Some of my all-time favorite beaches are in Crete and as the largest island in Greece with more than 650 miles of coastline, there are more than a few to choose from.  When I think about what makes these beaches stand out, it’s that they require a bit of effort to get to (read on and you’ll see why).  Seriously, you have to want to get to these spots.  This was true the first time I visited Crete more than 10 years ago, and again during my most recent visit.  With incredible scenery along the way and few people to share them with, these beaches are truly worth the journey.

1. Red Beach

Many people go to Matala Beach in southern Crete, which is known for its sandy coastline framed by ancient caves carved into the surrounding sandstone cliffs.  It’s a great spot for a beach day as it’s fully organized with umbrellas for rent, restroom facilities, lifeguards and many shops and restaurants in the nearby village.  Fewer people though venture to Red Beach, which requires a short but steep hike to get to.  Weaving through the village, keep an eye out for the painted signs that point to the top of the hill (be sure to close the goat gate behind you).  The trail was a lot rockier than I remember it to be, with signs heeding warning to stay on the “official” path as any other seemingly easier, more direct routes are anything but.  The view as you descend upon the beach is sweeping, and the sand is a distinctive reddish shade of gold, framed by rocky cliffs and blue-green water.  Since our last visit, chairs with straw umbrellas are now available for rent and the once lone proprietor of pricey mojitos, Yanni now has some competition from a second stand selling snacks and drinks.

Location: 34.98589, 24.74949
How to get there: Hike 0.6 miles one-way (20 minutes from Matala Beach) or boat (from the Matala harbor)
Cost: Free street parking in Matala or paid lot closer to Matala Beach
Amenities: Chairs and umbrellas for rent (limited), snack bar (limited)
Helpful hints: Make sure you have good sturdy shoes (no flip flops) since the path to the Red Beach is quite steep with loose rocks.  The beach is more secluded, which translates to potentially more nudity.

2. Preveli Beach

Preveli Beach is one of the most incredible spots in Crete as it combines a scenic hike with sparkling blue water and lots of palm trees (but not in the typical tropical beach sense).  Fun fact, it’s one of two palm forests in Crete (the other being Vai in the northeastern part of the island).  Park at the taverna near the Preveli Bridge and set out on the trail along the top of the west side of the gorge through a fertile landscape of wildflowers and olive trees.  Then wait for it, your first glimpse of the beach and palm grove below will leave you breathless.  The trail eventually ends at steep stone steps for you to make your final descent to the pebbly beach.  After spending time at the beach, don’t pass up the opportunity to walk up the gorge through the magnificent canopy of palm trees that line the sides of the stream.  You can return the way you came, or up the opposite side of the gorge like we did, which is a steep climb from the beach on the east side and then along a flat brush-filled path back to the bridge.

Location: 35.1525, 24.4741
How to get there: Hike 2.2 miles one-way (1 hour from the Preveli Bridge) or boat (from Plakias harbor and Damnoni Beach)
Cost: Free
Amenities: Taverna/snack bar
Helpful hints: If you don’t want to hike along the gorge, there is also a parking lot at the top of the stone steps leading to the beach.  Water shoes are also good to have for walking on the pebbly beach and up through the gorge.

3. Agiofarago Beach

If I was forced to pick just one beach to be magically transported to right now it would be Agiofarago Beach.  Not because it’s overly scenic or stunning, rather because it feels so raw and isolated.  Located in one of the southernmost parts of Crete, the adventure begins with a drive through the town of Sivis past the Odigitria Monastery where the paved road turns to dirt (go slow as it can be rather rocky at points) and eventually leads to a parking lot.  From the gate, it’s about a mile trek each way through an imposing gorge (passing the small red and white church of Agios Antonios along the way) that eventually opens up like curtains parting to reveal a window to the sea.  A true hidden gem, cool sapphire blue water gently laps on the pebbly shore, providing the perfect spot to sit at the water’s edge and stare out into the great beyond as the sun slowly lowers.

Location: 34.9255, 24.77838
How to get there: Drive and hike 0.9 miles one-way (1.5 hours from Heraklion by car plus 30 minutes on foot through the gorge)
Cost: Free
Amenities: None
Helpful hints: If you plan to visit Agiofarago Beach, you should make sure that you leave enough time to hike back to the parking lot before dark.  Avoid parking directly under trees since goats may climb on your car to reach the leaves.

4. Elafonisi Beach

Often voted one of the best beaches in the world, it’s not hard to fall in love with Elafonisi Beach.  Located in the lesser-visited southwest corner of Crete, here you’ll find a heavenly oasis of crystal-clear water with distinctive pink-hued sand thanks to crushed seashells and coral.  While most people are content to stay closer to the shallow lagoon near the access point of the beach, it’s worth venturing out a bit further along the sand bar to find more secluded spots along the adjacent island.  Continue walking over soft sand dunes dotted with coastal plans and flowers to the other side of the island where you can hike to a small chapel and old lighthouse at the top.

Location: 35.2711, 23.5412
How to get there: Drive and walk 0.5 miles one-way (1.5 hours from Chania by car plus a 15-minute walk to the beach) or hike an additional 1 mile to Elafonisi Island
Cost: Paid parking lots near Elafonisi Beach
Amenities: Chairs and umbrellas for rent (limited), public toilets, tavernas/mini-mart (nearby), water sport equipment rental
Helpful hints: Stay at the nearby Elafonisi Resort and you’ll be a short 15-minute walk to the beach without having to fight crowds or pay for parking

5. Kedrodasos Beach

A short hike from Elafonisi, Kedrodasos is another incredibly stunning beach in southwestern Crete.  Walk towards Eleafonisi and head left to leave the crowds behind as you set out on the easy-to-follow E4 trail.  It’s well marked with occasional signs and yellow and black paint on rocks, and leads you along a pleasant route with quite little beach coves set among the rocky coastline.  The trail continues inland though some sandy spots with juniper trees and requires some goat-like scrambling over rocks alongside actual goats on the same said rocks. You know you’ve reached your destination when you spot the bright aqua water, peaceful and calm without a wave in sight.  It’s great for wading and relaxing the day away with few other people in sight.

Location: 35.2685, 23.5630
How to get there: Hike 1.5 miles one-way (1 hour from Elafonisi on foot) or drive
Cost: Free
Amenities: None
Helpful hints: The E4 is a scenic long-distance trail that continues along the south coast of Crete for a total of 310 miles.  The terrain changes quite a bit between Elafonisi and Kedrodas, so be sure to wear good shoes (no flip flops).

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