Those who have been dreaming of the images of picture-perfect beaches of Greece should begin browsing our incredible range of villas in Crete because this one island alone boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in the entire world. Think impossibly clear and jewel-toned waters, scenic views of craggy coasts, soft white strands, and perfect weather – you can expect all this and more from your vacation in Crete! In particular, the Gramvousa Peninsula is a famously stunning stretch of the coast of Crete that boasts excellent beaches, pretty surroundings, some great hiking options, and much more besides...
Located on a stretch of the coast to the north-west of Crete, the Gramvousa Peninsula is an impossibly idyllic place made up of perfect beaches and two uninhabited islands with the gorgeous Balos Lagoon in between.
Of these islands, Gramvousa Island is the bigger and more famous of the two, known for its lovely 16th century Venetian castle that was destroyed by an accidental explosion and then rebuilt in 1630 and is one of the finest of this type of building in all of Greece. The wreck of a cargoship called the Dimitrios P nearby on the island also adds to its history and beauty. During the summer months, boats run to the island, allowing you to visit.
This part of Crete is also known for its surrounding hiking routes, which allow you to take in sweeping views over the beautiful coastline. A protected biotope, there are 400 different plants to be found in the area, a rich marine life, 98 bird species, Mediterranean seals, Caretta turtles, and a herd of wild donkeys, so anyone venturing out to explore the area will have plenty to take in along their journeys!
Then, of course, there are the beaches themselves. While there are plenty of little beaches and strands in this part of the world to discover, Balos Beach is the most popular. During high season it can get incredibly busy but planning your visit earlier or later in the day will help you avoid the worst of the crowds, or you could always venture off to find one of the less busy options nearby and circle back when things get quieter.
A truly picture-perfect beach to explore if you have found a vacation rental in Crete , this stretch of the island’s coastline offers the sorts of beach days and adventures that many people dream of when planning their holiday in Greece so don’t miss out!