Agios Pavlos Sandhills
Discover Crete's breathtaking golden sand dunes and crystal-clear waters at Agios Pavlos Sandhills, a serene natural escape.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Warm water, fewer crowds
Agios Pavlos Sandhills
Best Time
Warm water, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover Crete's breathtaking golden sand dunes and crystal-clear waters at Agios Pavlos Sandhills, a serene natural escape.
"Unique and breathtaking! Golden sand dunes, crystal-clear sea, and total peace. "
👟 Wear Proper Shoes
The sand gets very hot! Closed-toe shoes are essential for the climb and walking on the dunes.
☂️ Bring Your Own Shade
There's no natural shade, so pack an umbrella for comfort during sunny days.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Majestic Sand Dunes
Expansive golden sand dunes create a unique, almost desert-like landscape against the turquoise sea.
Crystal-Clear Waters
The sea here is exceptionally clear, inviting for a refreshing swim and offering calm entry.
Peaceful Atmosphere
Experience total peace and quiet, especially if you visit outside of the busiest times.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating the Sand Dunes
Embrace the Serenity
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Proper Shoes
The sand gets very hot! Closed-toe shoes are essential for the climb and walking on the dunes. +1
☂️ Bring Your Own Shade
There's no natural shade, so pack an umbrella for comfort during sunny days.
🚗 Parking Advice
Park for free on the other side of the beach; there's a stairway to access it.
🪸 Snorkeling Spots
Explore the sides of the beach for some decent snorkeling opportunities.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Proper Shoes
The sand gets very hot! Closed-toe shoes are essential for the climb and walking on the dunes. +1
☂️ Bring Your Own Shade
There's no natural shade, so pack an umbrella for comfort during sunny days.
🚗 Parking Advice
Park for free on the other side of the beach; there's a stairway to access it.
🪸 Snorkeling Spots
Explore the sides of the beach for some decent snorkeling opportunities.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the unique beauty of Agios Pavlos Sandhills, praising its stunning golden sand dunes and crystal-clear waters. Many highlight the peaceful atmosphere and the feeling of being in an untouched natural paradise. However, the steep, hot sand dunes and lack of facilities are frequently mentioned drawbacks, requiring visitors to be well-prepared.
"One of the best beaches around the south central Crete. There is a hill to go down/climb from the parking lot but its worth it. You will find a beach almost empty (we ve been in 20 september). There are some nudist people but the beach is so big that there is plenty of space to be far away from anyone. There are some large stones on the beach and at the entrance in the water so bring your water shoes. The water is beautiful and the sand dunes look very good also. The water temperature was very good at the end of september so I would totally recommend it."
Chefi la Furculite
"The beach itself is kinda ok, but the underwater life is equal to zero and the sand dune that you must climb on to in manage to get out of there gets hot in the sun like 30/40c and it is kinda steep so do not come here unless your fitness level is very high and bring some normal trainers. But in photos beach looks sick"
Piotr Jankowski
"Unique and breathtaking!
Golden sand dunes, crystal-clear sea, and total peace. A magical spot for nature lovers and sunset views!"
IMLaw LLC
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Agios Pavlos Sandhills is located in Rethymno, Crete. Access involves a drive from Rethymno town. From Triopetra harbor (Stomio), head west for about 500m.
The path down to the beach is a bit steep and involves climbing over sand dunes, which can be challenging. +1 It's recommended to wear trainers rather than flip-flops.
Renting a car is highly recommended for exploring the south coast of Crete, including Agios Pavlos Sandhills, as public transport can be limited.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Agios Pavlos Sandhills is a natural beach and there is no entrance fee. Access is free for all visitors.
As a natural beach, Agios Pavlos Sandhills is accessible at all hours. However, visiting during daylight hours is recommended for safety and enjoyment.
There's no need to book anything in advance as it's a natural beach. You can visit spontaneously.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The beach features soft golden sand and impressive sand dunes. The water is crystal-clear and generally shallow at the entrance, making it pleasant for swimming. +1
There are no organized facilities like sunbeds, umbrellas, or tavernas directly on the beach. It's advisable to bring your own supplies, including water and snacks.
It's generally not crowded, especially outside of peak season or on weekdays. You can often find plenty of space, even with some nudists present.
Some visitors note that the underwater life is minimal. However, there are some snorkeling options available on the sides of the beach.
Yes, the unique sand dunes and clear waters make it a very photogenic spot, especially for sunset views.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no dining facilities directly at the beach. You'll need to travel to nearby villages like Triopetra or Rethymno for tavernas and restaurants.
Since there are no amenities, it's essential to pack plenty of water and snacks for your visit.
📸 📸 Photography
The golden hour, especially during sunset, offers stunning light for capturing the sand dunes and the sea.
The dramatic golden sand dunes, the contrast with the clear blue sea, and the untouched natural landscape create a unique and breathtaking scene.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Hikers and Nature Lovers
📸 Photographers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Unique Landscape of Agios Pavlos Sandhills
Accessing this natural wonder requires a bit of effort. Visitors often describe a steep climb down and up from the parking area, with the sand becoming intensely hot under the sun. This is why wearing sturdy, closed-toe shoes is frequently recommended by those who have made the trek.
The beach itself is characterized by its soft sand and clear, inviting waters. While some reviewers mention limited underwater life, the sides of the beach offer some opportunities for snorkeling.
Practicalities for Visiting Agios Pavlos Sandhills
Secondly, shade is non-existent. The beach is completely exposed, so bringing your own umbrella is highly recommended to protect yourself from the strong sun.
For those driving, parking is available for free on the side of the beach, accessed via a stairway.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit