Crete, Greece Travel Community

Good Snorkeling Places on Crete?

1 - 3 of 3 Posts
dpappas87

dpappas87

Active member
I’m planning a trip to Crete and would love to include some snorkeling in my itinerary. With its crystal-clear waters and diverse marine life, Crete seems like a snorkeler’s paradise, but I’m unsure where to start.

Are there specific beaches or coves you’d recommend for snorkeling? I’ve heard Balos Lagoon and Elafonisi are beautiful, but are they good for snorkeling, or are there better spots? I’m particularly interested in places where I can see vibrant underwater scenery, fish, or maybe even interesting rock formations or caves.

If you have any tips about snorkeling tours or places where I can rent gear, that would be super helpful too! Bonus points for quiet or less crowded spots, as I’m looking for a peaceful experience.

Thanks in advance for your recommendations!
 
Crete is a fantastic choice for snorkeling! While Balos Lagoon and Elafonisi are breathtaking, they’re more about stunning landscapes than top-notch snorkeling. For vibrant underwater scenery, consider these spots:
  • Seitan Limania: A secluded cove near Chania with crystal-clear waters and fascinating rock formations. It’s quieter but requires a short hike to reach.
  • Almyrida: This small beach near Chania offers calm, clear waters ideal for snorkeling, with some interesting marine life. Gear rentals are available nearby.
  • Agiofarago Beach: Near Matala, this remote spot offers a mix of caves, fish, and rock formations. It’s peaceful and worth the adventure to get there.
For tours, you might check out companies in Chania or Heraklion offering guided snorkeling trips to less accessible spots.

Pro tip: Arrive early at popular beaches for a quieter experience and pack reef-safe sunscreen to protect Crete’s marine life. Happy snorkeling!
 
Snorkelling around Crete is truly unforgettable—especially when you're not restricted by transport. I’d highly recommend renting from Cretarent. They offer seamless airport pickup, full insurance, free maps, and unlimited kilometres, making it effortless to reach hidden snorkelling spots across the island without any hassle.
 
1 - 3 of 3 Posts
You must log in or register to reply here.

JOIN THE DISCUSSION AND READ OTHER GREEK INFO:

How Many Days Do You Really Need in Crete?

I'm considering spending a few weeks in Greece this October, and I'm trying to decide how much of that time I should devote to Crete. I've never really explored the island properly, and the more I look into it, the more I realize how much there is to see.

Would you spend two or even three weeks just exploring Crete, or would that feel like too much time? I'm also considering dividing the trip between Crete, Athens, and perhaps another island.

Since it will be October, I'm wondering if staying longer in Crete might make sense rather than moving around too much, especially as the season winds down on some islands.

For those who know Crete well, how many days would you recommend to experience it without rushing? And if you had a few weeks in Greece in October, how would you divide your time?

Tips for driving in Crete?

I might be going to Crete in July, and I’m seriously thinking about renting a car because the island seems much bigger than I originally realized. Part of me loves the idea of being able to explore smaller villages, beaches, and mountain areas on my own schedule, but I’ve also heard mixed things about driving there.

For people who have done it, how difficult is driving in Crete really? I’ve heard the roads can get narrow and winding, especially in the mountains. Is parking difficult in places like Chania or Rethymno during the summer?

Also curious if renting a car ended up being worth it compared to relying on buses or tours. I don’t mind driving, but I also don’t want to spend the trip stressed out behind the wheel. Any advice, tips, or things you wish you knew beforehand would really help!

Information About Balos Lagoon?

I'm hoping to visit Crete again in the near future, and one place that keeps coming up in my research is Balos Lagoon. I've never been. The photos look absolutely incredible, but I'd love to hear from people who have actually been there rather than just reading travel guides.

Is Balos Lagoon really as beautiful as everyone says? What's the best way to get there—by boat or by driving and hiking down? If you drove, was the road difficult or manageable with a rental car? I'm also wondering what time of day is best to visit to avoid the biggest crowds.

Any tips on what to bring, how much time to plan for, or things you wish you had known before your visit would be greatly appreciated. I'd love to hear your experiences before I finalize my itinerary!

Information Balos Lagoon?

I’m thinking about visiting Crete this year, and Balos Lagoon keeps coming up as one of the top spots to see. The photos look incredible, but I’m trying to get a more realistic sense of what the experience is actually like.

For those of you who’ve been, is it as stunning in person as it looks online? I’ve also heard getting there can be a bit of a trek—either by boat or a rough drive plus a hike. How difficult is it really? Of all the times I have visited Crete, I've never been. It's truly amazing how much there is to see there.

What to Do in Heraklion During a Cruise Stop

I’m looking for ideas on what to do in Heraklion during a cruise stop. I’ve already been once and did Knossos Palace, which was fascinating, but I don’t feel the need to repeat it.

This time, I’m hoping for something a bit more relaxed and experiential. I’m wondering if heading to a nearby beach makes sense time-wise on a cruise day, or if it’s better to stay closer to the city. I’ve also seen food tours mentioned, those really appeal to me, especially if they focus on local places rather than tourist traps.

For those who’ve done Heraklion without Knossos, what did you enjoy most? Beach clubs, wandering the old town, museums, markets, or food-focused activities? I’d love suggestions that feel unhurried but still doable within a cruise schedule.
Share and discuss your Crete photos, questions and experiences!

WorldwideGreeks.com is a free online forum community where people can discuss Greek food, travel, traditions, history and mythology.
Join Worldwide Greeks here!

JOIN COMMUNITY FOR FREE

LOGIN TO YOUR ACCOUNT
Back
Top