free fish for attendees.
Kladissos beach
Further along the river Kladisos, a second beach unfolds all the way up to Aptera beach. Kladisos beach is a lengthy sandy bay, interspersed with pebbly areas. Despite its proximity to Chania and its appealing beauty, the beach remains relatively secluded and unspoiled. The simplest way to access this beach is by crossing the Kladisos river via the pedestrian bridge.
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