How to Get to Crete

Crete is the largest and most popular island in Greece, located in the southern Aegean Sea that hosts millions of passengers from around the world each year. It can be easily accessed by any of the two major international airports in Heraklion and Chania or the smaller airport in Sitia. It can also be reached from the ferry dock ports located in Heraklion, Chania, Rethymno, Sitia and Kissamos. Once you arrive to the island, avoid the inconvenience of waiting for a bus or taxi and rent a car Heraklion so you can begin your journey on the island. You can rent a car Chania from any of the well-known rent a car agencies including Hertz, Avis, Budget and Imperial Car Rental. If you don't know your way around the island, request that a GPS device be included in your rent a car Hersonissos. It is the best way to come and go as you please to any and all locations you desire easily with no hassle or delays.

Lagoufa

Lagoufa is located right after the east end of Makrigialos main beach, around 59km southeast of Agios Nikolaos and 24km east of Ierapetra. It consists of two adjacent coves, which are formed near the luxurious hotels of Makrigialos. The first cove has fine golden sand, shallow blue water and is very well organized with umbrellas, bars, showers and water sports, due to the local hotel. This might look as private, but access to the beach is permitted to everybody, since there are no private beaches in Greece.You can access Lagoufa beaches either through the hotels or by passing the rocky east end of Makrigialos beach (you'll have to walk for a few meters in shallow water). There is a wooden route from the first cove that leads to the easternmost beach. There are some small lakes created in the rocky limestone below this route, while fresh water is gushing from the rocks or the sand in some locations.

Balos Lagoon

The famous Balos lagoon is located approximately 56 km southwest of Chania and 17 km northwest of Kissamos, formed between Cape Gramvousa and the tiny Cape Tigani and below the Platiskinos range. Balos is certainly the mostly photographed beach in Crete, a favourite topic for Greece among all tourist guides. It's no coincidence that Prince Charles and Princess Diana visited Balos with their personal yacht many years ago.

Elafonissi beach

Elafonisi is located 76km west of Chania and 5km south of Chrysoskalitisa Monastery, in the southwesternmost tip of Crete. Elafonisi is an oblong peninsula, which often breaks in two parts by water giving the impression of being a separate island. Elafonisi is a Natura 2000 protected area. The island is full of sand dunes with sea daffodils and jupiners. The endangered loggerhead sea turtle and several more rare animals and plants find shelter on the island; it is strictly forbidden to remove any plants, animals, shells and sand from the area.

Agia Pelagia beach

Agia Pelagia (Santa Pelagia) is located 21km west of Heraklion, on the south side of the small Cape Souda, surrounded by several coves with beautiful beaches. Agia Pelagia, was initially a small and picturesque settlement used by the residents of Achlada village for growing their crops; today it has transformed into a bustling tourist resort with many hotels, restaurants, cafes, bars, internet cafés, ATMs, taxi, etc. and is connected with regular bus services to Heraklion.

Agia Marina beach The seaside village of Agia Marina is located just 9km west of Chania city and is one of the most popular resorts in Chania, with thousands of hotels and all types of touristic infrastructure one can ask for. The village is named after the local church of Agia Marina celebrating on July 17.The shore of Agia Marina is fantastic with lovely consecutive sandy beaches. At the west side, near the port of Platania, we meet many small artificial piers where one can swim. In the east part the beach, there is a long sandy beach extending to Stalos. Along the shore, you will find all the services offered in a well organized beach.

Visit Picturesque Villages
Matala popular seaside village with sandy beaches & caves carved in the mountains

Elounda beautiful coastal village, popular summer holiday destination

Malia seaside village and the most popular destination in Crete

Bali spectacular seaside village that combines sea and mountains

Maleme charming seaside village, residents are known for their Cretan hospitality

Kolymbari quiet, picturesque traditional village surrounded by sea & olive groves

Milatos hillside village with panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea