Crete is an island of many different faces. During the summer months, the island turns into what feels more like an overpriced and overcrowded party zone than a relaxing travel destination. However, in the spring and fall a charming island awaits.
Discovering Cretan Beaches
Crete has an abundance of beautiful beaches. Most of them are easy to reach by car, for some a 4x4 will be a better option. Getting to the most stunning beaches sometimes requires hiking through gorges and sharing narrow paths with herds of goats. The reward for trekking through the heat will be worth it: lonely stretches of beach and crystal clear water.
Beautiful Lagoon-Like Beaches
For an almost Caribbean feel, head to Balos on the Gramvousa peninsula in the Northwest of Crete. The final stretch of road to Balos is rocky but a careful driver can navigate it without a 4x4. From the end of the path, the view is magnificent. The walk down the mountainside to reach the shallow waters of the beautiful lagoon is not difficult. Nevertheless, it is a good idea to bring water as there are no facilities down by the beach.
Even easier to reach are the turquoise waters of Elafonisi in the Southwest of the island. The water is crystal clear and the beach is cleaner than Balos. Nevertheless, both places are regularly visited by enormous numbers of tourists. Unfortunately, their traces are visible; sadly, you will find litter on both beaches. To get away from the crowds simply hike along the beach for a while. It will be rewarding.
Not Caribbean but exotic nonetheless is Vai in the Northeast. The beach is unique because it is situated next to a palm forest. While the scenery is stunning, the area by Vai is very developed and does not lend itself for a romantic stroll. To get the most out of a visit to Elafonisi, Balos, or Vai, visit in the fall when crowds are thinning.
Hard to Get to but All the More Stunning
For a vacation experience off the beaten path, Crete has a number of beautiful hikes to offer that lead straight to gorgeous remote beaches. Getting there is much harder than parking right by Elafonisi beach. Other than taking a boat, the only option is to follow a narrow goat path, climb over rocks, and march through the heat.
A great adventure is a hike through the Agiofarango Gorge. About halfway to the beach there is a beautiful old chapel that is worth a visit. Goats are all around and make their way through the steep terrain in a strikingly agile manner. The walk is fun and not difficult. It can be done even with kids. However, bring water and food as there are no shops or facilities anywhere nearby. The ultimate reward is a lovely, lonely cove with crystal clear water.
Another great trip leads through the Hohlakies Gorge. The hike is more difficult than the one through the Agiofarango Gorge but the cove at the end of the path presents a charming reward worth the trouble.
The best advice for Cretan beaches and Crete in general is to visit off-season. Not only will the crowds be gone, the vacation will also be substantially cheaper. The weather in May, June, September, or October is also more temperate and thus more suitable for hiking and exploring. Great information on water quality can be found at Blue Flag, an organisation awarding eco-labels to top beaches in many different countries.
Elisabeth Szumowski - Elisabeth caught the travel bug during her time as a student and backpacked through much of Europe, the Americas, and Africa. Her trips ...
