Among all the resorts in Greece, Crete has an interesting landscape. On the island there are mountain ranges, gorges, there are flat areas. But tourists and independent travelers are more interested in beach areas, which are located in the bays of Crete – natural places for a relaxing holiday at sea. Before visiting, it is recommended to study the map of the island, find convenient locations for a beach holiday.
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Balos
The most famous and popular bay in Crete is Balos. It is located on the northwest coast, close to the big resorts of this region. Nearby is the island of Gramvous. In the photo and in the reviews of tourists, he often writes about the beauty of nature, the beach and the sea. Beach areas are equipped here, you can sunbathe, swim in the warm sea. This is a convenient place for a family vacation, as part of the Balos bay gradually forms a sandbank. It forms the Tigani Peninsula. The entry into the sea is gentle here, which is convenient for family tourists vacationing with children.
Description of Balos, features of rest:
- Directions. You can walk from the resort of Falasandra. The alternative is to take a taxi. From the port of Kissamos Kasteli, you need to drive to the village of Kaliviani.
- Coating. Most of the beach is occupied by golden sand, there are few stones and pebbles. The sand cover in some places has a pink tint.
- Natural protection by mountain ranges guarantees the absence of strong winds. Due to the shallow depth, the water warms up to +30°С in summer.
- Entrance to the beach is paid – 1 Euro. Here you can rent umbrellas and sun loungers.
The peculiarity of this bay of Crete is the changing color of the water. In summer, you can see up to 15 colors of the water surface. The reason for this phenomenon is algae, the color of the sand, the difference in sea temperature.
Stavros
For a family beach holiday, most tourists and independent travelers go to the most secluded bay of Crete – Stavros. She became known to vacationers relatively recently. The reason is the remoteness from the big resorts of the island. Here is a small village with an average infrastructure. There are several shops, supermarkets. Tourists can rent small villas or apartments.
Description of Stavros Bay in Crete:
- Location. The nearest resort, Chania, is 14 km from the beach line. You can get there by regular bus or taxi. The alternative is the car arena. There are several car parks in Stavros.
- Beaches. The strip of coast was formed in the shape of a horseshoe, which made the beach relatively wide. Sand cover, lack of height difference, many trees on the shore make this place convenient for marine entertainment.
- Weather. there is almost no wind, no big waves. In summer the air temperature rises to +40°C. It is recommended to take special beach shoes, sunblock.
- Few umbrellas, sunbeds and deck chairs. They need to be taken in advance. The rental price is from 5 Euro.
In addition to a beach holiday from Stavros Bay of Crete, you can go to local attractions. Here is the Arkudiotissa cave, where you can take beautiful photos. as part of a religious pilgrimage, it is recommended to visit the monasteries of Katholiko, Gouvernetou and Agia Triada.
Bali
Located near the village of Bali, the bays of Crete have become known to tourists recently. There are five secluded places for a beach holiday. Most tourists choose the largest bay, which is located next to the national highway. The second polarity is adjacent to the Bali Star hotel. The beach is equipped here, you can rent sun loungers, umbrellas, there are changing cabins, showers, entertainment for children and adults.
For a relaxing beach holiday, choose the most remote bay of Bali in Crete. Landmark – Bali Beach Hotel. A large breakwater has been made here, which protects the sea from large waves. The beach is equipped with sun loungers and umbrellas. This place is suitable for families with children.
General description of Bali bay in Crete:
- How to get there. Regular buses run from Heraklion and Rethymnon along the national route. You need to get off at the stop “village of Bali”. The fare is from 2 Euro. By taxi – from 50 Euro.
- Several hotels and hotel complexes have been built near the bays. You can rent an apartment in the village or a villa.
- The coverage on the beaches is sandy, there are some pebbles. The entry is relatively gentle, the depth near the coast is small.
- Weather. Little rain, summer is always sunny. The sea warms up quickly, so you can plan a trip at the beginning of June.
- The most secluded place is Karavostachi Bay. Even during the peak season, there are few tourists here. The disadvantage is that there are no cafes, shops, supermarkets nearby. Food and drinks must be taken with you.
Closer to the central part, many hotel complexes have been built. You can book rooms here, but you need to do this in advance. Hotels offer accommodation with breakfast, less often the All Inclusive program operates.
Panormo
Even 10 years ago, a large seaport operated in this place of the island, which supplied agricultural products to the continent. But after its closure, the infrastructure had to be changed. Several fishing villages remain on the coast, and the tourism business is beginning to develop. On Crete, Panormo Bay is located near the resort of Rethymno. The distance to it is 22 km. next to it there are several villages, which makes it possible to order a villa, apartments here.
Description of Panormo:
- Location, how to get there. It is recommended to go to Rethymno, then take bus number 1 to Panormo.
- The coverage on the beaches is fine sand, pebbles are rare.
- The beach is open, strong wind often blows.
- You can rent umbrellas and sun loungers.
There are several bars, restaurants and taverns around the bay of Crete. Here you can taste dishes of national Cretan cuisine. It is recommended to choose a menu with seafood and fish. They are locally caught, always fresh.
Vulisma
This bay of Crete is located in the Gulf of Mirabello. According to the reviews of tourists and photographs, it is one of the most picturesque on the island. The beach area is surrounded on three sides by rocks that form a natural defense. A sandy coating of a golden hue is formed in the water into small dunes. This allows young tourists to swim, as the depth in this place is shallow. Nearby are the large resorts of the island, transport interchange is developed.
Description of Vulisma, the picturesque bay of Crete:
- How to get there, location. located in Lassithi, the nearest big city is Agios Nikolaos. The distance to it is 12 km. regular intercity buses follow here.
- The beach is divided into two zones. The road to the beach area with umbrellas and sun loungers starts from a large car park, you need to go down the stairs. A small rocky path leads to the “wild” part, starting at the Mistral Mare hotel.
- Beach and coverage. The sand is golden, almost white. The beach area is large, in the peak season there is enough space for everyone.
- In addition to the standard beach holiday, you can do water sports.
The road to the undeveloped part of the beach is steep, which makes the way back difficult. This can be difficult when traveling with children. But the plus of this place is the picturesque landscapes. It is here that many tourists take memorable photographs against the backdrop of sunset or dawn.
Plakias
It is located near a small village of the same name, on the territory of the resort area of Rethymno. This is the most developed tourist area of Crete. Many hotels, villas, and city hotels have been built here. Tourist infrastructure will allow you to combine beach and outdoor activities, sightseeing trips. There are several organized beaches in the bay of Crete. The peculiarity of Plakias is a lot of vegetation. You can see large olive groves, bushes, artificial parks.
About the bay of Plakias, information for tourists and independent travelers:
- Location. the nearest large resort is Rethymno. It is located 35 km from the place of future recreation. You can get there by bus, taxi or rented car.
- The beaches are large, up to 50 meters wide. Part is equipped, there are changing cabins, showers, entertainment for children and adults.
- Active tourism is developed in this part of Crete. You can go in for water sports, order underwater or classic fishing. An alternative is sightseeing trips to local natural or historical attractions.
- It is recommended to visit local restaurants, bars. You can order Greek cuisine or stop at the classic European menu.
The gently sloping bottom of the sea is convenient for children and non-swimmers. However, large waves occasionally appear. But this is rare, more often there is calm weather. At this time, you can order a boat trip or a sightseeing tour.
Paleochores
The bay is located in the southwestern part of Crete. It is located next to the village of the same name – Paleochory. Feature – the beach area is surrounded by two bays. Nearby, several mountain rivers flow into the sea, many underground sources. Therefore, the sea water here is colder than in other regions of the island. The second factor is two types of beaches. On the first sand cover. On the second – pebble. Sandy is chosen for family vacations, there are fewer tourists on pebble ones.
What you need to know about the bay of Paleochora in Crete:
- How to get there. From the village of Maleme, to which most bus routes from the large resorts of the island go. You can also drive by car, the rental of which costs from 25 euros per day.
- Beaches. One is quite comfortable, the only feature is a strong wind. But this makes it possible to do water sports – windsurfing, classic surfing.
- Rest. For children, attractions are organized on the beaches, there are playgrounds. Adult tourists can order a walk on the sea, go diving, spearfishing.
An alternative recreation is hiking in the local mountains and gorges. So you can combine a beach holiday in the bays of Crete with active hiking trips. But for this you need to make the right route, it is better to use already proven hiking trails.
Red sands
The bay is located near the village of Matala. You can get from the village on foot, there are signs along the way. There are unique rocks and sand that give the soil a red tint. Therefore, this bay of Crete was called “Red Sands”. This is especially evident on the beach, where the contrast of brown sand and blue sea is formed. There are beautiful photos here. However, tourists do not visit this place often. The reason is the relative remoteness from the main resorts of Crete.
You can reach the bay from the village. If you plan to travel by car from other regions of the island, it is recommended to drive to the village of Matala and leave the car in the car park. In the village you can buy food and water for a beach holiday. There are a small number of umbrellas and sun loungers on the coast. Rental price – from 4 Euro per set.
There is only one tavern on the beach, prices are higher than in the shops and supermarkets of the village. Local attractions – limestone sculptures. They are installed on the beach and were donated to the village by a local sculptor. They describe the classic plots of Greek mythology.
Makrigialos
This area is located next to the large city of Ierapetra, the distance to it is 25 km. On the territory of this bay of Crete there are many beaches. Hani (Aanlipsi) is a 1 km long coastline. cover is sandy. It is convenient to relax here with the family, the entry into the water is gentle. There are always few tourists on Katovigli beach. But there are free umbrellas here. The disadvantage of this zone is its remoteness from the main bus routes.
For a secluded holiday, it is recommended to go to Diaskari and Lagada. These beach areas are located in the east of the Red Sands Bay. There are few tourists here, the coating is a mixture of pebbles and sand. Due to the peculiarities of the seabed, it is convenient to go diving and spearfishing here.
To travel, you must first get to the cities of Sitia or Ierapetra. The distance from them is 25 and 38 km. You can get there by bus, car or taxi. An alternative is to book a room in a local hotel, rent an apartment or a villa. But in this region of Crete there is little entertainment, this place is only suitable for a relaxing, family vacation.