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.
![Krassas beach near Tsoutsouras](/media/k2/items/cache/f7f8c4727a011019fe43a7eaa92bf9a5_M.jpg)
Pourgonero beach is located at Krassas area, just 500m east of the port of Tsoutsouras, in the area where the houses of the settlement stop. It is actually the eastern part of Tsoutsouras bay, located in front of the hill Sarakinos. According to the legend, the eternal sarcophagus of King Minos, the mythical king of Crete, is burried below this place.
![Agia Varvara beach](/media/k2/items/cache/3a9297ca78720986dccc8a65ce802a33_M.jpg)
The sandy beach is formed in a small bay in front of the hotel Hellenic Palace. Opposite the bay there is an islet where you can go swimming, but beware for the strong currents. The beach is well organized with umbrellas and sunbeds, and there are several tamarisk trees nearby. Like most beaches in northern Crete, Santa Barbara is vulnerable to winds.
![Telonio beach](/media/k2/items/cache/aaa082d2257ab65aecf61c2340e9c5b9_M.jpg)
The beach of Telonio (i..e Customs Office) starts east of the main pedestrian road of Kissamos and extends to the local stadium, about 1km eastern. Actually it is the westernmost part of the vast beach that starts from Kissamos and ends in Nopigia, several kilometers eastern.
![Platia Peramata beach](/media/k2/items/cache/be4e4fd1bcb87d92f342f6e3e3e1d9e2_M.jpg)
It is located at the exit of a small valley, a rare phenomenon in the wild Asterousia Mountains, which starts from the village Antiskari and ends in settlement. The fertile valley is used for growing early vegetables such as tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, etc., since the temperature here is always high. Characteristic of the warm climate is that the swallows do not leave the area in winter.
![Diaskari beach](/media/k2/items/cache/bdc7d0f30e0c420b2ac279d6a1c096e4_M.jpg)
Diaskari is located 27km east of Ierapetra and 62km southeast of Agios Nikolaos, quite close to Makrigialos (4km). It is a long beach with coarse white sand and crystal clear waters, but you should be careful when entering the sea because there are smooth slippery rocks at some points.
![Maridati beach](/media/k2/items/cache/9962afd4d7801adbe96e49a2f2eab69f_M.jpg)
Maridati is beautiful unknown pebbly beach at a remote green valley in the area of Palekastro (6km from Palekastro). This is located 90km east of Agios Nikolaos, 21km east of Sitia and 5km north of the famous Kouremenos beach.
![Livadia beach, Kissamos](/media/k2/items/cache/1d73e13563b8be946c0f00bab252d7ea_M.jpg)
The beach of Livadia starts 1km east of Kissamos, next to the town stadium, and ends at the beach of Korfalonas. It is a small, 2km long, part of the vast beach that runs from Kissamos and ends in the Cape Rodopos.
![Loutra beach](/media/k2/items/cache/bd3346ba561b5b55180dd1441a09d1ee_M.jpg)
Loutra (i.e. Baths) is located 3km east of the seaside village Lendas, 77km south of Heraklion. It is known to locals because it hosts the port of Lendas, which is protected by the Cape Trafoulas on the east.