Aegean sea aerial photo portraying a beach on a Greek island

Heraklion Beach Guide

Heraklion beaches guide and information.

Explore Heraklion best beaches with Aegean Taxi.

From Heraklion, the heart of Crete, the entire island's epic coastline is yours to discover. Crete is an island of grand scale and mythic beauty, with beaches that are destinations in themselves.

This guide covers the legendary shores of Crete—from the pink sands of the west to the palm forests of the east. These are not just local beaches; they are unforgettable day trips that define the Cretan experience.

Your grand Cretan adventure starts here!

Painting of a scenic beach featuring cliffs and a rocky shore

Elafonisi

Balos Lagoon

Vai

Matala

Preveli

Falassarna

Elafonisi Beach

Elafonisi Beach distance from Town:200km
Elafonisi Beach is best for:Caribbean Vibe
Elafonisi Beach restaurants:Tavernas nearby

Elafonisi Beach Description: A world-famous paradise in Crete's far southwest corner. Elafonisi is a breathtaking lagoon with shallow, warm turquoise waters and its signature pink sand, colored by crushed seashells. It's a protected nature reserve with a Caribbean feel. The long, scenic drive from Heraklion is a significant journey, making a comfortable, private ride with Aegean Taxi the ultimate way to experience this natural wonder.

Elafonisi: A Guide to Crete's Pink Sand Paradise

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Balos Lagoon

Balos Lagoon Beach distance from Town:195km
Balos Lagoon Beach is best for:Exotic Scenery
Balos Lagoon Beach restaurants:Ferry Cantina

Balos Lagoon Beach Description: Arguably the most photographed beach in Crete, Balos is an exotic lagoon of mesmerizing beauty. Its shallow, vivid turquoise waters and pristine white sands create an unforgettable landscape. Reaching it requires a drive to Kissamos port followed by a ferry, or a challenging dirt road drive and a hike. An Aegean Taxi provides a stress-free journey to the port, so you can relax and enjoy the view.

Balos Lagoon: How to Visit Crete's Most Famous View

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The unique and tropical Vai Beach in Crete, with Europe's largest natural palm forest.

Vai Beach (Palm Forest)

Vai Beach distance from Town:150km
Vai Beach is best for:Palm Forest
Vai Beach restaurants:Vai Restaurant & Cafe

Vai Beach Description: Located on the far eastern tip of Crete, Vai is home to the largest natural palm forest in Europe, creating a unique, tropical oasis. The beautiful sandy beach and clear waters are fringed by thousands of Cretan date palms. This protected area offers a truly exotic beach experience unlike any other in the Mediterranean. The long drive from Heraklion is a beautiful tour of the Cretan landscape.

Vai Beach: A Guide to Crete's Tropical Palm Forest

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Matala Beach

Matala Beach distance from Town:67km
Matala Beach is best for:Hippie Caves & History
Matala Beach restaurants:Scala Fish Bar Restaurant

Matala Beach Description: The only beach on this list in the Heraklion region, Matala is world-famous for its unique sandstone cliffs filled with Roman-era caves. In the 1960s and '70s, these caves became a haven for a global hippie community. Today, this beautiful sandy bay retains its bohemian spirit, blending rich history with a relaxed, vibrant beach town atmosphere.

A view from inside one of the Matala caves looking out to the sea.

Matala: A Guide to Crete's Legendary Hippie Beach

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Preveli Beach

Preveli Beach distance from Town:110km
Preveli Beach is best for:River & Palm Forest
Preveli Beach restaurants:Preveli Beach Cantina

Preveli Beach Description: A magical and unique landscape on Crete's south coast. At Preveli, a river flows through a lush gorge lined with palm trees and empties into the Libyan Sea, creating a stunning beach with a river lagoon. You can swim in both the fresh river water and the salty sea. Reaching this paradise involves a scenic drive from Heraklion and a steep walk down, making the journey part of the adventure.

People walking along the riverbank in the Preveli palm forest.

Preveli: A Guide to Crete's River & Palm Beach

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Falassarna Beach

Falassarna Beach distance from Town:185km
Falassarna Beach is best for:Sunset Views & Surfing
Falassarna Beach restaurants:Playa Paraiso

Falassarna Beach Description: Located on Crete's western coast, Falassarna is a vast, Blue Flag-awarded beach famous for its stunning golden-pink sand and crystal-clear turquoise waters. It consists of several coves, with the main beach being incredibly wide. Facing due west, it is widely considered one of the best places in all of Greece to watch the sunset. A long but beautiful journey from Heraklion to witness an unforgettable spectacle.

Colorful sky after sunset at Falassarna Beach.

Falassarna: A Guide to Crete's Best Sunset Beach

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Frequently Asked Questions about Heraklion Beaches

Are famous beaches like Elafonisi and Balos located near Heraklion?

This is a great question. While Heraklion is a perfect base for exploring Crete, it's important to know that these legendary beaches are famous landmarks of the entire island, located in other regions. Elafonisi, Balos, and Falassarna are in the Chania region (far west), Preveli is in Rethymno, and Vai is in Lasithi (far east). Matala is the only one on this list located in the Heraklion region.

How far are they, and is it possible to visit them as a day trip from Heraklion?

Yes, they are popular but long day trips. Expect a 3-4 hour drive one-way to reach Elafonisi or the Balos ferry port from Heraklion. Vai is about a 2.5-hour drive. These are epic adventures that showcase Crete's stunning landscapes. Pre-booking a comfortable vehicle with a professional driver from Aegean Taxi is the best way to enjoy these long journeys in comfort.

What is the best way to visit these remote beaches from Heraklion?

You have a few options. Organized bus tours are available but operate on a fixed schedule. Renting a car offers freedom but involves long, tiring drives on unfamiliar roads. For the ultimate comfort and flexibility, a private transfer with Aegean Taxi allows you to travel on your own schedule, relax and enjoy the scenery, and even make custom stops along the way.

Which of these famous beaches is closest to Heraklion?

Matala Beach, on the south coast, is the most accessible from Heraklion, about a 1.5-hour drive. It's famous for its beautiful sandy bay and the unique sandstone cliffs with caves that were once home to a hippie community in the 1960s and '70s. It's a fantastic destination that blends beach life with unique history.