Agia Pelagia, the one-time fishing village, is now surrounded by some of Crete's most amazing hotels, resorts, and restaurants. Though a bit too touristy in the last few years, it is still one of our favorite swimming places. The bay in front of the village is protected, so there is very little wind to churn up big surf. The water here is cool given that ancient underground springs feed into the bay. Expect a fully developed beach experience, and one of the best sunrises on the island. If not for the crowded nature of this beach in peak season, it could easily be a 10. The photo I have provided is the village in the off-season.
This stunning beach boasts a towering cliff measuring 7-8 meters, providing an exhilarating jumping spot that is completely safe. The natural beauty of this location is truly awe-inspiring and will leave you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.
This is our preferred beach in the vicinity, but don't forget to bring your water shoes as the terrain can be rocky. The ocean is teeming with fascinating sights. Additionally, there are three restaurants, three shops, a boat rental service, and a scuba diving center available. Sun loungers and umbrellas are available for €10.
The beach is simply amazing with its soft sandy texture. It offers an array of restaurants to satisfy your cravings and comfortable deck chairs to relax on. During our visit, the waves were impressively huge, making it unsuitable for swimming. However, the little ones had a delightful time playing with the waves in the shallow waters and building sandcastles on the shore.