1. Imeri Gramvousa-Balos

The island of Imeri Gramvousa is located 20km northwest of city Kissamos, opposite the imposing Cape of Gramvousa and 2 miles northwest of the famous lagoon of Balos.

Gramvousa is famous for its historical Venetian fortress, which still stands at a height of 137m, over the beach. The fort had also been used by pirates. One legend tells that there is a great treasure buried in the island. Also, the old wreck that was abandoned many years ago near the beach, has become a characteristic part of the landscape.

On the south side of the island there are two large bays, with the wreck being between them. The west bay (below the castle) hosts hundreds of visitors daily, arriving here with excursion boats.

The famous lagoon of Balos is a shallow sandy beach formed between the Cape of Gramvousas the smallest Tigani cape. Balos is certainly the most photographed beach in Crete, a very favorite subject of all tourist guides in Greece. It is no coincidence that Prince Charles and Princess Diana visited Balos with their private yacht many years ago. It is famous for its turquoise waters, the wild natural beauty and wonderful exotic landscape.

• Water color – turquoise
• Color of sand – white
• Depth – shallow
• Normal crowds
• Dirt track
• Access by boat
• Food/Water nearby
• Umbrellas/Sunbeds
• Nudism Friendly Beach
• Distance from Heraklion – 191 km

2. Agia Marina

The seaside village of Agia Marina is located just 9km west of Chania. It is one of the most popular resorts in Chania, with thousands of hotels and all types of touristic infrastructure. The village is named after the local church of Agia Marina.

The Shore of Agia Marina is fantastic with lovely sandy beaches. The west side, near the port of Platanias is full with small artificial bays, where you can swim. In the east part the beach, there is stunning sandy beach extending to Stalos. Along the shore, you will find all the services offered in a well organized beach.

• Water color – blue
• Color of sand – yellow
• Depth – shallow
• Crowded
• Easy track
• Food/Water nearby
• Umbrellas/Sunbeds/Showers
• Lifeguard
• Water Sport
• Nudism Friendly Beach
• Sea turtle nesting point
• Blue Flag
• Distance from Heraklion – 148 km

3. Bali Beach

Nestling in the surrounding mountains of the bay of Bali you will find the coastal village of the same name 34 km east of Rethymno. Visitors may choose from which of the small inlets to enjoy bathing at organized beaches. It is ideal for family and romantic holidays.

Bali has four beaches, which are formed in sandy coves with nice greenish waters. The beaches are almost always calm, since the direction of Bali is western. They all are suitable for children and well organized. Moreover, water is cool because of the several springs that carry fresh water into the sea. The area offers large number of tavernas, hotels and rooms.

• Water color – blue
• Color of sand – yellow
• Depth – shallow
• Crowded
• Easy track
• Food/Water nearby
• Umbrellas/Sunbeds/Showers
• Lifeguard
• Water Sport
• Blue Flag
• Distance from Heraklion – 53 km

4. Voulisma

(In detail about the beach in the newspaper “The New Crete” № 5(11) 2017, http://thenewcrete.ru/n11.php)
The largest municipal beach of area Kalo Horio, region Lassiti is located 12km east of Agios Nikolaos city. It is a large clean sandy beach for those who like resting and having fun on the sand. It gathers thousands of guests each year.

The most popular bay of Istron is located 500m east of the village Kalo Horio. Here is one of the most beautiful beaches of Crete, which is featured in many card postal. Voulisma or Golden Beach is a beautiful beach with white sand and amazing turquoise waters. It is an ideal beach for water sports. If you prefer more privacy, then you can move to the smaller beach in the west part of the bay, which is very well protected from winds and less organized.

• Water color – turquoise
• Color of sand – white
• Depth – shallow
• Crowded
• Easy track
• Food/Water nearby
• Umbrellas/Sunbeds/Showers
• Lifeguard
• Water Sport
• Blue Flag
• Distance from Heraklion – 74 km

5. Vai

A visit to Vai is a must if you are planning holidays on Crete! The combination of a majestic beach and a rare palm forest creates a real exotic flair. According to a legend, Arab pirates who arrived on the beach threw the cores of the dates they were eating and 5000 palm trees grew from them.

Camping is not allowed in the night in the forest, which covers an area of 60 hectares and is protected by the Forest Authority. The beach is well organized and has been awarded the Blue Flag of the European Union.

Vai – is a tropical beach with fine sand and pebbles, as well as crystal clear waters, reminiscent of the Caribbean. It is located at the distance of and 24 km from Siteia, Easter from Agios Nikolaos. Since the beach is very popular for tourists, especially those who visit Crete for the first time, keep in mind that parking prices, umbrellas and food here are very high.

• Water color – turquoise
• Color of sand – white
• Depth – shallow
• Crowded
• Easy track
• Food/Water nearby
• Umbrellas/Sunbeds/Showers
• Lifeguard
• Water Sport
• Ideal for snorkeling
• Nudism Friendly Beach
• Blue Flag
• Distance from Heraklion – 152 km

May 2017