Crete is so popular with many vacationers that they return even in the fall. While summer vacations on Crete tend to focus on beach getaways, where visitors enjoy all the pleasures of sun, wind, and water, fall trips are more about taking quiet walks along the beach. Since Crete is an island with so many—and, above all, such excellent—beaches, there’s plenty of variety to choose from. Whether in summer or fall, travelers arrive by plane, landing at either Heraklion or Chania Airport. These airports are located on the north coast of the largest island in the Mediterranean, so it’s no surprise that this is where most vacationers look for accommodations. Whether staying in a hotel or an apartment, the north coast region offers many interesting places to visit. Staying at a hotel is important to many vacationers because they don’t want to deal with the hassle of self-catering in an apartment. The beach near the hotel is then usually the only one that vacationers get to see during their stay in Crete. That’s a real shame, because there are not only a great many beaches here, but also a wide variety of them. They’re all of equally high quality—some even more so—and these sandy and pebble beaches in Crete have received special recognition.
A beautiful sandy beach in Crete and the blue sea
Beach vacation on the island of Crete near Episkopi and its sandy beach
The northern coast of Crete borders the Cretan Sea, whose waters are crystal-clear and range from brilliant blue to greenish turquoise. The extremely fine sandy beach feels wonderful underfoot, making a barefoot stroll along the beach a real pleasure. Beach stretches in Crete can be over 10 kilometers long, giving every vacationer plenty of space, even in the summer. The lively, rushing water’s edge gives romantics goosebumps—the view is truly one-of-a-kind. Near Episkopi, the old 15th-century village, there’s a magnificent sandy beach that could become your favorite spot thanks to the perfect backdrop provided by the small village. In addition to the beach, you’ll find these attractions here:
- The traditional townscape with white houses and the island's characteristic blue
- Historic church buildings with frescoes
- Olive oil from our own orchard
- Tavernas and kafenias that cater to guests' culinary needs
The town of Episkopi is situated 120 meters above sea level, offering visitors a magnificent panoramic view of the entire northern region. The small, winding, narrow alleys and streets are typically Greek, making a trip here truly worthwhile.
Beach Vacation on the Island of Crete
The region along the north coast also features uniquely shaped beaches, such as pebble beaches and rugged cliffs. East of Rethymno, surfers and snorkelers will find a true little paradise for their hobbies. If you’re planning to travel to the southern part of the island, be sure to visit Elafonissi Beach, which offers a true Caribbean vibe. Palm trees line Preveli Beach, providing cool shade so you can lounge and relax undisturbed all day long.
