Plakias beach is one of the most famous and longest sandy beaches in South Crete (1.3km length). It is a well-organized beach with many sunbeds & umbrellas as well as sea sports like scuba diving, windsurfing etc. The road along the beach is ideal for walking or cycling. The eastern part of the beach is called Paligremnos where you can find a unique group of huge vertical cliffs rising above the sea. These cliffs are suitable for climbing.
Souda beach is located 2 km west of Plakias beach. It is an organized sandy beach with crystal clear cold waters crossed by Foinikas river. On both ends of the beach there are rocks ideal for fishing or scuba diving.
Preveli beach is one of the most popular beach in Crete. The beach lies at the exit of “Megas Potamos” which crosses Kourtaliotis Gorge. The majestic rocks along with the Palm Trees create an amazing landscape. On the eastern side, there is a beautiful rock that looks like a human head coming out of the water. The beach is sandy with cool waters because of the river. It is not organized (no umbrellas), so as to protect and preserve the beauty of the natural environment.
Damnoni Beach is located 5 km east of Plakias. It has turquoise waters and white sand and it is surrounded by high mountains. Damnoni is a well-organized beach, offering a number of water sports, such as sailing, windsurfing, banana and ring inflatable, water skiing, wakeboarding, water polo, canoeing, rowing and pedalo. The east side of Damnoni beach connects to Ammoudaki beach via a short dirt road. At the west side of the beach you can find small sandy coves.
Ammoudi beach is located 7 km east of Plakias (10 minutes on foot from Damnoni beach). The beach has white sand and deep green waters. It is ideal for scuba diving or snorkeling.
Ammoudaki beaches or “Mikro Ammoudi” is located east of Damnoni beach. It has turquoise waters and thick white sand. Between Mikro ammoudi and Ammoudi there is an amazing tiny little sandy beach with turquoise waters. This beach is called Kleisidi. The beach is between two long rocks emerging from the sea. Kleisidi is probably the most “well hidden”, wind-free place in Southern Crete.
Shinaria beach is located 3 km west of Lefkogia Village. It is an amazing place with impressive natural characteristics above and under the sea. You will notice the light blue colour of the sea and the sculpture-like marble rocks. The beach has thin grey-beige sand and pebbles, with deep and clear waters, while its seabed is very rocky. Nowhere in Crete will you encounter such rich marine life. The water clarity here is really impressive out to 40m. This is why Shoinaria beach is considered one of the best scuba diving destinations in Crete. An international scuba diving school is located here, accepting students from all over the world.
