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.
![Arvi beach](/media/k2/items/cache/6cff81ed2fd5fd02c6bfe5986e55231b_M.jpg)
Arvi is a large seaside village located 79km southeast of Heraklion and 35km west of Ierapetra, in a large valley formed in front of the imposing Gorge of Arvi. It is built on the location of the homonym ancient Arvi. In the valley of Arvi and the surrounding area, there are too many greenhouses. The locals deal mainly with agriculture, because the warm climate of the region helps the production of bananas, fresh vegetables and olive oil.
![Agios Antonios beach](/media/k2/items/cache/95a78f3015bd19286b33c65657114fc4_M.jpg)
Agios Antonios (St. Anthony) is located 71km south of Heraklion, between the hamlet of Agios Ioannis and the Monastery of Koudoumas. The area is very isolated and can be accessed only via a footpath that connects Agios Ioannis with the monastery. The trail passes between pine trees.
![Viena Beach (Krios Lake)](/media/k2/items/cache/c3997142576e6f4d163ead570965368d_M.jpg)
The Lake of Krios or Viena is located 10km west of Paleochora and 90km south of Chania. The beach is on the part of the European footpath E4 that links Paleochora and Elafonisi.
![Trafoulas beach](/media/k2/items/cache/70a2f0392847dc331972c7d3d3673ab9_M.jpg)
Trafoulas or Dragon Bay is located 4km east of Lendas and 69km south of Heraklion. It is a completely isolated beach of south Crete, which is formed at the exit of a small canyon on the Cape Trafoulas or Trahilas. According to the legend, this beach was visited by King Minos and his men, while the neighbouring Loutra beach was the bathing beach of Minos's wife, Pasiphae, and her female followers.
![Agios Nikitas beach](/media/k2/items/cache/bc5983b67a44bcede801e2ff363b54e0_M.jpg)
The most common way to get there is to drive in the rugged dirt road that starts from the village Ahendrias and ends at the Monastery of St. Nikitas after 15km. The fascinating route runs along steep cliffs and wild sharp rocks, a characteristic landscape of the Asterousia Mountains.
![Listis beach](/media/k2/items/cache/dd34e32172fe0202ef287e574244e1d2_M.jpg)
Listis is located 69km southeast of Iraklion, between Kastri (2km western) and Tsoutsouras. The street linking Kastri and Tsoutsouras passes next to the beach. However, in order to get to the beach you should descend a steep slope. Alternatively, you can get off at the next beach of Kamboula and walk eastwards. Whichever way you choose, it definitely is worth it.
![Sarakiniko beach in Gavdos](/media/k2/items/cache/0c758c944f0062609b2677e28107bc5e_M.jpg)
It is named after the Saracen pirates who once used the island as a base of attacks. Sarakiniko, like all beaches in Gavdos is one of the best beaches in Greece that any description can not fit the beauty. It is located on a large cove bay looking north.
![Fodele beach](/media/k2/items/cache/3b3e749011568df066956f2034087c10_M.jpg)
Fodele beach is located 26km northwest of Heraklion and just 3km north of the village Fodele, which is believed to be the birthplace of the painter Domenikos Theotokopoulos, mainly known as El Greco. The National Road connecting Heraklion and Chania passes beside the beach.