If you are looking for a destination with a rich history, wonderful nature and hospitable people, then Crete is the ideal choice for you. The largest island of Greece offers you many opportunities to enjoy the water and the sandy beach. You can go diving, surfing, kayaking, sailing or just relax on one of the island’s many beaches. Among the most popular beaches are Elafonisi, Balos, Vai and Preveli. Whichever you choose, you will be impressed by the blue water, white sand and Mediterranean flora. Crete is waiting for you to discover it!
If you love the sea and want to have some fun in the water, Crete is a great destination for you. The island offers a wide range of water activities for all tastes and ages, from relaxing to thrilling. Here are some of the water activities you can do on Crete, Greece:
Explore the underwater world of Crete and discover its rich marine life, colorful reefs, and ancient wrecks. You can take a PADI course and learn how to dive safely and confidently, or join a guided dive with experienced instructors. There are many diving spots to choose from, both on the north and south coast of the island.
Ride the waves and enjoy the breeze on a surfboard or a stand-up paddleboard. You can find suitable conditions for surfing and SUP in several beaches around Crete, especially on the west coast. You can also take lessons or rent equipment from local surf schools and shops.
Experience the traditional way of fishing in Crete and catch your own dinner. You can join a fishing boat tour and learn from local fishermen how to use nets, rods, and hooks. You can also enjoy the scenery, swim in secluded bays, and taste fresh seafood on board.
Have unlimited fun with your family or friends in one of the water parks in Crete. You can slide, splash, and play in different pools, slides, and attractions. There are water parks in Heraklion, Chania, and Rethymno that cater to all ages and preferences.
Crete is a popular destination for surfing enthusiasts, as it offers a variety of beaches with different conditions and levels of difficulty. Whether you are a beginner or an expert, you can find a suitable spot to ride the waves and enjoy the scenery. Here are some of the best beaches in Crete for surfing:
– Falasarna Beach: This is one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, located on the western coast of Crete. It has clear turquoise water, golden sand, and stunning views of the mountains and the tomato plantations. The beach is exposed to the north-west winds, which create consistent waves that can reach up to 2 meters in height. The best time to surf here is from October to March, when the wind is stronger and more frequent.
– Chrissi Akti: This means Golden Coast in Greek, and it is a long sandy beach near Chania, on the north coast of Crete. It is home to the Chania Surf Club, which offers lessons and equipment rental for surfing and SUP. The beach has gentle waves that are ideal for beginners and intermediate surfers. The best time to surf here is from May to October, when the Meltemi wind blows from the north-east and creates choppy conditions.
– Sfinari Beach: This is a remote and secluded beach on the west coast of Crete, surrounded by green mountains and valleys. It has pebbles and rocks on the shore, and crystal clear water. The beach is exposed to the west winds, which create powerful waves that can reach up to 3 meters in height. The best time to surf here is from November to April, when the wind is more consistent and stronger.
– Paleochora Beach: This is a hippy town on the south coast of Crete, with a long sandy beach that faces west. It has a relaxed atmosphere and a vibrant nightlife. The beach is exposed to the south-west winds, which create moderate waves that can reach up to 1.5 meters in height. The best time to surf here is from September to May, when the wind is more frequent and reliable.
– Arina Beach: This is a lively beach on the north coast of Crete, near Heraklion. It has fine sand, shallow water, and many facilities and amenities. The beach is exposed to the north winds, which create small waves that are suitable for beginners and kids. The best time to surf here is from June to August, when the Meltemi wind blows from the north-east and creates fun conditions.
Crete is the largest and most populous of the Greek islands, and it offers a variety of beaches for every taste. Here are some of the best beaches of Crete and how to get there.
Balos beach, Crete, Greece
This exotic lagoon is located on the northwestern tip of Crete, and it is accessible by boat from Kissamos port, or by a dirt road from Kaliviani village. The boat trip takes about an hour, and the road trip takes about 40 minutes. The water is shallow, turquoise, and crystal clear, and the sand is white and pink. The scenery is breathtaking, especially from the top of the nearby hill where you can admire the panoramic view of the bay and the Gramvousa island.
Elafonisi beach, Crete, Greece
This is another stunning lagoon on the southwestern coast of Crete, famous for its pink sand and shallow water. The beach is part of a protected nature reserve, and it is home to many rare plants and animals. You can drive to Elafonisi from Chania or Paleochora, or you can take a bus from Chania. The drive takes about 1.5 hours, and the bus takes about 2 hours. You can walk across the water to the small island of Elafonisi, where you can explore the sand dunes, the cedar forest, and the chapel of Agia Irini.
Vai beach, Crete, Greece
This beach is located on the easternmost point of Crete, and it is surrounded by Europe’s largest natural palm forest. The beach has golden sand and clear blue water, and it offers a tropical atmosphere. You can drive to Vai from Sitia or Agios Nikolaos, or you can take a bus from Sitia. The drive takes about 30 minutes from Sitia and about 2 hours from Agios Nikolaos, and the bus takes about 45 minutes from Sitia. You can enjoy sunbathing, swimming, snorkeling, or windsurfing here, or you can visit the nearby monastery of Toplou.
Matala beach, Crete, Greece
This beach is located on the south coast of Crete, and it has a hippie vibe. The beach has soft sand and clear water, and it is backed by a cliff with ancient caves that were used as tombs in the Roman times and as dwellings by hippies in the 1960s. You can drive to Matala from Heraklion or Rethymno, or you can take a bus from Heraklion. The drive takes about an hour from Heraklion and about 2 hours from Rethymno, and the bus takes about 1.5 hours from Heraklion. You can visit the caves, or you can enjoy the music festivals that are held here every summer.
Preveli beach, Crete, Greece
This beach is located at the mouth of the Megalopotamos river, on the south coast of Crete. The beach has fine sand and clear water, and it is surrounded by a lush palm grove. You can drive to Preveli from Rethymno or Agia Galini, or you can take a boat from Plakias or Agia Galini. The drive takes about an hour from Rethymno and about 30 minutes from Agia Galini, and the boat takes about 20 minutes from Plakias or Agia Galini. You can swim in the river or in the sea, or you can explore the nearby monastery of Preveli, which played an important role in the Cretan history.
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