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.
Kalivaki beach 
Kalivaki is the westernmost beach of Georgioupolis bay, located 38km east of Chania and 21km west of Rethymnon, near the exit of Almyros river which has water all year round lies the nice beach of Kalivaki. It is a beautiful sandy beach and water, due to the rivers is very cold.
Tenda bays 
Here are some sandy bays away from prying eyes, while generally the rocky bottom is maybe the richest in the island, attracting many fishermen from all over Crete. It generally very windy and you will almost always see windsurfers. The west bay is called Tenda and is open to west winds and wavy, while the east is called Eligas and sea surface is usually flat.
Agia Marina beach 
The beach has sand and fine pebbles, while in several places there are rocks, making it perfect for fishing and snorkeling. It is completely unorganized, so make sure that you have anything you need with you. There is a small taverna located in the neighboring Peristeres beach (3-5' minutes walking distance).
Karave beach has round pebbles and heads south to Korfos bay. It is not organized, but is the only choice for those who want to swim near the port. The water is crystal clear and quite deep. Karave is not very special about swimming, especially if you compare with the rest beaches of Gavdos.
Panagia bay, Dia 
Panagia Bay is the most protected of all bays of Dia island. It is located 2km east of the port of St. George and is surrounded by high rocky hills, full with oregano and herbs. If you are lucky you will see hares jumping from the bushes.
Katarti is a tiny beach that is formed in the exit of a small gorge, 73km south of Heraklion city, at the base of Oxa Cape. This secluded beach is located amidst the wild and majestic landscape of Asterousia Mountains, southwest of the summit of Kofinas.
Armenopetra is located 73km southeast of Heraklion and 5km east of the seaside village of Keratokambos. The beach is situated south of town Kapsali and is one of the most beautiful beaches in the region of Keratokambos. The area is quite dry, as it’s name implies (Kapsali means dry and arid).
Ammoudares is located 8km west of Ierapetra and 45km south of Agios Nikolaos. It close to the settlement of Nea Anatoli and Stomio, which all share actually the same beachfront. Ammoudares beachfront consists of sequential long beaches with coarse gray sand. All beaches are unorganized and secluded. They are not popular, mainly because the area is surrounded by thousands of greenhouses. The locals avoid swimming in the area due to pesticides and drugs, but still the water is clean.
