Find a beach with Lifeguard 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.
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.
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.
| Beach | Character | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Livadi | Longest beach; open bay, more exposed to wind; lively | Space, easy access, first stop in the village |
| Varkotopos | Secluded bay; sand and gravel; shallow water | Young children, families |
| Limani (Harbor) | Beside the port; restaurants and shops | Eating out, a swim near the harbor |
| Karavostasis | Smallest and prettiest; can feel crowded | A scenic swim, photos |
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.
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.
Falassarna is not one beach but five, set side by side along the bay:
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
No, Falassarna is a free public beach. You pay only for extras such as a sunbed and umbrella set or food and drinks.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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