Best Lively Beaches in Crete

The liveliest beaches in Crete are on the north coast east of Heraklion, at Malia, Hersonissos and Hani Kokkini, with Agia Marina near Chania in the west. They have beach bars with music, water sports such as jet skis, parasailing, banana boats and donuts, and nightlife a short walk from the sand.

Expect sunbeds and umbrellas for hire, showers and lifeguards in summer, and big crowds in July and August. The 6 beaches below start at Agia Marina in the west and end at Agios Nikolaos in the east.

Agia Marina Beach

Agia Marina is a busy beach resort about 10 kilometres west of Chania town. The resort gets very busy in July and August, but the long sandy beach has room for the crowds. Seafront tavernas and bars back the sand, and the beach has sunbeds, umbrellas and water sports.

Our Agia Marina resort guide covers the resort.

Rethymno Town Beach

Rethymno Town Beach is a long sandy beach that runs east from Rethymno for many kilometres. Beach bars, tavernas and water sports line the stretch nearest the town, which is often busy. A diving centre runs dive trips and lessons.

Our guide to Rethymno town covers the old town and harbour.

Hani Kokkini Beach

Hani Kokkini is a busy, fully organised beach a few kilometres east of Heraklion on the north coast. Large hotels, tavernas, bars and shops back the beach, and it has a range of water sports. The beach bars play loud music and draw a young crowd.

The nearest village is Hani Kokkini.

Malia Beach

Malia Beach is a long sandy beach east of Heraklion and the most popular beach in Crete with the 18 to 30 crowd. It is fully organised, with jet skis, parasailing, banana boats and donuts.

The beach has fine white sand, clear water and plenty of sunbeds for a lazy afternoon. Beach bars run along the whole stretch, and Malia's bars and clubs are close by.

Our Malia guide covers the resort and its old village.

Hersonissos Beaches

Hersonissos, about 27 kilometres east of Heraklion on the north coast, is one of the busiest resorts in Crete and has several beaches along its seafront. Star Beach is the most popular with young people. It sits in front of the Star Beach water park, which has water slides, pool parties and bungee jumping over the sea.

Parasailing, jet skis and banana boat rides run from the beach.

Many of the beach bars in Hersonissos have resident DJs. The beach has golden sand and clear blue water.

Our Hersonissos guide covers the resort.

Agios Nikolaos Municipal Beach

The Municipal Beach sits in the centre of Agios Nikolaos, the shopping town of the Lassithi region. It is much nicer than its name suggests.

The beach is pebbly, with clean, clear water. Grass and trees give shade, and there are sunbeds, umbrellas, showers, a bar for drinks and light meals, and a mini golf course. It is a good place to relax before the bars of the town at night.

Our Agios Nikolaos town guide covers the town and harbour.