The Island of Sun Therapy and Vitamin Sea
Crete, the largest island of Greece is as complex as a continent. From the geographic and touristic point of view, the island's attractiveness comes from its natural environment and mild Mediterranean climate, which provides the longest beach-lounging season in all of Greece.
Stretching over 1000 kilometers, the shores of Crete offer a wide variety of beaches, from those distinguished by their exotic beauty in the heart of spectacular sceneries to the most popular and crowded beaches in tourist areas, preferred for the modern facilities, kid-friendliness, diversity of leisure services, and accessibility by car or by bus.
The cosmopolitan north coast is the main touristy area with organized beaches, luxurious holiday resorts, and most urban developments. Popular for its wild landscapes, tropical atmosphere, and pristine beaches, the south coast is the favorite destination of romantic boho-style couples, adventurous backpackers, and naturists.
Some beaches are managed by local municipalities, while others are leased to adjacent hotels or bars. According to the current legislation, a certain, neutral distance must remain between the sections with sunbeds, proportional to the area of the landscaped beach. This strip is accessible to both locals and tourists who want to sunbathe directly on the sand. Also, you can find toilets, showers or taps with running water and changing rooms.
If you are not a guest at a beach hotel, you can explore nearby to find your favorite place to sunbathe. You may discover secluded rocky coves, protected from winds and currents, vast stretches of golden sand that invite for a long walk at sunset, or fine gravel providing you with a natural foot massage, beaches with restless frothy waves, or calm, shallow waters where children can play freely, beaches with wonderful seascapes revealing a palette of iridescent shades, from bright emerald to deep azure blue.
Many beaches in Crete have been awarded the eco-label ”Blue Flag”, based on meeting 32 relevant criteria dealing with cleanliness, water quality, safety and services, information provision, environmental management, and education. “The Blue Flag" is an international certification program for coasts, ports, and tourist boats, carried out by the Hellenic Society for the Protection of Nature (HSPN), at the national level. With 497 award-winning beaches, Greece ranks 2nd in the world among 47 countries, and the national and local authorities are continuously preoccupied with improving the quality and safety of bathing waters and beaches.
Intensely promoted in recent years, some of the best beaches in Crete, such as Balos, Elafonisi, Preveli, or Vai, have gained more and more attention and continue to attract visitors from Europe and around the world, being the preferred destinations of tourists for day trips.
Enjoy the beautiful Cretan beaches with us!
BLOG POSTS ABOUT BEACHES IN CRETE
