Of all the places I’ve been in the world, I have yet to find beaches that are as astonishing as those found in Western Crete. From Seitan Limania’s dramatic cove to Balos’s hidden Lagoon, the best beaches in Crete are invigorating and provide the most breathtaking views.
Here are the Best Beaches in Western Crete:
Seitan Limania
Seitan Limania Beach is conveniently located near the Chania International Airport. A 15 minute drive to the north will bring you on the cascading cliffs hugging the Mediterranean Sea.
The drive heading down towards Seitan Limania is nothing short of unnerving. Void of guardrails and constantly winding, the road provides incredible views around every turn.
Parking is free here but be sure to grab some rocks from the side of the cliffs to put under the tires. Even with the emergency brake, the steep incline of the road could roll the car backwards.
Although I read about this beach online, I wasn’t aware of the actual descent required to get to it. Unprepared shoes-wise, we just enjoyed the view from the top.
If you plan on spending a day at Seitan Limania, I suggest bringing everything you need with you down to the beach. Space is also very limited so it’s best to get here as early as possible.
Elafonisi Beach
Elafonisi Beach is one of the largest beaches in Crete and arguably the most beautiful. Scores of sandy spots exist to plop down for that perfect day spent in the sun.
The entrance to Elafonisi includes a boardwalk that passes by the snack bar area and then leads to the beach. Even from the beginning, the views of Elafonisi are stunning. With the expansive white sandy archipelago hugged by teal water, the mountains cascading into the sky are the perfect backdrop.
Elafonisi is known for the small crystalized beads of peachy sand along the shoreline. That rosy underbelly dubs Elafonisi as the ‘Pink Beach’ and one of the most unique in the world.
Read More: The Pink Sands at Elafonisi Beach
Balos Lagoon
That beach, the one that’s so incredibly exquisite you wonder how any other place will ever compare. That beach for me is the Balos Lagoon.
Situated at the most northwestern tip of Crete at the end of the Gramvousa Peninsula is a unique slice of paradise. Driving from Kissamos to Balos is less than 10 miles but takes about 45 minutes in a car. The road is pretty rough but it provides some stunning panoramic sea views.
It costs 1 Euro per car to park at Balos and getting to the Lagoon entails a hike down the mountain but it’s totally worth it. Greeted by pink sand and incredibly transparent water, the Balos Lagoon is a true wonder of the world.
If you’re visiting Balos, make the hike earlier in the morning than later for better beach spot choices. When the ferries show up, the beach becomes incredibly packed but, once a ferry leaves along with over half of the beach, you almost feel like you have the entire thing to yourself.
Read More: The Breathtaking Balos Lagoon
Telonio Beach
Telonio Beach was actually directly across from our AirBnb during our stay in Crete. The beach is predominantly sandy but the bottom of the sea has reefs and rocks. A small wade out past this, your feet are met with a soft and sandy bottom.
Telonio Beach has beautiful views of the mountains surrounding the bay but the waves can also become monstrous. On our last day, the water were closed to swimming due to the windy conditions.
Telonio Beach is based on the coastal heart of Kissamos, giving sunbathers the opportunity to grab a quick lunch or drinks at the neighboring restaurants. We spent the day here soaking up the sun and then stayed until the day transformed into night as the sun disappeared behind the mountains.
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[…] You can read more about my visit to Seitan Limania Beach here. […]