The famous lagoon of Balos is located approximately 56km northwest of Chania and 17km northwest of Kissamos, formed between the Cape Gramvousa and the small Cape Tigani

Balos is surely the most photographed beach in Crete, a very favourite subject of all tourist guides for Greece. It is no coincidence that Prince Charles and Princess Diana visited Balos with their private yacht many years ago.

The lagoon of Balos has white sand and exotic white, vivid blue and turquoise waters. The sea is very shallow and warm, ideal for young children. In many places, the sand has a lovely pinkish colour, because of millions of crushed shells. Beyond the rocks at the boundaries of the lagoon, the water is deeper and colder, ideal for snorkelling. The lagoon and the wider area, with rare species of flora and fauna, are protected under the Natura 2000 program.

​

Elafonisi is located 76km west of Chania, in the southwesternmost tip of Crete. 

Elafonisi is an oblong peninsula, which often breaks in two parts by water giving the impression of being a separate island. It is a Natura 2000 protected area.

The island is full of sand dunes with sea daffodils.

The endangered loggerhead sea turtle and several more rare animals and plants find shelter on the island; it is strictly forbidden to remove any plants, animals, shells and sand from the area.

Exotic beaches with white sand and turquoise water, reminding of the Caribbean, are formed on either side of the peninsula. The sand is pinkish in many places, taking its colour from millions of crushed shells. Near the breaking point of the peninsula, the seawater does not exceed 1m in-depth, creating a small lagoon, ideal for children. 

​

Loutro is a small seaside village situated approximately 71 km south of Chania city, at the end of Cape Mouri. It was the site of the ancient city of Phoenix and was the port of ancient Anopolis. Later, it became the "winter" port for Chora Sfakion, due to the fact that the enclosed bay and the small island at its entrance create a natural harbour where ships can be safe even in very bad weather.

The beaches are pebbly, well-organised and the water is always calm and has an amazing deep blue and green colour. 

Loutro is a place for those people who want something different. A small picturesque fishing village in south-west Crete, not yet spoilt by mass tourism. For example, there are no big hotels with swimming pools. There are no overcrowded streets, restaurants and beaches, there are no cars! 

​

Glyka Nera (meaning "sweet water") is one of the most beautiful beaches in Crete, with deep blue watercolour and nice pebbles. In 2003, the beach was ranked among the best 20 in Europe by London Times. This is located 43km west of Chora Sfakion and 75km south of Chania. This is called like this because of the freshwater that gushes from the pebbles!

You don't need to have water with you since the water from spring is potable. Sea water is generally cold because of the springs, even in midsummer. There are several tamarisk trees on the beach, offering their valuable shade. If you have the opportunity, you should definitely visit Glyka Nera.

​