Beautiful turquoise beach, but very narrow with almost no space for towels. Sunbeds & umbrella cost €30. Stunning from above, but the water was full of plastic — the dirtiest I’ve seen in Greece.

Amazing beach! I’d recommend it to everyone. It’s even great for snorkeling. The beach strip is a bit narrow, but still large enough to enjoy. I wouldn’t suggest renting a sun lounger; it’s much nicer to just relax on your towel. Prices for jet skis and the banana boat are far too high, but apart from that this is truly an AMAZING beach, one of the best I’ve ever been to.

A beautiful beach that we visited twice in a week. The first day was sunny but windy, the second day was calm but a bit cloudy. The sea is clear and quite shallow for a good way out so suitable for kids. It was the end of tge season so very quiet. We parked right down next to the sea on the left hand side, but not many spaces.

Great location, but definitely not worth paying €30 for sunbeds. We didn’t try the service because the price felt like outright exploitation. The beach is completely covered with sunbeds and no free space is left for free swimmers.

One of my favourite beaches on Crete, super clear clean water. Lovely restaurant above too, a must if your staying in area.

One of the most beautiful beaches in Crete — and, at the same time, a sad example of how quickly people can destroy nature. Positive points: Fantastic view... and that's about it. Negative points: The main beach is just a very narrow strip of sand, almost entirely covered with sunbeds. Not only are the prices quite high, but if you don't arrive early, you risk not finding a free spot. The beach is littered with small pieces of plastic. On windy days (like the one when we visited), the waves are very strong, making swimming almost impossible. Additional suggestion: If you're looking for a quieter area, go to the left side of the beach, where the shoreline forms some natural booth. There, you'll find a private beach with sun loungers (although the prices are pretty high) as well as enough space to lay your towel.

Voulisma Beach has white sand and fantastic crystal clear turquoise and blue waters. It’s no less beautiful than famous Balos beach in the west. You can enjoy water sports like water skiing. Prices are affordable. 2 sun-beads and umbrella are 15 euros.

We did not enjoy our stay at Elounda Beach. While the view from the hotel is undeniably beautiful, the hotel itself is old and in serious need of renovation. Our first bungalow (no. 82) had a cockroach infestation. The hotel’s initial reaction was simply to send someone to spray the room. Only after we insisted did they move us to another bungalow (no. 80), which, while free of cockroaches, had a serious ant problem in the bathroom and was equally decrepit. For a supposed 5-star property, the facilities and service were far below expectations. There was no compensation offered—just a brief apology—and staff didn’t seem surprised by the cockroach issue, which was worrying. On top of that, the facilities are just old everywhere. The double bed consists in 2 single beds next to each other. The AC unit must be from the 1980s and circulated mold everywhere in the room. Breakfast was just OK with slow service. Unfortunately, we cannot recommend this hotel. It does not live up to the standards one would expect from a luxury property, especially given the price they billed.

My stay at Elounda Beach Hotel & Villas was truly unforgettable. I spent two months here, and what made this experience so special were the incredible people who became like family to me - Nikolina, Erini, Marios, Valeria, kirilos and dimitris. I have never met people more genuine, kind, and hardworking. Their warmth, professionalism, and constant smiles made every single day better. They went above and beyond in every way possible, and I can honestly say that my stay was ten times better because of them. Elounda Beach is a beautiful place, but it's the people who make it truly exceptional. I'm beyond grateful for the memories and the friendships I've made here. Thank you for making me feel at home from day one - I can't wait to come back. - Saint Tala

2 Stars – Disappointing Stay Despite Great Staff and Views Hard to believe this is part of the Leading Hotels of the World. While the staff was genuinely pleasant and professional, the experience fell far short of expectations. I moved here from their sister property, the Elounda Bay Palace, due to a foul odor in the room there. At first, my room in the spa building seemed like an improvement—dated but with some charm and a beautiful view. The pool and facilities were better than at the other hotel, and again, the staff was kind and welcoming. Unfortunately, the same odor issue persisted. After a windy day, the entire spa building—including the spa itself—filled with a strong sewer smell. It was awful at night, and the stench made it nearly impossible to sleep. I complained three times, but nothing was done during my stay. Days after I left, the manager emailed to say they couldn’t detect any smell, which only added to the frustration. To make matters worse, the bathroom’s steam shower wouldn’t stay closed due to a broken seal. I asked for it to be repaired, and the maintenance team not only failed to fix it but somehow made it worse, leaving dirty footprints all over the bathroom floor. Between the sewer odors, the subpar breakfast, and careless maintenance, it’s hard to believe this property carries the "Leading Hotels of the World" label. The friendly staff and nice view just weren’t enough to save the experience.

Unique hotel. The grounds are breath taking and beautifully designed. Staff are warm and caring. Watersports team are the best in the world. Some reviews complain about unrefurbished rooms. This is a taste issue. The "older" rooms are built in incredible quality marble and wood. Not very sustainable to destroy that just to change with the times. This is a legendary resort. As a testament to this, many guests have been coming for decades and many staff members too.

We stayed in a villa and from the moment we arrived we felt at home. Though an older establishment love and attention has been put into the villas and they are clean and comfortable. Our entire family agreed we were treated so well by the incredible staff. From being checking in on during our stay, to the general manager coming to introduce himself at dinner, to the cleaning and in room dining staff taking the time to talk with our family we felt so appreciated! The people of this hotel take pride in their jobs and in their island and are so happy to have you there. The private patio pool was an excellent way to cool down on a hot afternoon and we were just steps from our private beach. The grounds are beautiful and perfect for evening strolls. We will most definitely be back!

We had the most incredible experience at this beach resort in Crete. The property is breathtaking—lush, beautifully maintained grounds and pristine waters that invite you to unwind and explore. But what truly stood out was the exceptional hospitality. Every staff member was warm and welcoming, making us feel instantly at home. Special shoutouts to Maria at concierge, who went above and beyond to make our stay smooth and memorable, and Mariana in the restaurant, whose kindness and attention to detail made every meal a joy. Highly recommend this resort to anyone looking for a luxurious, heartwarming escape. Five stars all the way!

Fabulous hotel. Our room was amazing with a view to the sea spacious well huge actually and spotless. The staff were brilliant couldnt do enough for you. The private beach was sandy and the sea crystal clear. The beach boys allocated you a sun bed bed and it was yours for the week no matter when you wanted to sunbathe. The grounds are beautifully kept in fact we had not one thing negative to say. Its a 20 minute walk into Elounda and if you take the turning yo the right past Thea resturant it takes you along the sea front past all the resturants.

Lake Voulismeni in Agios Nikolaos is a charming and peaceful spot right in the heart of the town. Surrounded by cafes and restaurants, it offers a relaxing atmosphere with beautiful views.

Wow. Simply amazing. Lake Voulismeni is the heart of the tourist town of Agios Nikolaos. If you enjoy the hustle and bustle of crowds, you can come here either for shopping or to eat at one of the lakeside terraces. If you prefer peace and quiet, the rocks around the lake are the perfect place to admire the light show from a distance. And if you’d like to dine somewhere calm, away from the noise of the streets between the lake and the sea, you’ll find a few secluded restaurants at the top of the rocks — where you can enjoy both the tranquility and the view. As a general rule, these restaurants tend to be a bit more expensive than the tavernas below. As a curiosity, the lake is no longer really a lake. In the mid-19th century, a powerful earthquake caused several surrounding rocks to collapse, one of which blocked the spring that fed it. Without fresh water, the beautiful lake became known as the “stinking lake,” so the Turkish governor of the island ordered a canal to be dug to the sea to renew the water. And, despite local legends, it's not bottomless either: the maximum depth is almost 50 meters (which is impressive anyway).

A small, supposedly formerly a freshwater lakw thas has been later connected to the sea. At the centre of the town of Agios Nicolaos, Crete.

Very special place and a must see when you are in Heraklion or Lassithi area. We walked around the lake and went up the hill to have a drink and ice cream.

We have seen the place I n July .Is too hot but is beautiful .Many oleanders in bloom scentet the air ,near the lake we found a bunch of lazy ducks and geese.We took the stairs and saw the lake ,the city and the see .Wiew is amazing . Everywhere nice tavernas of small shops who sale frozen goat yoghurt . Love it!

Beautiful and relaxing and I loved watching the local children play safely by the waters edge. Plenty of shopping to be had nearby with a vast array of bars and restaurants.

A very beautiful place with a nice small lake but very special, because it's twisting and connecting to the sea and beside the lake, there are very nice, romantic and authentic buildings. Also, it is very recommended to climb up the stairs and watch from above the lake.

Absolutely stunning beach but couldn’t go into the water as there are quite big stones to get over, saw quite a few people fall, the walk to actually get to the beach is quite a way for someone with mobility issues and in that heat it’s not great tbh ….. glad I saw it but had I known all this before I went I would have avoided it

Beautiful place to visit for the gradient colors of the water and for the interesting shell beach. Many baby shells there but unfortunately you cannot take them as souvenirs because it’s a protected zone.

Nice strip of beach, 15 euros with very you two loungers and an umbrella (there is also a euro tourist tax per person). There is a bar on the beach. Sea is lovely and warm, with no sea life to read on apart from some very small fish here and there. Loses a star for the state of the toilets, not quite festival bad, but not good. It's suggest going on the ferry, toilets there are very good.

Nice place to visit. The golden beach is beautiful, but you have to take with you something to eat and drink. Also here you can find a local who sell cold drinks. Have some ice chest where he keep the drinks. For 1 small beer and one coke i paid 7 euro. You don't need necessary the umbrela because there are a lot of threes under you can seat. The color of the water is one of the best around crete. The trip from Ierapretra is around 1 hour. If you don't get food and drink with you, it's possible to buy from the boat at good prices.

Beautiful beach Rock and shell formation is very unique and can be sore on feet. On golden sands turn right, walk past everyone a couple hundred metres and I found a secluded little area.

I enjoy Chrisi. I keep coming back since 7 years now. I particularly enjoy the hotness. And nothing gives me moar pleasure than lying somewhere on Chrisi, enjoying the view.

Amazing place. It is like paradise on earth. Pure sand, turquoise water. Interestingly, you can sleep in your tent. A place that must be seen. There are sun loungers, umbrellas and toilets on the spot, bar with drinks and some food. Descent into the water is a bit rocky, you have to be careful.

Nice, calm place with very good food quality. We have visited this place many times.

Dear friends, I thank you for the wonderful relaxing moments in your restaurant. Your restaurant doesn't have Michelin stars, but your food is even tastier and the service nicer. You give your guests the comfort of home that I was blown away by. Your smiles are very sweet and make me come back to you every day of my stay in Mirtos. Your boss is a very nice person full of energy and you can see that he manages his team to the satisfaction of the customers. I'll never forget you, big boss. God willing, I will return to Crete and wave to you again from the balcony. Anna from Czech Republik

The Beach cafe has been one of my favorite restaurant bars. The service is good and friendly and the food excellent. The menu usually changes a little over the week and sometimes you are given a traditional Cretan dish that you didn't know existed.

Quite unfriendly. We asked about the price of the sunbeds, they told us its free as we ate there the evening before and we had ordered iced coffee that day already. A few days later, when we arrived for a second time, they immediately came to us and told us we didn’t pay the last time we used the sunbeds, even though the other day we spend all day there and nobody told us anything. And even if they would have told us, you would imagine 40 euros for a meal is more than enough for two sunbeds. We didn’t want to discuss it, so we just paid another 15 euros, left and never went there again. Anyways, there are much better beaches about 20 minutes to the east, where you don’t have to pay for the beds and the food is delicious there as well.

This restaurant seems to repose only on there location. Horrible tourist salad. I took a salad it was 10€, polite service but not friendly, the salad was horrible tuna from conserves, with horrible anchovies, and a commercial ketchup mayo dressing. I hope that there are better at cooking fish.

Best cafe in Myrtos. We had Salad, octopus, beer and raki. Everything was great and the staff super friendly. Sunbeds included in the lunch bill wich wasn't high. Good job!

Some of the nicest staff in all of Myrtos. Great, fresh and tasty food for a reasonable price. The dining area has a great atmosphere with enough room at any time while the beach area provides a comfortable and relaxing experience morning or afternoon.

Absolutely beautiful bar and beach All staff are amazing and go above and beyond to make you feel welcome Food and drinks are just perfect I couldn't recommend this place more it's just brilliant

Didn't eat there but had the most amazing mohito on 3 occasions. Extremely refreshing and large filled with loads of ice. Stunning location. Staff are lovely especially Hari. Until next year....

Comfy Sunbeds directly by the sea, really nice and helpful staff and the food is very good. U can eat in the sunbeds or the bar either way very relaxed

Great, relaxed dinner with bubble tea to help chill in the Crete heatwave. Friendly staff, great service - they even have us a box to take the food away we couldn't eat. Value for money with a smile!

Lovely place with relaxing atmosphere. The cocktails are marvelous. Good experience when you are in Stalida. Jorgos ( Sjon) is a fantastic host.

Good place for a drink. Kids enjoyed the bubble tea.

Great place the staff are the best only place i would go, way better food than my 4 star all inclusive

Not a Relaxing Stay – Needs Serious Improvement We stayed at the hotel with our extended family – adults and kids – during the summer. From the moment we arrived, the service was lacking. No welcome, no guidance to rooms, and the lobby was extremely hot with no drinks offered. Rooms were spacious but had weak air conditioning and ant problems in several of them. Beds were very basic and uncomfortable. Despite being told we’d get bottled water daily, we didn’t receive any unless we asked. The dining room was overcrowded and hot, with no air conditioning. Food was okay – better for kids than adults. The evening shows were unimpressive, and the Greek restaurant had a nice view but isn’t suitable for families with small children. Although the water slides were fun, there's no shade on the way up, making the ground too hot to walk on without shoes. The music around the pool was extremely loud all day, even in the rooms – not ideal for those seeking peace and quiet. Service overall was poor, and I even witnessed a staff member yelling at a guest over a simple food request. Wouldn’t recommend for anyone looking for a calm or high-quality all-inclusive experience.

The food is excellent and the selection is amazing! The area can be a bit windy since it’s up north, but there are plenty of other attractions to enjoy – lots of pools, fun water slides, kids’ corners, playgrounds, and more. The whole resort is quite spacious and access to everything is included in the price, even the sunbeds on the beach. It’s truly a paradise for children. Snacks outside of breakfast, lunch, and dinner are fantastic as well. You can choose from fresh vegetables, fruit salads, or classics like pizza and toasties – even vegetarians will be happy. The alcohol is not cheap quality either; they serve well-known brands like Havana Club and Beefeater. And at the bar, they’ll make you a real coffee, not just one from a machine.

We are On our last day at this hotel. Last 13 days have been great. Rooms are excellent, and cleaned every day. Lots of choice of food and drink. Places to eat all over the complex. Pools are a little cold, but everyone loved the new water slides. The entertainment team Jayden etc are a great laugh well worth getting involved with some of the activities. Overall fantastic holiday.

Great hotel for family vacation. Plenty of offers for children (pools, kids club, playgrounds). Mini Disxo for children on 6 of 7 days. 3 different restaurants (2 with breakfast and lunch) with all inclusive. Also 3 different pool bars included with drinks and some snacks. The Water Park is right next door and has multiple pools for all ages. Some slides for and access to sunbeds in the park and on the beach are also included. The staff is very friendly, especially towards children. The hotel is a great destination for vacation with kids!

! Take your time reading this😁 I just camed back from my holiday with my family and i want to tell you my honest review. To be honest i had the lowest expectations because i knew that on booking the rating wasn't very good.Me and my family usualy go to hotels that are +8.5 rating,but at that time it weren't many hotels available. So when we arrived i saw verry old walls and an old reception and my first thing that i said was:I don't think this is an hotel beacause it was so old and it creeped me out😅,but hear me out after we walked in the mini streets of the hotel i fell in love.Everything is close to eachother😍From the food zone-Beach side-activities-pools-rooms it is amazing. The sea is clear as the water,the views are amazing,and the waves are the best feeling🥰 Okay,THE FOOD WAS ABSOLUTLY THE BEST FOOD FROM ALL HOTELS,guys if u like eating meat,sea food,pasta,pizza,tacos,whatever u want litreally,go HERE!😋 HEAR ME OUT,my parents are very picky when it comes to food,we went to egypt,turkey but nowhere the food was so tasty like hear,the plates where finished😁Don't get me wrong,egypt and turkey have bigger ospitality and a larger amount of food and diversification,but we prefered to be very delicious and it was!I want to thank to all the members of Star Beach Village and we will totally come back!♥️ PS: in front of the hotel there is a whole street of the city center🥰

We come here just for a few hours to let our daughter play nice and clean not to busy, the water is fairly cold for young children to play in! The play park is excellent for all ages water park area is clean and amazing for children to run free for a few hours. Amazing place to take children to burn off some energy! Bouns its next to beach.

I stayed at Star Beach in Crete and had an amazing experience. The resort is fantastic, with delicious and varied food options. The staff were always kind, friendly, and very helpful. Everything was well taken care of, and I truly enjoyed my time here. I will definitely return in the future!

We visited the aquarium and rescue center during our trip to Crete. The aquarium is very well organized, with a great variety of marine life, from colorful fish, turtles to reptiles. It's both fun and educational – perfect for families, but also interesting for adults. The rescue center part was especially touching. It’s inspiring to see how much effort goes into rescuing and rehabilitating injured turtles. The staff is passionate and knowledgeable, and they were happy to answer all our questions. It's heartwarming to see these beautiful creatures being cared for so well. Highly recommend visiting – it's a great way to learn, support a good cause, and enjoy the beauty of marine life!

Lovely little place run by people who enjoy their job and are good at their job. Very interactive with being able to touch and hold some of the animals. Is a small place, only took around 30 minutes to look around and interact with animals. Did not cost much to enter 10 euros which we payed for at the door, was no waiting time to enter. Although I understand this is a rescue centre they do have some long term wildlife in the facility that will not be reintroduced into nature I feel the vivariums/ tanks could be bigger and more engaging for the animals. In particular a few lizard tanks looked over crowded and some animals in small tanks. Including a very large fish which only had minimal movement.

Well worth a visit. Got to see the sea turtle and octopus being fed as well as listening to detailed history of all the amazing creatures on show. You can hold various reptiles if you are brave enough. The best thing about this place is the fact it is supporting the local ecology, is not owned by a bif corporate entity and is a labour of love. Any money you spend here directly goes to the looking after of the animals and funds future expansion.

What a wonderful little place! Please visit and keep this place in business, they are worth it. The conservation work they do is great.. the aquarium part is really good, but the best part really, is the reptile section. I will not spoil anything for you as the surprise is much better witnessed in person with no warning (its not scary, don't worry). If I can, I will be back for another visit.

Wow wow and wow, we absolutely loved it here. You can tell as soon as you walk in that they love what they do all the animals are well looked after and there fact you get to get up and close to the reptiles. Definitely worth the visit you will not be disappointed. It's a great place to visit.

Very small aquarium/terrarium in a flat and yard. To avoid the place getting too crowded they let visitors in slowly and when previous visitors exit. This means a line forms. We waited over 30 minutes in line for what is essentially a 30 minutes visit. It is a nice little place if you don’t mind most fish and reptiles being held in small aquariums with little to no shelter. There are lots of general info posters about ocean life scattered around but not a lot of specific info on the animals in each aquarium beyond their names. The yard with the free-roaming tortoises and lizards is the highlight of course, but is rather crowded. Looks like the animals are used to nudging their way between the visitors. The staff in the yard are friendly and jovial. If you are here and can find a time without a line in the entrance then the place is worth a visit.

What to say about this amazing place. We first visited back on our first trip to crete possibly 2012! And we come every year since. The place is just great. They take care of the animals. They are so clean and so well looked after. The gent who owns it is just well a gent and his staff are so knowledgeable and friendly. We look forward to it every trip and is the first thing we book, we now bring our child who has also found a love for this amazing place. Thankyou as always

After reading the reviews, I didn’t want to go but changed my mind the last minute and it was absolutely worth it!!! I’ve been to many aquariums, and it’s one of the nicest and cosiest. Calming music, great light, variety of fish. Spent 1 hour. There are 62 tanks which is a lot!!! 👌😍

​This was the fifth aquarium I've visited, so perhaps my expectations were too high. ​Unfortunately, the venue was very crowded with many children who were noisy and constantly tapping on the glass, despite clear signs asking for quiet. Staff were only present at the ticket counters, so there was no supervision within the exhibition itself to enforce the rules. ​The layout of the tour was also disappointing. The main attraction, the largest tank, is located right at the beginning. In my experience, you expect a spectacular finale, but here the climax comes far too soon. ​The digital information panels were another downside. The touch screens often lagged, and with only one screen serving several tanks, it was very impractical in the crowds. The gift shop was also unremarkable and felt just like a typical Cretan souvenir stall. ​However, there were some positives. The animals themselves are beautiful, and photos don't do them justice. I also learned a couple of interesting facts, for instance about the turtle nesting grounds on Crete, and that ammonite fossils were apparently used for discus throwing in the ancient Olympics. ​I was debating between giving 3 or 4 stars. However, after considering all the shortcomings and the €12 adult ticket price, I feel that 3 stars is the more appropriate rating.

We went with 2 small kids- the 2y didn’t find any point there but the 5y enjoyed it. I personally enjoyed looking at the fish types and felt most are very different and interesting to look at. The place needs a little maintenance- feel a bit old It’s not that big and didn’t spend a lot of time inside. We were staying at a hotel near by, not sure it worth a long ride.

The aquarium is really nice, well maintained and there is a large variety of fish and sea animals 😍 First time I see sharks and tiny starfish 🥹 I also appreciated the section about biodiversity and ocean pollution. It is informative for kids and can be a good opportunity for a pollution awareness discussion with them. Good to know: -Opening hour is @10AM, make sure you buy your ticket online so you can avoid waiting in line. Otherwise, arrive really early as there can be a lot of families and tours scheduled for visits. We bought the tickets on the spot but had to wait around 20 mins in line to get them. -There is a large parking space outside the aquarium but places can go quickly if you arrive later than noon. -There is a large beach coast right in front of the aquarium so you can have a walk or a swim after your visit. -There are clean toilets inside and a space where you can have snacks and hot/cold drinks. Happy visit! 💫🤗

Third time coming here over the years and not once been disappointed. Lovely aquarium. Very informative and very updated now they have the new touch screens. The fish are well looked after. Its a lovely place. The tanks are impressive and just outstandingly clean. Will visit again.

Spectacular, just check out the pictures. We decided to spend the time before our flight here and it was a great decision. So many animals to see, for a great price. In total we spent about 90 minutes here and another half hour outside at the terrace under the trees.

We liked it! It's quite big. You can buy tickets online before, and get a timeslot to enter. Recommended to get online tickets and go when it's not so busy.

we did an olive oil tasting with Elena and it was amazing! she gave us a lot of interesting information on the process of olive oil production and oils tasted amazing! Elena was very enthusiastic and funny and helpful, best tour we've had in Crete - we really recommend it!

Where do I start? We showed up very spontaneous and got a very warm welcome by Elena! The way she guided us trough the tour was amazing and also funny. Time was flying. I wished to stay longer! Also, the farm is very unique regarding the way the process the olives. The oil is very good! Definitely a recommendation and after the tour you go for lunch to Achenes. Even though walk-ins are accepted (check the timetable of the tours!) it’s nicer for them to book at least the night before. Thanks again to Elena and the team!

First of all I’d highly recommend a visit - such a great experience with the loveliest, friendliest, most knowledgeable people! Also worth pointing out that they’re a family business which produces organic and regionally protected olive oils. We booked a tour/tasing with them and learned everything from cultivation of the trees to the storage of the final olive oil - after that we got to taste the different stages of the extraction process as well as some further regional specialties, which were all very delicious. Whilst you’re there - take a look around, the location also offers great views into the countryside with endless rows of olive trees. There they also have a lovely little shop where they offer all of their homemade products - here you can also find regional specialties such as herbs, artichokes, raisins, vinegars and fruit syrups. All in all an amazing experience!

Koronekes is fantastic, but Koronekes with the host, Elena, is incredible. Elena was incredibly friendly and hospitable. She’s from Tuscany, so she brings a lot of knowledge about the nuances between Italian and Greek extra virgin olive oil. Unlike most farms in Crete, Koronekes uses less industrialized methods that makes higher quality extra virgin olive oil. I was also very impressed by the organic approach including minimizing waste. Even better, the incredible products are reasonably priced for this quality and they ship internationally. Must try!

If you are a tourist looking for the best olive mill and the best quality olive products, then KORONEKES is THE place!! And besides the great products, the owners, Kiara and Giorgios will explain EVERYTHING about the whole mill process and they are absolutely ADORABLE PEOPLE!! KORONEKES is not only a service it is an experience! 😍✨

We didn't book a tour but the staff on site happily just let us taste some of their olive oil, and we got a mini olive oil tasting lesson! Very friendly and informative staff!

We did a tour here and really loved every part of it! You'll get to see the process of the more traditional way of olive making. We really liked the fact that this was a small family buisness, nothing compared to the bigger commercialised facilities, that are more focused on selling. We really loved our tourguide who explained to process in a very understandable way and loved her humour as well. She made the tasting also focussing on how to become better at grading olive oil by tasting and smelling it properly, wich was fun! We really learned a lot and would highly reccomand visting this place when in the area! Big compliments to you guys from Koronekes!

Beautiful little beach perfect for swimming and snorkelling. It does get busy, sunbeds all but gone by 10am. Sunbeds €10 for two, really good value. Great taverna and supermarket for food and snacks during the day.

A peaceful, clean beach with well-priced and comfortable sunbeds. (€10) There are a quite a few bars, stores and souvenir shops conveniently close by - so you can spend a whole day here. Beach shoes highly recommended since there are very slippery rocks in the water.

Gorgeous little beach in a charming bay. Filled with locals and tourists. Come before 10 AM to snag a pair of sun loungers, will set you back €10. You can pay with card or cash.

Absolutely love this beach, it’s small and not so many sunbeds but when you get one they are comfortable and reasonably cheap we paid €10 for two beds and an umbrella. The beach it’s narrow enough and once in the water the floor of the sea is solid rock which can be a little slippery, but once you know that and act accordingly it’s a joy.. once by the rock bed the floor falls away and you enter deep water, deep beautifully clear and super buoyant water.. it’s such a great place to enjoy a swim, especially very early in the morning. I swam here two ironing just after sunrise and it was one of the great highlights of my stay in Crete. Exceptional place..

An absolutely outstanding beach. Water is crystal clear. Went snorkeling and haven't seen anything like it so close in. Most areas you can stand up but you wouldn't believe your eyes once you break through the waters surface. Wasn't overly busy and plenty of amenities available.

Little beach with a clean water and a nice taverna! Try to come early as the sun beds and even the area to put your towel is limited and you can easily spend whole day here!

Sea was warm and quite clear, did some snorkeling, some little fish swimming around ,scorching hot day lovely cool breeze, be careful, remember put your sun screen on, 😀

We had an unforgettable evening tour with Quad Safari Crete, taking us through charming, authentic villages and beautiful landscapes — all under the expert and entertaining guidance of our amazing guide, Mr. Sexy (yes, that’s what he calls himself, and it suits his charismatic personality perfectly!). The tour was both exciting and informative. Along the way, we learned about local culture and the history of olive oil production, which Mr. Sexy explained with great knowledge and humor. You could really feel his passion for the region and its traditions. The final part of the ride was absolutely magical — driving through the landscape in the dark, lit only by our ATV headlights and the stars above. It created an unforgettable atmosphere. All in all, a perfect mix of adventure, culture, and great company. We can highly recommend Quad Safari Crete Peninsula to anyone looking to experience a different and authentic side of Crete — and of course, meet Mr. Sexy, who truly is the cherry on top!

Such an amazing experience! We had the best time, it’s so worth the money and the tour guides are excellent. We want to thank ‘Mr Sexy’ for making it such a fun tour to do on our last day of our holiday.

What an incredible time quad biking! From start to finish, the staff were incredibly professional, witty, and genuinely funny, making for a fantastic atmosphere. We chose the sunset ride, and it lived up to all expectations – the views as the sunset over the ocean were absolutely stunning and unforgettable. The first stop was the local olive mill (Striligkas olive mill and museum), which is a brilliant place to visit in its own right, even if you don't take a quad tour. Can't recommend this place enough! Thank you!!

Had a great morning on the Quad bikes, the tour guide ‘Mr Sexy’ was super helpful and funny. First stop was at the Olive Mill where we got to do some tasting and they have lots of different oils available to purchase at such a good value. Second stop was to a ghost village and then the final stop was home to a famous painter - the gyros and fresh orange juice is amazing. Great views throughout the quad biking experience, definitely an experience worth doing while on holiday!

Had amazing time with Quad Safari Peninsula today! A lot of adrenaline , beautiful views and cool information about olive oil production and traditional village life. Our guides did great job providing safety and comfortable travel around the city. And making this trip funny and easy. Special thank you to the Fathi and his team. We want to come back again. If you stay in the aria you for sure must try this tour! 💫

The tour took us on beautiful scenery, and the different stops at the ghost town and olive oil museum were also exciting. Special shoutout to ‘Mr. Sexy’, our tour guide who made this trip even more fun!

Glad I booked it!! It was one of the tours i really enjoyed and want to do again, the staff were really helpful and fun especially ''nadhir dhaouadi'' he made it much more easier and enjoyable. The breath taking views the smooth ride with everything else was just perfect. Worth trying

The beach itself was lovely—clean water, a great spot for a morning swim, and ideal for snorkeling. We only visited in the morning to enjoy a swim and a coffee. However, the atmosphere at the bar was a bit off. The staff, particularly the guy at the bar and his girlfriend, seemed somewhat annoyed and not very welcoming—perhaps because it was still early, around 9 a.m. It created a slightly uncomfortable vibe. We’d definitely return to the beach for the water and the setting, but probably skip the bar next time.

The food was not very special. Loved the sunbeds at this beach. They were so soft and comfortable. The staff was very friendly. I would definitely visit the beach again.

The water here is amazing I really enjoyed to swim there. For two people we paid 25 Eur and got the sunbed from the second row. After second row, sunbeds for two are 20 Eur but they are not clean as like the first two rows. The main problem here is wc. They have only plastic cabins. Also to eat they sell only sandwiches.

The beach is somewhat small and the water level is immediately high. It is not easily accessible to everyone and this makes it ideal to stay all day in a very beautiful stall protected from the wind by the mountains and with spectacular views of the coast. There is a bar where you can buy some drinks and ice cream. Prices are ok

Such a nice beach, definitely recommended! You need to come early to get an umbrella (up to 10:30). The beach itself is small and feels private, there is a beach bar with drinks and snacks served by very friendly bartender. Watersports also available, small boat, jet ski, kayaks, paddle boarding and katamarans. The only downside is the rocky entrance into the water however it makes the water extremely transparent. Overall a must visit place.

Psaromoura Beach is a little hidden, which makes it the perfect place for a quiet morning or afternoon. There’s lot’s of beds to rent, but the prices were very high (€15,- for two) compared to other beaches. But also some room to sit in the sand.

2025 sun bed set 25€ Mythos 4€ frappe 3€

Beautiful beach with pebbles and turquoise water. Very difficult access from the main road by car, approx. 6 km. From the parking lot on foot another 2-3 km. No phone signal. Very difficult in the heat.

Go prepared. Don't park under the trees "Kri-Kri" (wild goats) might climb the car to eat from the trees. At least an umbrella, water and some snacks or food and maybe proper shoes to walk through the small canyon easier. Enjoy and leave the place please clean. 😀 😃

WARNING; road in very bad shape! The road to this beach is a very bumpy, Sandy, rocky dirt road of 6+km. After which it's still a 1.5+km walk in the burning sun. There is no cell phone service, no drinks past the parking. No utilities at all. But... The beach is one of the most beautiful I've seen so far!

Nothing to compare with Balos beach or Elafonissi beach so it’s average compared to these but still nice to see. The road is only very bad in few places. Of course the condition of the road is terrible but it’s manageable with any car.

The drive to the beach was not so good, but probably better than the drive to Balos still. The walk to the beach is mostly flat but the heat made it quite uncomfortable. There’s also a cute church to be spotted along the way. The beach was quiet and clean, though a bit colder than others that I had been to during this trip. Alas, nature always gets 5 stars.

To get to the beach there is about a 5 km drive on a dirt road, at a certain point the road splits, follow directions and go to the right. The road is very rocky but doable. Then there is parking and a little kiosk where you can buy something to eat and drink. Walk though the gorge for a km and you arrive at the beach. Not much shade so better to go earlier in the day.

Not worth the way. If your are traveling from Heraklion it definetly takes a lot of time to get there and if you don‘t have an SUV, you better are an absolute experienced driver. The path there is quite rough and we had to stop around 1.5 km away from the parking lot as we could not go further with our car. Also,there is no toilette near by. View is impressive, the water nice…but nothing that you wouldn‘t be able to see in other places.

A wonderful little bay with incredible views and amazing waters. Especially in the afternoon they are unique. It is worth visiting and do not miss a mask for snorkeling, if you like exploring the seabed. In the afternoon you meet octopuses that move fearlessly on the rocks of the seabed as well as squids that take their walks, starfish and all kinds of fish!! Do not forget to visit the picturesque taverns that are there. Excellent people with kindness and respect. and everything we tried was unexpectedly delicious and fresh!

Our best beach in central Crete. Protected from the northern wind/waves. Good water clarity (excepted on the very shore) and amazing underwater variety. Fishes, turtles, rocks, cliffs, caves, it has it all. Daily sunbeds set at 10€ (July) / 15€ (August), unfortunately in the range for Cretan beaches. The beach itself gets quite crowded in high season (very limited place for extra private umbrellas/towels). More for sea-lovers than beach-lovers, maybe. Various boats/pedal boats/kayaks to rent.

Just beautiful! Sunbeds and umbrella are 15€, here is a beautiful tavern to eat lunch. And the water is clean, clear and with a lot of fish to see when snorkeling

Beautiful beach. Clean sea, clear water. Beautiful rocks nearby. Set of two sunbeds and umbrella 10 euros.

A small, wild beach with amazing views! Peaceful, beautiful, and perfect for escaping the crowds.

Beautiful place but it would not be comfortable for you if you didn’t want to rent sun lounger- it’s almost on the all territory. Not big area for children to play with sand. In water a lot of renting stuff- boats and catamarans. Parking is a little up from the beach.

Really nice place but one thing I would say is that there are so many people and especially near the shore it is very crowded. It is okay to find a sun bed in the morning but in the afternoon it gets VERY crowded. When you get further out to sea it is lovely with clear waters and LOADS of fish. Highly recommend but visit in the morning in order to get a sun bed and avoid big crowds. There are 2 cafes one is a taverna where it would be ideal to get lunch or dinner. One is a cafe that does milkshakes and plenty of ice lolly’s. There isn’t much litter in the sea either with is refreshing to see. Come here mainly if you want to snorkel since it is very good! There is very limited parking especially in the afternoon so arrive before 10:30. We have been to many beaches around the Cretan coast but homely this was the bed one!!

We had an excellent experience with CretanTaxi and Nikos himself. The service was perfectly on time, the car was clean and new, and communication was nice and professional. Feels more like a trusted local contact than just a taxi. Highly recommend!

Cretan Taxi has been a good experience for us. We have booked regular transfers to and from both Herakleon and Chania airport during our visits to Crete. They have always been on time. Waiting for us with a sign. The cars are clean. Our driver was always pleasant giving us good general information of places of interest. They always drove very nicely which is important as I’m a nervous passenger. We used then when we did not rent a car to do local trips to Rethymno Old Town or to places of interest. I highly recommend the company.

We have been working with Niko/Cretan taxi Panormo for over 12 years & I can tell you he is no 1! Niko is reliable, punctual, trust worthy, a nice person, all his cars are well looked after and he speaks English. In a nutshell, I highly recommend Niko & Cretan taxi Panormo.

Highly recommended! Professional service, always on time. Our driver was very polite and helpful, with a big smile!

Very professional and always in a timely matter. Very knowledgeable on the best locations to visit on the island. Most important very clean car !

Great taxi service in Crete! Amazing service from Heraklion airport to Panormo.

Excellent services by professionals in luxury transportation... I highly recommend Chetan Taxi...

Wonderfull unique beach. The climb down is steep but fine and generally safe if you are with normal shoes and carefull. The water is clear and beautiful. There are also rocks from which you can jump off in to the water. The road to the beach is good (bit steep at the end) and the parking is a bit rugged. All on all I would highly recommend visiting this beach as early in the day as possible.

Seitan Limania has a beautiful view when you arrive, but the access is very difficult for people with reduced mobility, we had to go down a cliff to arrive at the beach, for us, the beach was amazing but the water was milky and the place is very small for the amount of people. In the beach you can climb rocks for cliff jumping. The beach is also good for snorkeling, there are a lot of fish.

Such natural beauty, but you gotta work to make it there. Do not wear sandals, you will instantly regret it There are 2 was to go down, one has a chain that gives you something to grab, and the other route has small red + white markers that indicate the path Water was beautiful

Nice hike! Not very difficult, 10-15 minutes walk - so worth it! It is crowded but in my opinion it’s not that bad and you can always find a quiet spot. There are some cool rocks you can jump from. Very nice day trip

What a visit this was 🤩 The beach is quite hidden and you have to hike down a pretty rocky and steap path to access the crystal clear water. It’s feels a bit out of this world to float around there.

A gorgeous little beach that we had the luck to have all to ourselves. Unfortunately we visited in November so we didn't really go for a swim but still we enjoyed the climb and the beach.

Incredible views and wateris almost perfect. It is a rocky beach which I am not a fan of. But once you get in the water it is amazing. The water is so clear and the views breathe taking. However!!!!! It's not an easy climb up or down. Yes it is a climb. There are two ways to get to the beach. Either by boat or climb/hike down the side of the cliff. It is possible but make sure you have good shoes. Do not attempt this in flip flops.

Marathi Beach offers a few small beaches close to each other, which makes it a great spot for sunbathing and swimming—especially on windy days when other places might be too rough. However, the water is not the cleanest, especially because of the many boats anchored nearby. Still, it’s a nice and relaxed place to spend a few hours…

It’s a very narrow beach, and when we went there (mid-August) it was extremely crowded — there was literally no space. Since it’s so small, I wouldn’t recommend it in high season, though it might be nice in low season

perfect beach when it is windy! Perfect beach when is the last day and you need to fly from Chania Airport. It has shower, changing cabins, it has free parking if you go and park near the boats. It also perfect depth and fine sand outside and inside the water!

Love Love love this beach! It may be the time of year, but it's lovely and peaceful. Clear water that is so refreshing 🌞

A great place near Chania with two wonderful bays. There are some difficulties with finding parking, but it is solvable. You can eat and buy drinks right on the beach, and rent a boat. A great place. Children, adults, young, old, everyone will find something to do.

Beautiful beach, availability of a set of umbrellas and two sunbeds for €8. Crystal clear and calm sea, wonderful sand, possibility to rent boats without a driver’s license, breathtaking landscape.

Marathi Beach is beautiful and super relaxing. The water is clear, calm, and shallow, perfect for swimming or families. The sand is soft, and there are tavernas right by the sea for fresh food and drinks. It’s well organized with sunbeds and umbrellas, but still feels peaceful. Go early if you want a good spot. Simple, easy, and very Cretan.

A very fun experience! We rented a 150hp boat with a boat captain. We enjoyed being on the sea for the entire day. We visited several beaches: 1. Sweet Water 2. loutro 3.Marmara The boat captain takes you to each beach. They stop, encourage you to swim and wait for you to enjoy the beach. We stopped and enjoyed each beach. He also gave us a lunch recommendation. It was a 10/10 experience! I would highly recommend. ** you can NOT rent a boat on your own if you have a Canadian, USA or Australian boater licences. Only European are accepted.

Amazing location to rent a boat. Boat we rent was in good condition. Guys running the business are pros. Some behave a bit strict but that's the location culture. Not too many smiley faces when Southern Cretan men talk to other men 😊. That's quite natural here.

I’ve booked with Notos Mare many times — both in South and North Crete — from taxi boats to catamarans. Every experience has been a must! Not only are the boats safe, comfortable, and perfectly organized, but the landscapes they take you to are breathtaking. The team truly takes care of you, making sure you can just relax, enjoy the sea, and feel looked after in the warmest way. With Notos Mare, every trip turns into an unforgettable memory.

I recently had an unforgettable boat trip with Notos Mare in Crete, and I can’t recommend them highly enough. From the moment we stepped on board, everything felt perfectly organized, welcoming, and professional. What truly made the experience exceptional was the combination of breathtaking scenery and the outstanding guidance of our captain. We were taken along the stunning southern coastline, and I was amazed by how many gorges and hidden spots we got to see. Places you’d never discover on your own were revealed one after another—towering cliffs, dramatic rock formations, and remote stretches of shore that felt almost untouched. The captain didn’t just drive the boat; he shared stories, pointed out landmarks, and made sure we truly experienced the coastline rather than just passing by it. His knowledge of the area was incredible, and he navigated with complete confidence. You could tell he loves what he does and takes pride in showing guests the most beautiful sides of Crete. He was attentive, friendly, and made us feel both comfortable and safe the entire time. Every stop and every viewpoint felt thoughtfully planned, and he always made sure we had time to appreciate the scenery, take photos, and enjoy the moment. Notos Mare itself deserves just as much praise. The boat was clean, well-maintained, and clearly cared for. The entire experience—from communication and booking to the actual tour—was smooth and stress-free. You immediately feel you’re in good hands with a team that values both quality and hospitality. This trip ended up being one of the highlights of our time in Greece. If you’re looking for a company that goes above and beyond, Notos Mare is outstanding in every way. And if you’re lucky enough to have the same captain we did, you’re in for something truly special. I would do this tour again in a heartbeat and will recommend it to anyone visiting Crete. An absolutely top-notch experience!

The trip was worthwhile and we saw beautiful landscaped and beaches. Sandy beach Agios Ioannis is a must. The water is just the right temperature to cool of after laying on the beach. Spent most time in the water.

We cannot say enough good things about the staff and experience. We had the best day on the boat with Irene and Capitan. They stopped at 3 different beaches only accessible by boat. At the beaches, we snorkeled, went cave diving and exploring, jumped off cliffs into the water and had lunch on the boat with the most delicious food prepared by Irene. Every stop, they had paddle boards, snorkel gear all ready for us, towels and beer and wine as well! We also finished the day in the village port of Loutros, which was so beautiful and lovely, with a monastery and cafes everywhere and pristine water. Unforgettable day! Highly recommend for families with teens or a bit younger depending on their swimming level.

A very good choice. It is a bit expensive if we compare it with other places in greece or other countries but the experience is nice. Follow their instructions so you can be safe. The boats need some repairs and maintenance but they are safe to drive.

Very beautiful. We stayed at Loutro and took the boat taxi for 2 hours to Sweet Water Beach. We did some snorkeling which was pretty, however the gasoline from the boats make the snorkeling a bit annoying. Not many fish out there. Watch out for the lamb as they come for the food.

The beach is good and it’s not super popular. It can be accessed either by a hike (25-30 mins) or by a boat. There were not so many people coming by boat in the beginning of September so overall by 12:00 there were probably ~30-40 people overall on the beach (and the beach is pretty long). Part of the beach closer to Sfakia is taken by nudists. What is pretty unfortunate is that a large part of the beach is closed by a fence with tables that forbid camping there (likely due to risk of falling rocks). The set of two sunbeds and an umbrella costs 10 euro and you must pay to the owner of trattoria who pretty much took over the beach. It is possible to just lay on your towels but there is not so much space and most of the space in the shadow of the mountains/trees is closed with the fence (first tile I have seen it). Either this is a beach with a very high risk of stones falling down, or the owner of the sunbeds wants to maximise the profit. The water was pretty clear although there was a lot of garbage like tyres on the bottom of the sea. The beach itself is not very picturesque. There is a free shower. Overall it might be worth a 1-1.5h ride because the hike to the beach is beautiful but definitely this should not be your top priority to visit if you are based far away

Perfect. We areived with the boat, there are seats and shadow, a bar where dribk and eat.

Beautiful secluded beach that’s well worth a visit! You can get there by ferry, but we parked at the start of the trail and walked down. Park by the road and take some trainers or hiking shoes because the path is quite rocky. It isn’t a difficult hike but go slowly as parts of it is quite steep and you walk along the cliff. It’s about 30 minutes down to the beach. As you finish the trail, you enter the nudist side of the beach but keep walking towards Mermaid Bar at the other end and you can sit on some sun loungers away from the nudist half. Beware of the goats if you have food in your bag, we were confronted by a pretty aggressively hungry goat who chased me and my bag of food around the beach! The stones are very hot so take flip flops to walk to the sea and enjoy the crystal clear water!

A little piece of heaven hidden in a cove. Crystal clear turquoise waters. Complete serenity and calm. Only a couple dozen umbrella settings or so. You can only get here by boat or tracking a relatively easy but still very rocky trail for about 20 mins. Boats run several times a day and will offer a taxi service to drive you up to where you parked your car. Part of the beach is clothing optional.

Very nice beach, easy to spend the whole day here with a good book, we parked at the top and made our way down on foot rather than take the boat. It is best you take a pair of trainers of walking boots with you for the hike down and plenty of water. On the beach you'll find a boat, here you can purchase refreshments and food if you don't take your own. We spent the entire day here, water is lovely, nudist beach on the left hand side of the beach.

If you find a ring on this beach please bring it to the floating cafe/tavern. The owner lost it and is looking for it with a metal detector 😞. The beach is also nice.

Really busy Lots of tavernas to choose from. Selling lovely Cretan dishes. Great shops down tiny little streets. Beautiful handmade wares. Stunning scenery in the little streets and across the harbour.. Well worth a day trip. Boat cruises for hire too.

Well worth a visit. I would suggest trying to get there early morning for breakfast and a walk. Late morning it was absolutely heaving with fierce competition for seats in the harbour restaurants. A walk into the harbour and along the outer harbour wall is a great experience set aside at least an hour to do the walk both ways. A number of places advertised real Greek food, but to be honest, the fare on offer was pretty similar in terms of an "intetnational" menu. The exception to this were a few better quality restaurants just on the edge of the main drag.

There is a quiet magic woven into the gentle moments of everyday life—the kind that settles softly in the heart and reminds us how beautiful the world can be. It lives in the warm glow of morning light spilling across a room, in the peaceful rhythm of ocean waves touching the shore, and in the laughter shared between friends who understand us without explanation. Beauty appears in kindness freely given, in courage quietly carried, and in the hope that rises even after difficult days. Sometimes it can be found in the delicate colors of a sunset, painted across the sky like a promise. Other times, it hides in the silent strength of those who continue forward with grace, no matter the weight they carry. There is beauty in love that grows patiently, in dreams that refuse to fade, and in the gentle resilience of the human spirit. When we slow down long enough to notice these small wonders, life becomes softer, richer, and more meaningful. Every moment holds the possibility of light. Every person carries a story worth hearing. And every day, no matter how ordinary it may seem, offers a new chance to feel gratitude, hope, and quiet joy.

This place is absolute magic. The history of nearly 5000 years of civilization is on fully display here. The old Venetian port area is beautiful, restaurants are fantastic and the people are very friendly. Will definitely visit again!

Clear clean water. The lighthouse. Views that one is not tired to make photos enough in any time of day. From land or when you get out with the glass bottom boat. I let here some of my photos. Enjoy..... And go to see by yourself. You will be astonished and happy relaxed all the time you are here.

I enjoyed the night walk to the lighthouse and back by light rain. This made the path slightly tricky, especially on higher platform and with strong see wind gusts. On the other hand, the visual, olfactive and acoustic experience was breathtaking.

This place is magical in the sunset hours ! Grab a bite at a waterfront restaurant you will not regret it. The shops are great too a bit overpriced but stop at the perfumery shops you can custom make and they have all type of scents for only 8-10 euro for travel size carry on bottle 3.4oz

A beautiful place! The garden is huge, full of exotic plants, scents, and colors. Walking along the paths surrounded by nature is pure pleasure, and the mountain views are breathtaking. Everything is very well maintained, and the plant information is really interesting. After exploring, it’s worth stopping by the restaurant – the food is delicious and made with local ingredients. A perfect spot for a peaceful day surrounded by nature. Highly recommended!

What an amazing place to spend our afternoon. We loved it so much we returned the following day for lunch again. The gardens, the trails and the huge variety of plants are a paradise on Earth, where we have learnt so much about Crete, while listening to birds and smelling the rich aromatic scent of flowers and Cretan herbs. ✨Moreover, the story behind this Botanical Garden is such an inspiring story: in 2003 a massive wilfire reduced to ashes this valley and destroyed many thousands of trees, including many thousands of 400 years old olive trees, that only grew in this part of the world. Visiting this place is also a beautiful reminder of how regeneration is possible, with determination and dedication. Bravo to all the people who made this peaceful nature sanctuary a reality, after such a big loss. Also, we couldn’t recommend the restaurant more! Local, oh-so-tasty foods and ingredients: we had the rooster with homemade pasta, the homemade bread, Fava, and several other yummy typical mezze. The small salted olives were incredible, too. It is as if each ingredient here tastes 100% more than similar ingredients in other places. Finally, there’s a very garnished shop with great local products and books, and an amphitheater for events. We fully recommend the visit, if you come to Crete! Ps. Some people leave trash behind - please don’t.

My family and I had a wonderful experience exploring the beautiful gardens, learning about the wide variety of fruit trees, plants, and flowers native to Crete. The gentle pathways created a calm and enriching environment to wander, learn, and appreciate the richness of the landscape. We also enjoyed a nourishing lunch at the restaurant, with fresh and flavourful dishes ranging from vibrant salads and seasonal fruits to wood-fired meats. The gift shop offered a great selection of local products showcasing the many uses of natural ingredients. To top it off, we were surrounded by wildlife, including peacocks and donkeys. I highly recommend visiting the gardens to anyone with an interest in nature.

The park is gorgeous! It left the deepest impression of all the places I visited in Crete. Imagine walking among blooming, fragrant trees and flowers of incredible variety and seeing peacocks and baby deers walking nearby. After the walk you can visit lovely restaurant with very welcoming service. The history of the place is fascinating too. This park was envisioned in the aftermath of the devastating fire. So the park literally appeared from the ashes like phoenix :) It’s easy to get here even if you don’t drive a car by public bus that runs from the Chania bus station on daily basis.

Absolutely beautiful botanical gardens with loads of native and tropical plants. Peacocks everywhere! Treat yourself to the ‘long walk’ down to the lake, It’s not that long, and is really pretty plus there’s donkeys, deer, geese, ducks and more peacocks down there next to a citrus grove. Some parts can be steep and uneven. Once you’ve finished hiking the gardens treat yourself at the restaurant, you won’t be disappointed, the food is delicious and fresh and really good value.

I really loved visiting this botanical park in Crete! It’s such a beautiful place, filled with so many kinds of fruit trees and other unique plant species to discover. I also enjoyed spotting the animals wandering around, which made the walk even more charming. The information boards were very helpful as well, they explained the different uses of each plant, making the visit both relaxing and educational. The entrance fee is €8 per adult, and I spent around 2.5 hours exploring the park at a comfortable pace. A lovely and peaceful walk through nature that I would definitely recommend! 🌿

Wonderful experience. It’s a 2.5km one-way path through a wide variety of plants, taking us 1.5 hours but recommended to be 2 hours. It’s mostly shaded (very helpful in summer), and though it winds a little downhill and uphill we didn’t find the rocky path too difficult (though it is not for those with mobility issues). Suggest making sure to have water during the walk - they sell 500ml bottles at the front (€0,50 when we came). There is great signage throughout about the numerous plant varieties - almost too much information but just choose to read the ones that caught our eye. The amount of wildlife was a special surprise - many peacocks with their recent babies throughout, small geckos, butterflies, bees, donkeys, ducks, geese, and even two deer (that quickly fled when they saw us). Restaurant is at the entrance/exit area and table service only. Though great views we just picked up a few waters and orange juice to go at the entrance area. Toilets nice and clean, though note there are no toilet seats for women’s stalls. Shop had a wide selection of items available to purchase. Car park decently sized, and we had no issues finding a close spot. One electric charger available. A few switchback roads at the end of driving there but fairly wide (for mountain roads) so no problem. Note: Pictures in route order. Also In summer (July/August) cicadas out and were quite loud (commonly 80/90 decibels according to my watch). Typical for the entire island during this time but not quite the peaceful walk originally planned for.

We were there September 2025. Beautiful beach, the water is crystal clear. Often it was a red flag because the waves were high, and the wind was strong. The beach - sand, small stones, large stones or boulders the closer you get into the sea. Shallow water would be suitable for families with children but the waves and current can be tricky. There was many people who walk around with scrapes on their arms and legs after a curious approach to water :) There is a lifeguard. Sunbeds can be rented from various restaurants without or with you eating at them. Just a sunbed with a beach umbrella costs 4 €/person.

Wave here is quite strong, the beach is some places more gravely and some place quite sandy, there are bars along the whole beach, quite easy to find a place to have a some drink or food.

Lovely blue water long sand beach . Best for morning sunrise and evening sunset.

A very nice place for my tastes, full of accommodation buildings (villas and hotels) full of facilities and optimal conditions for spending holidays. The golden sand does not give you that blue colour of the sea but the sea is clear, transparent and very suitable for children. A very well organised beach where you can find umbrellas and sunbeds for free if you are a customer in the tavern or with a payment up to 6-8 euros

Beautiful beach, the water is clean and warm. This beach have sunloungers and they can be paid for or you could get food in the restaurant on the beach and then they are “free”. I’d say if you are visiting this beach be careful with people who are selling jewellery. Other than that everything else is great.

Amazing beach with sand that is not so fine that it sticks everywhere. Crystal clear water, beautiful surroundings and restaurants close by. Sand colored fish that swim around your feet, the small ones might bite if you have a wound and stand still, but it's not really hurtful, just surprising. I think they might be doctor fish known from spas.

Amazing beach 10 Euros for two beds and umbrella with two free water bottles Water is shallow and good for kids

Really nice stretch of beach. Many restaurants offer use of sun chairs and umbrellas with any food or drink purchases, so it's easy enough to find a good spot. We stayed at Sonios hotel right along the beach and most of that area was perfect because of all the space. It can get very wavy though depending on the day. During the week we probably had 3-4 days where the water was calm enough to just float around, and they other 3 were a lot more rough so not as good if you aren't the best swimmer.

Worst beach I have ever been to. At the lightest waves the lifeguards put a red flag on the beach and do not allow anyone in the water. They are aggressive and yell at everyone who gets in the water even up to their belly. The sea was lightly wavy every day so I never got to swim there.

Ignore the ratings, it is nice, even couple of trees with free shadow but it is a very windy region and red flag is almost always up which means you cannot swim...long story short if you just want to chill at the beach, reading something is fine, if you want to swim...slim chances... PS: Even when you can swim, it is very deep, dirty and has rocks in the water, at least from.where i entered ...

Unfortunately was there on a windy day but the beach itself is great... Sandy beach perfect for children and grown-ups.. lots of sun chairs... Restaurants and stores close by

Average beach, not as nice as nearby Agia Marina. Mix of sand and shingle, not easy to walk on but probably fine if your going straight on the water or on a lounger. Fair bit of rubbish around and the attached bars are, again, average. Basically OK, but easily beaten by Agia Marina beach.

Great mam and pap resteraunt..beach front great views, they were very welcoming. The Limited menu was good and mamma cooked my bream exactly as I wanted it. They are very welcoming and the prices were, in my opinion low...

I find it's necessary to clarify some things after reading reviews made for 2 beaches ('Paralia' and 'Beach' Platanias) that in fact are sections of the same 2 km long beach. On the East side(right hand looking to the sea) the beach starts after Marina=sheltered bay where boats go especially to Thodorou islet. First 200 m after the pier the entry in the water is very rocky with a slippery seabed and shallow water for at least 100 m. Please note that there is stunning for snorkeling with best part near the pier. Quiet area with some shadow under pines and parking lot on premise. After those 200 m measured from Marina to the left looking the sea the entry in the water is smooth with 2-3 m of small rounde stones and the sand as long as we manage to swim. And is lije that for few kilometers to Gerani but there of course is not the subject of the Platania beach/paralia. The sections with sunbeds and free areas to put your towel alternates somehow respecting the new rule to keep around 40% free area.You will have plenty of space to put your towel and umbrella no matter the season. Regarding the water have to say that it is crystal clear when no waves and becomes cloudy when choppy with medium to big waves, very beautiful to play but with the downside that you cannot see the bottom due to the sand moved with the waves.At Paralia Platanias on this map there is an improvised parking lot directly behind the beach, 10 m distance. Also big pines that provide shadow all day long. Lot of tavernas/beach bars that rent sunbeds for around 5-12 E a set if you spend little money for a drink bring to sunbed or eat on their tables. So long story short Platanias beach is one in fact but 2 on Maps and this 1 offer various shoreline conditions that are'n accurately described when someone review with 'rocky' or 'all sandy'. If you walk a little bit near the water for sure will find the perfect spot for you!

Small but beautiful cave. It also has a nice history/legend behind it which i encourage you to search for. The way up to the cave is a bit hard however since there are quite a lot of steps. Avoid doing in in the hottest hours of the day and go on your own rhythm especially if you have leg/knee issues. I don't recommend to pass by and check it out!

Really surprised about the size of the cave,it is quiet big. You can walk around inside the cave on sturdy foot paths. It is a little difficult to get up all the steps at first but worth the climb.

Small cave with a tiny icon-filled chapel inside that’s free to see and able to be explored in 20-25 minutes, including the 257 stairs up and down. Inside there is a clear walking path that has a few additional stairs. There were a few others when we visited but it wasn’t busy. Parking is on the street layby, and had space for a few cars plus a bus when there. Tavern about 1/4 of the way up had food, drinks, seats with views, and toilets.

Worth paying a visit on your way towards Elafonisi. A staircase begins just next to the road, then alongside some nice tavern, and finally reached the entrance to the cave and the church inside. There's a paved path inside the cave and the entrance is free. Once you reach the entrance you're supposed to go left, through the church, and then follow the signs and walk all the way around, to the right side - it's a circular path. Be so kind to respect the sight - don't go dressed inappropriately (it's not a beach) and do not yell nor laugh loudly.

A must see! Incredible beautiful stunning cave. Don’t forget to walk around it not just at the front or centre. It is free but please donate some money as it is an incredible place and they need to pay people for maintenance. Need to climb to the cave. There was a cafe downstairs.

The cave feels like a hidden gem still. It's so unassuming from the outside, but absolutely beautiful when you go inside to explore the cave. It's free to enter and you can leave a donation if you want. The place is well maintained and a perfect pit stop on your way to/from Elafonisi if you want to explore something new and hide from the burning sun :) There's a small taverna midway through the steps with a gorgeous view where you can get drinks and snacks.

We've seen cathedrals from one end of Europe to the other. This church may now be as grand, but it's just as beautiful. Worth a stop. Be ready for a bit of a climb on the staircase.

Definitely worth visiting, expected the worst after reading the reviews, but isn’t too bad getting there , the road it’s pretty bad but not impossible to get there , just have to make sure you have a good car . The walk is about 30 min going down the hill , so make sure you’re wearing good shoes, definitely not flip flops or sandals. It is a workout but worth it for the beautiful views

What a lovely place! We took the car to the carpark. The drive is doable with a normal car but be patient. The last 8km takes 30minutes at least. It is unpaved with big stones / holes in some sections. We did the walk down to the beach with a 5 year old and two babies in a carry-on. It is a nice walk but you have to be careful. It is not an even path and there are some stone stairs. The beach itself was very peaceful with fantastic view of the sunset. In november there were not that many people and we enjoyed our stay. The way back up is of course a bit harder (certainly with baby's in a carry-on, but after 30min we were back at the car. Certainly worth the trip!

Stunning place, we took the ferry here from kissamos port which was far more enjoyable than taking the dirt road. We came in mid October and I must say the water was quite cold. Stunning location though, lots of space for being flopped on a towel taking in the sun. Lots of goats to keep you entertained and just lovely views.

After a 40 minute off-road drive ( actually not bad) among goats and beautiful mountains, you reach a place like you've never seen before. The turquoise, shallow ( and jellyfish-less) sea is just incredible having the white sand next to it. It is simply impossible to comprehend how so close to red sand covered mountains there can be a place like Heaven on Earth.

Beautiful view also crystal clear waters ! But there is a danger to all this beauty , be very careful there are a lot of rocks everywhere no walk path , I fell very badly sprained my ankle and I had the best running shoes on ! also there are no bathrooms or coffee bar ect please be careful

The beauty of this place is unfathomable. No picture and no video can do it enough justice. The whole experience is tremendous. From the tough drive to get closer, then a nice hike through a wondrous terrain with the phenomenal reward simply waiting for you by the corner. Don't miss out on this on your visit to Crete

Most beautiful beach I have ever been to! There are very naughty beach goats - be careful about bringing food in your bags! There is a bit of a hike to the beach (not terrible - old ladies and kids were doing it and many people wore flip flops. Would recommend sneakers - no need for hiking shoes. The road up there is unpaved and winding. However our Toyota rental car did just fine!

Will have to agree with the rest- a very beautiful beach (but wouldn’t call it unique), crystal water (not deep), soft warm sand, but too expensive regarding the prices. I totally understand that tourism is the main income for most of the people on the island and for sure as a visitor, I am willing to spend, in order to enjoy the perfect vacation, but it’s not necessary to feel exploited in the end.

Pros: One of the top beaches in Crete. Crystal clear water. The beach and sea floor covered by soft fine sand. (Few sections with pink sand )Turquoise water. West oriented, which makes the sunset spectacular. Nude section. Large free parking. Cons: Expensive sun beds( on other 10 cretan beaches we visited before this one, we paid between 6 and 15(only on VAI) euro for sun beds set ), here cheapest was 20 euro. Expensive food and drinks. Very few showers. Not many toilets. Conclusion: great beautiful beach which must be visited, but may be not the best choice for everyday use.

The beach is long and suitable for everyone. It has soft sand and a cozy vibe. We loved it more than the famous Elafonissi Beach

September 2025. One of the best beaches we visited while in Crete, definitely worth spending the day here. Parking was €6 entire day. We stayed middle of the beach, 2 sunbeds for €20. Far right side by the 3 restaurants sunbeds were more expensive front rows €40, middle €30, back €20. The beach is huge and didn’t feel crowded.

Falassarna Beach is stunning — wide, golden sands and turquoise waters create the perfect setting for a relaxing day by the sea. The sunsets here are unforgettable. Truly one of Crete’s finest beaches.

No matter what I say about this beach, it wouldn't be enough. It’s simply perfect — the beach, the water, the sand, everything. Just perfect. The sunbed for two people in the second row is 40 euros. However, it depends on the beach bar, though I don’t believe the prices are any lower elsewhere.

Free parking around Maracaya Beach house, great lounge area, amazing food and drinks. The water is clear and beautiful. There are some fish on the shore line to look at though goggles. Loved the whole experience

In short, this destination is ideal for tourists who are feeling adventurous, for those who want to burn some calories, and can't (or don't want to) swim, or for those with a real passion for photography. For everyone else, admiring the fortress walls from below is probably enough, as there isn’t much to see up top. Highlights: Stunning views: The panorama, especially towards Balos Lagoon, is breathtaking, offering plenty of opportunities for impressive photos. Free entrance: There’s no admission fee - probably because they couldn’t find anyone willing to climb up there to sell tickets! Drawbacks: Limited time: If you’re visiting with an organized group, you’ll likely have around two hours on the island. If you choose to hike up to the castle, you won’t have time to enjoy the beach—which is one of the best swimming spots in this part of Crete. Challenging ascent: The climb is tough. The steps are steep and slippery, making it difficult for anyone with knee or hip problems. Sparse attractions: Inside the castle, there’s not much to see -just a few crumbling rocks overgrown with wild vegetation like thorns, thistles, and weeds. Avoid this hike if: You don’t have proper hiking shoes. You have mobility issues, especially with your knees. You have cardio-respiratory conditions. You can’t tolerate extreme heat.

Gramvousa Fortress: A Rewarding Climb with Breathtaking Views The Venetian-era fortress on Gramvousa Island is a truly remarkable sight. Be prepared for a steep climb to the top; good physical fitness and sturdy footwear are essential. However, the effort is incredibly rewarding, as the views from the fort's summit are absolutely amazing. This historical site is definitely worth the visit.

After disembarking from the boat it’s about a 15 minute walk up ~360-370 stairs. Though hot in summer, the views over the fortress, Balos Beach, and surrounding water and mountains are spectacular and absolutely worth it! We spent about 45-60 minutes between the walk up, wandering around these 16th century ruins, and taking loads of photos. Suggestion: Wear good trainers/sneakers and take water. Many others wore flip flops but the steps up and around the site are rocky and uneven so support and grip are useful.

One of the most breathtaking views from up there. Historical and beautiful. Long way which could be a little hard and long and tiring but absolutely worth it especially with a swim afterwards

As a part of the cruise to the Balos beach, the ferry stops at Gramvousa fort. Beautiful scenery. You'll see the Balos bay nicely from the top. The climb is not that bad, but recommend to have something else on than just flip flops. After climbing, if you have time, the beach looked nice for a refreshing swim. Swim shoes could be useful.

Pretty challenging hike in the heat, but worth the views

Amazing place so beautiful view, historical place.