Best Beaches in Crete — Real-Time Wind Conditions

Major Islands, Greece

19
Beaches
13
High Protection
10
Excellent Meltemi Shield
17
Sandy / Mixed

Swimming in Crete

Crete is Greece's largest island, with a coastline so extensive and varied that it deserves a book of its own. The north coast faces the Aegean and catches the Meltemi head-on, while the south coast, sheltered by the White Mountains and the Psiloritis range, offers some of the warmest and calmest swimming in all of Greece.

With 19 beaches tracked — more than any other island in our database — Crete covers the full spectrum of swimming conditions. The south coast's Elafonisi and Preveli rank among Greece's most famous beaches, while lesser-known spots offer equally excellent swimming without the crowds. The island's size means you can always find a beach that suits the day's conditions.

Swimming season on Crete stretches from April to November — the longest in the Aegean. The south coast stays swimmable well into October, and even November can offer comfortable water temperatures. For sheer range of swimming options, no island in Greece comes close.

Swimming season: April to November

Today's Top Beaches in Crete

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All 19 Beaches in Crete

Balos Lagoon
high protection meltemi: excellent sandy
Northwest lagoon completely protected from all winds by peninsula. Paradise beach.
Access: difficult 🅿️ Parking🍽️ Restaurant🛏️ Sunbeds
Elafonissi Beach
high protection meltemi: excellent sandy
Southwest pink sand lagoon, excellent wind protection. Shallow waters.
Access: easy 🅿️ Parking🍽️ Restaurant🛏️ Sunbeds🚿 Showers🏊 Lifeguard
Falassarna Beach
moderate protection meltemi: moderate sandy
West coast with some Meltemi exposure but famous sunsets. Big waves possible.
Access: easy 🅿️ Parking🍽️ Restaurant🛏️ Sunbeds🚿 Showers🏊 Lifeguard
Preveli Beach
high protection meltemi: excellent sandy
South coast palm forest river beach, completely sheltered. Unique landscape.
Access: moderate 🅿️ Parking🍽️ Restaurant
Matala Beach
high protection meltemi: excellent sandy
South coast famous hippie beach with caves. Completely sheltered from Meltemi.
Access: easy 🅿️ Parking🍽️ Restaurant🛏️ Sunbeds🚿 Showers🏊 Lifeguard
Plakias Beach
high protection meltemi: good sandy
South coast resort beach, long sandy stretch with good wind protection.
Access: easy 🅿️ Parking🍽️ Restaurant🛏️ Sunbeds🚿 Showers🏊 Lifeguard
Frangokastello Beach
high protection meltemi: excellent sandy
South coast below Venetian castle, excellent protection. Shallow warm waters.
Access: easy 🅿️ Parking🍽️ Restaurant🛏️ Sunbeds
Sougia Beach
high protection meltemi: excellent pebble
Remote south coast pebble beach, completely sheltered. End of E4 hiking trail.
Access: moderate 🅿️ Parking🍽️ Restaurant🛏️ Sunbeds
Loutro Beach
high protection meltemi: excellent pebble
Car-free village on south coast, accessible by boat. Perfect Meltemi shelter.
Access: moderate 🍽️ Restaurant🛏️ Sunbeds
Agia Galini Beach
high protection meltemi: excellent sandy
South coast fishing village bay, well protected. Traditional atmosphere.
Access: easy 🅿️ Parking🍽️ Restaurant🛏️ Sunbeds🚿 Showers
Kedrodasos Beach
high protection meltemi: excellent sandy
Wild beach near Elafonissi with cedar trees. Excellent wind protection.
Access: moderate 🅿️ Parking
Makrigialos Beach
high protection meltemi: good sandy
Southeast coast shallow sandy beach. Good protection from summer winds.
Access: easy 🅿️ Parking🍽️ Restaurant🛏️ Sunbeds🚿 Showers
Vai Beach
moderate protection meltemi: good sandy
Famous palm forest beach on east coast. Europe's largest natural palm grove.
Access: easy 🅿️ Parking🍽️ Restaurant🛏️ Sunbeds🚿 Showers🏊 Lifeguard
Istron Beach
high protection meltemi: excellent sandy
Sheltered bay on east coast with crystal waters. Protected by surrounding hills.
Access: easy 🅿️ Parking🍽️ Restaurant🛏️ Sunbeds🚿 Showers
Ammoudara Beach
low protection meltemi: poor sandy
North coast city beach near Heraklion. Exposed to Meltemi, better in calm conditions.
Access: easy 🅿️ Parking🍽️ Restaurant🛏️ Sunbeds🚿 Showers🏊 Lifeguard
Bali Beach
moderate protection meltemi: moderate sandy
North coast scenic coves with partial protection. Multiple small bays.
Access: easy 🅿️ Parking🍽️ Restaurant🛏️ Sunbeds🚿 Showers
Georgioupolis Beach
moderate protection meltemi: moderate sandy
North coast long sandy beach. Can be windy but popular resort area.
Access: easy 🅿️ Parking🍽️ Restaurant🛏️ Sunbeds🚿 Showers🏊 Lifeguard
Stavros Beach
high protection meltemi: good sandy
Zorba the Greek filming location. Bay provides good wind shelter.
Access: easy 🅿️ Parking🍽️ Restaurant🛏️ Sunbeds🚿 Showers
Agia Pelagia Beach
moderate protection meltemi: moderate sandy
North coast resort bay with partial protection. Popular tourist destination.
Access: easy 🅿️ Parking🍽️ Restaurant🛏️ Sunbeds🚿 Showers🏊 Lifeguard

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