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.
![Episkopi beach](/media/k2/items/cache/c10c64c27e0606d1654b81b9bb482558_M.jpg)
The beach Episkopi is located 45km east of Chania and 14km west of Rethymnon, in a fertile valley with lowlands. It takes its name from the nearby village, Episkopi, located 2km southern. Almost no-one Greek knows this place, but everybody knows the family Vardinoyannis, originating from here. This is one of the richest families in Greece.
![Orthi Ammos beach](/media/k2/items/cache/867519228d1d5325856fc61d710ded0e_M.jpg)
Orthi Ammos is one spectacular sandy and shallow beach, next to Frangokastelo, located 80km south of Chania, at the edge of a big valley with very warm climate. The area is not overdeveloped, in contrary to the touristic area of Frangokastelo.
![Anissaras beaches](/media/k2/items/cache/fedea746cd0ecb257a1249d3a2a80bb1_M.jpg)
The peaceful resort of Anisaras is located 21km east of Heraklion, west of Cape Sarandaris. The area is now full with big hotels, which offer primarily all-inclusive services. In front of the hotels, there are small sandy beaches with rocky seabed. All beaches are well-organized with umbrellas and sun beds, which are offered for free to the customers of the hotels.
![Lendas beach](/media/k2/items/cache/a67e9d105d87a83c2081372f8c241cc4_M.jpg)
Lendas is a remote coastal village located 74km south of Heraklion, on the southern slopes of the imposing Asterousia Mountains. It is a tourist resort and a port, mildly developed offering very relaxing holidays. Lendas can be accessed from Agii Deka, close to Mires town, via the village of Miamou, through a narrow paved road.
![Agia Roumeli beach](/media/k2/items/cache/542390225756f78888142d54f3d17e01_M.jpg)
Agia Roumeli is a small secluded village, located 56km south of Chania, on a wide bay shaped at the exit of the Samaria Gorge. Thousands of visitors, descending the gorge, reach this place every day.
![Maleme beach](/media/k2/items/cache/358873fad4914931314b94f2036b503a_M.jpg)
Maleme beach is sandy and the wider area is touristic. Next to the beach you will find all necessary amenities. If you are looking for a remote place to swim, you can find a quieter part of the beach at its west end, next to the old military airport.
![Kalamaki beach](/media/k2/items/cache/063ee9aeb9f60efa02823e51450f82ce_M.jpg)
The seaside resort of Kalamaki is located 6km west of Chania and is the seaside part of Galatas village. Galatas is located in a fertile plain with citrus and olive groves.
![Glaros beaches](/media/k2/items/cache/da8a96cfc8ca1dd33bc42677c8b9c7c6_M.jpg)
Charakas is a area located about 36km east of Rethymno and 44km west of Heraklion, close to Bali. Half a kilometer east of the Church of Panagia Charakiani, a small peninsula is formed on the side of which there are the small beaches of Glaros and Katevati. The highway connecting Heraklion and Rethymno passes nearby.