10 Best Viewpoints in Crete

The old Venetian Harbour of Chania, completed in 1356, was once an important commercial area of the Eastern Mediterranean Sea. Today, this historical stretch of Chania has many small family-run businesses, ranging from guesthouses and restaurants to souvenir shops. Most of them are open even during the off-peak season, but you’ll get to experience a livelier atmosphere when you visit between May and October.

Strategically facing both the east and west, Chania’s old Venetian Harbour provides unforgettable sunrise and sunset views of the town and surrounding ocean. Consider putting up a night at the 2^nd largest city in Crete to get the best of both.

Balos Beach lies on the west coast of Crete, around 15 km north of Kissamos. It’s notoriously hard to reach, but it means you’ll get the beach pretty much to yourself, along with tranquil sunset views. Its surrounding waters are pristine and warm for most of the year – while amenities are sparse, you’ll still be able to rent sun loungers for a small fee to unwind for the day until it’s time for golden hour. 

Before travelling to Balos Beach, it’s a good idea to pack comfortable walking shoes. A 2-km-long hike across the mountains awaits after a rocky drive from town. You’ll probably come across some mountain goats along the way.

Falassarna Beach is one of Crete’s most popular west-coast beaches. Located near Kissamos, it’s made up of 5 different beaches, all of which are known for offering excellent sunset views. During summer, crowds often stay there for the entire day to enjoy activities such as windsurfing and snorkelling.  

Amenities such as sun loungers and umbrellas for hire, beach bars and food stalls are mostly available at Pachia Ammos, Falassarna’s main beach. You can also stop by for a drink at the popular Orange Blue Bar, which overlooks the coast. If you’re visiting in the summer, be sure to stay even after sundown to enjoy vibrant beach parties that often go on until sunrise.

Sfinari is a traditional village between 2 famous Crete beaches – Falassarna Beach and Elafonissi Beach. It sits on top of a hill on the western side of the island, giving you an elevated point to catch the sunset. Down by the bay, you’ll find locally run taverns offering fresh fish at affordable prices.  

Sfinari is mostly suitable for those looking for a quiet and relaxing trip, as it offers very little late-night joints come sundown. For nature lovers, you should make a stop by Sfinari Beach – you might be able to spot seals giving birth by the rocks if you’re lucky.

Elafonissi Beach is a protected nature reserve on the southwestern corner of Crete. As of the world’s rarest pink-sand beaches, this is a unique spot to watch the sunset while you’re visiting Kissamos. The shallow lagoon often attracts loggerhead sea turtles, but do keep a distance as they’re considered an endangered species. 

With calm turquoise waters to pair the light pink sand, Elafonissi Beach can get rather busy with tour buses making a stop for the day. Crowds, however, leave by noon, giving you ample time to relax and perhaps pop the question to your special someone as the skies turn golden orange from the setting sun.

The Bohemian Sunset Tour sets off with a journey to a hidden sunset spot that only the Cretans know. It’s followed with a 3-course dinner that includes wine pairings, desserts, and a taste of raki – a type of Cretan moonshine spirit.  

The Bohemian Sunset Tour starts just when the sun begins to set and lasts for about 4 hours. All tours are conducted in English, with meetups at the Municipal Market of Chania. Guides usually hold up signs so that you can easily spot them. This is a walking tour with occasional bus trips, so make sure you wear comfortable shoes to explore Chania.

The Rethimno Fortress or Fortezza of Rethymno is the largest in Crete. Built in 1537, it’s nestled on a small hill in the city of Rethymno, providing you with a birds'-eye view of the city and beyond to the seas. For photographers, the walls of the fortress make great frames, especially during sunset.  

When visiting the fortress, be sure to drop by Erofili Theatre Rethymno – this open-air venue often hosts cultural events such as the Renaissance Festival of Rethymnon. There’s a small fee to enter Rethimno Fortress, but tickets are discounted for students, children, and senior citizens.

Agios Pavlos Beach is an excellent find for those seeking a quiet retreat in Crete. It has a white sandy beach with pristine blue waters for snorkelling, along with a high sand dune that offers amazing views of the horizon. For sunset-seekers, a quick climb up the cliff results in one of the best sunset experiences on the island.  

The sands of Agios Pavlos Beach can get quite hot in the summer, so it’s best to make the ascend 20 minutes before sundown so that you’ll have ample time to catch the moment. Amenities are limited to local taverns offering fresh seafood, but there’s also a yoga centre in the village if you’re looking to spend some time away from the beach.

The old fishing villages of Almyrida and Plaka are found on the west coast of Crete, both of which are popular holiday destinations for families. Almyrida has a long sandy beach with shallow waters for kids to enjoy a day out in the sun. At sundown, however, you can explore the neighbouring village Plaka, located less than 1 km away. As it sits atop a tiny hill, you’ll be treated to uninterrupted views of the sunset over the village of Almyrida and beyond. 

Amenities such as hotels, restaurants and bars are available year-round in both villages, but most businesses stay open well into the night in the summertime.