77 Beaches with Blue Flag on Crete Island

Find a beach with Blue Flag near you

    Schisma Elountas (Elounda) Beach is located  km away.

    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.

    • Paralia Schisma Elountas
    • Sand
    • Normal
    • Blue
      Georgioupolis beaches is located  km away.

      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.

      • Georgioupolis beaches
      • Sand
      • Shallow
      • Blue
        Hersonissos beaches is located  km away.

        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.

        • Hersonissos beaches
        • Sand
        • Shallow
        • Blue
          Plakias beach is located  km away.

          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.

          • Plakias beach
          • Sand
          • Shallow
          • Blue
            Stavros beach is located  km away.

            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.

            • Stavros beach
            • Sand
            • Shallow
            • Blue, Green
              Vai Beach, Crete: Europe’s Largest Palm Forest by an Exotic Shore is located  km away.Vai Beach is an exotic sandy beach in far eastern Crete, backed by the largest natural palm forest in Europe. Vai Beach sits 94km east of Agios Nikolaos and 24km east of Sitia, in the Lassithi region. The beach pairs whitish sand and flat turquoise waters with a dense grove of Cretan Date Palms, a setting that recalls African and Caribbean seascapes. Vai is widely considered the most famous beach in east Crete, and its name comes from the word vai, meaning palm in Greek.The sections below cover what the beach is like, the palm forest, how it became protected, getting there and parking, facilities and swimming, the protection rules, where to stay, and the nearby beaches worth pairing with a visit.

              What Vai Beach is like?

              Vai Beach is an organised sandy beach set inside a rare palm grove. The beach forms near the shore of a wide valley that a local river has watered for centuries, and its whitish sand meets flat turquoise waters that stay usually calm. A few spots hide slippery smooth rocks underfoot, while small islets sit offshore and add to the landscape. The palm forest rises directly behind the sand, so the shade, the greenery, and the sea combine into one of the most distinctive scenes on the island.The water shows blue and green tones and generally stays gentle, which suits families and easy swimming. Snorkelling and spearfishing are both rewarding here, and the tree line offers natural shade away from the umbrellas.

              The palm forest: the largest in Europe

              The palm grove at Vai is the largest in Europe, with approximately 5000 trees of the Cretan Date Palm (Phoenix theophrasti). Smaller colonies of the same species grow in other parts of Crete and in Southwest Turkey, which makes the Vai forest the standout example of its kind. The grove is more than 2000 years old, and it is planted across a broad valley fed by the local river.Legend once held that the palms grew from date stones discarded into the sea by Saracen pirates. The dates in that story do not add up, because the grove predates the pirates by many centuries. The explanation has since shifted to the Phoenicians, who governed the Mediterranean Sea 20 centuries ago. The entire region belongs to the powerful Toplou Monastery, the largest landowner in eastern Crete. Built like a fortress in the 15th century, the monastery holds a great collection of Byzantine icons, and travellers often pair it with the beach on the same trip.

              How Vai became famous and protected?

              Vai stayed almost unknown until the early 1970s, when a popular commercial for Bounty chocolate was filmed here against the palm-tree background. The advert showed coconuts falling from the trees, yet Vai palms produce dates rather than coconuts, so the crew hung coconuts falsely to create the right impression. The commercial made this earthly paradise renowned around the world.Fame brought crowds. Hundreds of hippies came to spend their holidays here, and after the hippies faded out in the 1980s, backpackers arrived and the site degenerated into a rubbish-strewn campground. Authorities responded by fencing off the palm grove and proclaiming it a conservation area. The protected zone now opens to the public only during daylight, which is why Vai has recovered its beauty and holds it today.

              Getting there and parking

              Reach Vai by driving to the beach car park at the end of the road, since the beach sits at the far northeastern tip of Crete well beyond Sitia. Leave the vehicle in the parking area, which is the only place to stop close to the sand. Buses also run from Sitia, and travel agencies across Crete organise daily tours that fold the beach into a wider east-Crete itinerary.A car gives the most freedom in this remote corner, where public transport is limited and the surrounding coves reward independent exploring. Booking ahead is sensible in high season, and you can compare vehicles and pick-up points through the site’s guide to car rental in Crete. If you would rather leave the driving to someone else, a guided Toplou and Vai palm beach day trip handles the transfers and the timing for you.

              Facilities and swimming

              Vai Beach is slightly organised, offering only what the protection scheme allows: umbrellas, showers, water sports, and a canteen. That short list reflects the conservation status rather than any lack of care, and it keeps the setting close to natural. The whitish sand shelves into flat, turquoise, usually calm water, which makes swimming easy for most visitors and comfortable for families.Snorkelling suits the clear shallows, and the small islets and smooth rocks give the seabed some variety. Bear in mind that the shade of the palms is protected, so most sunbathing happens under the hired umbrellas on the open sand.

              Protection rules to know before you go

              Vai Beach is a fenced conservation area that opens to the public only during daylight, so plan the visit for daytime hours. Overnight stays and camping on the protected land are not permitted, which is the direct result of the damage caused in the 1980s. The rule protects both the ancient grove and the quality of the beach experience.Respect the fenced boundaries of the palm forest and keep to the sand and marked areas. The closest rooms to let stand outside the protected zone, a 15 to 25 minute walk from the beach, and that separation is intentional.

              Where to stay near Vai

              The nearest accommodation clusters around the villages of Palekastro and Kouremenos, roughly 6 to 7km from the palm beach, since the protected zone itself allows no lodging. This area gives you a base within a short drive of Vai while keeping you close to several quieter beaches on the same coast. Sitia, about 20km away, offers a larger town with more choice for those who prefer a livelier evening.For a self-catering option on the road to Vai, Maridatis Apartments in Palaikastro sits only 150 metres from Maridatis Beach and about 3km from the centre of Palaikastro.

              Nearby beaches worth pairing with Vai

              Several beautiful beaches lie within a short walk or drive of Vai, which makes the far east easy to explore across a single day. The palm forest anchors a stretch of coast dotted with sandy coves, ancient ruins, and secluded bays. Each of the beaches below adds a different character to a Vai day trip:
              • Just south over the eastern hill, Psili Ammos beach offers fine sand, crystal-clear water, and a deserted, naturist-friendly feel.
              • Just north of the palm forest beside the Itanos archaeological site, Itanos beaches reward snorkellers with white sand, calm water, and submerged ancient ruins.
              • About 0.6km away between Vai and Itanos, Voulismata beach stays reachable only on foot by a coastal walk, which keeps it the most remote and least visited of the group.
              • Midway between Maridati and Vai, Kedromouri beach takes its name from the juniper trees that shade it, and it is reached by boat or a long coastal hike.
              There is also a lovely sandy beach five minutes north of Vai for anyone seeking more isolation. For the full picture of the coast, browse the wider directory of beaches in Crete and plan a route that fits your days.

              Tips for visiting Vai Beach

              Come early in the day to claim shade and parking, because Vai draws thousands of visitors each summer and the car park fills fast. Budget for the extras too, since prices for parking, umbrellas, and the canteen run high, a common note among visitors. Bring water, sun protection, and cash, and treat the fenced grove with care.Despite the costs and the crowds, Vai remains one of the most special beaches in Crete and firmly earns its place on an east-coast itinerary.

              Frequently asked questions

              What is Vai Beach known for?

              Vai Beach is known for the largest natural palm forest in Europe, a grove of about 5000 Cretan Date Palms (Phoenix theophrasti) that rises directly behind the sand. The forest gives the beach its exotic, tropical look and its name, which comes from the Greek word for palm.

              Where is Vai Beach in Crete?

              Vai Beach lies in the far east of Crete, 94km east of Agios Nikolaos and 24km east of Sitia, within the Lassithi region. The beach sits near the northeastern tip of the island, past Sitia and close to the Toplou Monastery.

              How do you get to Vai Beach?

              Drive to the beach car park at the end of the road, or take a bus from Sitia, or join one of the daily organised tours run by travel agencies across Crete. A rental car gives the most freedom in this remote corner of the island.

              Can you swim at Vai Beach?

              Yes, you can swim at Vai Beach, where whitish sand meets flat, turquoise water that stays usually calm. A few areas hold slippery smooth rocks underfoot, so watch your step near them, while the open sandy stretches suit easy swimming and snorkelling.

              Are there facilities at Vai Beach?

              Vai Beach is slightly organised within its conservation limits, offering umbrellas, showers, water sports, and a canteen. The facilities stay minimal by design, because the protected status keeps development to a minimum.

              Can you stay overnight at Vai Beach?

              No, Vai Beach is a fenced conservation area that opens to the public only during daylight, so overnight stays and camping are not allowed. The closest rooms to let stand outside the protected zone, a 15 to 25 minute walk from the sand.

              Is Vai Beach worth visiting?

              Yes, Vai Beach is worth visiting for its unique palm forest and exotic scenery, which make it one of the most special beaches in Crete. The parking, umbrella, and canteen prices run high, yet the rare landscape and easy swimming reward the long trip east.
              • Vai beach
              • Fine Pebbles, Sand
              • Shallow
              • Blue, Green
                Falassarna beach is located  km away.

                Falassarna is a run of five consecutive beaches on the north-west tip of Crete, about 59 km west of Chania and 17 km west of Kissamos at the western end of the Gramvousa peninsula. Falassarna has been voted the best beach in Crete and named among the ten best in Europe, and the ruins of the ancient Greco-Roman city of Phalassarna sit at its northern end. The area spreads across a wide bay, and the two central beaches draw the most visitors.

                Sand and water

                The sand at Falassarna is whitish to golden, which gives the shallows a bright, tropical, turquoise colour. Close to the shoreline the sand often carries a faint pink tint, from tiny crushed shells mixed through it, and the tint shows most when the sand is wet. The main beach faces due west, so the sea is usually lively and can turn wavy on windy afternoons, a trait that windsurfers and kitesurfers prize. On calm days the water is clear and easy for swimming.

                The five beaches of Falassarna

                Falassarna is not one beach but five, set side by side along the bay:

                1. Pachia Ammos (main beach): the name means coarse sand. Pachia Ammos is a wide stretch about 1 km long and 150 m wide, the busiest of the five, yet its size keeps it from feeling crowded. This is the organised beach, with snack bars, cafes, sunbeds and umbrellas, water sports and a beach volleyball court.
                2. North beach: an 800 m stretch just north of Pachia Ammos, split into smaller coves by a sand dune and rocks. The north beach is quieter and has no facilities, and the little chapel of Agia Paraskevi stands nearby.
                3. South cove: a small south-facing cove beside the archaeological site, with pebbles and a rocky seabed. The south cove suits visitors who want isolation or a sheltered spot when the west wind blows.
                4. Livadi: a long sandy beach south of Pachia Ammos with a rocky seabed, which makes it the best of the five for snorkelling. The wetland behind Livadi fills with fresh-water pools in winter and draws many birds.
                5. Harbour beach: a small pebbly beach near the little harbour of Limeniskos, to the south, a good choice if you would rather not walk far from the road.

                How to get to Falassarna beach

                To reach Falassarna beach the easy way, drive the scenic road through olive groves from Chania, which takes about 1 to 1.5 hours and ends at large parking areas next to the main beach. Renting a car lets you pair Falassarna with the quieter coves and the ancient site nearby, which you can arrange through car rental in Crete. Without your own transport, take the KTEL bus from Chania or Kissamos, which runs several times a day through the summer and takes roughly 1 hour 30 minutes from Chania.

                Best time to visit Falassarna beach

                The best time to visit Falassarna is from May to October, when the weather is warm and the beach bars and tavernas are open; from November to April most businesses close, though you can still reach the beach by car. Come in the late afternoon and stay for the sunset, which is considered the best in Crete because the open western horizon lets you watch the sun sink straight into the sea.

                Facilities at Falassarna beach

                The main beach, Pachia Ammos, is a Blue Flag beach and the organised part of Falassarna, with sunbeds and umbrellas, snack bars and tavernas, water sports and a beach volleyball court; lifeguards cover the busier sections in summer. It is one of the island’s Blue Flag beaches in Crete. The northern coves and the southern pebble beaches have few or no services, so bring water and shade if you head to the quieter ends. The whole bay sits inside a Natura-protected nature reserve.

                Ancient Falassarna

                Ancient Phalassarna was a Dorian port city at the northern end of the beach that grew into a strong regional naval power by the 4th century BC before the Romans destroyed it. A later earthquake lifted the coastline several metres, so the ancient harbour now sits on dry land, and excavations that began in the 1960s have uncovered walls, tombs and a stone throne.

                FAQ

                Where is Falassarna beach?

                Falassarna beach is on the north-west tip of Crete, about 59 km west of Chania and 17 km west of Kissamos, at the western end of the Gramvousa peninsula.

                How do you get to Falassarna beach?

                The easiest way to reach Falassarna is by car, about 1 to 1.5 hours from Chania through olive groves, with large parking areas by the main beach. A KTEL bus also runs from Chania and Kissamos several times a day in summer, taking roughly 1 hour 30 minutes.

                What is Falassarna beach known for?

                Falassarna is known for its long white-sand main beach, clear turquoise water and its sunset, which is rated the best in Crete. It has been voted the best beach in Crete and among the ten best in Europe.

                Is the sand at Falassarna pink?

                The sand is mainly whitish to golden with a faint pink tint near the shoreline, from tiny crushed shells. The pink is softer than at Elafonisi and shows most when the sand is wet.

                Is Falassarna beach good for families with children?

                Yes, the main beach shelves gently into shallow water that suits children, and the organised section has sunbeds, food and water sports. The beach faces west, so it can get wavy on windy days; keep an eye on young swimmers then.

                Is there a fee to enter Falassarna beach?

                No, Falassarna is a free public beach. You pay only for extras such as a sunbed and umbrella set or food and drinks.

                When is the best time to visit Falassarna beach?

                The best time to visit is May to October, when the beach is warm and the bars and tavernas are open. Late afternoon is ideal, so you can stay for the sunset.

                Why is Falassarna so wavy?

                Falassarna faces due west and is exposed to the west wind, so the sea is often lively and can turn wavy on windy afternoons. Those conditions make it a favourite with windsurfers and kitesurfers.

                What facilities does Falassarna beach have?

                The main beach has sunbeds and umbrellas, snack bars and tavernas, water sports and a beach volleyball court, and it flies a Blue Flag. The northern and southern coves have few or no services, so bring your own water and shade there.

                Are there other beaches next to Falassarna?

                Yes, Falassarna is made up of five beaches side by side: the main Pachia Ammos, the quieter 800 m north beach, a small south-facing cove by the ancient site, sandy Livadi to the south, and a pebbly beach near the small harbour.

                • Falassarna beach
                • Rocks in places, White Sand
                • Normal
                • Turquoise
                  Almyros beach is located  km away.

                  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.

                  • Almyros beach
                  • Sand
                  • Shallow
                  • Blue
                    Agia Fotia beach is located  km away.

                    The beach of Agia Fotia is situated 45km southeast of Agios Nikolaos and 12km east from Ierapetra. It’s a small bay nestling at the outlet of a stream flowing down from the Thripti mountain. The name of the settlement is derived from the local Church of Agia Fotini, also known as Agia Fotia. The stream is cloaked by enormous plane trees, while the bay is encircled by conglomerate cliffs, adding to the enchanting landscape.

                    This beach is well-known and a favourite among the inhabitants of the city of Ierapetra. Its shores are covered in coarse greyish sand, while the water is crystal clear and tranquil. The beach is well-equipped with amenities including beach bars, taverns, and hotels. There are tamarisk trees on the beach where one can find shade. Additionally, beach volleyball tournaments are hosted annually at the local court, a recent tradition that has added to its popularity.

                    • Agia Fotia beach
                    • Fine Pebbles
                    • Normal
                    • Deep blue
                      Myrtos beach is located  km away.

                      Myrtos, a quaint seaside village, lies 13km west of Ierapetra where the River Kryos meanders through the stunning Sarakina Gorge and into a valley abundant with greenhouses and citrus groves. Despite recent mild development, Myrtos has retained its traditional charm. Its appealing beaches, characterized by coarse grey sand that doesn’t stick to the skin, have amassed a global following. The village offers small hotels, bars, cafes, restaurants, supermarkets, a gas station, and a clinic, in addition to a nearby pharmacy and accessible bus route to Ierapetra.

                      The extensive beach, considered among the finest in southern Crete, is ideal for serene family vacations as it’s sheltered from strong winds. According to locals, Myrtos is where the wind never rages. The beach is well-equipped with lifeguards, umbrellas, showers, changing rooms, cafes, restaurants, water sports, and beach volleyball. As you head west, the beach widens and offers even more tranquility.

                      Take a leisurely stroll around Myrtos’ local harbor or wander through its traditional narrow streets filled with lush gardens and homes that echo Aegean landscapes. The surrounding nature and gorges are also worth exploring. Notably, you can visit two Minoan settlements, Fournou Korifi (near Nea Myrtos) and Pirgos (on the east shores of the River Kryos), which were uncovered during excavations. The Archaeological and Folk Art Museum of Myrtos, situated next to the old church of St. Anthony, is a point of interest. Lastly, a monument in the village commemorates the 18 victims who were executed by the Nazis in 1943 as retribution for the deaths of two Germans in the neighboring village of Symi.

                      • Myrtos beach
                      • Fine Pebbles, Sand
                      • Normal
                      • Blue

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