BEACHES & NATURE

The beach has shallow, crystal-clear turquoise water, and its fine sand is white and pink, the pink color coming from the abundance of seashells in the area. The whole surrounding area of Elafonissi is environmentally protected by the Natura 2000 Environmental Program. The area hosts, among many other unique species, rare species of cedar trees that grow on the sand, and many migratory birds. For many visitors to Crete, Elafonissi is the most iconic, must-visit beach on the island, which also provides spectacular photo opportunities. Although it is relatively far from Chania city, the good condition of the road leading there makes a visit to Elafonissi easy for any traveler.

The gorge has one of the most unique floras and faunas in Europe, with rare wildflowers and animal species like the rare wild goat of Crete, Kri Kri. The gorge was declared a National Park in 1962. The entrance to the gorge is at its highest point at Xyloskalo, in an altitude of more than 1.200 m, and the exit is at the beach of Agia Roumeli. You need about 5-6 hours to pass through Samaria Gorge. Close to the exit of the gorge you pass through what is considered its most special point for many visitors: The Iron Gates, or “Sidiroportes” in Greek, the narrowest part of the gorge – about only 3 m wide – and one of the deepest – the sides of the gorge have a height of about 500 m here. As a final note, remember that hiking across Samaria Gorge is allowed only between May and October, as during winter months there are sometimes streams running through the gorge, which are dangerous for hikers.

For most visitors, the easiest way to get to Balos is by boat from the small harbour of Kissamos. But the jaw-dropping beach will reward you for any small hassle to get there. Balos beach has characteristic white and pink sand and many seashells – which have given their pink color to the sand. The water is shallow, crystal-clear and warm, as Balos is a lagoon. The beach is very well protected from the winds, and the water is always calm. Before starting your trip to the magnificent Balos beach, make sure to take sunscreen and anything else that will protect you from the sun, as there are not any trees or shade in the area.

The two beaches inside Paleochora are great, and organized, with sun beds and parasols. But that’s not all: On the coast around the village, with a total length of 18 km, there are more than 10 excellent beaches to choose from, all of them with crystal-clear water. Probably the most known of them are Platia Ammos, Chalikia, Psilos Volakas and Krios. Apart from its splendid beaches, many visitors are drawn to Paleochora by its authentic atmosphere of a beautiful seaside village of South Crete, as originally did the hippies in the ‘60s, who first discovered the charms of Paleochora.

Both the beach and the surrounding natural environment are stunning. In Falasarna coast, there are three distinct beaches. The first in the southern part of the coastal zone, called “Pachia Ammos”, is organized and has sun beds and parasols. The second beach is located close to the first and to the north, being the main beach of Falasarna, also with sun beds and parasols, and with a beach bar. The third beach is a little further to the north, on the end of the paved road along the coastline. This beach is the most remote – and the most unique – of the three, and you will also find a nice tavern here. The Falasarna beaches look to the west, offering you magical sunsets when the sun is gently “falling” into the clear water of the Cretan sea. A last thing you should keep in mind, is that, when there are heavy winds blowing from the west, it may be difficult to swim in Falasarna beaches.

The beach is well protected from northwest winds and is always calm. Close to the main Sarantari beach, there are other smaller beaches in the small bays that are formed in the area, like Gefyri and Limanakia. One of them is a nudist beach, well protected from both the winds and prying eyes.

Although golden beach is the most known in Chrisi, there are also other good beaches on the island, like Vlychadia beach. You can get to the island by boat from Ierapetra – the boat leaves in the morning and returns in the afternoon between May and October. Chrisi island is an environmentally protected area, and most trees there have an age of 200 years, some of them being up to 300 years old.

On the cliffs on the northern side of the beach you can find the Neolithic caves that were carved in the stone. These caves became famous all over the world in the 60’s, as they attracted the first hippies on the island, who used them for accommodation. Today, there are no hippies in Matala, but their legacy lives on. The beach is well organized with sun beds and parasols, and there are plenty of beautiful cafes, bars and taverns next to it.