There are of course many incredible beaches around — this is the south coast of Crete. We keep this list to the ones most accessible in a short drive from the house, and the ones we actually go to.
Our favorite — long, sandy, and never really full. We usually walk over to the stretch in front of the Bunga Bunga beach bar, which opens at noon and does great beach food and cocktails. Kommos is also an archaeological site: the ruins of a Minoan harbor town sit right behind the sand. Map →
Famous for the ancient carved caves in its lovely rock face — and for the hippies who lived in them in the sixties. A proper beach town: swim, wander the caves, then eat and drink looking over the bay. Map →
From Matala you can walk over the headland to Red Beach — more secluded, more wild, and worth the short hike. Bring water and decent footwear. Map →
Protected from waves (though not from wind), and shallow for many meters going out — good for small children. Locals come in the evening, but it rarely gets crowded. A few tavernas line the beach; ours and our relatives' favorites are along the front. Map →
Staying with us? We'll point you to the right beach for the day's wind — it makes more difference here than the forecast. Check availability →