Find a beach with Fine Pebbles near you
The charming Kimzu Sea Lounge isn’t just a fantastic bar, but also hosts an enchanting beach with shimmering white pebbles and sand, lapped by crystal-clear waters. The beach is located just 1 km away from Lake Voulismeni in Agios Nikolaos.
The beach offers full amenities, including an ample supply of sunbeds and umbrellas. Unique to this locale, visitors get to recline on lush, cool grass rather than hot sand, a delightful departure from typical beach experiences.
Despite its small size, the beach doesn’t usually feel crowded, offering ample space for all visitors. The water is shallow and inviting, making it particularly popular with families with young children. Strategically placed anti-wave blocks, about 120 meters off the coast, ensure the beach remains free of large waves, adding to its serene atmosphere.
Adjacent to the bar, a park provides additional recreation options, featuring a large children’s playground and a basketball court. It’s an idyllic spot for spending an entire day, from sipping on a rich Greek coffee in the morning, enjoying a delicious lunch and dinner, to toasting the day away with craft cocktails in the evening. The Kimzu Sea Lounge truly offers a comprehensive beach-bar experience.
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.
Seitan Limania beach (which translates to “satan harbours”), is situated 22km northeast of Chania and 2km east of the village of Chordaki. This intriguing location is on the eastern side of Akrotiri Cape. Named Seitan Limania due to the untamed landscape, steep cliffs, and powerful sea currents perceived as dangerous, it features three parallel, narrow, well-sheltered coves.
The northern cove is home to the breathtaking Stefanou beach, with its deep, azure waters. The beach is decorated with fine pebbles and sand, carried from a nearby quarry through the Diplohahalo canyon. To the right and left of the cove, towering marble rocks stand guard, protecting the beach from inclement weather. Its reputation has grown quickly since 2010 when an asphalt road made it more accessible; during peak season, it can get crowded, so arriving early is advised.
The road leading to Seitan Limania beach is a bit curvy and steep, but it should not be a problem for those who have driven on mountain roads before. The road has been recently paved, and during the drive, one can enjoy the natural beauty of Crete. The asphalt road descends abruptly and ends at a parking area near the beach. It is essential to put the handbrake on when parking the car and use stones to secure the tires.
To reach the beach, park the car near the church of Agios Spyridon and walk for 10-15 minutes down the path. Wearing trainers is recommended as the path can be slippery, and flip-flops should be avoided.
Seitan Limania beach does not have any amenities, which is why it is not crowded, but it is essential to bring water (at least a litre per person), sunscreen, towels, food, drinks, and entertainment such as headphones or a book.
The beach is magnificent, with soft sand and crystal clear blue waters, and one can also encounter friendly goats.
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.
Agiofarago is a remote pebble beach at the mouth of the Agiofarago Gorge on the south coast of Crete, roughly 80km south of Heraklion, reached only by a walk through the gorge or by boat. The beach has deep blue water, fine pebbles, towering cliffs, and no facilities of any kind. Agiofarago rewards the effort with a quiet cove, the small chapel of Agios Antonios, a natural sea rock-arch, and some of the best rock climbing on the island.
Plan for a car journey followed by a walk on foot, and carry everything you need for the day.
Agiofarago is a small, undeveloped cove framed by steep cliffs where the gorge meets the Libyan Sea. The shoreline is made of fine pebbles, and the water reads as a clear deep blue that deepens quickly a short way out. High rock walls give patches of shade at certain hours, so the light and the shadows shift across the beach through the day.
The cove sits opposite a rocky islet called Papadoplaka, which frames the view out to sea. West of the beach, a unique rock formation creates a sheltered spot that many visitors single out for swimming. The scale of the cliffs and the absence of buildings give Agiofarago a wild, end-of-the-road feel that sets it apart from the developed beaches of the same coast.
To reach Agiofarago on foot, walk down through the Agiofarago Gorge, a scenic trek of about 25 to 50 minutes depending on your pace. The path follows the gorge floor between tall vertical walls until it opens onto the beach at the sea. The route is not technical, yet it crosses uneven, rocky ground, so proper shoes and water matter more than they would on a roadside beach.
The gorge itself is the reason many people come, since it ranks among the most striking short walks on the south coast. Its sheer limestone walls draw climbers as well as walkers, and the shade between them offers relief on hot days. Anyone comparing routes across the island can browse the wider collection of Crete’s gorges before choosing a day out.
The chapel of Agios Antonios sits inside the gorge near the beach, with a small well of brackish water beside it. The little church gives the gorge much of its character and its religious significance, and it is one reason naturism is discouraged here out of respect for the site. Walkers pass the chapel on the final stretch down to the shore.
The other landmark is a natural sea rock-arch carved into the cliffs, a feature that photographers and swimmers seek out. Beyond the arch lies Vourvoulitis, a hidden saltwater lake ringed by steep cliffs and linked to the open sea through an underwater passage. The chapel, the arch, and the lake together make the short walk feel like a series of small discoveries rather than a single destination.
Agiofarago has no facilities at all, so bring your own food, water, and shade. There are no restaurants or shops at the beach, no sunbeds or umbrellas for hire, and no lifeguard on duty. The nearest supplies are back in the villages inland, well before the dirt road and the gorge walk.
Pack for a self-sufficient day using this short list:
Camping is not allowed at Agiofarago, and swimmers should note there is no lifeguard cover, so judge the sea conditions yourself before entering the water.
Reach Agiofarago by driving toward Sivas and the Odigitria Monastery, then following the dirt road for about 4km to the parking area above the gorge. From the monastery the track leads past the area of St. Anthony’s church, and a sign for Agiofarago marks the turn down to a small plateau where cars stop. From that plateau you continue on foot through the gorge to the beach.
When you park, avoid leaving your car directly under trees, because goats climb on them and can damage the bodywork. The drive from Heraklion covers roughly 80km to the south, so a hire car makes the trip far simpler than public transport; you can compare vehicles and pick-up points when you rent a car in Crete.
Boats reach the cove as an alternative to the walk, setting out from Matala, Agia Galini, Kokkinos Pirgos, or Kali Limenes. A relaxed way to arrive by water is a south Crete sailing trip along this stretch of coast.
Agiofarago suits swimming, snorkeling, rock climbing, and quiet exploring rather than beach-resort comforts. The clear, deep water and the rock formation to the west make it a fine place to cool off after the walk. Divers with certification can also base a day around this coastline through a scuba diving trip from Heraklion.
Try these activities once you reach the cove:
If you want the effort handled for you, a guided Matala and Agiofarago Gorge day tour packages the visit with transport.
Agiofarago pairs well with other remote coves on the same southern stretch of Heraklion. The beaches here share the same off-grid character, with hard access and no services in return for quiet water. Just along the coast lies Martsalo beach, another cove reached on foot and often visited on the same trip.
For anyone planning a route, Agiofarago belongs to the group of Cretan beaches you reach by hiking rather than by car, which shapes how much time to set aside.
The walk through the Agiofarago Gorge takes about 25 to 50 minutes each way, depending on your pace and how often you stop. The path is rocky but not technical, so wear sturdy shoes and carry water.
No, Agiofarago has no facilities. There are no restaurants, shops, sunbeds, or lifeguards, and camping is not allowed, so bring your own food, water, and shade.
Drive toward Sivas and the Odigitria Monastery, then follow the dirt road about 4km to the parking plateau above the gorge. From there you walk down through the gorge to the beach, and you should avoid parking under trees because goats can damage cars.
Yes, boats reach Agiofarago from Matala, Agia Galini, Kokkinos Pirgos, and Kali Limenes. Arriving by sea avoids the gorge walk and suits anyone who prefers not to hike.
Yes, the tall limestone walls of the Agiofarago Gorge are a well-known rock-climbing site. The same cliffs that shade the beach provide the routes that draw climbers to the area.
Situated 51km to the south of Rethymno and 7km below the village of Kerames, Ligres is nestled at the base of the grand Siderotas mountain. It forms the northern segment of the Akoumiani Gialia beachfront, which runs from the cape of Mellissa to the south.
Ligres is an expansive beach graced with rough sand and a spectacular deep sea. Its somewhat challenging access has thankfully deterred the encroachment of tourism, preserving it as one of the most serene, secluded and pristine beaches on the island. Although the beach is not developed, there are a few taverns and rooms available on its western side accessible via a poorly maintained asphalt road. At the beach’s western tip, there is a stunning waterfall that boasts a year-round water supply, cascading right next to the sea.
Beyond the northern end of the beach, also known as Katsouni, lies a secluded beach favored primarily by nudists. Despite its seclusion, there are numerous spots along this vast, uninhabited beach where nude swimming is possible. It’s worth venturing along the beachfront to Triopetra, up to the Xiromilia area, to marvel at the astonishing rock formations. In the heart of Ligres, a remarkable reddish boulder stands out near the sea.
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.
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.
The picturesque Domata beach, positioned 7km east of Sougia and 58km south of Chania city, resides at Tseses. This beach marks the end of the Klados gorge, a wild and rugged landscape. Its unique natural beauty is a result of the erosive power of water. The name Domata, translating to “roofs”, is derived from the layered structure of the surrounding conglomerate rocks, reminiscent of enormous walls. The beach owes its creation to the large amounts of pebbles and dirt deposited by the gorge, and the continuous oscillation of the sea and air.
The beach is striking, with its fine pebbles and transparent blue waters. By digging in the sand, you can discover fresh water from subterranean springs. As anticipated, the area is devoid of roads and infrastructure. However, the abundant pine trees near the beach provide natural shade and ideal camping spots. The southernmost section of the beach, separated from the main beach of Domata by rocks, is known as Kolotrividis, named after the adjacent cape.
You can reach Domata via the E4 European trail, which heads east and guides you to Agia Roumeli (a 3 -4 hour walk). Be cautious though, as the trail ascends to an altitude of 700m, with some sections being steep and potentially hazardous.
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