From the dunes of Lafonissi and Xerokambos to the tropical shores of Kedrodasos and Chrissi, from the hidden beaches in the wild gorges of Sfakia and Asteroussia to the emerald bays of Triopetra and Plakias, from Balos and Elounda lagoons to the palm groves of Preveli and Vai, from piney beaches of Ierapetra to the long organized strands of the northern coasts, Crete offers the ultimate combination of carefree holidays and natural beauty, which can be finely reflected on its beaches.
![Paliokastro beach](/media/k2/items/cache/78d607068cd064420401737e12f83bae_M.jpg)
Paliokastro (or Paleokastro) is located 14km west of Heraklion, on the western shores of the Bay of Heraklion. It is a picturesque beach with pebbles, shaped in the exit of a green valley which is crossed by the torrents descending from the village Rogdia. Paliokastro cove is well protected on both sides by tall cliffs and faces east.
![Gargadoros beach](/media/k2/items/cache/463052dad9377fe2445d3b1bfb5f62a3_M.jpg)
The first beach you come across, next to the tavern Gargadoros is the main beach of the area. It is pebbly and well organized, a really good choice for those staying in Agios Nikolaos and wanting to escape from the ordinary things. From the main beach, if you walk till the small pier on the north, you will find the second beach from the other side (of the pier).
![Agios Onoufrios Beach](/media/k2/items/cache/a42a2aa6c7440291c38ba9adc5892a56_M.jpg)
Agios Onoufrios is a small seaside village of Akrotiri, which is located 8km north of Chania and close to Kounoupidiana. The village is actually a suburb of Chania, since it is very close to the city. It is named after the small chapel next to the beach that is dedicated to St. Onoufrios and celebrated on June 12.
![Drapanos beaches at Hersonissos](/media/k2/items/cache/8012f255a337782bffaadea968723f36_M.jpg)
Hersonissos is a very busy, touristic town located 28km east of Heraklion. 2km east of the Hersonissos port, you'll find several nice coves, that constitute the complex of east Hersonisos beaches.
![Ferma beaches](/media/k2/items/cache/59b514757c03f4e14c006ca63de02928_M.jpg)
Ferma is located 10km east of Ierapetra and 45km southeast of Agios Nikolaos. It is a small seaside settlement that is built next to the steep shores, 4km south of the village of Agios Ioannis. The surrounding area is covered with dense pine woods and lush vegetation, being a green oasis inside the dry landscape of Eastern Crete.
![Koutalis beach](/media/k2/items/cache/45e8f4939bc3bd36e4b87ab1e324d227_M.jpg)
The beach Koutalis is located 25km east of Chania, very close to the edge of Cape Drepano and 1km north of Kokkino Chorio. The area has several fantastic caves, e.g. the Elephants' Cave or Petsis Spilios.
![Agios Charalambos beach](/media/k2/items/cache/39eee751af30032eeece2f48de2de4ba_M.jpg)
The cove of Agios Charalambos is located next to the hotel of Vritomartis exclusively for nudists. They are located 1.5km east of Chora Sfakion and 75km south of Chania, in an area with several adjacent pebbly beaches.
![Agriomandra beach](/media/k2/items/cache/c9e8d9069e929f4898939a62f1adcffd_M.jpg)
To get there you should follow the dirt road that crosses the green meadows west of Kavoussi, known as Lakos Ambelion position, till the entrance to the gorge. From here begins a short path, not particularly difficult, leading after 10 minutes on the beach of Agriomandra. Just before you reach the beach you will see several small caves in the rocks.