Set in a tiny cove surrounded by cypress trees, this sandy horseshoe-shaped beach has escaped development and offers a peaceful place to relax. Its plentiful trees provide ample shade. The beach looks out over the picturesque fishing harbour of Kouloura village, where a handful of small tavernas serve refreshments.
Located in a picturesque cove, Psilí Ámmos, meaning “fine sand”, has golden dunes dotted with tamarisk trees, which provide welcome shade. The sea is shallow and crystal clear. Access to the beach is on foot along a small road or by fishing boat from Skála, which means it is rarely crowded.
Spétses has some of the best beaches in the Argo-Saronics, with Ágia Marína beach being one of the most popular. For seclusion, head off around the headland, between some rocks, to a tiny bay of fine golden sand and pebbles lapped by the sea. Excavations here have unearthed early-Bronze Age remains.
The quintessential secluded beach, Ftenágia is nestled in a small cove along a hiking route from Emporió village, which is its only access. It is popular with yacht owners, who often anchor off-shore and swim in its safe waters. The beach is a mix of sand and pebbles, and has a small taverna.
Reached by descending a series of steps or by boat from the resorts of Nydrí and Vassilikí, this beach attracts visitors because of its reputation as being the island’s most beautiful spot. It is horseshoe shaped with fine golden sand, striking white cliffs topped by lush vegetation and some interesting rock formations.
Sand dunes set amongst green shrubs characterize this secluded beach. It is enclosed in a bay by a hillside of forest and rock formations, and can be reached by a sharply descending, narrow footpath or by caïque. This beach is popular with nature-lovers. It has a small taverna. Nearby is the busier Eliá beach.
Pahiá Ámmos beach is a world away from the crowds: the only noise you will hear is the sound of the sea. It is surrounded by rugged terrain, with a small road providing access. Set in a natural bay, the beach is made up of a series of sand dunes.
This long stretch of beach, shielded by trees, is reachable only on foot or bike along a track from Katoméri village. As such, only those keen on seclusion are likely to make the journey. However, it is worth the effort as the beach is sandy and the crystal-clear water is ideal for swimming.
Reached from Pánormos by walking through a forest of scented pine trees or by boat, this beach is often deserted. It is a mix of pebble and sand, with lots of tiny coves to explore. Opposite is Dasiá island, which, according to legend, is named after a female pirate who drowned off its shore.
With its white sand that has a pinkish tint due to fragments of coral, and its great expanse of shallow turquoise sea, this beach is one of the most idyllic spots on Crete. It is located on the Elafoníssi islet and can be reached by crossing the reef on foot or by boat.