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Our recommended TOP 5 swimming spots on the island of Crete:

This beach is located on the west coast of the Crete Island and is famous for its fine pink sand, which is given its unique colour by the lagoon's pebbles and corals. Elafonissi beach is the perfect place for swimming and sunbathing thanks to its shallow and calm waters.
Surrounding nature in Elafonissi is highly diverse, consisting of coastal lagoons, sandy beaches and green areas, creating a captivating landscape. Many come here to enrich their Instagram gallery.
The whole Elafonissi region is known for its peaceful and carefree atmosphere. Here visitors can enjoy open-air cafes and tavernas, serving traditional Greek food and drinks. Frequent music and cultural events are held here, even more enriching visitors' experience.
Visiting Elafonissi Beach is relatively easy, as it's accessible by rental car, bicycle, or the local bus, which stops at nearby resorts and villages.

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Elafonissi beach – the beach that attracts guests all over the world

Balos Lagoon is one of the most picturesque places on the island of Crete, where nature and peace meet in ideal harmony. This lagoon is located in the northwestern part of the island, known for its beautiful white sand and turquoise waters. The lagoon’s specialty is its unique geology and purification of water, which make it crystal clear. Therefore, swimming here is especially enjoyable.
Balos Lagoon is also famous for its diverse sealife, offering snorkelers and nature enjoyers an incredible opportunity to explore the Mediterranean beauty. In addition to nature views, Balos Lagoon offers visitors comfortable sunshades and sunbeds for relaxation; and small cafes, where one can enjoy local snacks and drinks.
The best way to reach Balos Lagoon is by car or bicycle, driving along the picturesque peninsula, which offers breathtaking views of Crete. This route is part of an experience, offering an opportunity to enjoy the beauty of the island even before reaching Balos Lagoon.

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Balos Lagoon: Crete’s beauty and peace symbol

Matala hippie beach is known for its relaxing atmosphere and open community, attracting locals and travellers around the world. The beach is located in a picturesque place, surrounded by greenery and colourful landscape. Matala’s water is shallow and calm, which is perfect for swimming and sunbathing. At Matala hippie beach, it feels like time has stopped - the atmosphere is so calm and carefree. The beach attracts nature enthusiasts, who enjoy hiking in the seaside cliffs to appreciate the views and bird songs.
The beach is also known for its open and friendly community. Here you can enjoy open-air cafes and tavernas, serving local dishes and drinks, and where frequent music and cultural events are hosted.
Reaching Matala hippie beach is easy - it doesn’t matter if you use a rental car, a bicycle or a local bus. Most of the resorts are located in the northern part of the island, but Matala is situated in the southern part. The journey there may be hilly and the local roads are not so perfect, but driving to beautiful Matala is an experience itself.

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Matala hippie beach: where peace and community meet

This exquisite island is a real pearl on the seaside of Crete. It offers peace, beauty of nature and crystal clear water, competing with Caribbean beaches. The island is covered with rare Lebanese cedar forest, which is one of the last remaining forests of this kind in Europe. In addition to cedar woods, there are plenty of fascinating plant and animal species here, including rare and protected birds. The beaches of Chrissi island are covered with fine sand mixed with pink and white coastal corals, creating captivating images. The island is also known for its crystal clear water, which is perfect for swimming, snorkelling and diving. The underwater world here is rich and diverse, offering the joyful opportunity to explore for both beginners and experienced divers.
Visitors can also enjoy seafood and local delicacies in small beach restaurants and cafes. Chrissi island is an ideal place to spend the whole day, where visitors can relax and enjoy nature away from overcrowded tourist locations.
Chrissi island is the most easily accessed by boat from the city of Ierapetra, the southernmost city of Crete. The boat trip to Chrissi island takes about 45 minutes, offering magnificent views of the coast of Crete and the Aegean Sea. Day trips to the island are popular among both tourists and locals who come here to enjoy the beauty and peace of nature.
Chrissi Island is under UNESCO protection, meaning there are strict rules on the island in order to preserve the environment. Visitors must follow the guidelines, including proper waste disposal, avoiding disturbance of plants and animals, and respecting natural structures and sightseeings.

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Chrissi island: Is it really the place where the Bounty commercial was filmed?

Lake Kournas is the only natural freshwater lake in Crete. Clearness and transparency of the deep blue water of the lake is captivating. The lake is surrounded by green hills and rich vegetation, creating a stunning contrast with the blue water, offering an excellent opportunity for relaxation and nature enjoyment. The lake is relatively shallow, especially in the shoreline area, making it an ideal swimming spot.
At the lakeside, you can rent pedal boats, canoes, and kayaks, allowing you to explore the water surface and enjoy the stunning views. Nature enthusiasts can hike around the lake and discover rich flora and fauna. At the lakeside there are a lot of different bird species, including rare and protected birds.
There are a couple of small tavernas and cafes in the Kournas lake surroundings, where visitors can try fresh seafood, traditional Greek salads and other delicacies. In addition to food and drinks, local shops and kiosks also offer souvenirs and handicrafts. These unique items provide a great opportunity to keep the memories of Crete's beautiful lake.
The easiest way to reach lake Kournas is by rental car. The journey to the lake passes through traditional villages, where you might encounter local shepherds and their animals on the road. In the evening, it is recommended to use navigation if you do not want to stay overnight with local villagers, although they would surely welcome you with open arms!

Our recommended TOP 5 swimming spots on the island of Crete:

Elafonissi beach – the beach that attracts guests all over the world

Balos Lagoon: Crete’s beauty and peace symbol

Matala hippie beach: where peace and community meet

Chrissi island: Is it really the place where the Bounty commercial was filmed?

Lake Kournas: Silence and peace in the heart of nature