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.
![Spilies beach](/media/k2/items/cache/461011bcaf5b5e723e897c33f049f169_M.jpg)
Spilies beach or “Tou Maliou to Riaki” (i.e. Malios’ stream) is located 15km east of Rethymnon city, in a fairly secluded area, just a few kilometers east of Skaleta and west of Geropotamos. It is quite unknown to most locals, though it is very close to the main road that connects Heraklion and Rethymno.
![Makrigialos beach](/media/k2/items/cache/4b9f9da50cf2f358abdcd4a4321104f9_M.jpg)
Makrigialos is located 58km southeast of Agios Nikolaos and 23km east of Ierapetra. It is a large village, located near the exit of the lush canyon of Pefki. Being initially a humble harbor with no roads in the ‘50s, Makrigialos has faced strong growth and has become the largest tourist destination in the region. It actually consists of two settlements, Makrigialos and Analipsi, which are now united.
![Xerokambos beach](/media/k2/items/cache/eefd4fe8f589e64e0e66a4f2937ae4ae_M.jpg)
In Xerokampos the landscape is arid and truly eerie, characterized by bare rocks and steep mountains. The vegetation is limited to bushes and there are some places with a few olive groves. A small tourist destination has started developing during the last years, especially after the roads were paved with asphalt.
![Ammoudi beach in Agios Nikolaos](/media/k2/items/cache/16db9b88d9515580a78d5965b066ac2d_M.jpg)
Ammoudi is located just 1km north of Agios Nikolaos city centre, in a large and well protected bay. It is a small sandy beach with shallow waters, which is preferred both by locals and visitors. It is hidden among large tamarisk trees and picturesque buildings, offering many options for accommodation and eating around. The beach has also water sport facilities.
![Chora Sfakion Beaches](/media/k2/items/cache/36fdb1a35cd2f54f95cf2119fb5bc7ed_M.jpg)
Chora Sfakíon or Sfakia is a small town on the south coast of Chania. It is the capital of the remote and mountainous region of Sfakia, and is a small town of just 278 inhabitants (2001 census). It lies on the south coast near the end of the Imbros Gorge, 74km south of Chania.
![Koutsounari beach](/media/k2/items/cache/3bd6583af5a14653b7b54db2c9fe7f3e_M.jpg)
1km south of the village Agios Ioannis lies the Long Beach of St. John that has a length of 5km, being one of the longest in Crete. This wide quiet beach the characteristic wonderful coarse grayish sand of southern Crete, which in the sea turns to fine sand. This is an interesting detail, because although you walk on the fine sand in the sea, when you get out your feet is clean because you step on the fine pebbles.
![Tersanas Beach](/media/k2/items/cache/d6e7bc44feb1613d041d5385e5745b10_M.jpg)
The beach of Tersanas is shaped inside a natural harbor, which faces south. It is a sandy beach with white fine sand and shallow crystal clear water. It is quite small and looks usually crowded, especially on weekends.
![Paximadia islets](/media/k2/items/cache/ee842e3019fee30e4ca87cc93974d54b_M.jpg)
Paximadia Islands are two small uninhabited islets off the Gulf of Messara, 12km (7.5 miles) south of Agia Galini. By far they seem like a single island because they are very close. You may also hear locals refer to these as "Elephant", since from afar they remind you of a lying elephant. Their total length is about 3km.