The Best Beaches Near Natura Cottages - best beaches in Crete

A visual guide to sun, sea, and serenity—just a short drive from your cottage in Eastern Crete.

When you stay at Natura Cottages, you don’t just wake up in the mountains—you’re also just minutes from some of Crete’s most beautiful and diverse beaches. From golden-sand family favorites to secret coves you’ll have to yourself, this corner of Lasithi offers endless coastline to explore. Whether you’re after calm waters, snorkeling spots, or total solitude, here’s your guide to the best beaches within a 1-hour drive from Natura.

The Best Beaches in Eastern Crete

Makry-Gialos Beach - Best Beaches in Crete (3 minutes)

Your nearest and most convenient option, Makry-Gialos is a long, sandy beach with clear, shallow waters—perfect for swimming, sunbathing, or family-friendly fun. Lined with tavernas and cafés, it’s easy to spend the whole day here. Sunbeds, shade, and local hospitality make this a favorite for many of our guests. You can find many restaurants, beach bars, and cafés nearby.

Diaskari Beach - Best Beaches in Crete (7 minutes)

Just a short drive east of Makry-Gialos, Diaskari is a quieter, more relaxed option. With a wide stretch of pebbly sand, calm waters, and a single low-key taverna under the trees, it’s ideal for a laid-back beach day. The green stones of this beach will take your breath away. There is also a beautiful beach taverna at one edge of the beach, while the other edge features a nudist area.

Vibe: Shady, natural, and never crowded.

Lagoufa Beach - Best Beaches in Crete (5 minutes)

Tucked between Makry-Gialos and Diaskari, this hidden crescent bay is a gem for those looking for calm waters and a more exclusive feel. Soft sand, a peaceful atmosphere, and turquoise shallows make this an excellent swimming spot.

Access: Park above and take a short path down from O.B.C. hotel or Sunwing hotel.

Ammoudi and Koutsouras Beaches - Best Beaches in Crete (15 minutes)

These local-favorite beaches west of Makry-Gialos are known for their dark pebbles, deep waters, and uncrowded vibe. Koutsouras has natural shade from tamarisk trees, while Ammoudi feels almost untouched. In recent years, a nice beach bar has also opened there.

Best for: Reading, relaxing, or snorkeling along the rocks.

Kakia Skala Cove - Best Beaches in Crete (20 minutes)

A small hidden cove accessed via a short dirt path off the main road. If you’re seeking solitude, this one’s for you. There are few restaurants on the beach and some rooms—just crystal-clear water, dramatic rock formations, and silence.

Xerokambos Beaches - Best Beaches in Crete (45–55 minutes)

A string of spectacular, remote beaches on the southern edge of the Lasithi region. Think white sand, aquamarine water, and next to no development. Each small bay offers a different charm—from wild dunes to secret lagoons. Xerokampos is the typical beautiful Cretan beach.

Don’t miss: Alatsolimni lagoon and the dune-backed sandy beach of Mazida Ammos.

Vai Beach – The Palm Forest Beach - Best Beaches in Crete (1 hour)

One of Crete’s most iconic and unique beaches, Vai is famous for its natural palm forest—the largest in Europe. It’s a stunning setting: fine sand, crystal-clear water, and lush greenery right at the shore. Though more popular and developed than others on this list, it’s absolutely worth the drive for a day of tropical beauty.

Facilities: Organized beach with sunbeds, café, and parking.

Best for: Instagram moments, swimming, and families.

Itanos Beach – History and Tranquility Combined - Best Beaches in Crete (1 hour)

Just north of Vai lies Itanos Beach, a peaceful, less-visited gem with three small coves, ideal for exploring. It’s also home to an ancient archaeological site, where you can combine a swim with a stroll among ruins. Calm waters, no crowds, and a timeless landscape make this a true hidden treasure. For most Cretans, they say this has the cleanest water in all of Crete and is among the best beaches in Crete.

Best for: Snorkeling, quiet swimming, and a bit of Cretan history.

Your Beach Adventure Base for Best Beaches in Crete: Natura Cottages

After a day of salt and sun, return to the peace of Natura Cottages. Here, you can rinse off under an outdoor shower, relax in a hammock, and enjoy the scent of herbs drifting through the air. With so many beach options nearby—from the convenient to the completely off-grid—you’ll never run out of coastline to explore.

📍 Stay wild, sleep well, and swim in a new sea every day.

Book your nature-meets-sea escape at www.naturacottages.com