BEACHES IN WESTERN CRETE

VISIT OUR FAMOUS EXOTIC BEACHES.

BY BOAT OR BUS!

Sea & Sun 

Looking for that perfect sandy beach in Crete? Visit Crete’s absolut top beaches! Even if you appreciate the culture and all the lovely food here, having a fantastic beach experience is still on top of the list for most of our summer visitors. On the west coast we have world famous beaches such as Balos and Elafonissi, both child friendly with shallow waters. Falassarna beach is a bit closer to Chania and perfect if you want to find a beach closer by. The south coast has also a lot of beautiful places to see such as Previlli, Sougia and Paleochora, book one of our Private Excursions to get the best experience. If you like a bit more action check out our boat excursion for a day with Sea & Sun, and fun!

 

Top Beaches in Crete

Destination Platanias Falassarna Beach - Private Transfer

Falassarna Beach - Private Transfer

 HALF or FULL DAY  Falassarna, one of the locals' favorite destinations. With its amazing sandy beaches and the crystal clear water, Falassarna is worth a visit! Join our Private Trips to Falassarna Beach, where you will have a private driver who shows you the better parts. The beaches have all got sunbeds and umbrellas for rent, but you are of course allowed to spend your day at the beach for free.  Details of your trip The driver will pick you up from your accommodation at the time you like. The drive will take approx. 40 minutes. At Falassarna the driver will leave you off at the main beach called Pachia Ammos. It's a beach longer than one kilometer and at least 150 meter in width. The sand is very thin and soft, and the water turquoise. The beaches have all got sun beds and umbrellas for rent, but you are of course allowed to spend your day at the beach for free. There are also many beach snack bars and cafes available. Watersports such as jetski, surf and SUP can be found along the beach for rent. The driver will pick you up at the same spot you were dropped off and at the time you prefer. Please notice: Prices valid for departure from Platanias & Chania region

FromEUR 100
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Destination Platanias Elafonissi Tour - BESTSELLER - 39 EUR

Elafonissi Tour - BESTSELLER - 39 EUR

SEA AND SUN - FULL DAY. Visit Crete’s most loved beach, Elafonissi! A magical place on the southwest coast with crystal clear waters and beautiful pink sand. One of Europe’s top beaches. Book now!  DETAILS OF YOUR TRIP You will be picked up by the bus at your pick up point.The guide will give you all necessary information about the tour in English, Greek or German. During the drive to Elafonissi there will be a 20-30 minute stop ( about 10:00a.m ), at a small traditional village called “Elos” for breakfast. The next stop is at the holy Monastery of Chrisoskalitisa (if you translate it means “The Golden step” ) for 15 minutes. It has a magnificent view. It is optional to enter or not. Entrance fee: 2€ We will reach Elafonissi about 11:30 and we stay for about 4 hours. You have plenty of time to walk through the shallow water to discover the area. To sunbathe and to swim in the crystal clear water. A fantastic place which often is called the “Cretan Maldives”. As we return the bus will make a stop for lunch at Amygdalokefali village, at a restaurant with a lovely view ( 40-45 minutes ). The route to Elafonissi goes by Topolia Gorge and when we return it goes from another road that leads to the village Sfinari. It is a round trip because we want our clients to see a different scenery when we return. Return time approximately 18.30-19:00

FromEUR 39
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Destination Platanias BALOS LAGOON TOUR - 45 EUR

BALOS LAGOON TOUR - 45 EUR

BALOS LAGOON Cruise - FULL DAY - WITH TRANSFER One of Crete’s top beaches! Visit one of Europe's most beautiful beaches, Balos Lagoon with crystal clear waters and white sand, with a stop at the Gramvousa island. A wonderful boat cruise with all the comforts on board.  Details of your trip Your day starts with being picked up from your hotel or at one of the specific pick up points.On the bus the guide is going to give you all the necessary information about the cruise.The ferry is waiting for you when you arrive at the port of Kissamos, Kastelli. You only pay 10 euros now at the booking point as a deposit and the remaining 28 euros during the excursion. The guide will collect the money for the boat tickets from you so you can skip the lines at the ticket offices. About 10:20 you will set off for the island of Gramvousa which takes approximately 45 minutes. On the ferry there is a kitchen with self service dishes, meals and snacks. You can sit back on a deck chair or in the lounge. Once you arrive at the island of Gramvousa you can either have a swim or you can take a hike to the top of the island to the Venetian fortress. Here you have 2,5 hours before the ferry continues to the lagoon of Balos which is 20 minutes from there. As soon as you arrive at the lagoon you will have about 3 hours there to enjoy. You may at any time go back to the boat for food or also hire umbrellas if the heat is too intense. After swimming and relaxing at the lagoon, the boat will take you straight back to the port of Kissamos. This is a great photo opportunity as the sun will be behind you as you look out on the scenery of the island. At 18:00 the ferry is arriving at the port, return time in Chania is approximately: 19.00. Notice! To see the Gramvousa fortress you need to walk uphill a couple of hundred of meters to reach the top of the island. Children ticket is from 3 y/o-12y/o.

FromEUR 45
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Destination Platanias Kayaking in Falassarna

Kayaking in Falassarna

OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES - 1/2 DAY. Join up for an accessible sea adventure in turquoise water! A short, wonderful sea kayak excursion in West Crete. We paddle to Limpet island, just off Falasarna beach. Then we visit the shallow sunken Allied ship.  Details of your trip We set off from Kissamos and drive 20 minutes over to the West coast. We launch from the pink sands of Falasarna beach. Alternatively, we meet directly in Falasarna so you can hang out on the beach afterwards.We paddle across the bay with turquoise waters to the small off-shore Limpet island. We navigate around the shallow reef and go along the island. We get back to the main island to discover the secret of an Allied WWII transport ship sunk in shallow waters. We make our way back to shore over extensive seagrass meadows. We take advantage of the sit-on-tops and jump in the blue element. We don our masks and snorkels and we take a closer look at the shallow reefs, the shipwreck, the seagrass meadows and the sea life in it. We land back in Falasarna beach, on the soft pink-sand shores and snack in the shade of the tamarisk trees. We can also enjoy a drink at the cafe with an overview of the bay. Kayaking time: 1-2 hours Total time: 4 hours Kayak Distance: 4-7Km Difficulty: for everyone Notice! You need to be able to paddle for 1-2 hours.

FromEUR 45
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Destination Platanias SUP & Snorkling tour 59 EUR

SUP & Snorkling tour 59 EUR

SEA AND SUN - OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES - 1/2 DAY. Enhance your traveling experience and get your body moving. Come and see the western coast of Crete on a SUP board. Paddle around the most crystal clear, turquoise watersand discover the amazing spot that not even the locals know, guided by our experienced SUP instructors.  SUP & Snorkeling Tour After an introductory course on the basic paddling techniques, how to stand up, turn and stop, we set course within the bay, explore the caves that lie hidden across the coastline, swim, take pictures, go snorkeling and enjoy what is considered to be the highlight of our guests’ vacations in Crete. We will provide you with all equipment (masks, snorkels) to safely enjoy snorkeling around our coastline and record all these unique memories with our action cameras. All footage will be send to you as reminiscent of this unequalled experience. There is absolutely no need for prior paddling experience, we make sure you feel confident and ready to go within the first few minutes! Our tour is specially designed to please all levels of paddlers, from first timers to pros. While previous paddle boarding experience isn’t necessary and our instructors are certified in water rescue and first aid, participants should still know how to swim.  Dress according to the weather, preferably in clothing that’s comfortable to move in and can tolerate getting wet. A hat/cap and sunscreen are recommended on sunny days. A second change of clothes, that will be kept out of the water, within our premises, during the tour, is also recommended. Children are fro age 8-12 yrs.  

FromEUR 59
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Destination Platanias Paleochora & Gialiskari Beach

Paleochora & Gialiskari Beach

TWO EXOTIC BEACHES - FULL DAY  Discover the beaches at the southside of Crete and join the Paleochora Beach Trip! The main beach “Pachia Ammos” is permanently waving the blue flag receives thousands of visitors in the summer months. Galiskari Pebble Beach, a short ride from Paleochora with incredible clean crystal clear waters. Just amazing!  Details of your trip We will be pleased to pick you up from your place and take you to Paleochora with the minimum of fuss and with possible stops during the trip. The driver will guide you throu the trip all down to the southside where you will find Paleochora. There are two popular beaches well worth visiting: Pachia Ammos Beach, A children friendly sandy beach with shallow waters and with umbrellas and sun beds that can be rented. Its a very long and wide beach and a popular beach during summer for many. Of course you have several options of excellent taverns and restaurants, espesially at the harbour area. In the village of Paleochora, you can also find some shops, cafees and bars. Other facilities you will find in Plaeochora are banks, post office, a health care center, a police station and a coast guard and more. A ferry Boat leaving forSougia, Agia Roumeli, Loutro, Chora Sfakion and Gavdos dock in the local harbor. Galiskari You can choose if you would like to visit Galiskari Beach or just stay and in Paleochora. We recommend you to visit Galiskari, where you will have a swim you never forget. Its a bebble Beach with waters that makes you feel you are in a dream. Its so crystal clean and clear, that its for sure a memory for life! You will have approximately three to four hours in Paleochora/Galiskari before we leave the southside and head north. * Prices valid for departure from Platanias & Chania region

FromEUR 150
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Destination Platanias Sougia Beach - FULL DAY

Sougia Beach - FULL DAY

PRIVATE TRIP - FULL DAY Join a private trip to Sougia Beach and swim in the crystal clear and magical blue waters of Sougia! The beach is very wide and long with a few beach chairs and umbrellas. There are many smaller taverns  where you can enjoy a splendid Cretan meal. Details of your trip The driver will pick you up from your accommodation the time you prefer. The drive will take approx. 1 1/2 hour non stop or around 2 1/2 hours with a few stops on the way. Along the way to Sougia you will pass through many of Crete's olive and orange groves. We will make a stop to smell the oranges and for some photos. As we continue up through the White Mountains with its gorgeous views, you will have the opportunity for a stop again for more photos and to sit down in one of the mountain villages for a Greek coffee. Usually we drink Greek Coffee with a bit of sugar and if you feel a bit hungry, we recommend you to ask for a spinach pie (kalitsounia) or a Sfakiani Pita (a Cretan pancake with goat cheese and honey). Reaching Sougia Beach you will have plenty of hours for relaxing, swimming and snorkeling. Sougia Beach is a pebble beach and the crystal clear waters are impressive. Actually Sougia is a archeological site which is why its still very few hotels and quite untouched place. If you are interested in hiking during you visit in Sougia, please let us know and we will assist you with information about some beautiful walks close by. You will have approximately three to four hours in Sougia before we leave the southside and head north. * Prices valid for departure from Platanias & Chania region

FromEUR 150
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Destination Platanias Glasbottom Boat Trip - 1 or 2 hours

Glasbottom Boat Trip - 1 or 2 hours

BOAT TRIP AND SEA & SUN - 1 to 2 hours Discover what's underneath the surface of the sea from above! Join the Glass bottom boat trip!   DETAILS OF YOUR TRIP  Take a few hours break from the beach and join a glass bottom boat trip. A perfect excursion for all of the family, even the smallest children will enjoy this trip. This tour will make shorter stops for swimming it's just a joyful ride to see the beautiful cost of Platanias and all the magic that hides underneath the surface of the mediterranean sea. Sit back and relax and see the beautiful scenery. Captain Argiris and his well experienced team will share with passion and love their knowledge about the sea and the treasures it holds. Discover the fish and wildlife underneath the surface without even getting wet. If you are looking for an easy going activity this is perfect for You! Notice:  If weather conditions are very bad, the trip will be rearranged. If it's cancelled, you will get 100% refund on your payment.

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Destination Platanias Boat Tour - Platanias 3h - 25 EUR

Boat Tour - Platanias 3h - 25 EUR

SEA AND SUN - 1/2 DAY  Make sure you join up Captain Argiris and his crew for a 3 hour boat trip. Discover Platanias seaside with snorkeling and swimming, learn a few things from the crew and see some history that's hidden on the seabed…  Details of your trip You will be greeted by the Captain and his friendly crew at the small harbour of Platanias. Life jackets are available for anyone who would like. The boat will head out to the island of Agios Theodori and if the weather allows they will take you around the hole island. Then it's time for the first stop, go for swimming and snorkeling just by the shore of the island and from here you might see the famous Kri Kri goats. The amazing service minded team of the boat will take good care of you and show you some hidden treasures of the sea, share some of their knowledge of the wildlife and show them to you. If you have any questions don't hesitate to ask, they are more then happy to answer you. The boat will continue a bit further down and make another stop and here you can see a old war plane that crashed during the world war II. During the ride home to the harbour you will have the view of the busy coastline of Platanias. This trip has been very loved by its visitors and many choose to do it one more time at their next visit to Platanias. Notice:  If weather conditions are very bad, the trip will be cancelled and you will get 100% refund on your payment.

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Destination Platanias Boat Trip To Magical Menies Beach 25 EUR

Boat Trip To Magical Menies Beach 25 EUR

BOAT CRUISE & SEA AND SUN - 1/2 DAY. Menies is a secluded beach many kilometers from the nearest village, untouched by man. On our way to this paradise we will stop at caves for you to explore and to swim in crystal clear waters. We welcome you to a 4 hour boat trip to enjoy the sea and the sun!  Boattrip to magical Menies We start our adventure from the harbour of Kolympari taking you to the beautiful beach of Menies also known as Diktyna located on the northeastern shores of Cape Rodopos. The beach is in a small bay where the Foundas Gorge ends. It's a lovely secluded beach with pebbles and crystal clear waters, the usual winds blowing in the area doesn't reach this paradise.The wild beauty will win you over for sure!  On our way to the beach we will make a stop at caves giving you the chance to swim and explore the shores of this charming area. We will guide you to places of historical and geographical importance of Crete, we will for example show you the monastery of St. George, dating from 530 BC, and the remains of the ancient port.  Menies beach is several kilometers away from the nearest village and it has not been altered by man in any shape or form. It is a virgin landscape that awaits you! A perfect place to swim and relax in the company of the amazing nature of Crete. Boat leavs harbor at  time: 10:15 Return time: 14:15 Duration: 4 hours Notice: If weather conditions are very bad, the trip will be rearranged. If it's cancelled, you will get a 100% refund on your payment.

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Destination Platanias PREVELI BEACH - NEW!!!

PREVELI BEACH - NEW!!!

SEA AND SUN - FULL DAY. NEW 2021! NEW 2021! Preveli is located about 35km south of Rethymno and 10km east of Plakias. Beach of Preveli, also known as Lake Preveli or Phoenix, is located at the exit of the imposing Kourtaliotis Gorge, where the Great River (Megas Potamos) flows. It is certainly the most famous beach in south Crete, accepting thousands of visitors every summer. DETAILS OF YOUR TRIP During the 60s and 70s, it was a favorite destination for the hippies. On the banks of the Grand River there is a large colony of Theophrastus palm trees, which give the region a sense of a tropical landscape. The river, forming a small lake, 500m long, before emptying into the sea, has water all year round. You can walk along the river, under the shade of palm trees and other trees, and start ascending in the beautiful canyon. You can swim in the cold ponds formed in the gorge. A big fire in 2010 burnt almost everything of this paradise, but the palmgrove recovered and still remains a heaven on earth. At the exit of the river, a sandy beach with pebbles and sand is formed, with sea water being very cool due to the river. In the eastern part of the beach, there is a beautiful rock reminding of a heart. The beach is not well organized because the area is protected, without any umbrellas. You will come from the bus to Preveli by boat. Boat schedule : 11:30 Damnoni - Preveli & 15:00 Preveli - Plakia/Damnoni Please note that Rubbish disposal and taking seashells from the Beach is strictly prohibited.

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Destination Platanias Elafonissi SUNSET Tour - 39 EUR

Elafonissi SUNSET Tour - 39 EUR

SEA AND SUN - AFTERNOON/EVENING TRIP Visit our most loved beach, Elafonissi! Perfect for you who like to sleep longer in the morning.. An afternoon excursion to Crete’s most beautiful beach and you will end your day with an amazing sunset!  Elafonissi is well known as one of the most beautiful beaches in Europe. The area has an exotic beauty with crystal clear waters, a bright pink beach, white sand dunes, beautiful rare flowers and animals.   DETAILS OF YOUR TRIP The trip to Elafonissi starts a little bit after noon, at 13:00. You will be picked up from your hotel or at one of our specific pickup points. The guide will give you all the necessary information about the tour in English, Greek or German on the bus. We arrive at Elafonissi about 15:00 and we will stay at the beach until 19:00. ( In September-October times will change as the sunset is earlier. ) On our way back we will follow the west coast and stop for dinner in Amygdalokefali in a restaurant which has one of the best sunsets in the area as it is at the edge of the cliff overlooking the sea. Breathtaking and very romantic. We will stay here for about an hour and we will return to Chania approximately 22:00. This tour is ideal for guests who want : Small groups which are not exceeding 20 pax. Not an early wake up as it starts about 13:00 p.m . To be arriving at the beach after the overcrowded time allowing more relaxing moments. Not so much time in the bus as there are few pick ups. A more romantic perspective watching the sunset.

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BALOS BEACH

Balos beach is often called ”tigani” (a frying pan) by the locals due to its shape. It is located in the end of the Gramvousa peninsula and can be reached by jeep or by boat. Most of the visitors choose a boat trip, because the road is unpaved , there’s not much place for parking and you have to walk the last 2 km until you reach the beach. A boat trip is simply more relaxing and this way you have the possibility to visit Gramvousa island and also enjoy the amazing view of the Balos lagoon. Absolutely one of the top beaches in western Crete!

 

BALOS

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ELAFONISSI

Elafonissi beach is the most well known beach in Crete and approximately 2 hour drive from Platanias. Thousands of visitors want to experience this beautiful fine sandy “pink” beach which is often referred to as the “Cretan Maldives”. Elafonissi beach is part of Natura 2000 –program due to its unique nature and therefor under the nature protection. However you will find all the basic services by the beach like showers, toilets, sunbeds and umbrellas as well as simple cantinas for snacks and drinks. One of the Top 10 beaches in the world!

 

ELAFONISSI

A perfect day filled with Sun & Sea

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FALASSARNA

Falassarna beach is approximately 45 min drive from Platanias village to the west. This shallow and fine sandy beach is ideal for small children and known for having the most beautiful sunsets in the whole island. You will find a few small mini markets and taverns very close to the beach and even small hotels for accommodation. On the beach you have the possibility to rent sunbeds and umbrellas and participate in different water activities. You can visit Falassarna by local bus or by renting a car.

 

 

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DESTINATION PLATANIAS

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