Balos

Explore the BEACHES

From isolated coves to lively fun spots - snorkling, sailing, or snoozing in the sun.  We’re sure you will find your favourite beach with so many to choose from.  Here is a short list of some of ours!

Closest to Villa Calista is the beach of Almyrida, just 2 km away.  The waters are gentle and shallow and safe for children.  Sunbeds are for rent and there are lots of amenities and parking close by.

Kalyves also has a town beach with ample parking, amenities, sunbeds and lifeguards in season. Kiani Akti is quiet beach west of Kalyves. The water is a little colder because of a river flowing into the sea.

On the Akrotiri Peninsula, across Souda Bay, are a number of great small beaches, including Stavros, Kalathas, and Marathi.  These can get crowded in the summer, but the swimming is safe, and there are lots of small tavernas around for quick snacks or lunch.

A long sandy beach stretches to the West of Chania for many kilometres. The areas of Stalos, Agia Marina and Platanias form a long succession of hotels, apartments, tavernas, bars and shops. 

Falasarna on the west coast of Crete is our favourite beach. About a 30 minute drive, it's big enough to not feel crowded, even on busy days. There is ample parking, sunbeds, tavernas. Avoid going on windy days, as the fine sand can sting!  Explore the ruins nearby.

East of the Villa and closer to Rethymnon, Georgioupolis is a long (9 km) sandy Blue Flag beach.  This is a busy spot in high season, as there are many hotels close by, but the beach is so long and wide there are still lots of quieter areas.  Lifeguards are on duty and the sea can be rough and sometimes dangerous here. Pay attention to the red flags that caution against swimming.

Gramvoussa, or more exactly Balos Bay which is at the tip of the westernmost peninsula of Crete, was long a secret spot, only accessible by private boat or a long walk. Exquisite turquoise waters, lagoons, and beaches of pure white sand. Now, you can explore this lovely spot easily with daily boat excursions from Kissamos in season.

Located at the south-west corner of Crete, Elafonisi is worth the drive through the beautiful mountain passes: crystal clear turquoise water, red and pink coral sand and long stretches of beach. In summer, there are lots of rental umbrellas and sunbeds and can be crowded. It’s still a spectacular spot though and you can escape the crowds by walking away from them a little.  It’s a long drive through gorgeous mountain scenery - a great day excursion!

On the south shore (on the Libyan Sea) are the beaches of Hora Sfakion The beach is in the village and quite pleasant. A little further east of the village are two small beaches. The furthest one, Filaki, is the only official nudist beach in Crete.  

Further on is Frangokastello - famous for the fortress. The sandy beach (below the castle) is extremely shallow and perfect if you have small children. There is a beautiful quiet sandy beach to the east (Pachia Ammos) where nudism is generally OK at its eastern end.

LIFEGUARDS are on many (but not all) beaches in season.
Please obey the RED FLAGS that signal dangerous swimming conditions.

Elafonisi

Almyrida