Category Archives: Crete Attractions & Tips
May 31, 2025
Ferma Crete: A Peaceful Coastal Beach in Southern Crete
Ferma Beach is a small, unorganized beach located on Crete’s southern coast, just 11.9 kilometers (7.4 miles) east of Ierapetra. The beach is cherished for its peaceful setting, natural shade from shoreline reeds, and consistently calm, warm waters, ideal for travelers desiring a quiet alternative to busier resorts. Ferma has a sandy shoreline, surrounded by scattered rocks and caves, making it a popular spot for swimming, snorkeling, and light exploration. The translucent waters, gradual depth, and lack of crowds make it especially suitable for families and casual swimmers. Read article
May 25, 2025
Aradena Gorge: Hiking, Map, Things to Do and Car Rental
Aradena Gorge is one of Crete’s most dramatic Gorge natural landmarks, stretching 15 kilometres (9,32 miles) from the abandoned village of Aradena to the secluded Marmara Beach on the island’s southern coast. Aradena Canyon was formed through millennia of erosion and tectonic activity, and offers a challenging but rewarding hiking experience, featuring steep descents, narrow passages, and vertical drops aided by metal ladders. Read article
May 23, 2025
Panormos Crete: Things to do, Beaches, Travel Guide and Car Rental
Panormos Beach is a quiet, family-friendly destination located 21.6 kilometers (13.4 miles) east of Rethymno on Crete’s northern coast. Panormos beach is set in a natural harbor and features soft, golden sand and calm, shallow waters suitable for swimming, paddleboarding, and relaxation. Its wind-protected setting and proximity to the traditional village of Panormos create a peaceful environment for visitors of all ages. Panormos name comes from the Greek word "Πάνορμος", which means "sheltered harbor". Panormos village is pronounced "PA-nor-mos" in English and written "Πάνορμος" in Greek. Panormos has a population of 500 residents. Panormos beach is partially organized with sun loungers, umbrellas, and basic amenities, while the village itself hosts tavernas, cafés, and small shops just steps away. Popular nearby attractions include Spillies Beach, Melidoni Cave and Varkotopos Beach. Read article
May 21, 2025
Vai Beach: A One-of-a-kind Beach with a Lush Palm Forest
Vai Beach is one of the most iconic coastal attractions in eastern Crete, famous for its rare palm forest, soft golden sand, and clear blue waters. The beach is located 24.1 kilometers (15 miles) northeast of Sitia, offering an exotic landscape paired with organized facilities like sunbeds, umbrellas, and a canteen. Vai is accessible by car rental, with parking near the entrance and a short walking path to the shore. Visitors can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and hiking to the nearby lookout point above the palm grove. Vai beach welcomes kids and pets and is free to enter year-round, making it ideal for all sorts of travelers. Read article
May 20, 2025
Agia Roumeli: A Remote Paradise on Crete’s Southern Coast
Agia Roumeli is a quiet, remote coastal spot on Crete’s southern coast, recognized for its dramatic scenery, black pebbled shoreline, and clean, refreshing waters. This beach offers a peaceful atmosphere far from heavy tourism and commercial noise, often visited by hikers completing the Samaria Gorge trail. Agia Roumeli Beach provides the perfect setting to swim, sunbathe, snorkel, or simply relax after a long hike, with sunbeds available in some areas and large stretches left natural and unorganized. The beach is only accessible by ferry or on foot, making it one of the most secluded destinations on the island. Visitors usually combine a scenic drive and short ferry ride from small ports like Hora Sfakion, Sougia, and Palaiochora to reach the village. Agia Roumeli is best visited between late June and early October when water temperatures are warm. Read article
May 17, 2025
Analipsi Crete: All You Need to Know by Rental Center Crete Experts
Analipsi is a village on the northern coast of Crete, 21 kilometres (13,05 miles) east of Heraklion, the capital city. It lies in a valley with olive groves near the popular tourist area stretching from Kato Gouves to Anissaras. The history of Analipsi dates back to the period of Ottoman rule in Crete in the 1800s when a small settlement called "Svourou" or "Svourou Metohi" existed in the area. Shepherds from the Lasithi Plateau region started moving to this warmer area during the winter months to feed their animals, and they began building basic stone houses, forming the village. A church dedicated to the Ascension of Christ was established in 1896, giving the village its current name, "Analipsi" (meaning Ascension in Greek). Read article
May 16, 2025
Psaromoura Beach: All You Need to Know by Locals
Psaromoura Beach is a small, pebbled cove in northern Crete, offering a naturally enclosed setting with calm waters ideal for swimming and snorkeling. It is located within a rocky bay, shielding it from strong winds and creating a peaceful coastal retreat with clear, inviting waters. Psaromoura Beach attracts visitors seeking a quieter alternative to larger beaches, combining scenic surroundings with a more intimate seaside experience.Psaromoura Beach is located 22 kilometers (14 miles) northwest of Heraklion, near the seaside village of Agia Pelagia. The beach can be reached via a 25-minute drive from Heraklion, following the E75 highway toward Rethymno before taking the exit for Agia Pelagia. Read article
May 16, 2025
Seitan Limania Beach: A Hidden Gem on Crete’s Rugged Coast
Seitan Limania Beach is one of Crete’s most visually dramatic and remote coastal spots, nestled in a narrow cove on the Akrotiri Peninsula, just 22.2 kilometers (14.1 miles) northeast of Chania, Seitan Limania, also called Agiou Stefanou beach, is a secluded beach that is accessible via a challenging downhill trail, and features a compact shoreline of coarse sand and pebbles surrounded by steep limestone cliffs and clear turquoise waters. Read article
May 15, 2025
Kastri Beach: All You Need To Know By Locals
Kastri Beach is a pebbly shore on Crete’s southern coast, located 60 kilometers (37.2 miles) from Heraklion. The beach is named after the nearby village of Kastri and is known for its glistening waters and relaxed atmosphere. Kastri Beach has loungers and umbrellas in some portions of its shoreline, while much of it remains unspoiled, allowing visitors to admire Crete’s natural beauty. Read article
May 12, 2025
Almyros Beach: All You Need To Know By Locals
Almyros Beach is located 2.5 km (1.5 mi.) from Agios Nikolaos in northeastern Crete. The beach is named after the Almyros River which flows directly into the sea, creating a mix of fresh and saltwater. The beach is ideal for families and nature enthusiasts with its shallow, clear waters and lush greenery. Facilities include sunbeds, umbrellas, and a beachside café. Read article
May 5, 2025
Tris Ekklisies Beach: All You Need To Know By Locals
Tris Ekklisies Beach is a coastal attraction located 64 kilometers (39,76 miles) south of Heraklion in Crete. Tris Ekklisies is named after the three nearby churches and features fine golden sand, clear waters, and rugged cliffs. It's a peaceful escape from Crete’s more touristy spots, perfect for visitors seeking relaxation. The beach can be accessed by car, offering scenic views along the Asterousia Mountains, and is equipped with sun beds, umbrellas, and nearby tavernas. Read article
May 5, 2025
Psari Forada Beach (Sidonia): All You Need To Know By Locals
Psari Forada Beach is a coastal retreat in the fishing village of Sidonia in Crete, situated 74.8 km (46.5 miles) south of Heraklion. The beach features dark-colored sand and deep blue waters, providing a peaceful alternative to busier Crete beaches. Psari Forada is easily reachable via KTEL buses or cars and is ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing. Read article
April 13, 2025
Kali Limenes Beach: All You Need to Know by Rental Center Crete Experts
Kali Limenes Beach, known as Good Ports Beach or Kaloi Limenes, is a secluded coastal destination on Crete’s southern coast. Kali Limenes Beach lies 75 kilometers (46.6 miles) southwest of Heraklion, within the Asterousia Mountains, offering clear blue waters, a mix of fine sand and pebbles, and sheltered coves. The beach benefits from a natural wind barrier, ensuring calm swimming conditions for most of the year. Read article
April 13, 2025
Koutsouras Beach: All You Need to Know by Rental Center Crete Experts
Koutsouras Beach is a coastal destination on the southern coast of Crete, west of the village of Koutsouras. It features dark grey pebbles, clear blue waters, and natural shade from tamarisk trees. Koutsouras Beach is sheltered from strong northern winds, ensuring calm waters throughout the year and making it an ideal spot for swimming. The beach holds a Blue Flag certification, ensuring high environmental standards, cleanliness, and safety. Read article
April 13, 2025
Agios Charalambos Beach: A small, white sand beach in Crete!
Agios Charalambos Beach is a small, secluded beach 60 kilometers (37.3 miles) south of Chania and 1.5 kilometers (0.9 miles) east of Chora Sfakion, offering a peaceful retreat with clear blue waters and a natural landscape. It features a mixed seabed of fine pebbles and sand, with sunbeds, umbrellas, and a beachside taverna providing a comfortable seaside experience. Read article
April 12, 2025
Tertsa Beach: All You Need To Know By Rental Center Crete
Tertsa Beach is a coastal retreat 79 kilometers (49 miles) south of Heraklion in Crete. Tertsa is a tourist destination with coarse sands, turquoise waters, and fine pebbles, offering a quiet escape from the region’s more crowded attractions. The surrounding cliffs and hills enhance its untouched beauty, while a few sun loungers and traditional tavernas provide convenience without disrupting the beach’s natural charm. Read article
April 12, 2025
Samaria Gorge: Hiking, Open Hours, Map, Attractions and Car Rental Guide
Samaria Gorge is one of Crete’s most iconic natural wonders, drawing hikers globally to experience its rugged beauty, rich history, and ecological significance. The gorge stretches 16 kilometers (9.9 miles) through the White Mountains in southwest Crete, and descends from the Omalos Plateau to the Libyan Sea at Agia Roumeli. Read article
April 12, 2025
Mochlos Beach: A Beach in a small fishing village in Eastern Crete!
Mochlos Beach is a small, unspoiled beach on the northeastern coast of Crete, located 37 kilometers (23 miles) east of Agios Nikolaos and 35 kilometers (22 miles) west of Sitia. The beach remains naturally sheltered by rocky formations, keeping its waters calm and clear throughout most of the year. Read article
April 10, 2025
Stavros Beach: All You Need To Know By Locals
Stavros Beach is an amazing beach located 15.4 kilometers (9.5 miles) northeast of Chania on the Akrotiri Peninsula in Crete. The beach acquired international recognition for appearing in the 1964 film Zorba the Greek. Stavros’ distinctive features include its powdery sands, clear waters, and a natural lagoon protected by a limestone mountain, which makes it an excellent spot for families and travelers seeking relaxation. Visitors can enjoy sun loungers, umbrellas, and nearby tavernas serving Cretan cuisine. Read article
April 10, 2025
Tympaki Beach: All You Need To Know By Locals
Tympaki Beach is a beach in Crete’s southern coast, located 62.3 km (38.7 miles) southwest of Heraklion. Tympaki has dark volcanic sand, clear waters, and strong winds, beckoning windsurfers but is less suitable for tourists seeking calm swimming conditions. Tympaki Beach lacks organized facilities, with no sunbeds or parasols, and only a few tavernas in the area. Accommodations are not available directly on the beach, but the nearby town of Tympaki offers guesthouses and holiday rentals. Read article
