Best Beaches: 2 Cretan Beaches make the cut on Tripadvisor's Travelers' Choice Awards
by Crete Locals
- Posted 9 months ago
- Beach
Table of Contents
For 2023, Tripadvisor has announced the winners of its Best of the Best Beaches Awards. Among them, Falassarna beach, situated on the eastern side of Crete, has secured the 21st spot on the list of World’s Best Beaches and ranked 6th on Europe’s Best Beaches, with reviewers lauding its pink sand and crystal-clear waters.
Every year, Tripadvisor evaluates popular destinations, including beaches, hotels, restaurants, and activities, from around the world based on the quality and quantity of reviews and ratings on the platform.
Similarly, Crete’s Balos Lagoon, located northwest of the town of Chania, has claimed the 25th spot on the World’s Best Beaches list and ranked 8th on Europe’s Best Beaches list. Tripadvisor users have described it as a “landscape from another planet.”
2023 Best Beaches Awards
Falassarna Beach: Where the Sun, Sand, and Sea Meet
Falassarna beach is one of the most picturesque and stunning beaches located on the western coast of the Greek island of Crete. It is known for its turquoise blue waters, pinkish sand, and beautiful natural landscape. The beach is a popular destination for tourists who visit the island of Crete, both locally and internationally.
Falassarna beach is situated in the region of Kissamos, approximately 59 kilometres away from the city of Chania. The beach has been awarded many accolades, and in 2023, it was ranked as the 21st-best beach in the world and the 6th-best beach in Europe by Tripadvisor’s Travelers’ Choice Awards.
One of the most striking features of Falassarna beach is its clear and shallow waters. It is a perfect destination for swimming and snorkelling. The beach stretches for about 3 kilometres and is divided into several smaller coves, each offering a unique and breathtaking view of the Mediterranean Sea. The pinkish sand, the crystal-clear water, and the scenic cliffs surrounding the beach create a mesmerizing landscape, making it an ideal spot for nature lovers.
Falassarna beach is also an excellent destination for those looking for a peaceful and relaxing day at the beach. The area is relatively undeveloped, with only a few beach bars and taverns nearby. Visitors can spend their day lounging on the beach, soaking up the sun, and enjoying the stunning views.
Aside from swimming and relaxing, Falassarna beach is also famous for windsurfing and kite surfing. The beach is known for its strong winds and waves, making it a perfect spot for water sports enthusiasts. It is also home to the annual “Windsurfing World Cup,” attracting windsurfers from all over the world.
For those who want to explore beyond the beach, there are several activities to enjoy in the surrounding area. Visitors can go on hiking trails, explore the ancient ruins of Falassarna, or visit the nearby town of Kissamos, where they can indulge in traditional Cretan cuisine and culture.
Falassarna beach is accessible by car or public transportation, and visitors can park their cars at the designated parking areas near the beach. The beach is open year-round, and admission is free.
In conclusion, Falassarna beach is undoubtedly one of the most stunning and breathtaking beaches in the world. With its crystal-clear waters, pinkish sand, and natural landscape, it is a perfect destination for those who seek to escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Whether it’s swimming, sunbathing, windsurfing, or simply lounging on the beach, Falassarna beach is an excellent destination for all beach lovers. If you are visiting Crete, do not miss the opportunity to visit this paradise on earth.
Unleashing the Wonders of Balos Beach: A Journey to Its Enchanting Beauty
Balos beach, located on the northwest coast of Crete, is one of the most popular and unique beaches in the world. It is a lagoon-like beach with crystal-clear waters and stunning natural beauty, attracting tourists from all over the world.
Balos beach is situated on the Gramvousa Peninsula, about 56 kilometres from the city of Chania. The beach is only accessible by boat or car, and visitors can choose to park their cars at the designated parking area and walk or take a boat to the beach.
One of the most striking features of Balos beach is its unique landscape. The beach is surrounded by steep cliffs, with a natural lagoon in the middle, creating a surreal view that seems almost out of this world. The water in the lagoon is shallow and clear, and it is a perfect spot for swimming, snorkelling, and relaxing.
Another unique feature of Balos beach is its pinkish sand. The sand gets its colour from the broken shells of tiny marine organisms, creating a beautiful contrast with the turquoise blue waters. The sand is soft and powdery, making it a perfect spot for sunbathing and lounging on the beach.
Apart from its natural beauty, Balos beach is also famous for its historical significance. The Gramvousa Peninsula is home to the ruins of an ancient Venetian fortress, which was built in the 16th century. Visitors can explore the fortress and learn about the history of the area.
Balos beach is also a great destination for hiking enthusiasts. Visitors can take a hiking trail from the parking area to the beach, which offers stunning views of the peninsula and the Mediterranean Sea. The trail is relatively easy and takes about 30-40 minutes to walk.
For those who prefer a more relaxed experience, there are boat tours available that take visitors to Balos beach and the nearby island of Gramvousa. The boat tours offer a unique perspective of the area, allowing visitors to see the stunning landscape from a different angle.
In conclusion, Balos beach is one of the most unique and breathtaking beaches in the world. With its crystal-clear waters, pinkish sand, and stunning natural landscape, it is a perfect destination for those who seek to escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Whether it’s swimming, sunbathing, hiking, or exploring the historical ruins, Balos beach has something to offer for everyone. If you are visiting Crete, make sure to add this paradise on earth to your list of must-visit destinations.
Top 10 Beaches – Europe 2023 by Tripadvisor
- Reynisfjara Beach – Vik, Iceland
- Praia da Falesia – Olhos de Agua, Portugal
- Spiaggia dei Conigli – Lampedusa, Islands of Sicily
- La Concha Beach – San Sebastian – Donostia, Spain
- Playa de Muro Beach – Playa de Muro, Spain
- Falassarna Beach – Falassarna, Greece
- Nissi Beach – Ayia Napa, Cyprus
- Balos Lagoon – Kissamos, Greece
- Sotavento Beach – Costa Calma, Spain
- Plage du Sillon – Saint-Malo, France
