Find a beach accessible by Paved road near you
Elounda’s Skisma Beach is a picturesque sandy enclave, perfect for families. Its cleanliness and organization make it especially welcoming.
Little ones delight in its flat sandy terrain and the playground, while older kids gravitate towards the available water sports. Occasional winds result in bigger waves, offering simple surfing opportunities.
With convenient facilities like restrooms and showers, coupled with an array of nearby taverns, it’s an ideal spot for families with children.
Beti beach is nestled just a kilometre away from the bustling city of Agios Nikolaos, and a mere five-minute stroll from Almyros beach. This small slice of paradise often remains undiscovered by the typical crowd, providing an idyllic retreat for those in search of tranquillity.
This diminutive yet delightful beach, embraced by the natural landscape, boasts soft, sun-kissed sand that warmly greets your feet. Thanks to its sheltered location, Beti beach is often protected from the region’s wind and waves, making it a calm oasis amidst the vibrant surroundings. A visit to Beti beach gives you an opportunity to savour the serene ambience, far removed from the usual throngs of beachgoers, adding an element of seclusion to your Cretan beach adventure.
Kimzu Sea Lounge Beach is a small sand-and-pebble beach in Agios Nikolaos, Crete, 1 km from Lake Voulismeni, with shallow crystal-clear water, sunbeds, and an all-day beach bar. The beach pairs a shimmering shore of white pebbles and sand with a relaxed sea lounge, so you can swim in the morning and stay for coffee, food, and cocktails into the evening. It is calm, family-friendly, and easy to reach by paved road or bus from the centre of town.
Kimzu Sea Lounge Beach is a compact beach fronting the Kimzu sea lounge on the southern side of Agios Nikolaos. The shore mixes shimmering white pebbles with sand, and a distinctive touch sets it apart: instead of hot sand, part of the lounging area is laid out on cool, lush grass.
Despite its small size, the beach rarely feels crowded and keeps enough space for everyone. The water is shallow and inviting, which makes it popular with families and young children. You get both beach surfaces in one spot, which you can read more about on the guides to Crete’s fine-pebble beaches and its sandy beaches.
Kimzu Sea Lounge Beach sits at Anapafseos 44 in Agios Nikolaos, in the Lassithi region of eastern Crete, 1 km from the town’s famous Lake Voulismeni. Kimzu beach is one of the closest organised swims to the centre, so it works as an easy half-day escape.
Getting there is straightforward. A paved road leads down to the beach, and bus services reach the area, which helps if you are staying in town without a car.
Kimzu Sea Lounge Beach offers full beach amenities alongside an all-day bar and kitchen. The beach has a generous supply of sunbeds and umbrellas, plus the grassy lounging area in place of hot sand.
The practical facilities on and around the beach are:
As the sun goes down, the Kimzu sea lounge shifts from a daytime beach bar into an evening venue, with resident DJs and live music on some nights. The food leans Mediterranean, so the spot suits a full day by the water rather than a quick swim. If you would rather base yourself close by, browse the places to stay around Agios Nikolaos.
Kimzu Sea Lounge Beach is well suited to swimming, with shallow, crystal-clear water. The sea stays calm because anti-wave blocks about 120 m offshore hold back the larger waves, which keeps the bay gentle.
The shallow entry makes the water easy for young children and less confident swimmers. The clear, calm conditions also make Kimzu beach a good spot for snorkeling close to shore.
Kimzu Sea Lounge Beach rewards visitors who want a calm swim paired with a proper beach bar. The setting fits a specific set of visitors best:
It suits you less if you are after a large, wild stretch of sand or a quiet beach with no bar, neither of which Kimzu offers.
A few simple pointers make the visit smoother:
To turn the swim into a fuller outing, there are guided tours and food walks based in the town. You can line these up alongside the beach through the local things to do in and around Agios Nikolaos.
Where is Kimzu Sea Lounge Beach? Kimzu Sea Lounge Beach is at Anapafseos 44 in Agios Nikolaos, in the Lassithi region of Crete, 1 km from Lake Voulismeni.
What kind of beach is it? Kimzu is a small beach with a shore of shimmering white pebbles and sand, backed by a grassy lounging area and crystal-clear water.
Is Kimzu beach good for swimming? Yes, the water is shallow, clear, and calm. Anti-wave blocks about 120 m offshore keep the bay free of larger waves.
Is Kimzu beach suitable for children? Yes, the shallow, calm water makes it popular with families, and an adjacent park adds a playground and a basketball court.
What facilities does the beach offer? Kimzu offers sunbeds and umbrellas, a grass lounging area, and an all-day beach bar serving coffee, food, and cocktails.
Does the beach get crowded? Despite its small size, Kimzu beach usually does not feel crowded and keeps enough space for its visitors.
Is the water good for snorkeling? Yes, the clear, calm, shallow water makes Kimzu a comfortable spot for snorkeling close to the shore.
How do I get to Kimzu beach? A paved road leads down to the beach, and bus services reach the area, so you can arrive with or without a car.
Is there anything to do besides the beach? Yes, the Kimzu sea lounge runs as an all-day bar with sea views, and some evenings bring resident DJs and live music. You can compare more swims nearby on the wider Crete beaches guide.
Kimzu Sea Lounge Beach sits just outside the centre of Agios Nikolaos, so a short drive links it with Lake Voulismeni, the nearby beaches, and the wider Lassithi coast in a single day. Having your own wheels makes it far easier to string these stops together at your own pace, which is worth sorting out with car rental in Crete.
Triopetra beach, nestled at the base of Mount Siderotas and 52km south of Rethymno, can be reached via paved roads leading from either Akoumia or Sachtouria. Part of the extensive Akoumiani Gialia beachfront, Triopetra got its name as a historical winter refuge for the inhabitants of Akoumia, who built small huts near their olive groves. Presently, most land and hotels in the area are owned by descendants of these Akoumia residents.
Triopetra boasts two distinct beaches, separated by a petite peninsula. The peninsula’s defining feature is the three spectacular rocks jutting out from the sea, giving Triopetra its name, which translates to “Three Rocks”.
The first beach, Small Triopetra or Koumado, resides in an enclosed bay lined with sand and rock to the south of the three rocks. Here, the Akoumianos river meanders into the sea, forming a natural boundary between Triopetra and the enchanting Agios Pavlos Sandhills at Cape Melissa. Small Triopetra hosts a handful of taverns and rooms, with umbrellas available for sun-seekers. Additionally, the southeast edge of the beach is home to a small harbour, known as Stomio or “mouth”, named after the river’s mouth meeting the sea. Just 1km northeast of the beach, the awe-inspiring chapel of Prophet Elias stands on a high hill, commanding an impressive view over Akoumiani Gialia.
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.
Voulisma Beach is a Blue Flag beach on the north coast of East Crete, known locally as Golden Beach for its fine golden-white sand. Voulisma Beach sits in a sheltered cove at the southern end of Mirabello Bay, 12 kilometres (8 miles) east of Agios Nikolaos and 22 kilometres north of Ierapetra, next to the village of Istron. It is the main bay of the three that indent the Istron coastline, and it appears on many postcards of Crete.
The beach is fine golden-white sand that shelves gently into shallow, calm, turquoise water, which makes swimming easy for children and weaker swimmers. Voulisma Beach is fully organised in summer with sunbeds, umbrellas, a beach bar, a lifeguard, showers, and water sports, and there is food, water, and accommodation within walking distance. The cove earns its water-quality standing every year, one of the island’s Blue Flag beaches in Crete.
To reach Voulisma Beach by car, drive the coastal road that links Agios Nikolaos with Sitia, because that road runs past the beach car parks on the edge of Istron village. Roadside parking sits directly above the sand. Rent a car in advance if you want to combine the beach with the quieter coves and Minoan sites nearby, which you can arrange through car rental in Crete.
To reach Voulisma Beach by bus, take a service from Agios Nikolaos bus station towards Istron and Sitia, then walk down to the shore from the main road. Buses run through the day from Agios Nikolaos in the summer season.
The best time to visit Voulisma Beach is from June to September, when the sea is warm and the beach is fully staffed with sunbeds and umbrellas. July and August are the busiest months, and the narrow strip of sand fills quickly around midday. Arrive before 11:00 or after 17:00 in high summer to find space and a free sunbed.
Check the wind forecast before you travel, because Voulisma faces the open bay and north-westerly winds change the beach. Strong winds push waves onto the narrow sand and can wash plastic litter ashore, so a calm, low-wind day gives the clearest water and the widest beach. In April, May, and October the beach is quiet and unstaffed, and the sea is cooler for swimming.
Two small coves sit just west of the main beach, and both are more sheltered from the wind and far less crowded than Voulisma. Istron Beach, the narrower and rockier stretch to the east, holds fewer sunbeds and suits visitors who want more room. For a pebbly alternative with olive groves and greater privacy, walk to the neighbouring Agios Panteleimon beach, about 700 metres away.
Voulisma Beach also works as a base for East Crete’s Minoan history. Gournia, one of the best-excavated Minoan towns, lies 10 kilometres (6 miles) east near Pachia Ammos, and you can walk its streets and staircases at the archaeological site of Gournia. Panagia Faneromeni Monastery stands 11 kilometres (7 miles) south-east on a steep slope, with a church built into a cave and wide sea views, and it draws pilgrims every year on 15 August. The fishing village of Mochlos and the port town of Sitia lie further east for a longer day out.
Three tavernas within reach of Voulisma Beach serve traditional Cretan food:
Yes, Voulisma Beach is worth visiting for its fine golden sand, shallow turquoise water, and Blue Flag facilities. It is one of the most photographed beaches in East Crete and holds full summer services, so it suits both families and day-trippers.
Access to Voulisma Beach is free, because beaches in Greece are public. You pay only for extras such as a sunbed and umbrella set or food and drinks at the beach bar.
Park in the car parks beside the beach along the Agios Nikolaos to Sitia road, at the edge of Istron village. Spaces fill early on summer weekends, so arrive in the morning for the easiest parking.
Voulisma Beach is widely rated among the prettiest beaches near Agios Nikolaos, alongside the quieter Istron and Agios Panteleimon coves in the same bay. Its golden sand and clear turquoise water are the reason it is nicknamed Golden Beach.
Yes, Voulisma Beach suits families with children, because the water is shallow and usually calm, and a lifeguard is on duty during the day in summer.
Yes, Voulisma Beach offers water sports in summer, including jet skiing, parasailing, and banana-boat rides.
Yes, you can rent sunbeds and umbrellas at Voulisma Beach for a fee, and the beach bar above the sand runs the sets.
Yes, Voulisma Beach has step-free access, with wheelchair ramps and accessible toilets available.
Voulisma Beach has sunbeds and umbrellas, a beach bar, a lifeguard, showers, water sports, and a Blue Flag, with food, water, and accommodation nearby. Bus services and a paved road reach the beach, and there is tree shade behind the sand.
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.
Situated 36km to the south of Rethymno city, Plakias is a charming tourist haven nestled at the mouth of a fertile valley just beyond the Kouroupa range, where the Kotsifos river meets the sea. It owes much of its popularity to the impressive Gialia beach, stretching for 1.3km from the edge of the town to the east, ending at Cape Mouri. This fully-equipped beach, characterized by its crystal-clear, cool waters, is an ideal location for leisurely walks or cycling along the adjacent road. It features numerous hotels and restaurants, as well as beach essentials such as umbrellas, water sports facilities, beach volley courts, snack bars, changing rooms, and showers.
Paligremnos, the eastern portion of the beach, boasts fine sandy shores and is well-appointed with various amenities close to local accommodation and eateries. Noteworthy are the tall, vertical cliffs nearby that prove to be a magnet for climbing enthusiasts. This spot, also known as “Gonates” (knees), is steeped in local lore; it’s said that the epic hero Digenis knelt here to drink from a local spring. An intriguing phenomenon takes place here every full moon from September to January, as the moon’s reflection on the sheer cliffs draws large squids to the beach, which locals catch with long sticks. A few meters south of Paligremnos, you can also discover tunnels once used for transporting coal to waiting cargo ships.
Stavros beach is situated 17km northeast of Chania on the farthest point of Cape Akrotiri, is known for its distinct, camel-shaped mountain, Vardies. This towering landmark gained recognition in the film “Zorba the Greek” as the backdrop for Anthony Quinn’s iconic Sirtaki Dance in 1964. Once a quaint fishing hamlet, Stavros has since transformed into a bustling tourist hub, complete with numerous hotels and top-tier tourist facilities. The area’s popularity is further boosted by its two stunning beaches.
The primary beach lies to the village’s east, nestled at the base of the Vardies mountain and adjacent to the scenic harbour. It forms a protected, semi-circular lagoon with pristine white sands and shallow, turquoise waters. The contrast between the rugged mountain and the tranquil beach provides a unique and enchanting swimming experience. As anticipated, the beach is well-equipped with all the necessary amenities.
200 meters northwest of the main beach, you’ll find Stavros’ secondary beach, a mix of sandy stretches and rocky areas. It’s less developed and cleaner than its counterpart, but its exposure to the elements can lead to wavy seas. The peninsula separating the two beaches holds historical significance, housing remnants of an ancient quarry that provided limestone for Chania’s Venetian-era Walls (13th- 17th century).
Beyond beaches, Stavros offers an array of other services including accommodation, eateries, mini markets, shops, cafes, and regular bus connections to Chania city.
Seitan Limania beach is a dramatic, fjord-like cove on the eastern side of the Akrotiri peninsula, 22 km northeast of Chania, reached on foot down a steep path. Seitan Limania beach fills a narrow inlet between sheer cliffs with deep-blue water, has no facilities of any kind, and rewards the climb with clear water for swimming and snorkelling inside a sheltered cove.
Seitan Limania means “Devil’s Harbours” in Turkish, a name that dates to the Ottoman period on Crete, where “Seitan” means devil and “limani” means harbour. The name comes from the strong sea currents and the wild, cliff-walled landscape that once made these coves dangerous for boats. Three narrow, parallel coves cut into the eastern Akrotiri coast here, all well sheltered from the wind, and the northern cove holds Stefanou beach, the one most visitors mean by Seitan Limania.
To reach Seitan Limania beach, drive across the Akrotiri peninsula from Chania and finish on foot, a trip of about 30 to 40 minutes by car plus a short walk down. The road is steep and curvy but recently paved, so it suits anyone who has driven mountain roads before. Three steps get you to the sand:
A boat trip from Chania reaches the cove from the sea and skips the hike, which suits visitors who would rather not tackle the path.
Seitan Limania beach is a small strip of fine pebbles and sand where the water turns deep blue just a few steps from shore. Fine pebbles and sand line the cove, carried down through the Diplochachalo canyon from a nearby quarry. The water inside the cove is clear and usually calm and good for swimming and snorkelling, because the marble cliffs on either side block the wind and waves. The open sea beyond the inlet carries the strong currents the beach is named for, so it is safest to swim inside the sheltered cove and not strike out past the rocks. Cliff jumping happens from the rocks around the cove, though no one supervises it, so check the water depth before any jump. Friendly goats wander the sand and the path down, and often come looking for food.
Seitan Limania beach has no sunbeds, umbrellas, toilets, cafe, or lifeguard, so pack everything you need for the day and carry all your litter back out. Bring these essentials:
Seitan Limania beach is quietest in late spring and mid-autumn, when the water is warm enough to swim and the crowds thin out. The beach has drawn steady crowds since about 2010, when a new asphalt road made the descent far easier to reach. August is the busiest month, so arrive early in the morning to find a space in the small parking area and a spot on the narrow shore.
Seitan Limania beach sits within a short drive of several other Akrotiri beaches and monasteries worth pairing with your visit. The nearest beaches are listed below by distance:
The medieval monasteries of Agia Triada Tsangarolon, Gouverneto, and Katholiko sit on the same peninsula, so many visitors pair the beach with a monastery stop.
Seitan Limania beach lies at the end of a steep peninsula road with no beach bus, so your own car is the simplest way to reach it and to link it with the monasteries and quieter beaches across Akrotiri. A rental car also lets you arrive early, before the small parking area fills in peak season, then move on to Marathi or Loutraki on your own schedule. You can compare rates and book on our car rental in Crete page.
Seitan Limania beach is on the eastern side of the Akrotiri peninsula, 22 km northeast of Chania and 2 km east of the village of Chordaki.
Drive across Akrotiri toward Chordaki, park high by the church of Agios Spyridon, and walk the steep 10 to 15 minute footpath down to the cove. A boat trip from Chania reaches the beach from the sea and skips the hike.
Yes, the water inside the cove is clear and usually calm and good for swimming and snorkelling. The open sea beyond the inlet carries strong currents, so stay inside the sheltered cove.
No, Seitan Limania beach is unorganised and has no sunbeds, umbrellas, toilets, cafe, or lifeguard, so bring your own water, food, and shade.
Seitan Limania beach is hard to reach down a steep, slippery path and has no facilities, so it does not suit young children or anyone with limited mobility.
© All rights reserved. Crete Locals
