Room 1
Best beaches in Gouves
The coastal villages of Kato Gouves and Pano Gouves are home to several stretches of beach with plenty of sand where you can get a sun-kissed glow and soak up all the action of the water. Painted in golden tones, each bay has all the essential elements for a sunny seascape. Discover some of the most beautiful beaches in the Cretan resort.
Top beaches in Gouves
Gouves Beach
The main strip of sand at Gouves is blonde in colour with shallow waters making it the perfect beach for families travelling with young children. Lined with pretty Greek tavernas, Gouves also offers sun loungers, parasols, a rocky jetty and a café-restaurant serving Greek cuisine. The best time to visit is early morning, to get a good spot before the crowds arrive.
Sarantari Beach
Sarantari Bay, a secluded cove surrounded by rock formations, offers a relaxing atmosphere in unspoilt surroundings. Sarantari is a mixture of silky-soft sand and pebbles, picturesque scenery and ... free-roaming cats! These household animals run wild here, and behind the beach you'll find a designated area to feed and pet them to your heart's content.
Paralia Kato Gouvon
You can find this beach east of the main strip of Gouves Beach. Locals love to come for a relaxing afternoon and watch the sun set. Behind the beach, the gorgeous Milena restaurant faces the beautiful sea with an elegant ambiance, candle-lit-dinners and delicious Greek delights.
Anissaras Beach
Backed by rocky cliffs, Anissaras beach lets you sink your toes into vast stretches of nude white sand that melt into turquoise waters. Breathe in and watch a screensaver-worthy sunset transform the sky into colour. Jet skiing, SUP paddleboarding or windsurfing are available at Coral Diving Centre Crete and Sam Watersports, located on either side of the long bay.
Analipsi Beach
Analipsi beach is a haven for families, with its soft golden sand stretching as far as the eye can see. The calm, shallow waters create a safe and pleasant environment for young children. Relax on comfortable sun loungers under colourful parasols or make sandcastles as a family.
For the more adventurous, head to Aris Watersports. Here you can board a boat, jet ski or simply float and explore the underwater coral kingdom teeming with colourful fish around the nearby islets.
Gournes Beach
Gournes beach is a fun-filled horseshoe-shaped cove of golden sand. Its rocky ridges form a perfect lagoon for paddling, and the beach has a wide range of facilities and restaurants for an enjoyable beach experience. When those post-swim cravings come in, head to the Ambrosia Restaurant, situated on the front strip of the beach, to devour delicious seafood specials.
Kokkini Hani Beach
Kokkini Hani beach has classic European charm. Dark-coloured sand stretches along wide, shallow turquoise waters, perfect for swimming and wading. Amenities abound, with thatched umbrellas, cosy tavernas and watersports rentals. The crystal-clear waters are a paradise for snorkellers. After soaking up the sun, take a leisurely stroll to the nearby Cretaquarium. This fascinating aquarium showcases the extraordinary marine life of the Mediterranean.
