Summary
Lasithi has the longest swimming season in Crete and arguably the most varied beach scene in Greece — palm-fringed Vai, the moonscape coves of Xerokampos, the Minoan-era Itanos, family-friendly Voulisma and Elounda bay, and the off-shore island of Chrissi south of Ierapetra. Far less crowded than the western beaches.
The best beaches in Lasithi at a glance
| # | Beach | Distance | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Vai | 85 km east of Heraklion / 30 min from Sitia | Palm forest backdrop, photography |
| 2 | Xerokampos | 110 km east of Heraklion / 40 min south of Sitia | Solitude, true wilderness |
| 3 | Itanos | 90 km east of Heraklion | History + beach combo |
| 4 | Voulisma | 15 km east of Agios Nikolaos | Families, calm shallow water |
| 5 | Elounda Bay | 10 km north of Agios Nikolaos | Resort beaches, sheltered swimming |
| 6 | Chrissi Island | 1 h boat from Ierapetra | White-sand desert island, juniper forest |
| 7 | Kalo Chorio (Istron Bay) | 12 km east of Agios Nikolaos | Shallow family bays, snorkelling |
1. Vai
- Location
- Far east coast
- Distance
- 85 km east of Heraklion / 30 min from Sitia
- Water
- Calm, shallow
- Facilities
- Organised
Vai is Europe's only native palm forest beach — a sweep of golden sand backed by 5,000 protected Cretan date palms. Far enough east that it doesn't see the same crowds as the western beaches.
Infrastructure
Sunbeds and umbrellas, a beach bar, lifeguard, boardwalks through the protected palm grove. Toilets at the entrance.
Sand & swimming
Soft golden sand, calm protected bay, ideal swimming conditions.
Local secret
Walk 15 minutes north past the headland to Psili Ammos cove — fewer people, the same gorgeous water.
How to get there
- Drive 30 min east from Sitia, or 2 h from Agios Nikolaos.
- Combine with Toplou Monastery (10 min) and the Itanos archaeological site.
2. Xerokampos
- Location
- Far southeast
- Distance
- 110 km east of Heraklion / 40 min south of Sitia
- Water
- Open sea, very clear
- Facilities
- Almost none
A string of crystal-clear coves in Crete's least-developed corner — bright white sand, exceptional water clarity, and rarely more than 20 people on each beach. The whole stretch covers about 5 km of coastline.
Infrastructure
Two seasonal canteens shared across the whole stretch — bring everything else.
Sand & swimming
Bright white sand, exceptional water clarity, mostly calm.
Local secret
The northern cove (Alatsolimni) has shallow rock pools — perfect for snorkelling. Almost no signage; ask at the canteen.
How to get there
- Drive 40 min east from Sitia on a partly unpaved road.
- Combine with Vai (1 h north) for a long but unforgettable east-coast day.
3. Itanos
- Location
- Far east coast (5 min north of Vai)
- Distance
- 90 km east of Heraklion
- Water
- Calm, clear
- Facilities
- None
Three small connected coves immediately north of Vai, with the ruins of an ancient Greco-Roman city scattered across the headland. Quieter than Vai, equally beautiful water, and the archaeology is fascinating.
Infrastructure
No infrastructure — bring water, food and shade.
Sand & swimming
Mix of fine pebbles and sand patches; calm, shallow, very clear water.
Local secret
Walk up the headland to the ancient city ruins for a 360-degree view of the coast — most visitors stay only on the beach.
How to get there
- 5-minute drive north from Vai.
- Combine with Vai and Toplou Monastery for a full day.
4. Voulisma
- Location
- East of Agios Nikolaos
- Distance
- 15 km east of Agios Nikolaos
- Water
- Very shallow, calm
- Facilities
- Organised
A wide arc of fine pale sand and crystal-clear shallow water — Voulisma is the most family-friendly beach near Agios Nikolaos and consistently rated one of the best in Crete for kids.
Infrastructure
Sunbeds and umbrellas the full length, lifeguard, two beach restaurants, shower facilities, easy parking.
Sand & swimming
Soft pale sand, exceptionally shallow gradual entry — ankle-deep for 30 m offshore.
Local secret
Visit on a weekday morning to avoid the local Greek family crowds at weekends.
How to get there
- 15-min drive east from Agios Nikolaos on the E75.
5. Elounda Bay
- Location
- Central Lasithi
- Distance
- 10 km north of Agios Nikolaos
- Water
- Sheltered, calm
- Facilities
- Fully developed
The sheltered bay opposite Spinalonga island, with several small public beaches and the private beaches of the Elounda luxury resorts. Swimming is calm and protected; views across the bay to the island and the mainland mountains are exceptional.
Infrastructure
Sunbeds, beach restaurants, full resort facilities at hotels along the bay.
Sand & swimming
Mix of pebbles and small sand patches; calm protected bay, ideal for weaker swimmers.
Local secret
The small public beach at Plaka (15 min north of Elounda) has the best view of Spinalonga and is much quieter than the Elounda resort strip.
How to get there
- 10-min drive north from Agios Nikolaos.
- Bus from Agios Nikolaos central station every 30 min.
6. Chrissi Island
- Location
- Libyan Sea south of Ierapetra
- Distance
- 1 h boat from Ierapetra
- Water
- Crystal-clear, gradual
- Facilities
- Limited (one canteen)
A tiny uninhabited island in the Libyan Sea — white sand beaches, a protected juniper forest, crystal-clear water and total silence apart from the cicadas. Daily ferries from Ierapetra (1 h each way) operate June–September.
Infrastructure
One small canteen; otherwise no facilities. No accommodation — day trip only.
Sand & swimming
Bright white sand, exceptional water clarity, gradual safe entry.
Local secret
Walk 20 minutes inland from the main beach to the lagoon (Belegrina) on the south side — almost always empty, and the most photogenic corner of the island.
How to get there
- Daily ferry from Ierapetra, June through early October.
- Drive 1 h south from Agios Nikolaos to Ierapetra port.
7. Kalo Chorio (Istron Bay)
- Location
- Between Agios Nikolaos and Sitia
- Distance
- 12 km east of Agios Nikolaos
- Water
- Calm, shallow
- Facilities
- Organised
Three connected sandy coves in Istron Bay — Karavostasi, Galini and Voulisma — each with its own character but all sheltered, family-friendly and with crystal-clear water.
Infrastructure
Sunbeds and tavernas at all three coves, lifeguards in summer, easy parking.
Sand & swimming
Soft sand, gradual entry, calm protected bays.
Local secret
Karavostasi (the smallest cove) has a small archaeological site at one end and is the quietest of the three.
How to get there
- 15-min drive east from Agios Nikolaos.
Frequently Asked Questions
Vai for the iconic palm-forest backdrop. Xerokampos for true solitude. Voulisma for family swimming. Chrissi for a desert-island day trip. There's no single answer — most visitors mix two or three.
Yes, significantly — even Vai sees a fraction of the visitors of Balos or Elafonisi. Xerokampos and Itanos remain almost empty even in August.
Tightly — they're 1.5 h apart on partly unpaved roads. Doable as a long east-coast day from Sitia (40 min closer than from Agios Nikolaos).
Yes — the white sand, juniper forest and turquoise water are exceptional, and the island has a wild beauty unlike anywhere else in Crete. Visit June through September only.
The bay itself is calm and shallow, but the public beaches are small and pebbly. For sandy family swimming, drive 25 min east to Voulisma — the best family beach in Lasithi.
