Beaches of Crete

Of the beaches I visited with my family during the summer of 2003 our favorite one was in Erimoupoli, with the beach at Kouremenos coming in a close second. Other nice beaches we visited included Vai, Chiona,

Xerokampos, and Diasari (near Makrygialos). We normally do not enjoy crowded beaches, or places that overtly cater to packaged tourism. In this respect we did not enjoy the waters of Makrygialos, Myrtos, or

Agia Galini. Matala was an interesting beach because of the history and the dramatic cave tombs that tower above it. However we only visited once, and the wind made swimming difficult. We look forward to a second visit in the near future.

I had visited Crete many times prior to our 2003 vacation, and I will always remember the beauty and dramatic setting of a vast sandy beach on the west coast called Falassarna. This visit took place about twenty years ago, and I was shocked to see a recent picture of Falassarna with rows of umbrellas lining the sand. Nothing wrong with organizing the beach a bit, but in my own memories, the isolated beach that could only be accessed by dirt road on motorcycle and a long walk will always be the best in the world.

My brother in law, George, who spent four years in Crete as a college student in Heraklion, swears that the beach at Preveli is the best in the world, but I have not seen it with my own eyes so I will take his word for it. At the same quality level he also placed the beach at Elafonisi.

Please see more details at the beaches of Crete session of this site for more details, accommodations and ratings. If you have visited a beach in Crete you can submit your own information and rating.

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