100 Beaches with Fine Pebbles on Crete Island

Find a beach with Fine Pebbles near you

    Kimzu Sea Lounge Beach is located  km away.

    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.

    • Kimzou Sea Lounge Beach
    • Fine Pebbles, White Sand
    • Normal
    • Blue, Deep blue
      Triopetra beach is located  km away.

      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.

      • Triopetra beach
      • Fine Pebbles, Pebbles, Sand
      • Normal
      • Blue
        Seitan Limania Beach is located  km away.

        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.

        How to get to Seitan Limania beach

        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.

        • Stefanou beach
        • Fine Pebbles
        • Deep
        • Deep blue
          Matala beach is located  km away.

          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.

          • Matala beach
          • Fine Pebbles, Sand
          • Deep
          • Blue, Green
            Agiofarago beach is located  km away.

            Agiofarago Beach, is a picturesque beach situated about 80km south of Heraklion city. To get there, you can opt for a 25-50 minute scenic trek through the Agiofarago Gorge or a boat ride from Matala, Agia Galini, Kokkinos Pirgos, or Kali Limenes. If you decide to trek through the gorge, you’ll enjoy a beautiful journey surrounded by towering walls. On your way, you will pass large caves inhabited by hermits from the nearby Odigitria Monastery and the charming St. Anthony’s chapel with its small brackish water well.

            The end of the gorge route will bring you to the stunning Agiofarago Beach, where clear blue waters and fine pebbles are framed by towering cliffs. A unique rock formation to the west creates an enchanting swimming spot. However, it’s worth noting that due to the area’s religious significance in Crete, naturism is discouraged.

            For those seeking an adventure in the afternoon, sturdy footwear is recommended to climb the eastern cliffs for an awe-inspiring view. A short walk to the southeast will reveal Vourvoulitis, a hidden saltwater lake surrounded by steep cliffs, linked to the sea via an underwater passage. Be careful, as the descent to the lake can be perilous.

            To reach Agiofarago Beach from Heraklion, drive towards Sivas village and then to the Odigitria Monastery. From Odigitria, follow the dirt road leading to St. Anthony’s Church. After about 4km, turn right at the Agiofarago sign and continue until you reach a small plateau that serves as a parking area. However, avoid parking under trees to prevent goats from damaging your car while they’re trying to eat the tree leaves. A 30-minute walk through the gorge will then lead you to the stunning beach. Along the way, you’ll pass St. Anthony’s small church and Goumenospilios cave. For those arriving by boat, the rocky islet of Papadoplaka, located opposite Agiofarago and known for its small sea salt ponds harvested by locals, is worth a visit.

            • Agiofarago beach
            • Fine Pebbles
            • Deep
            • Deep blue
              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 from Agios Nikolaos 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
                Ligres beach is located  km away.

                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.

                • Ligres beach
                • Fine Pebbles
                • Normal
                • 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
                      Domata beach is located  km away.

                      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.

                      • Domata beach
                      • Fine Pebbles, Pebbles
                      • Deep
                      • Deep blue

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