With some fabulous golden bays on your doorstep, you don’t have to travel far to enjoy a beautiful beach with lovely waters. However, within west Crete you can discover 2 tropical beaches that will take your breath away. The first, accessible by car, is Elafonissi.  White and pink sands and turquoise waters await. Cross the shallow channel out to Elafonissi island and explore. Great for families due to the shallow water but a sheer delight for all. The second, accessible by boat or a strong nerve and 4 wheel drive, is Balos. Balos is a beach lagoon and famous for its exotic scenery, turquoise waters and natural beauty. 

Marathi beach is located on the Akrotiri peninsula, not far from Chania airport. Here there are 2 picturesque sandy organised bays with shallow waters. Beautiful scenery with a backdrop of a handful of traditional waterside tavernas. Falassarna bay consists of 5 beaches. Voted as one of the best beaches in Crete, along with Elafonissi and Balos, it is a shell seekers delight. Not only does it boast pink sand patches, aquamarine waters and an  amazing landscape, but it is also large enough to allow some privacy. Or  head to the south coast and  take a boat to Loutro, a beautiful small bay set beneath a white washed village which cascades down the mountainside or swim in the crystal waters of Marmara. There is so much to see, your only choice is to come back!