Outstanding beaches, magnificent paths, incredible food, and genuine people are some of the reasons that I prefer the southern part of Crete to the northern one. Although Northern Crete is very beautiful, more cosmopolitan, and has a vibrant nightlife, you will find your heaven in the South if you enjoy walking through marvelous gorges in order to reach a secluded beach. This is an activity that I adore to do and consequently, I regard Southern Crete as one of my favourite places in Greece.
1) Krios Beach
A fascinating organized beach. There are umbrellas and sunbeds on the right part of the beach and also after the big rock. Although some travel blogs claim that this is a nudist-friendly beach, it is certainly not the case.
2) Viena Beach
Adventurous travellers can continue to Viena through a pathway from Krios. It is worth stopping to drink some water and admire the wild and breathtaking view from the hill on the way to Vienna Beach. I would separate this superb, secluded, and nudist-friendly beach into three parts. The first part is a small pebbly bay, the second part is the beach in front of the remains of an ancient temple, and the third part is also small but sandy. Although I enjoyed very much my visit there, I must mention that it is not very clear how to reach this beach and in particular, where exactly to descend. At least it was not for me and as a consequence, I had to pass through a labyrinth of branches in order to find the beach. If only I had a machete with me! Nonetheless, I don’t want to deter you. After all, I have probably followed the wrong way, while you can easily find a better one.
3) Palaiohora Beach
A long beach with a lot of umbrellas and sunbeds that lies in front of the town. Not my favourite beach for sure, but it may worth a visit.
4) Gialiskari Beach
After an outstanding route of several beaches, wild rocks, and rough scenery you will reach Gialiskari Beach. Gialiskari is composed of separate bays. At the end of the gorgeous bay on the left nudists can be found, and if someone walks even further, through the E4 path, then he or she will meet another small bay after 5 to 10 minutes. It is highly recommended to visit Gialiskari. I was really excited to admire all this grace.
5) Souyia Beach
A magnificent and long beach with crystal clear water. After passing the nudists and the rocks on the left side of the beach, you will encounter another beach with caves. On the other side of the beach the path to Lissos starts.
6) Lissos or Lissus Beach
If you follow the E4 path from Souyia Beach, you will reach Lissos Beach. The route through a charming gorge and a mesa is really magnificent. In Lissos the ruins of an important ancient town can be found. There were a theatre and an aqueduct among other buildings. A cemetery, as well as the Asclepieum of Lissus, were also part of the town. The beach itself is small and rocky. It is not so comfortable for someone to lie there.
