8 must popular beaches in Crete: Accessible or not by motorhome? Part 1

Crete is a fantastic destination for camper travel, offering many beautiful beaches that are more or less accessible  with a  camper and ideal for exploration.

Here are the eight of the best beaches in Crete to visit and let's see how easy  to explore them   with a motorhome, considering accessibility, parking and scenic value:

1. Elafonissi Beach (Southwest Crete)- Ranked as a top 10 beach in the world, known for its unique pink sand whose color was created by the thousands of tiny parts of shattered seashells  and crystal-clear waters, Elafonissi is a must see.

Motorhome access- there is large parking area (actually 2 parking zones , one at the beginning and the other closer to the beach access) 15-20  minutes walking to the beach, but it can get very crowded in peak season. For this you should come either very early in the morning or late in the afternoon to find parking and enjoy swimming before the crowds arrive( around 11-11-30 a.m.)

2. Balos Lagoon ( Northwest Crete)- one of the most popular attractions of the island due to its breathtaking natural beauty. Crystal clear turquoise waters, sandy bottom, shallow lagoon, and a panoramic view.

Access- the easiest way to reach the beach is by cruise boat   from Kissamos but you will not get the picturesque view that you see in pics.

Driving to Balos- the main road to Balos from Kissamos is a dirt, narrow, dusty road ( around 10 km) leading to parking area above the beach, and requires a 4x4 vehicle or SUV.  First you pass an outpost where you pay a small ticket to pay for the maintenance of the road and the protection of the Balos. Almost all rental car companies have restrictions on driving off-road including Balos. From the parking area, you will need to hike down a trail for about 20-30 minutes to reach the beach. The hike back uphill can be challenging especially in summer.

Hiking to Balos- walk 3 hours from the village of  Kaliviani, through the wild and dry landscape, it’s about 8 km to the parking area near the beach. It’s a great option for those who enjoy trekking and exploring nature. Be prepared for a physically demanding journey, start early, bring enough water, and better avoid doing it in warmer months.

Motorhome Access: our company CretaGo Travel and Camper prohibits driving in Balos  beach  and in case of non-compliance the renter will be fined.

It’s better to park your motorhome at Kissamos port and take a boat trip or rent a ATV / Quad or  Moto to enjoy a beautiful landscape from above.

3. Vai beach (east Crete)- Renowned for its palm forest, the largest in Europe, which creates an exotic tropical vibe. The combination of golden sands, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and the lush palm forest offers a stunning and serene setting.

Motorhome Access: Vai is accessible by motorhome, dedicated parking is available, but spaces for larger vehicles might be limited. If you decide to stay there for night prefer the beach of Itanos, located 2 km from Vai. Its divided into three smaller coves, offering privacy and crystal clear waters.

4. Matala beach (South Crete) - Famous for its  ancient caves carved into the cliffs  and hippie history. Matala has a bohemian, laid-back atmosphere with quaint shops, beachfront tavernas and live music events. The crystal waters of Matala beach  are perfect for snorkeling or a relaxing swim.

Camper Access: Roads to Matala can be narrow, so drive cautiously, especially in a larger camper. Matala has camping stop -Camping Matala (in not so good condition) where you can park your camper, it offers amenities like electricity, water and shaded area under olive trees.  Also, you can find parking areas within walking distance of the beach but   not during pick hours. For the overnight stay go to the nearby beach Komos, a serene, unspoiled, no crowded beach with stunning view.