Falassarna beach has been voted as the most beautiful beach of Crete and is also rated as one of the 10 best beaches in Europe, due to its white sand and turquoise, warm waters. It is located on the west coast of Crete and extends over 3km. One of the most famous parts of Falassarna is the exotic, sandy beach of "Pachia Ammos". It is so wide that it rarely feels overcrowded.
Falassarna is part of the Natura 2000 network, both due to its variety of flora and fauna and as an area of outstanding natural beauty.
One of the most photographed beaches in Greece is undoubtedly Balos lagoon beach in Gramvousa peninsula. It is ranked 6th among the 25 best European beaches for 2021, by Tripadvisor.
The crystal clear, emerald waters and the white dazzling sand are the perfect scenery for your idyllic summer photos. The lagoon is formed by the proximity between the Gramvousa peninsula and Cape Tigani, located right in front of Balos Beach. Despite being rather difficult to access, the area tends to be overcrowded in summer.
The beach can be reached either by car through a trach road from Kaliviani, a village close to Kissamos, or by excursion boats from Kissamos.
Another beach that lists among the most idyllic beaches of the world, while ranked 7th among the 25 best European beaches for 2021 by Tripadvisor, is Elafonissi.
Famous for its pinkish sand (made of thousands of broken shells) and crystalline, turquoise waters, the islet near the coast gives you the impression of a lagoon. You can easily cross the lagoon in order to reach the islet because of the shallow waters, ideal for children.
The sand extends for some distance along the mainland coastline and Elafonissi itself is about a mile long, with a small church and a lighthouse at its far end.
Protected within the Natura 2000 environmental network, the island itself contains only sand dunes and more than 100 rare plants.
The eastern side in front of the lagoon, is well organized with umbrellas, snack bars and water sports but the other side is more isolated, perfect for relaxation.