An Insider’s Guide To The Best Beaches In Crete

Condé Nast Traveller magazine, one of the most prestigious travel publications in the world, recently published an insider's guide to the best beaches on Crete. Read on to find out where to head for swimming, sunsets, and sun-bathing on the largest island in Greece!

1. Elafonisi

Even though it is tucked away in a remote part of Crete, Elafonisi is known to many island regulars and tends to get busy on summer weekends. Its raw beauty is undeniable, with aquamarine waters and pastel-pink sand kissing the shore – a natural phenomenon caused by thousands of shells washing up over the years and tingeing the white sands.

2. Kommos

Hugging Messara Bay in southern Crete, Kommos is a beautiful wide arc of sand backed by dunes and surrounded by patchy green mountains. A steep, winding road leads down to a beach of rolling blue waters, pearl-white sands, and views of an ancient Minoan settlement. At the southern end of the beach, there are sunbeds and umbrellas for hire and a couple of tavernas, ideal for sunset drinks and nibbles.

3. Matala

This once laid-back fishing village was discovered by hippies back in the 1960s. The legendary Matala is no longer a well-kept secret, so it's best to visit slightly out of season. According to Greek mythology, this was the spot where Zeus swam ashore disguised as a bull with the kidnapped Europa on his back. Honeycomb-like sandstone cliffs and mysterious caves flank the gently rippling waters of the Messara Bay, creating a unique, awe-inspiring landscape.

To read the insider's guide to the best beaches on Crete in full, please visit: Condé Nast Traveller