home Cosmetics Resorts and best hotels in Crete with sandy beaches. Crete pink beach: how to get there, hotels, attractions, reviews

Resorts and best hotels in Crete with sandy beaches. Crete pink beach: how to get there, hotels, attractions, reviews

There are many holiday destinations where the beaches have beautiful fine sand the color of baked milk, or golden color, as in the “Golden Sands” of Bulgaria. But seeing beaches with pink sand is very rare. Many people have a question: why did the sand acquire such a shade, and where did it come from?

World famous pink sand beaches

Let's start with the fact that there are seven famous beaches in the world where the sand really is pink. Two pink sand beaches in Crete. These are the beaches of Elafonisi and Balos. The remaining five beaches, if the reader is interested, are located in different places on the globe:

on ;
on Santa Cruz Island in the Philippines;
on the island of Bonaire, Caribbean islands;
in Bermuda;
in Indonesia.

Elafonisi beach on Crete

Almost the entire coast of Crete is occupied by beaches belonging to resort areas, hotels of travel agencies, as well as municipal ones. It is impossible to say which one is better. All of them are popular, with good infrastructure offering all kinds of services for tourists. In the southern part of Crete, the beaches are pebbly and the landscape is rocky. And the northern part of the island is rich in sandy beaches. The sand on them is of different shades.

One of these amazingly beautiful beaches not only in Crete, but throughout Greece is Elafonisi Beach, and it is located on the island of the same name, which you can wade across. The water level in the hundred-meter wide and shallow strait separating it from Crete does not rise above the knee.

This is Krita. Thousands of tourists come here every year. Some people dream of relaxing on a beach with beautiful pink sand, some come for inspiration, others want to visit the azure sea. All tourists are delighted with this paradise vacation spot.

The beauty of the beach is given not only by the color of the sand, from pale pink to purple, but also by the color of the water. It is turquoise near the shore. Thanks to the cedar trees growing near the beach, the air is filled with their aroma. The sandy beach, flooded with sunlight, looks very beautiful. It all shimmers, changing shades from the incoming waves.

How to get to the beach

During the peak holiday season, buses run between the cities of Chania and Edefonisi, so there is no difficulty in getting to the pink beach in Crete. If you are staying in hotels in other cities, the trip to this unique beach will include a transfer in the city of Kissamos, from where buses run to the beach several times a day.

If you are traveling, for example, from Heraklion with your own transport or a rented car, you will travel along the E75 highway, then along the E65. Approaching Kastellion, make a turn towards the center of the island and drive towards Elafonisi. Next is a trip along a mountain serpentine road, so you need to be careful and attentive. It's a long stretch from Chania, but it's very beautiful. A nice bonus of the trip will be free parking near the beach area. It is not paved, but is well compacted and spacious. There are plenty of taverns along the way where you can eat at affordable prices.

You can visit the pink beach of Crete as part of an excursion. But this pleasure is not cheap, and it is limited by the time of the excursion.

Why is the sand pink?

It turns out that sand gets its color from fragments of corals, shells, and shells. Tiny crustaceans that live in the sea “wear” their shells, which are red in color. When it ends life cycle, these red shells remain in the water, which gradually collapse, turning into sand. The sand has this shade not only on the coastline, but also a few meters from the shore in the sea. When it's stormy, it's safe to swim on the pink beach. This is due to the fact that the sea here is shallow.

Usually, families with children come to the pink beach of Crete, Elafonisi. It is safe for a child to swim here, the entrance to the water is gentle, the sand is clean and beautiful, which will definitely interest the baby. The best time to relax on the pink sands of Elafonisi is the end of August, although swimmers can be found from April to October.

There are rental shops on the beach that have sun loungers and umbrellas. The prices, however, are rather high - 9-10 euros. There is also a small cafe where you can buy water and ice cream. The beach is equipped with showers and toilets. The best time to be on the beach, of course, is in the morning, when there are practically no people and you can enjoy a walk along the shore and take photos of fantastic landscapes. There are quite a lot of vacationers on this beach during the summer season, but there is no crowding, since the area is quite large. Those who are going to spend several days in this paradise should take care of accommodation in advance. There are several small hotels here, but it's worth making a reservation in advance.

Elafonisi - a protected place

Due to the fact that this island is reserved place, where rare plants grow and rare amphibians and reptiles live, construction, camping and fires were prohibited here. Sand grasses and sea daffodils grow in these areas. Lives only on this island green toad, and unique species of lizards run across the sand. On the island you can find the Caretta-Caretta sea turtle, for which this island serves as a breeding site. From reports from fishermen, it became known that Monk Seals live off the coast of Elafonisi. The island is the last stop of migratory birds flying to Africa from Europe for the winter.

Balos beach on Crete

Balos Bay, as the Greeks say, is the most beautiful place in the Mediterranean. The natural attraction of Crete is the fusion of the three Ionian and Mediterranean. The picturesque lagoon of the island of Crete with a pink beach and water with fourteen color shades (according to scientists) of blue and green attract both individual travelers and numerous excursion groups to Balos.

The water of the three seas has a unique composition of minerals, which give it its color. The beach on Balos was for a long time wild IN Lately sunbeds with umbrellas appeared. But you need to take water with you, since there are no retail outlets. The bay is blown by winds, so there are small waves. Shallow water allows you to relax with children. Of course, they are supposed to be transported by ferry. The rest of the paths to the beach are too difficult for them.

The island of Gramvousa is located at the entrance to the bay and protects Balos beach and the bay from the summer winds. There are no trees or shaded areas, so you need to be careful to take an umbrella to protect yourself from the scorching rays of the sun.

How to get to Balos

Since Balos Bay is located in the northwestern part of Crete, the starting point will be the port town of Kissamos. Here you can take a ferry or boat and sail to Balos Bay, where the pink sand beach is in Crete. If Boat trip is done independently, without a group; it is worth considering that the boats operate only in the first half of the day. Travel time takes one hour.

An alternative option is to get to the beach by land, but the road will be unpaved and quite difficult to navigate. The landmark along the road is the Balos Beach Hotel. Along the way there are steep descents and difficult turns, so you need to be careful.

Regular buses also go to the pink beach of Crete. Their last stop is at a small cafe, from which there is a three-kilometer-long walk down to the bay. But on this walking journey, the traveler will be rewarded with the beauty of the landscapes and a fantastic angle for photographing the beautiful lagoon.

On a donkey to the pink beach

In Crete, the so-called donkey “taxi” is often used as a means of transportation. Local residents can offer you the descent and ascent on a donkey with a guide, so as not to have to walk three kilometers to the sea. The descent on a donkey costs 5 euros from the locals, and the ascent costs 8 euros. It is more difficult for the donkey to climb, which is why the road is more expensive. You need to walk in the heat, so the guide recommends stocking up on water. Brings the conductor to observation deck, then you go to the beach on your own.

By the way, it is prohibited by Greek law to take sand as a souvenir from the pink beach of Crete to take out of the country. Even without sand, you will remember the pink beaches long after your holiday in Crete, looking at the unique photos taken there.

Crete is the largest and most visited island in Greece, which is literally shrouded in many legends. From year to year it attracts tourists from all over the world with its healthy, mild climate and ecology. In the area hundreds of miles from the island of Crete, there are no industrial enterprises or factories, which has a beneficial effect on the health of vacationers. This place is stunning with its picturesque beauty, secluded and crowded beaches, mountains with olive groves and a huge number of diverse resorts.

Resorts with sandy beaches on the island of Crete

Most tourists prefer beaches with soft and warm sand. And today there are quite a lot of such beaches in Crete. Almost all of them are well-maintained, clean and carefully raked. The best sandy beaches Krit can be found on the following resorts:

Rethymno
Heraklion
Lassithi

Sandy beaches of Rethymno
On the territory of the Resort Rethymno There are many comfortable beaches with sand. The most popular of these beaches is located between the resort of Georgioupol and Rethymnon. Its length reaches 15 kilometers. Also, this includes beaches Panormo, which are located 20 kilometers from the resort. On the very outskirts of the city there is the Grecotel Marina Palace hotel with an incredibly beautiful and well-kept beach, which is open to everyone. On the pier there is the quietest and most tranquil beach, which is completely protected from the waves. Here you can lie on the sand and watch crabs, crayfish and fish. In Rethymnon there is another beach protected from the waves - The Last Beach, it will be ideal for lovers of solitude and relaxation from the hustle and bustle. For lovers waves best to go to the bay Livadi, which is located near the national highway.

Sandy beaches
For those who prefer quiet and wind-protected sandy beaches, it is better to go to Loutraki, Marathi, Plaka, Almyrida and Kalyves. In the same case, if you want to take a little walk and admire nature, then it’s worth visiting Aphrata beach in a sandy bay, since in order to get here you need to walk along a narrow and picturesque path. In the area of the city there is one of the best beaches not only on the island of Crete, but throughout Greece - this is a sandy beach Laguna Balos, which is famous for its soft pink sand, the color of which is achieved due to debris seashells. The bottom here is quite shallow, and the water is always warm. You can get here either by dirt road or by ship. For families with children, it is best to go to the beach Frangokastello.

Sandy beaches of Heraklion
At the resort Heraklion There are also quite a lot of sandy beaches that are protected from wind and waves. This is, first of all, Tompruk, Amnissos, Florida and Karteros. Along each of them there are many restaurants, cafes and taverns. The beaches are slightly less protected from the wind Hersonissos, and . The second of them is sandy, but at the bottom of the sea there are slabs of large stones. For wave lovers, the best place to go is Kokkini Hani Beach. There is also a beach near the fishing port Kokkinos Pyrgos with a shallow bottom, suitable for families with children.

Sandy beaches of Lasithi
The most popular sand beach here is Long Beach, which takes several kilometers. It accommodates a huge number of vacationers. In order to protect yourself from strong winds and waves, you need to go to the beach Pachia Ammos, which is surrounded by the docks of the fishing harbor. Also, the sandy Elounda beach.

The best sandy beaches in Crete

Undoubtedly the most popular and most famous among all visitors to Crete is Elafonisi beach, which is comfortably located on the southwestern side of the island. There is practically no equipment there, but there are two main features that distinguish the beach from others - pink sand and its appearance, since it looks like a separate island, due to the shallow isthmus of water that is located around.

The best crowded beaches include the beach Nopigia, Rapanyana, Platanias, Falasarna and Agia Marina. Those who like solitude and a relaxing holiday should go to the beach Balos, Afrata, Tavronitis or Dictynna.

Each of these beaches is one of the cleanest in Europe. And almost all have the blue flag of the European Union, which is awarded only to the cleanest beaches.

Today we will talk about the best beaches of the Greek island of Crete, many of which can be called not only its decoration, but also the pride of the entire Mediterranean. Some of them are even included in the top twenty best beaches in the world.

Crete is the largest and most popular among tourists greek island, the width of which varies from fourteen to thirty-seven kilometers, and the length is two hundred and fifty kilometers. Any traveler will find a resort and beach to his liking in Crete. It is worth remembering that in the southern part of the island there are mainly pebble beaches, there are high cliffs and stunning views. And the sandy beaches so beloved by travelers with children are located on the northern side of Crete. In addition to sandy and pebble beaches, shell beaches are common on the island of Crete. So, let's move on to the list of the best beaches on the island of Crete.

1. Elafonisi Beach– this amazing beach is located on a small island in the southwestern part of the island of Crete, seventy-five kilometers from the city of Chania. To get to this beach, you need to wade a hundred meters through shallow water. As you approach it, you will understand that the sand is not pink, but white, and this shade from a distance is obtained due to the numerous small pink shells on its surface. Due to the shallow depth, the water on this beach warms up well. Even in a storm you can safely swim here. That's why the beach is incredibly popular with families with children. Not far from the island there is a picturesque cedar forest, where you can take a walk if you are tired of the hot sun.

2. Balos Beach- a wild beach, which can only be safely reached by water transport, but it is breathtakingly beautiful, and this attracts many tourists. Here White sand, the bottom gently sloping into the water, clean sea water, and complementing this idyll is the ancient fortress on the mountain towering above them. Previously, there was a pirate harbor here, which gave shelter to numerous ships with the flag " Jolly Roger" By the way, one of these ships sank near Balos, and divers can see it. The Cretan lagoon of Balos is a place where the waters of three seas meet: the Aegean, Ionian, Libyan, which causes a constant change in the color of the water throughout the day: the water changes shades of turquoise up to twenty times a day. Since this lagoon is quite closed, the sea on Balos Beach is always quiet and calm. As mentioned above, you can get to this beach by boat sailing with excursions from the port of Quisamoss; along the way, it will take you to admire the beautiful Venetian fortress on the island of Gramvousa.

3. Matala Beach– located on the southern coast of the island of Crete, in the village of the same name. He is very popular beautiful nature, its main attraction is a powerful rock with a layered structure, mysterious caves, and picturesque natural balconies. For many years, Matala Beach has received the “Blue Flag of Europe” - a symbol of clean water. There is a fairly developed infrastructure: there are sun loungers, umbrellas, a rescue point, showers, toilets, and a cafe. There are many small but very cozy family hotels nearby. Right along the shore of this fishing village there are numerous taverns, cafes and bars where you can taste national Greek food. Matala Beach is always quiet and windless, due to the rocks surrounding it, but the water, due to the fact that it is located in the southern part of the island of Crete, is a little colder.

4. Vai Beach– very popular among holidaymakers on the island of Crete due to the magnificent date grove growing right on seashore. By the way, this is the largest palm forest in Europe, covering an area of two hundred and fifty hectares. The beach is located thirty kilometers east of the city Sitia. It is equipped with everything necessary for relaxation, but there are no hotels nearby, so if you plan to stay here to relax for several days, take a tent with you or look for a hotel in the village of Palekastro, located ten kilometers from Vai beach; you will not find closer accommodation. Vai Beach has the “Blue Flag of the European Union” for its cleanliness and well-groomed area. It is considered the most beautiful beach on the island of Crete. And the sea water here is so clean that you can see numerous colorful fish in it tens of meters away.

5. Malia Beach– wild, sandy beach - a great place for family vacation, located on the northern coast of Crete, next to the resort town of the same name. Not far from the beach there are the majestic ruins of a Minoan palace, which archaeologists are excavating to this day. The beach is popular not only among families with children, but also among young people, due to its proximity to the city of Hersonissos, famous for its nightclubs. Malia attracts tourists because it is always here good weather, there is no sweltering heat and a mild climate reigns. And despite the lack of sun loungers, umbrellas and other signs of developed infrastructure, there are always a lot of vacationers.

6. Elounda Beach– located in the picturesque sea bay of Mirabello, near the town of Agios Nikolaos, is the pride and decoration of the island of Crete, as well as one of the best beaches in Greece, where far from the poor people of the world come to relax. There is fine white sand, a warm and clean sea that remains calm even in the wind, many luxury hotels and villas, and elite restaurants serving amazing local Greek cuisine.

7. Platanias Beach– is located on the northern coast of the island of Crete, next to the village of the same name. It stretches for four kilometers and is a popular destination water activities: banana ride, scooter, parasailing and so on. For its cleanliness it annually receives the “European Blue Flag”. Vacationers on this beach can take a boat trip to the island of St. Fedor located opposite. The village of Platanias is adjacent to the famous orange groves of Crete. But the village itself is not boring, as there are many discos, bars, cafes, entertainment centers, shops. And you can stay in one of the many hotels, for every taste and budget.

8. Rethymnon Beach- the longest sixteen-kilometer sandy beach on the island of Crete, located in the city of the same name. Along the beach there are hotels of different star ratings, cafes and taverns, shops, and disco bars. Despite the fact that the water here is not as clean and transparent as on other beaches of Crete, as the proximity affects large city, there are always a lot of tourists. Some people don’t want to leave all the benefits of the metropolis, so they stay in Rethymno. But there are many interesting historical places that you can visit if you are tired of passive relaxation near the water: the beautiful Venetian fortress of Forteza, the authentic old port, the Arcadia monastery, the Rimondi fountain, the seventeenth century, many interesting museums and ancient monuments.

9. Georgioupoli Beach– an excellent place in Crete for a family holiday with children, located equidistant from the resorts of Chania and Rethymnon. There is a smooth entry into the sea, many meters of shallow water, so letting children go into the water alone is not scary. Opposite this beach, on a small island in the middle of the sea, there is a small church. The Greeks themselves love to visit Georgioupoli Beach.

10. Agia Marina Beach– the most popular sandy beach on the island of Crete in the resort of the same name, located eight kilometers from the resort of Chania. Here you will find the purest golden sand, clear sea, with a smooth entrance and gradually increasing depth, and developed infrastructure. Along the beach there are endless taverns, nightclubs, hotels, and restaurants. Every year this beach receives the “Blue Flag of Europe” for the ideal cleanliness of the water and coastline. Holidays with children here are ideal: parents can calmly watch their offspring building sand castles on the shore, collecting shells that are thrown out by the oncoming wave or splashing in the shallow water. Outside the beach, children can enjoy riding on small trains. Adults can enjoy karting, mini-golf, and interesting excursions. From the beach of Agia Marina, as well as from Platanias beach, you can see the island of St. Fedor, which can be reached by boat. If you wish, you can take a walk through the orange groves located just south of the village.

The island of Crete is not limited to just the beaches we have listed, there are a lot of them here and for every taste, we only talked about the most popular among tourists. But we invite you to find your dream beach on the island of Crete on your own.

Why do many families, when choosing a resort for a holiday with children, prefer the Greek island of Crete? If you carefully read numerous reviews on forums and travel websites, it will become clear what exactly influences the choice of Russians.

Undoubtedly it is:

the location of the island of Crete, most convenient for fast flights;
an amazing climate that makes holidays with children extremely beneficial for health;
magnificent beaches and clear sea;
rich cultural heritage, safety and hospitality;
small villages and towns scattered along the coast surrounded by mountains and valleys with vineyards and olive groves;
good .

Resorts and beaches are scattered throughout the island, and in each of its four regions (Heraklion, Lasithi, Chania, Rethymno) you can always find something suitable for families with children. Although most of them are traditionally located on the eastern and northern coast of Crete. The tourist infrastructure is better developed here, there is more entertainment, and many facilities for comfortable and varied accommodation.

However, as for holidays in Crete, all these divisions of resorts into categories (for youth, family holidays, etc.) are very arbitrary. Wherever we go, we can find a resort where we would like to return again and again.

Without diminishing the importance of cognitive and excursion holiday, after all, most often, we go to Crete with our children for a beach recreational holiday. All conditions have been created for this. Partly, nature itself took care of this, covering kilometers of coastal areas with small lagoons, warm water and hot sun with soft sand and comfortable small pebbles.

Even the sand here comes in very unusual colors: in addition to the usual golden and white, there are beaches with pink and even black sand. However, such natural phenomenon and the abundance of varied beaches is easily explained. After all, the island of Crete is located in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea.

Beaches and resorts of Heraklion - the central region of Crete

In this largest area of the island there are several wonderful resorts that position themselves as family-friendly and provide all the necessary services for a comfortable children's holiday.

The beaches of the small resort of Gouves (18 km from Heraklion - the capital of the island) are pebble and sandy, long and well equipped. They are regularly awarded Blue Flags for cleanliness and ecology. The sea is warm, shallow near the shore, and the entrance to the water is gentle. But in windy weather, due to the open coastline, there are strong waves.

The beaches of Kokkini Hani (15 km from Heraklion) are varied: spacious sandy and pebble, well equipped. But the main thing that attracts families with children here is the nearby Water City water park.

Amoudara (8 km from Heraklion) has spacious sandy beaches stretching 5 kilometers in length. Excellent infrastructure and proximity to attractions and the capital have made this place extremely popular among holidaymakers.

The beaches of Agia Pelagia are a luxury resort located in a small bay (25 km from Heraklion). The sea, protected from the winds by rocky cliffs, is always calm. The beach is sandy. But there is a serious inconvenience for children - the entrance to the water is not gentle, but rather sharp.

The resort village of Stalida with excellent infrastructure and a favorable location (from here it is convenient to get acquainted with all the attractions in eastern Crete), with wide sandy beaches. Here all the buildings are one or two floors, which organically fit into the mountain landscape. And the hotels in the village offer comfortable and inexpensive accommodation. All this makes this resort convenient for a family, relaxing holiday.

The resort of Malia (next to the resort of Stalida) is famous for its good sandy beach. There is no embankment as such. And the entertainment area is present in a larger volume than in Stalida.

The beach of Hersonissos is quite narrow, with a good entry into the sea and a coastline with coarse sand. The resort is very noisy, crowded, party-oriented, recommended mainly for youth recreation. Vacationers with children will most likely not like such a fun atmosphere. But if these circumstances do not bother you, here you can find good hotels with their own sandy beaches, convenient for family holidays.

Resorts and beaches of Lassithi - the most picturesque region of Crete

This is perhaps the sunniest, but also the most expensive region of the island in its eastern part, which is home to the stunning Mirabello Bay. It is washed from the northern part by the Cretan Sea, and from the southern part by the Libyan Sea.

Its main resorts are: Agios Nikolaos - the most beautiful picturesque coastal city of Crete (and the capital of the region), which is sometimes called the “Cretan Saint-Tropez”, luxurious and expensive Elounda and Ierapetra - considered the southernmost city in Europe.

The beaches of Agios Nikolaos are very different: sandy and sand and pebbles. But they are all calm, quiet and very clean. Most of them are surrounded by hotels.

Celebrities and the rich often prefer to relax at the Elounda resort. Everything is provided here for perfect comfortable rest, including for children: an endless sea, varied landscapes, magnificent hotels with equally luxurious beaches for family holidays, located in a small beautiful bay in an almost closed bay, well protected from the winds.

Vulisma Beach is a charming little lagoon with soft, fine golden sand, azure clear water, surrounded by bizarre rocks, is located 12 kilometers from Agios Nikolaos near the village of Kalo Chorio in Mirabello Bay. The entrance is very good, the bottom is clean and level - the place is ideal for children.

The beaches of Ierapetra are magnificent and numerous. They stretch for a seven-kilometer strip along the coast of this southern city, indented by picturesque secluded bays. The westernmost and most popular is well equipped, sandy, but the bottom is rocky. Katarades beach is covered with dark coarse sand, the bottom is also rocky. There are beaches covered with small gray pebbles mixed with sand. All of them are marked with Blue Flags for cleanliness and environmental friendliness.

The beach of Chrissi Island is a small piece of paradise located in the Libyan Sea, with soft white sand, clear water, with a nice gentle and level entrance to the sea. There is a desire to compare it with tropical islands. Only, unlike palm trees, centuries-old Lebanese cedars grow here.

On the east coast of the Lasithi region there is a series of not very well-known small resort villages with unique sandy beaches.

Vai Beach – magnificent, soft sand, crystal clean water. Its main feature is that a real one grows next to it. a tropical forest from wild palm trees. Warm shallow water and excellent entry into the water make it very good for small children. And its popularity, especially in the high season, is simply off the charts.

Makrigialos beach with fine, pleasant sand and always warm shallow water is good for a beach holiday with children. It is small but well equipped and has everything you need.

Lagoofa beach is located in the same way as the previous one, on the coast of Makrigialos near large hotels in lagoons sheltered from the winds. Here warm water and shallow water. This attracts tourists with children. In addition, the east coast is not so crowded, and you can always find a quiet place here.

Ammoudi Beach is cozy, with fine golden sand, surrounded by white rocks. The bottom is flat. But there is nowhere to hide from the sun; you must take an umbrella.

Sissy – in the past a simple fishing village - today a resort with several sandy beaches: Bufos, Kalimera Kriti.

Resorts and beaches of the Chania region - the greenest part of Crete

This westernmost region of the island is home to a mass of magnificent, many-kilometer-long Cretan beaches - pink Elafonisi, snow-white Balos, the huge Falasarna beach, and many other, less famous, but no less charming beaches where you can relax with children.

Chania has all the conditions for this - a large number of cozy bays, quiet and windless, sandy beaches with a good entrance to the sea, equipped beach areas with playgrounds and simple but fun attractions.

Many kilometers of beaches with amazing sand Pink colour found only in Chania. And the most famous of them is Elafonisi. This beach is simply adored by children and their parents: shallow, warm, clean water, with a nice gentle slope into the sea. You can meet swimmers here as early as April, because the water here is a little warmer than in other places on the island. Of the minuses - it happens here often strong wind and at times crowded.

The magnificent beaches of Falasarna with snow-white soft sand with splashes of pink and azure warm water, smooth entry into the sea - the best in Crete. There are 5 of them in total and they are located nearby, following the shore one after the other. Their territory is huge and it is partially equipped. Due to the vast territory, there is never a crowd here and you can always find a secluded place.

The wonderful beaches of Georgioupolis with a gentle, safe entry even for children attract families with children to these places. The local unique flavor of the fishing village and pristine nature make these places even more attractive.

The beaches of Kavros are sandy, wide, clean, with shallow seas - the best that can be offered for children. The disadvantage is that there are often waves in the open bay.

The sandy beach of Platanias, 4 kilometers long, is well equipped and has been awarded the Blue Flag more than once. The resort is quite lively and popular.

Agia Marina is a small town and resort with a magnificent sandy beach. It is the largest on the island and the most comfortable with picturesque pine forests.

Kalamaki Beach is sandy with a picturesque small bay and shallow bottom. Located in the village of Galatas.

The sandy beach of Agia Apostoli is located in two bays, well protected from the wind. The water is clean, around there are beautiful rock formations and a picturesque small park with a pine grove.

Chrissi Akti beach consists of two bays with a sandy beach separated by a picturesque hill. One of them, located to the west, with a smooth entrance to the water and shallow water.

Stavros beach with bright yellow sand, located in a beautiful, almost closed bay on all sides at the foot of the mountain in the quiet and peaceful village of Stavros (Akrotiri peninsula), is considered one of the best in Chania for a family holiday, even with kids. It is always quiet and windless here, there is an easy entrance to the sea, and well-warmed water.

Maronti Beach – perfect place for kids and those who have not yet learned to swim. These are several sandy beaches in a large bay sheltered from the wind in the village that bears the same name. There is a very good flat bottom and a picturesque view of the White Mountains.

Loutraki beach, like Maronti and Stavros, is a very suitable place for a beach holiday with children on warm, soft sand. It's amazingly clean and clear water, flat bottom, beautiful sand, quiet shore.

The beaches of Palaiochora are loved by families with children for several reasons. Beaches with both soft sand and those covered with small, rolled, non-prickly pebbles stretch for several kilometers. There are always clean and transparent coastal waters, a gentle entrance and a good bottom. One of the beaches of this resort, Pachia Ammos, is well protected from the winds.

Kalyves Beach - with a quiet calm sea, protected from waves and winds from the north by the Akrotiri peninsula. One part of it is covered with golden sand, the second with small pebbles, regularly awarded the Blue Flag.

Kissamos is a resort town near the sea, far from tourist spots (42 kilometers from Chania) for a holiday in peace and quiet with a child. There are a lot of hotels in Kissamos itself and its surroundings. They are mostly small, homely and cozy, relatively inexpensive.

Not far from Kissamos are the island's famous beaches of Elafonisi, Falasarna and Balos Lagoon.

Balos Bay – most beautiful place The Mediterranean, where three seas meet: Mediterranean, Cretan and Ionian. The water in the bay is unique in its own way mineral composition, its color is completely unusual - bright azure with shades of turquoise, blue and green. Sand – pink and white, and the water is warm and absolutely clear. According to many, this beautiful beach The Mediterranean is convenient for families with children: shallow water, you can sunbathe while lying right in the water on the sand.

Beaches and resorts of Rethymnon

Due to its proximity to the capital and famous attractions, the Rethymno region is considered a good resort location for tourists. For a beach holiday, there are long sandy, clean beaches (16 km) with secluded coves and a smooth slope of the seabed. There are many calm and quiet villages on the coast where you can spend an unforgettable vacation with your children.

The city of Rethymnon (“Venice in the mountains”) is the most beautiful city in Greece, striking with lush greenery, flowers, and the beauty of the landscape with ecologically clean beaches. It is approximately equally distant from Chania and Heraklion.

In Rethymno there is a good urban sandy beach near the embankment, quite comfortable and clean, with warm shallow water, with attractions and opportunities for active recreation.

It may not be worth choosing the city itself for living with children - it’s a bit noisy. But a series of small cozy seaside villages located nearby are quite suitable for young tourists.

The sandy, clean and equipped beaches of Adele in the resort area located from Rethymnon to the east are a good option for a relaxing beach holiday. But there are some disadvantages - the coastline is open, there are strong winds and waves. In addition, when entering the water, there are rocky areas in some areas of the beach. When choosing a hotel, you need to clarify this circumstance.

Platanias is a quiet small resort village near Rethymnon with sandy beaches for a secluded, relaxing holiday.

Skaleta Beach is sandy, well-equipped, and is positioned as a resort for a relaxing beach family holiday. There are only a few hotels in the village.

Panormo is a small resort village (22 kilometers from Rethymno) with a particularly authentic, calm atmosphere and a popular place for families with children. The beaches are located in a bay, sheltered from waves and wind, the bottom is flat, the sea is shallow - what else is needed for a safe holiday with small children.

Bali's four main sandy beaches are a place for contemplative relaxing holiday in a relaxed atmosphere among mountain slopes covered with greenery, in bays with clear and very clean water. There are never waves in the quietest bay of Karavostasi (or Evita), which is protected from the wind by a mountain cape.

For those vacationing in this area with children, one feature of the terrain needs to be taken into account - quite steep climbs uphill to the resort location and descents back down to the sea.

Preveli Beach is covered with small pebbles and is a natural attraction. There are beautiful sand dunes, amazing palm groves, beautiful sea and strange looking layered rocks.

The condition of the beach, along with a good hotel and convenient location, are perhaps the main factors influencing our choice when we go to Crete with children. All that remains is to choose the right resort and hotel that will not allow you to be disappointed when going to the island of Crete with the whole family.

To determine how safe it is to enter the sea, experts advise checking this parameter with the descriptions of a particular hotel. Or additionally request this information from the hotel or tour operators. Most often, on private beaches the entrance to the sea is always sandy (due to bulk sand). And from the descriptions it follows that most of the Cretan beaches meet in all respects the requirements set by parents when looking for a beach for children. Have a good holiday everyone!

Which beach in Crete is best for a summer vacation? Which one is suitable for families with children? Review of the most popular ones with descriptions and photos. White sand resorts. A selection of hotels with a private beach with high ratings and positive reviews from tourists. Map with beaches of Crete.

Map of Crete beaches in Russian

Beach holidays in Crete

The weather in Crete is sunny approximately 340 days a year. At night you can see an unusually huge starry sky, and during the day you can see the beauty of beaches with palm trees and clear blue or turquoise water. In addition, there is a mild subtropical climate, a wide variety of fresh vegetables and fruits, cheese, and wine. In general, everything is as in the most beautiful pictures in guidebooks and in advertising.

According to tourists, the island is considered one of the most popular resorts in the world and is intended for different options active, passive recreation and shopping - well, where would we be without it. Vacationers have at their disposal the best beaches of Crete and a large selection of hotels for different budgets. Of course, there are much fewer 5-star apartments than in Turkey, but 3* and 4* level complexes offer good conditions with food and services. And since Crete is considered at the same time a family resort, where people come even with one-year-old babies, then many hotels provide small electric stoves and children's furniture.

The best hotels with a sandy beach

Crete is considered the birthplace of the famous god Zeus and the place where the ancient Minoan culture turned into ancient culture. Geographically, the island is divided into 4 regions.

Eastern part is occupied by Lasithi. This is where the best, according to tourists, sandy beaches of Crete are located. Thanks to the gentle entrance to the water, the entire coastline is literally dotted with luxury hotel complexes. Therefore, the best “star” accommodation is in Lasithi. This part of the resort is also famous for the beautiful Mirabella Bay and salt lake Vulizmeni.

Top hotels on the first line according to tourist reviews with sand and pebble beaches in Lasithi:

Northern part of the island is occupied by Rethymnon. The coast is strewn with a mixture of sand and small pebbles. Families with children like to relax here, as the descent into the water is gentle. There is a beautiful freshwater lake Kournas with its own beach. In the center of the resort it is always noisy and fun, but in the villages it is quiet and pleasant to relax. Rethymnon combines Venetian and traditional oriental architecture, so the historical buildings look beautiful and original.

Top hotels according to reviews from tourists with their own sandy beach on the first line in Rethymnon:

Center Heraklion is considered. The coast is designed for those who want to relax in a fun, noisy and exciting way. This part of the island has a lot of entertainment for young people, there is an aquarium, and 2 water parks.

Top hotels according to reviews from tourists with their own sandy beach on the first line in Heraklion:

On west Chania is located - probably the most exotic part of the island. It has the greatest variety of vegetation and the best sandy beaches of Crete, and there is also a simultaneously beautiful and scary serpentine road. Those who come to look at historical monuments of architecture and culture will also find something to do. On the west coast there are many temples and mansions built in the old Venetian style.

Top hotels according to reviews from tourists with their own sandy beach on the first line in Chania:

The choice of accommodation is wide - from a luxury hotel to an inexpensive campsite. And the holiday in Crete is complemented by the best beaches, most of which received prestigious award"Blue Flag".

The best sandy beaches of Crete

What’s most interesting is that all the beaches on the island are considered municipal. There are no fenced areas near the water intended only for visiting guests of a particular hotel. Therefore, any vacationer will be able to stay next to a fashionable hotel or a campsite set up on the shore. The only thing is that all accessories on the shore will be paid for. However, no one will be turned away if you come to one of the best sandy beaches of Crete according to statistics with your umbrella and a small rug.

Video 10 popular beaches in Crete

In terms of fame, popularity and beauty, Elafonisi beach leads the way - one of the best in Crete. With unusual pink sand, azure water and a shallow bottom, it is a paradise for children. There are no waves, there is a bar and free parking nearby. The always crowded coastline is located in the southwestern part of the island. You can get to the holiday destination by taxi, rented car or regular bus from nearby Kissamos. Tourist buses also enter this part of the region.

Wai

Another celebrity is Vai Beach in the Lasithi area. Its coastline is surrounded by a huge date grove and a large number of palm trees. This is the greenest beach in Crete with white sand and clear turquoise water. Probably many commercials were filmed in this place. Interestingly, in the 70s of the last century it was a haven for hippies. And now it is a protected area, which is marked with the Blue Flag for cleanliness and well-groomed conditions. Therefore, when choosing which beach is best in Crete, pay attention to this place. Just keep in mind that you will have to rent housing in the nearest Palikastro.

The beautiful and wild Balos Beach features clean white sand and aquamarine water. The lagoon mixes the waters of three water areas, which already sounds fascinating. Vacationers will be able to swim simultaneously in the Libyan, Ionian and Aegean Seas. According to legend, pirates once settled in this place, built a fortress and moored their ship. Therefore, near the beach there are the remains of a stone building and a sunken ship. Ships go here from Kissamos, and a dirt road is built from the Gramvousa peninsula.

Anissaras

The village of Anissaras is considered a classic option for a spacious and clean coast with fine sand, sometimes pebbles and a fully thought-out infrastructure. All its beaches are city beaches and are free. At the same time, there are no noisy bars and discos here. For entertainment you need to go to neighboring Hersonissos. Between these two settlements lies Limanakya. The place is distinguished by beautiful nature and the presence of a nudist beach. They get here from the airport (20 km) to the bus station in Heraklion, and from there by shuttle bus or taxi. It is best to book a transfer in advance for a convenient time.

If you want to see the unusual red beach, then you will have to go to Matala. And then it takes about 40 minutes to go down the rocks and stones to the water. The bay is managed by one owner, who provides umbrellas and sunbeds and sells water. A small equipped strip is strewn with bright red sand. There are rocks nearby and nudists often sunbathe. This place is exclusively for adults who can endure the obstacle course to a beautiful and unusual beach.

Malia

In Heraklion there is a well-maintained Malia beach. Vacationers in this area are offered diving, jet skiing, and yachting. Plakias has a large number of bars, restaurants and hotels. Its coastline is considered the longest on the island and no less noisy.

Beaches for children are located near the village of Agia Marina, the towns of Ierapetra and Sfakia. Sandy coasts with shallow waters and always warm sea has long been chosen by parents of children.

When is the best time to relax on the beaches of Crete

A special feature of the island is its subtropical climate. Lots of sun, no less wind and soft transitions between seasons. Therefore, even in winter there are many vacationers in Crete who come for excursions or shopping.

IN winter months, the average temperature is considered to be within +16...+17°C. At night it is cooler - about +10°C. Temperature all winter sea water remains at +16°C. It is during this period that there is no rush and tours fall in price. This best time for excursions to interesting historical places, of which there are many in Crete. Wear sneakers and a light jacket.

Video of the fabulous nature of Crete

If in March the air begins to warm up by 1-2 degrees, then real warmth comes with April. IN daytime It will already be comfortable (+20°C) and the sea will warm up to +18°C. It is from mid-spring that prices for travel packages begin to rise.

May+23°C in the air is almost comparable to +22°C in water. Although the nights are still cool (+14°C), the beaches are already filled with vacationers. Most of them are families with children.

June It is officially considered the beginning of the season, when the number of vacationers sharply increases, the cost of services increases, but the temperature still remains comfortable (not higher than +28°C). The period is considered favorable for traveling with children.

Heat, July, only without poplar fluff... Season, prices and temperatures are at their peak. During the day it can be up to +30°C, and at night the heat does not drop below +21°C. During this period, hotels in Crete with best beaches completely filled. Book rooms in advance if you are planning a seasonal holiday. At the same time, get ready to shell out a hefty sum.

The real hell begins in August, when at +35°C and above the stone-paved city streets become hot, and the sand burns your feet. During this period, the winds, which gain strength towards the end of summer, save the day. Therefore, the flow of people who want to swim in the warm sea of +25...+26°C and get it is not decreasing. Prices, by the way, also remain “at the level”.

September And October are considered velvet months with warm weather, but already with a gentle sun. During this period, the sea is truly gentle, and relaxation brings real pleasure. Swimming can be alternated with excursions, and the cost will be much cheaper than in the previous August.

Do you want to go to the sea with November By April- also not a question. Come in the autumn-winter period or from the very beginning of spring. At this time, it is especially easy to breathe near water. You can also swim in the warm hotel pool.

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