The closest beach to the villa is Agios Georgios, just a 10 minute drive away. The beach consists of 2 wonderful pebbly bays, and has a taverna. The beach is good for swimming nearly all year round and has beautiful clear waters. You can also stroll in the Cretan countryside and walk to the old Monastery of St. George with its sloped church walls and old frescoes. 

The famous sand dunes’ beach of Agios Pavlos is also nearby and is considered among one of the best in Crete. The waters are very inviting for a swim and the area offers relative seclusion and privacy offered by the coves around the beaches. There is also a taverna at Agios Pavlos.

Exploring the coastline between Agios Georgios beach and Agios Pavlos, you will find small hidden bays and stretches of beach waiting for you. 

Other local beaches that are well worth a visit are:

Triopetra Beach - two wide sandy beaches, separated by a small peninsula. At the edge of the peninsula, in the sea, three majestic rocks rise. Triopetra is named after these rocks, since it means “Three Rocks”. On the beach there are a few rooms and taverns, and umbrellas are offered.

Ligres is a secluded, beautiful, sandy beach with a nudist area right at its end. Very nearby there are taverns where you can taste fresh fish of the area and local meals. Do not forget to visit the neighbouring Agia Fotia beach with its small tavern on the water.

Agia Galini has 2 stretches of sand and pebble beach and offers a good swimming opportunity if you are visiting.

Preveli beach is a beautiful sandy beach famous for its palm trees. Here, the mouth of the river Kourtaliotis empties into the sea. Stroll up the side of the river to discover the true beauty of Preveli - amazing rock pools in which to take a refreshing dip! Park just before Preveli Monastery (also worth a visit) and follow the track down to the beach. It is a 15 minute walk downhill - don’t forget you also need to walk back up!  

Matala beach is located at the exit of a small valley, which forms a large enclosed bay with great views of Paximadia Island. The bay is fine shingle and has crystal clear deep water. The beach is very well organised with umbrellas, toilets, showers and tavernas and cafes.

A little further afield but well worth the journey, the beaches of “Schinaria”, “Damnoni”, “Souda” and “Plakias" are simply beautiful. All are organized and have tavernas or a cafe. 

Crete is a magical island , just waiting to be discovered.