Overview

• Balos lagoon in western Crete is singled out for emerald, shallow waters and pale sand, with access on foot or by boat from Kissamos and advice to arrive early due to crowds and TripAdvisor fame.
• Samaria Gorge offers a roughly 16‑kilometer hike through a national park known for the endemic Cretan wild goat, with the route ending at Agia Roumeli and ADAC urging sturdy shoes, sun protection and ample water.
• Vai in the east combines a beach with what Protothema describes as Europe’s largest natural palm forest at about 250 hectares, providing shade, turquoise water and amenities such as loungers and umbrellas.
• A public Facebook post highlights a small, less‑visited bay in southeast Crete with sunbeds around €10 that come with a complimentary small cold water, plus friendly service and appealing snorkeling.
• Comments on the Facebook thread describe strong snorkeling conditions and claim occasional sightings of sea turtles, dolphins and firefish, reflecting user reports rather than verified surveys.