Secluded Beaches of Crete - Your best beach Guide

Here is your beach guide to some of the best secluded beaches you can find on the island of Crete in Greece.

Crete is of course the largest of all the Greek Islands and as such has miles and miles of coastline with some of the best beaches in Greece and the entire world. And this means it has more than its far share of secluded beaches.

Some Crete beaches can get pretty crowded, especially during the High Season of July and August.

Secret, secluded cove seekers, like us, are looking for the best hidden beaches in Crete that are truly relaxing.

We demand from any relaxing Crete Beach:

Seclusion

A quiet beach away from the madding crowds!

Space

The space to really stretch out, relax and de-stress and enjoy perfect paradise!

Warm Clean Waters

Safe, clean and warm waters ideal for swimming and snorkeling!

Beautiful Scenery

Exotic palm forest, rocky cove, mountain backdrop or endless golden sands!

The best news is that we’ve found the most relaxing beaches here in Crete!

Our Guide to Secluded Beaches...

Kyani Akti Beach

Situated in the Souda Bay, Chania, and just 2 kilometres from Kalyves, lies the scenic sandy beach of Kyani Akti. It's a long sandy beach, so it’s easy to find a secluded spot. It does have some facilities with food and drink available and facilities for swimming and sunbathing (sun beds, umbrellas). It is far enough away from the crowds to really relax and de-stress, but close enough to Kalyves resort with all the amenities you could want.

The nearest town to Kyani Akti Beach is Kalyves.

Frangokastello Beach

Located on the south coast of the region of Chania, there are three different beaches in the same area of Frangokastello.

Here there are a couple of busier beaches. The pebbly beach to the west has a rocky seabed and is excellent for snorkeling. Then there's the sandy beach in front of the castle. This beach has beautiful white pinkish sand and has very shallow and clear waters and is ideal for families with children. Well organised, it offers accommodation facilities, food and drink and facilities for swimming and sunbathing (sun beds, umbrellas).

Finally there is "Orthi Ammos" sandy beach, which you can find just a ten-minute stroll east of the castle. This is considered one of the best beaches in Crete, and is quiet, making it one of the best secluded beaches in the area. It is a stunning beach with big sand-dunes and crystal clear water. The far eastern part of this long beach is a naturism beach.

The nearest village is Frangokastello.

Kissamos (Kastelli) Beach

At the far west of the region of Chania, you can find the lovely beach of Kissamos or Kastelli. It is a long sandy and pebbly beach along the Kissamos Gulf. Although there are some pebbles on the beach it is sandy under the shallow water. It remains shallow for up to 20 metres from the beach, becoming gradually deeper and is therefore safe for children. Because of it's length you’re sure to find a quiet spot as it is one of the best secluded beaches in Crete.

The nearest village is Kissamos Kastelli.

Bali Beach

Bali is a picturesque coastal village. Its scenic backdrop is one of dramatic mountains, which surround the Bay of Bali. It is 34 kilometres east of Rethymno, on the northern coast of Crete. Small sandy and pebbly inlets are scattered on the coast in front of the village where you can take a dip in crystal clear waters and enjoy a laid back atmosphere.

The nearest village is Bali and the nearest town is Rethymno.

Panormos Beach

Panormos is a quaint fishing village lying on the northern coast of Crete, 20 kilometres east of Rethymno in Crete. Panormos Beach has many amenities for enjoying swimming, lounging, sun bathing or taking part in watersports. The main beach is sandy with crystal clear waters. A little further west you can find a few secluded coves that are less busy and can offer a very peaceful beach experience, making it one of the best secluded beaches.

The nearest village to this Beach is Panormos.

Damnoni Beach

Damnoni is located on the southern coast just a few kilometres west of the village of Plakias. The beach of Damnoni is considered one of the best secluded beaches in Crete. With an unspoilt feel to it and appealing to those who prefer a quieter secluded stretch to enjoy. Damnoni offers deserted bays and coves with soft sand and incredibly clean emerald green waters.

The nearest village to Damnoni Beach is Plakias.

Tsoutsouros Beach

Tsoutsouros is a tranquil and unspoilt small fishing village on the south coast of the region of Heraklion. The beach is a lovely sandy one with sparkling clean waters. Other than a few showers there are no facilities, leaving the beach in a very natural state. It is popular with locals however and can get crowded at weekends during July and August. If you can go at other times you’re sure to find a peaceful spot.

The nearest village is Tsoutsouros.

Milatos Beach

At Milatos, a picturesque fishing village in the Lassithi region, is a small sandy beach. The beach is located in front of the Minos Imperial Hotel and it is considered the best beach in the area. Access to the beach is possible via a dirt track starting from the main beach of Milatos. Because it is a bit off the beaten track this beach is often quiet.

The nearest village is Milatos.

Karavostasi Beach

The quietest of the three brilliant beaches at Istron, Kalo Horio, Karavostasi Beach is just 10 kilometres from the town of Aghios Nikolaos. The beach is located just before the entrance to the village surrounded by olive groves. Karavostassi, which means the ship's stopping place, is a quiet pebbly beach used mainly by the locals. The pebbles are a myriad of colours that glisten in the clear waters. A small kantina supplies all you would need in terms of refreshment during the summer months.

The nearest village to Karavostasi Beach is Kalo Horio.

Zakros Beach

At the far east of the Lassithi region lies the magical Minoan Palace of Zakros. The magnificent beach cove of Kato Zakros is simply beautiful, with clean, deep blue waters. The beach is left natural and is without the full swimming and sunbathing facilities of the well-organised beaches of the northern or southern coast. The beach is uncrowded and consists of fine pebbles and is very picturesque. So if you really want to get away from it all this is one of the best secluded beaches you'll find.

The nearest village to Kato Zakros Beach is Zakros.

Achlia Beach

The sandy beach of Achlia is found on the south coast in the region of Lassithi, western Crete. Just 15 kilometres east of Ierapetra, the beach is well protected from the winds. The clean clear waters of the Libyan Sea lap the sandy shore of this pretty beach. It does have sunbeds and umbrellas for hire but is far less crowded than other nearby beaches along this stretch of coastline. Food and drink are available in the few tavernas of the small quiet settlement.

The nearest town to Achlia Beach is Ierapetra.

Myrtos Beach

Just 2 kilometres west of the village of Myrtos, on the south coast of the Lassithi Region there is a very peaceful beach. Mostly pebbles, with rocky parts here and there, it's ideal for snorkelling. The beach is very natural without the usual facilities of busier beaches such as the one at Myrtos itself. It has crystal clear waters and is one of the most secluded beaches in the area. If you really want to get away from it all this could be the beach for you.

The nearest village to Myrtos Beach is Myrtos.