Best Lassithi Beaches
Magnificent beaches can be found along the coasts of Lassithi. The prefecture's beaches boast crystal waters and a more relaxed atmosphere. The only exceptions have to be the few busy tourist resorts, like Elounda and Sissi.
In brief, the most famous beach in Lassithi is definitely Vai Beach.
Most organized beaches in Lassithi are found on the northern coasts, while the southern side remains more secluded.
You will find a list of the best beaches in Lassithi sorted by popularity below.
After exploring them, don't skip checking out all the Things To Do in Lassithi (best sights, villages, restaurants, and more).
Vai beach
Family Friendly, Well-OrganizedLocation: 94 km northeast of Agios Nikolaos
Description: Vai is a sandy beach surrounded by the largest palm tree forest in Europe. This forest has about 5,000 trees and is a protected area.
Istro (Agios Panteleimon) beach
Diving Club, Sandy, Family Friendly, Well-OrganizedLocation: 13 km south of Agios Nikolaos
Description: Agios Panteleimonas is an amazing beach with soft white sand and crystalline azure waters. It is organized with sunbeds and water sports facilities and it is also sheltered from strong winds.
Makrigialos beach
Sandy, Family Friendly, Well-OrganizedLocation: 60 km southeast of Agios Nikolaos
Description: Makrigialos is a lovely fishing village developing into a tourist resort over the last years. The region around it has some fine beaches.
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Xerokampos (Alatsolimni) beach
Sandy, Secluded, Non-OrganizedLocation: 103 km southeast of Agios Nikolaos
Description: Alatsolimni is unlike any other beach in Crete, as it boasts a natural salt pan. This secluded shore is marvelous and ideal for snorkeling.
Kouremenos beach
Windsurfing, Sandy, Secluded, Non-OrganizedLocation: 90 km east of Agios Nikolaos
Description: Stretching for 1.5 kilometers, Kouremenos is the longest beach in the area of Palekastro. It stands out as one of the best windsurfing and kitesurfing destinations in Lassithi.
Havania beach
Family Friendly, Pebbled, Well-OrganizedLocation: 1 km north of Agios Nikolaos
Description: Havania is a sandy, organized beach that lies close to Agios Nikolaos, on the way to Elounda. It is ideal for anyone seeking peace and tranquility without having to move too far from the capital city of Lassithi.
Kato Zakros beach
Pebbled, Secluded, Non-OrganizedLocation: 106 km east of Agios Nikolaos
Description: Zakros is a large, secluded beach on the easternmost point of Lassithi. It is close to the Minoan site of Zakros and the Gorge of the Dead.
Ammoudara beach
Sandy, Family Friendly, Well-Organized, WatersportsLocation: 5 km south of Agios Nikolaos
Description: Ammoudara is a long and beautiful beach close to Agios Nikolaos. It is organized with sunbeds, umbrellas, and some fish taverns along the shore.
Agia Fotia beach
Partly-Organized, Sandy, Family Friendly, SecludedLocation: 47 km southeast of Agios Nikolaos
Description: This is a quiet tourist resort with lovely beaches. The area is surrounded by pine forests and a small chapel dedicated to Agia Fotini is also located near the coast.
Sissi beach
Sandy, Well-OrganizedLocation: 26 km north west of Agios Nikolaos
Description: The picturesque beach of Sissi is surrounded by small rocks and many taverns with fresh fish. This is a nice family place to relax.
Elounda Beach
Diving Club, Sandy, Family Friendly, Well-Organized, WatersportsLocation: 11 km north of Agios Nikolaos
Description: This is a lovely, sandy beach that stretches right in front of the main settlement, next to Elounda port. It is well-organized and affords great views of Elounda Bay and the Spinalonga islet.
Pahia Ammos beach
Pebbled, Non-OrganizedLocation: 20 km southeast of Agios Nikolaos
Description: This is a beautiful beach south of Agios Nikolaos, on the edge of Mirabello Gulf.
Chiona beach
Windsurfing, Sandy, Secluded, Non-OrganizedLocation: 90 km east of Agios Nikolaos
Description: The secluded Chiona offers crystal-clear, turquoise waters, pristine shore and astonishing scenery. It is unorganized and sandy, perfect for families with small children.
Almiros beach
Sandy, Family Friendly, Well-Organized, WatersportsLocation: 3 km south of Agios Nikolaos
Description: Almiros is a popular tourist resort close to Agios Nikolaos. Due to its location, the sandy coast and the watersports centers, it gets very popular with tourists.
Ammos Beach
Diving Club, Pebbled, Well-Organized, Small HarborLocation: Within walking distance from the center of Agios Nikolaos
Description: This popular sandy beach is one of the closest ones to the town center of Agios Nikolaos. It is well-organized and near various hotels, restaurants, and other tourist facilities.
Itanos beach
Sandy, Secluded, Non-OrganizedLocation: 80 km east of Agios Nikolaos
Description: Located on the eastern side of Lassithi, Itanos is a small and secluded beach close to Chiona and Palekastro.
Maridatis beach
Pebbled, Secluded, Non-OrganizedLocation: 90 km east of Agios Nikolaos
Description: Maridatis is a secluded pebbly beach on the eastern side of Lassithi, between the resorts of Vai and Palekastro. It is completely non-organized and boasts a lovely natural landscape.
Myrtos beach
Partly-Organized, Sandy, Secluded, WatersportsLocation: 51 km from Agios Nikolaos
Description: Myrtos is a lovely tourist resort in southwestern Lassithi, close to the Heraklion prefecture. Watersports and windsurfing equipment are available for rent on the beach.
Papadiokampos beach
Pebbled, Secluded, Non-OrganizedLocation: 60 km east of Agios Nikolaos
Description: Located close to Sitia, Papadiokampos (also known as Faneromeni) is an isolated rocky beach that provides a perfect spot for wave sailing.
Tholos beach
Pebbled, Secluded, Non-OrganizedLocation: 26 km east of Agios Nikolaos
Description: Located on the way to Sitia, Tholos is a large bay affected by strong winds in summer.
Koutsounari beach
Partly-Organized, Family Friendly, PebbledLocation: 38 km southeast of Agios Nikolaos
Description: Reaching a length of around 5 kilometers, Koutsounari is one of the longest beaches in Crete and never looks crowded. It is well-organized and captivates visitors with its mixture of grey sand and crystalline azure waters.
Vai beach
Family Friendly, Well-OrganizedLocation: 94 km northeast of Agios Nikolaos
Description: Vai is a sandy beach surrounded by the largest palm tree forest in Europe. This forest has about 5,000 trees and is a protected area.
Istro (Agios Panteleimon) beach
Diving Club, Sandy, Family Friendly, Well-OrganizedLocation: 13 km south of Agios Nikolaos
Description: Agios Panteleimonas is an amazing beach with soft white sand and crystalline azure waters. It is organized with sunbeds and water sports facilities and it is also sheltered from strong winds.
Makrigialos beach
Sandy, Family Friendly, Well-OrganizedLocation: 60 km southeast of Agios Nikolaos
Description: Makrigialos is a lovely fishing village developing into a tourist resort over the last years. The region around it has some fine beaches.
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Xerokampos (Alatsolimni) beach
Sandy, Secluded, Non-OrganizedLocation: 103 km southeast of Agios Nikolaos
Description: Alatsolimni is unlike any other beach in Crete, as it boasts a natural salt pan. This secluded shore is marvelous and ideal for snorkeling.
Kouremenos beach
Windsurfing, Sandy, Secluded, Non-OrganizedLocation: 90 km east of Agios Nikolaos
Description: Stretching for 1.5 kilometers, Kouremenos is the longest beach in the area of Palekastro. It stands out as one of the best windsurfing and kitesurfing destinations in Lassithi.
Havania beach
Family Friendly, Pebbled, Well-OrganizedLocation: 1 km north of Agios Nikolaos
Description: Havania is a sandy, organized beach that lies close to Agios Nikolaos, on the way to Elounda. It is ideal for anyone seeking peace and tranquility without having to move too far from the capital city of Lassithi.
Kato Zakros beach
Pebbled, Secluded, Non-OrganizedLocation: 106 km east of Agios Nikolaos
Description: Zakros is a large, secluded beach on the easternmost point of Lassithi. It is close to the Minoan site of Zakros and the Gorge of the Dead.
Ammoudara beach
Sandy, Family Friendly, Well-Organized, WatersportsLocation: 5 km south of Agios Nikolaos
Description: Ammoudara is a long and beautiful beach close to Agios Nikolaos. It is organized with sunbeds, umbrellas, and some fish taverns along the shore.
Agia Fotia beach
Partly-Organized, Sandy, Family Friendly, SecludedLocation: 47 km southeast of Agios Nikolaos
Description: This is a quiet tourist resort with lovely beaches. The area is surrounded by pine forests and a small chapel dedicated to Agia Fotini is also located near the coast.
Sissi beach
Sandy, Well-OrganizedLocation: 26 km north west of Agios Nikolaos
Description: The picturesque beach of Sissi is surrounded by small rocks and many taverns with fresh fish. This is a nice family place to relax.
Elounda Beach
Diving Club, Sandy, Family Friendly, Well-Organized, WatersportsLocation: 11 km north of Agios Nikolaos
Description: This is a lovely, sandy beach that stretches right in front of the main settlement, next to Elounda port. It is well-organized and affords great views of Elounda Bay and the Spinalonga islet.
Pahia Ammos beach
Pebbled, Non-OrganizedLocation: 20 km southeast of Agios Nikolaos
Description: This is a beautiful beach south of Agios Nikolaos, on the edge of Mirabello Gulf.
Chiona beach
Windsurfing, Sandy, Secluded, Non-OrganizedLocation: 90 km east of Agios Nikolaos
Description: The secluded Chiona offers crystal-clear, turquoise waters, pristine shore and astonishing scenery. It is unorganized and sandy, perfect for families with small children.
Almiros beach
Sandy, Family Friendly, Well-Organized, WatersportsLocation: 3 km south of Agios Nikolaos
Description: Almiros is a popular tourist resort close to Agios Nikolaos. Due to its location, the sandy coast and the watersports centers, it gets very popular with tourists.
Ammos Beach
Diving Club, Pebbled, Well-Organized, Small HarborLocation: Within walking distance from the center of Agios Nikolaos
Description: This popular sandy beach is one of the closest ones to the town center of Agios Nikolaos. It is well-organized and near various hotels, restaurants, and other tourist facilities.
Itanos beach
Sandy, Secluded, Non-OrganizedLocation: 80 km east of Agios Nikolaos
Description: Located on the eastern side of Lassithi, Itanos is a small and secluded beach close to Chiona and Palekastro.
Maridatis beach
Pebbled, Secluded, Non-OrganizedLocation: 90 km east of Agios Nikolaos
Description: Maridatis is a secluded pebbly beach on the eastern side of Lassithi, between the resorts of Vai and Palekastro. It is completely non-organized and boasts a lovely natural landscape.
Myrtos beach
Partly-Organized, Sandy, Secluded, WatersportsLocation: 51 km from Agios Nikolaos
Description: Myrtos is a lovely tourist resort in southwestern Lassithi, close to the Heraklion prefecture. Watersports and windsurfing equipment are available for rent on the beach.
Papadiokampos beach
Pebbled, Secluded, Non-OrganizedLocation: 60 km east of Agios Nikolaos
Description: Located close to Sitia, Papadiokampos (also known as Faneromeni) is an isolated rocky beach that provides a perfect spot for wave sailing.
Tholos beach
Pebbled, Secluded, Non-OrganizedLocation: 26 km east of Agios Nikolaos
Description: Located on the way to Sitia, Tholos is a large bay affected by strong winds in summer.
Koutsounari beach
Partly-Organized, Family Friendly, PebbledLocation: 38 km southeast of Agios Nikolaos
Description: Reaching a length of around 5 kilometers, Koutsounari is one of the longest beaches in Crete and never looks crowded. It is well-organized and captivates visitors with its mixture of grey sand and crystalline azure waters.
Achlia beach
Partly-Organized, Watersports, SandyDescription: With minimal development save for some sunbeds and umbrellas, this quiet little beach offers vivid blue waters, lush vegetation, and the perfect conditions for a relaxing swim.
Agia Irini beach
Secluded, Non-Organized, PebbledLocation: 98 km southeast of Agios Nikolaos
Description: Located in the secluded Agia Irini village, this beach is characterized by its pebbly shores and deep blue waters, as well as a uniquely serene atmosphere.
Agios Andreas beach
Well-Organized, Sandy, PebbledLocation: 32 km southeast of Agios Nikolaos
Description: Agios Andreas is the longest beach of Ierapetra. Close to the town it is well-organized, while moving further east, it becomes more and more secluded.
Agriomandra beach
Secluded, Non-Organized, PebbledLocation: 27 km southeast of Agios Nikolaos
Description: Agriomandra is a secluded cove with turquoise waters, largely preferred by nature lovers. It guarantees tranquility.
Alona beach
Secluded, Non-Organized, SandyLocation: 101 km southeast of Agios Nikolaos - 45 km from Sitia
Description: Alona is a secluded, non-organized beach in the remote area of Xerokampos. Also known as Krinakia (Lillies), it boasts pristine azure waters and extensive dunes covered with white sea daffodils that bloom in the autumn.
Ammoudi beach
Well-Organized, Watersports, SandyLocation: 1 km southwest of Agios Nikolaos
Description: Lying in the heart of a sheltered cove, Ammoudi is one of the closest beaches to the city center. It is a well-organized sandy beach with light-blue waters and water sports facilities.
Argilos beach
Secluded, Non-Organized, SandyDescription: Located in a remote area of southeastern Lassithi, Argilos is unlike any other beach in Crete. Boasting pristine turquoise waters and golden sand infused with white clay, it is a natural spa where visitors can enjoy a therapeutic clay bath.
Avlaki beach
Secluded, Non-Organized, PebbledLocation: 94 km northeast of Agios Nikolaos
Description: The charming Avlaki lives inside an isolated cove, providing rocky terrain, clear waters, and a serene environment.
Candia beach
Well-Organized, Family Friendly, SandyLocation: 4 km north of Agios Nikolaos
Description: This charming beach provides a sandy shore and clear waters in a secluded environment, making for a peaceful and relaxing experience.
Diaskari beach
Partly-Organized, SandyLocation: 62 km southeast of Agios Nikolaos
Description: Diaskari is a lovely beach close to Makry Gialos village. It is partly organized and is preferred by those who seek off-the-beaten-track destinations, away from large crowds.
Erimoupolis beach
Secluded, Non-Organized, SandyDescription: To the north of the renowned palm tree forest of Vai, around the archaeological site of Itanos, there are three little coves, each boasting a lovely beach.
Frouzis beach
Secluded, Non-Organized, PebbledDescription: Frouzis is a secluded pebbly beach with blue-green waters. Away from tourist hotspots, it is suitable for nature lovers and people who seek tranquility away from the crowds.
Gra Ligia beach
Partly-Organized, Sandy, PebbledLocation: 40 km south of Agios Nikolaos
Description: Gra Ligia stretches in front of the homonymous settlement, washed by the waters of the Libyan Sea. It is quiet, partly organized, and has crystalline waters and a combination of coarse sand and pebbles.
Kalikovrechtis beach
Secluded, Non-Organized, PebbledLocation: 48 km southwest of Agios Nikolaos
Description: Kalikovrechtis is a secluded beach on the southern coast of Lassithi, close to Ierapetra. Strewn with grey pebbles, it boasts crystalline azure waters that are rarely affected by the wind and it is completely non-organized, offering privacy and a profoundly relaxing experience.
Kamini beach
Non-Organized, PebbledLocation: 29 km northwest of Agios Nikolaos
Description: Remote, pebbly beaches and gorgeous geological formations await those visiting the area of Kamini, which also holds great archaeological importance.
Karavopetra beach
Secluded, Non-Organized, SandyLocation: 103 km southeast of Agios Nikolaos - 38 km from Sitia
Description: Karavopetra is sandy and unorganized. Its crystal-clear waters and beautiful scenery make it a perfect place for nature lovers and families.
Kitroplatia beach
Well-Organized, Wheelchair accessible, Sandy, PebbledLocation: In Agios Nikolaos
Description: Kitroplatia lies in the very heart of Agios Nikolaos. It is a well-organized beach with a combination of sand and pebbles, while its pristine waters take on fantastic hues.
Lagoufa beach
Well-Organized, Family Friendly, SandyLocation: 62 km southeast of Agios Nikolaos
Description: Lagoufa will captivate you with its crystal-clear waters and sandy golden shore. Secluded yet well organized, it is the perfect option for families with small children.
Limanaki beach
Well-Organized, Family Friendly, SandyLocation: 60 km southeast of Agios Nikolaos
Description: An off-the-beaten-path beach, it is pretty small and secluded but boasts sunbeds, umbrellas, and various surrounding restaurants just off the shore.
Limani beach
Partly-Organized, PebbledLocation: 28 km northwest of Agios Nikolaos
Description: Located in the natural port of Sissi, Limani is a partly-organized, rocky beach that lends itself to snorkeling.
Livadi beach
Secluded, Non-Organized, PebbledLocation: 43 km southeast of Agios Nikolaos
Description: Located in the area of Ferma, Livadi is a lovely, secluded cove surrounded by cliffs and lush vegetation. It is not organized and remains quiet even in high season.
Maheridi beach
Secluded, Non-Organized, PebbledLocation: 54 km southeast of Agios Nikolaos
Description: The beaches of Maheridi are three secluded coasts surrounded by large rocks, with crystal-clear waters, pebble-filled shores, a complete absence of tourist infrastructure, and a sense of privacy and relaxation.
Mavros Kolimbos beach
Non-Organized, PebbledLocation: 49 km southeast of Agios Nikolaos
Description: Mavros Kolimbos is a beautiful pebbly beach in southern Lassithi. It is not organized, so it guarantees privacy and relaxation, while its rocky bottom is a great spot for snorkeling thanks to its rich marine life.
Mazida Ammos beach
Partly-Organized, Family Friendly, SecludedLocation: 103 km southeast of Agios Nikolaos
Description: The longest beach in the area, Mazida Ammos is fairly secluded and slightly developed, boasting crystal-clear turquoise waters that are ideal for swimming.
Milatos beach
Non-Organized, PebbledDescription: The main beach of Milatos village boasts a pebbly shore and clear waters, along with some traditional restaurants in proximity.
Mirabello beach
Well-Organized, Watersports, SandyLocation: 2 km northwest of Agios Nikolaos
Description: Two beaches separated by a man-made peninsula, Mirabello’s clear waters, sandy shores and calm atmosphere attract visitors looking for a tranquil time.
Mpoufos beach
Non-Organized, Sandy, PebbledLocation: 29 km northwest of Agios Nikolaos
Description: Located east of Sissi, near the exit of the Selinari gorge, this formerly organized beach boasts turquoise waters and a combination of sand and rocks. To the east of Mpoufos, visitors can find the ruins of the homonymous Minoan settlement.
Peristeras beach
Nudism-Friendly, Secluded, SandyLocation: 35 km southeast of Agios Nikolaos
Description: Peristeras is an isolated beach. The sandy shore, natural rocky environment, and green-blue waters create an astonishing destination.
Richtis beach
Secluded, Non-OrganizedLocation: 56 km east of Agios Nikolaos
Description: This beach lies right at the exit of the verdant Richtis Gorge with its spectacular waterfall. It is small, rocky, and perfect for a refreshing dip after your hike along the gorge.
Skinias beach
Secluded, Sandy, PebbledDescription: The beaches of Skinias are lacking when it comes to available amenities, but they make up for it with their crystal clear waters and serene, quiet atmosphere.
Spilia Listi beach
Partly-Organized, Watersports, SandyLocation: 5 km south of Agios Nikolaos
Description: Spilia Listi is a scenic breathtaking beach, with crystal-clear waters. It is suitable for families with small children.
Staousa beach
Secluded, Non-Organized, PebbledDescription: This secluded beach features a pebbly shore and crystal clear waters, as well as a large cave on the east side of it, and is ideal for a calming swim.
Tenda beach
Windsurfing, Secluded, Non-OrganizedDescription: Tenda offers wavy waters ideal for windsurfing and a tranquil atmosphere, perfect for a relaxing swim.
Tis Grias to Pidima beach
Secluded, Non-Organized, PebbledDescription: Also known as Bonda, Tis Grias to Pidima is a secluded cove in the area of Ierapetra. It is a non-organized pebbly beach with pristine waters.
Vlichadia beach
Secluded, Non-Organized, PebbledLocation: 28 km north of Agios Nikolaos
Description: Away from tourist hotspots, surrounded by wild rocks and sharp cliffs, Vlichadia is a destination worth visiting for those looking to explore the untouched beauty of Crete.
Votsalaki beach
Secluded, Sandy, PebbledDescription: Strewn with sand and pebbles, Votsalaki is a completely pristine, non-organized beach that affords great privacy.
Voulisma beach
Well-Organized, SandyLocation: 12 km east of Agios Nikolaos
Description: Voulisma lies in the second of the three bays denting the coastline of Istron. It boasts fine white sand that gives the waters a stunning turquoise color that looks exotic.