Crete has 155km of sandy beaches along its coastline.

Agia Pelagia is 20km west of Iraklion on the Iraklion - Rethimnon highway. Agia Pelagia was the site of an ancient Greek city. It is not clear which one it was, but some assume that it was Apolonia, the city that was destroyed by the Kydonians at 171 B.C. The name Agia Pelagia originates from the monastery of Agia Pelagia, approximately 1km west of the bay. In the wall of the old monastery there are two shields in relief and between them a coat of arms.

The prefecture of Chania contains two outstanding beaches in the west side, Elafonisi in the southwest and Falasarna in the northwest. One of the longest stretches of sandy beach is at Georgioupolis, between Chania and Rethimnon.

Vai in the northeastern point of the island, is a heavily visited beach and is the site of the only natural palm grove in Europe.

South of Iraklion, Matala, is famous for its caves and has a pleasant sandy beach. There are also pleasant beaches in Frangokastello, Makrigialos, Kato Zakros, Preveli, Paleohora, Agia Pelagia, Istro, Malia, in Xerokampos and in Menies.