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.
Beach Helidoni 
Helidoni or Porto Helidoni beach starts immediately after the south side Paliokastro and is under new highway. A staircase with wooden steps leads down to the sea level. What is striking is the cleanliness of the beach and water clarity reminiscent of the best beaches of southern Crete. The beach has easterly direction and, therefore, it almost always calm, like all beaches from Ellinoperamata to Theseus. It is a tiny beach with fine pebbles and sand in some places.
Agios Andreas beaches 
Approximately 300m to the east, you'll find several small bays with round pebbles, which are secluded. Kolimbakia or Loutres coves, as they are called by locals, are ideal for snorkeling and fishing, as the rocky bottom is home to plenty of fish. After the coves you will meet the beach in front of a local hotel, Stomio beach, which is well organized with umbrellas, showers, beach-volley court, canoes, sailing, windsurfing and diving facilities.
If you walk 1 hour east of Vlyhada beach at Livari (by Goudouras), you will soon reach the two deserted beaches of Tihida area. The area is full of caves and takes its name after the wall-like rocks (tihos in Greek) at the small beach, offering shade during summer.
If you head west of Papadiokambos settlement, especially on windless days (very rare!), it is worth leaving your car off the road, cross the wire fence and walk 2 minutes to the exit of the gorge starting close to Liopetro area and ending at the beautiful beach of Charkomatas, at position Roussa Limni. You’ll get impressed by the amazing formations of the gorge, shaped by laminated sheets of limestone.
West of Platia Peramata village, there is another smaller settlement called Krigioi. In front of Krigi, there is a small cove with fine pebble and crystal clear water. Krigi beach is ideal for seclusion, snorkeling and fishing. West of Krigi, you'll reach another pebbly remote beach. Some more meters on the west you'll find the three consecutive beaches of Kokkines Plakes (i.e. Red Rocks), named after the reddish rocks around and accessed mainly through sea.
The north part of Spinalonga Peninsula called Armos (just opposite the islet Kalydon with the fort of Spinalonga) is a special place with abandoned farms, mostly unknown due to the fact that there are no roads heading here. Apart from the well known beach of Kolokytha, at the southeast base of the peninsula, there are several unknown beaches at the north part of the peninsula. It is surely worth visiting them by canoe from Plaka.
Polirizos beach at Rodakino 
Half a kilometer to the west of Rodakino's main beach, Korakas, we meet the beach of Polirizos, surrounded by dense olive groves. To get here, you have to follow the paved road leading west from Korakas, along the shore.
If you walk along the steep shores north of Maridati till Vai palmgrove, you will meet several small coves, totally secluded accessed only by boat or on foot (it takes 2:30 hours to reach Vai).The first beach you meet is called Kokkinos Kavos (Red Cape), named after the reddish soils of the area. The seabed is sandy and pebbly in places.
