“The largest and most populous of the dazzling Greek islands, Crete’s coastline stretches to around just over 1,000km and is characterised by green hilly terrain, sheer cliff faces and postcard-perfect swathes of powdery sand.”, conde nast traveller writes in its feature article.

Agiofarago Beach
A little off the beaten track on Crete’s southernmost tip, this pebbled beauty is set beneath a magnificent gorge – in fact, Agiofarago translates as ‘Gorge of Saints’. You can get here by boat from Matala or Agia Galini, among others, but the most breathtaking way to arrive is by foot. Make the 45-minute hike that leads you within the vertical walls of the gorge, and you’ll exit dramatically onto the beach with its impeccably blue waters. Usually calm, it’s an excellent beach for a paddle and on its western side, there is a rocky arch you can swim beneath. It might be challenging to reach, but this quiet gem is well worth it.

Glyka Nera
Glyka Nera is known for its Ionian character, where vertiginous, pine-strewn cliffs give way to hot white pebbles and the clearest of deep turquoise waters. It’s not easy to reach this south coast beauty: you can either attempt the adventurous 30-minute hike along the path from Chora Sfakion or take a water taxi to its rugged shores. Translating as ‘sweet water’, its name is inspired by the refreshingly cool water that bubbles up from the springs beneath. In high summer, you might find a few sun loungers and a small taverna on the rocks for drinks and food – plus a few tamarisk trees for shade. Note that Glyka Nera is a clothing-optional beach.

Voulolimni Beach
Not strictly a beach, Voulolimni is a beautiful natural rock pool that makes for an interesting change from Crete’s usual sand and pebbled numbers. Often quiet and delightfully unique, Cretan locals love this saltwater spot that sits half a kilometre northwest of Chrysoskalitissa’s Byzantine monastery on the western coast of the island. Well protected by the strong winds that often blow in the area and with an emerald glint in its calm waters, Voulolimni is a sensational place for a swim. Bring your snorkel and mask, too; you might even spot an octopus here.

Elafonisi
This lagoon beach is tucked away in a remote pocket of Crete’s south-western corner, but it is known to many island regulars and gets busy on a summer weekend. However, its raw beauty makes it still worthwhile: glassy aquamarine waters kiss the shore, made up of swirls of pastel-pink sands – a natural phenomenon caused by thousands of shells washing up over the years. There are sunbeds and umbrellas for hire, scattered across the main beach and lagoon, while the shallow waters make it perfect for families. If you’re in need of a bit more privacy, do as the naturists do and head to the island’s coves and dunes beyond for a more peaceful patch of sand.

Falassarna
Set on Crete’s western coast, the short, winding drive down to Falassarna might seem a little underwhelming with its sea views blocked by greenhouses plonked across the olive groves. But once you reach this broad sweep of a beach, all is forgiven. One of the finest beaches in Crete, there is plenty of room to spread your towel, superbly clear water and see-forever views. Behind the beach, a sloping hill is dotted with a handful of tavernas and villas to rent. While the waves rolling off the Mediterranean might not be ideal for families, windsurfers are in their element here and everybody appreciates Falassarna’s sunsets, when the burning orange slowly melts into the glittering sea.

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