Kolokitha Beach
A small, picturesque beach with soft white sand and incredibly clear turquoise waters, set against a unique rocky landscape.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Enjoy tranquility before boats arrive
Kolokitha Beach
Best Time
Enjoy tranquility before boats arrive
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A small, picturesque beach with soft white sand and incredibly clear turquoise waters, set against a unique rocky landscape.
"Exceptional natural beauty with soft white sand and crystal clear water, a true gem!"
🚗 Drive with Caution
The road is narrow & gravelly; the last 500m requires a walk. Consider a boat tour if unsure.
⏰ Arrive Early
Beat the crowds! Boats arrive after 11 AM, making the small beach packed.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Crystal Clear Turquoise Waters
Kolokitha Beach
Dive into incredibly clear, shallow turquoise waters perfect for swimming and spotting small fish.
Unique Rocky Landscape
Kolokitha Beach
Experience a beach with a lunar-like feel, featuring striking rock formations and soft white sand.
Tranquil Peninsula Setting
Spinalonga Peninsula
Enjoy the wild and pure beauty of this secluded beach on the Spinalonga Peninsula, near Elounda.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Accessing Kolokitha Beach
Beat the Crowds
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Drive with Caution
The road is narrow & gravelly; the last 500m requires a walk. Consider a boat tour if unsure.
⏰ Arrive Early
Beat the crowds! Boats arrive after 11 AM, making the small beach packed.
🎒 Pack Essentials
No amenities like toilets, showers, or sunbeds. Bring water, snacks, and shade.
🚤 Boat Tour Option
Many tours from Elounda offer easy access to this beautiful beach.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Drive with Caution
The road is narrow & gravelly; the last 500m requires a walk. Consider a boat tour if unsure.
⏰ Arrive Early
Beat the crowds! Boats arrive after 11 AM, making the small beach packed.
🎒 Pack Essentials
No amenities like toilets, showers, or sunbeds. Bring water, snacks, and shade.
🚤 Boat Tour Option
Many tours from Elounda offer easy access to this beautiful beach.
🥾 Comfortable Footwear
Wear sturdy shoes for the walk down from the parking area.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Kolokitha Beach's exceptional natural beauty, with its soft white sand and crystal-clear turquoise waters often compared to paradise. However, many note that the beach is very small and quickly becomes packed, especially when tour boats arrive. The challenging access road and lack of amenities are also frequently mentioned drawbacks.
"Wonderful beach itself! The place of exeptional natural beauty – soft white sand, crystal clear water, picturesque hills. However, it is very small, narrow and quickly gets packed. Especially during the high season, a lot of boats arrive after 11 a.m. to disembark visitors. Oh, and don't expect to find any amenities like shower, toilets or even sunbeds.
The road to the beach is a narrow gravel road on a steep shore, you have to walk on a bushy slope the last 500 m from the parking.
If not for the difficult access and lack of space/ shade, I would definitely give 5 stars."
Anna Ziv
"Beautiful relaxing beach that same tour boats bring you to for a swim! Crystal clear waters with little fish. I don’t think it’s possible to get here from the main island without a boat!"
Xena-Marie Horn
"A hidden gem of a beach with crystal clear water and few tourists. There is a stone wall and some trees providing shade. However, it is a bit difficult to get there; the drive can be quite challenging at times and the walk down to the beach is relatively long."
Max N.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can drive to Kolokitha Beach, but be prepared for a narrow, gravel road and a 500m walk from the parking area. Many visitors opt for boat tours from Elounda, which offer a more convenient and scenic way to reach the beach. +1
Yes, the road is described as a narrow gravel road on a steep shore, and the final approach requires a walk. It can be challenging for some drivers.
Absolutely! Boat tours from Elounda are a very popular and easy way to access Kolokitha Beach, especially if you prefer not to navigate the challenging road.
There is a parking area, but you will need to walk the final 500 meters down a bushy slope to reach the beach itself.
Public transport directly to Kolokitha Beach is not readily available. Boat tours or a private vehicle are the primary options for reaching this secluded spot.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Kolokitha Beach is a natural beach and does not require an entrance fee. Access is free for all visitors.
Kolokitha Beach is accessible at any time, as it is a natural public space. However, visiting during daylight hours is recommended for safety and enjoyment.
No booking is required to visit Kolokitha Beach. It's a natural beach, so you can simply arrive. Boat tours may require booking in advance.
There is no admission fee to enter Kolokitha Beach. It's a beautiful natural spot that's free to enjoy.
While technically accessible, visiting Kolokitha Beach at night is not recommended due to the challenging access road and lack of lighting. Daylight hours are best for safety and appreciating its beauty.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Kolokitha Beach is a natural, undeveloped beach. You won't find amenities like toilets, showers, or sunbeds. It's essential to bring everything you need.
Kolokitha Beach is quite small and can get very crowded, especially when tour boats arrive after 11 AM. Visiting early in the morning is highly recommended to avoid the peak crowds.
The beach features soft white sand, which contributes to its picturesque and unique appearance.
While beautiful, the challenging access and small size might make it less ideal for families with very young children. However, the calm, clear waters are great for swimming.
The main activities are swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying the stunning natural scenery. The clear waters are also great for snorkeling.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the unique rocky landscape, the crystal-clear turquoise waters, and the panoramic views from the path leading down to the beach. Early morning light offers beautiful, soft shots.
Yes, Kolokitha Beach is incredibly photogenic with its white sand, clear waters, and distinctive rock formations, often compared to a lunar landscape.
Early morning provides the best light for photography, with fewer crowds and softer, more natural colors. Late afternoon also offers beautiful golden hour light.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's advisable to check local rules before flying a drone to ensure compliance.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the landscape, while a polarizing filter can enhance the water's clarity and colors. A waterproof camera or phone case is also useful.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚗 Adventurous Drivers & Hikers
📸 Photographers & Nature Lovers
Visiting early in the morning or late in the afternoon will provide the best light for capturing breathtaking shots. The secluded setting on the Spinalonga Peninsula adds to its wild and pure charm, making it a rewarding spot for those seeking to capture pristine landscapes. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Journey to Kolokitha Beach
For travelers seeking a more relaxed approach, boat tours from the nearby town of Elounda are a highly recommended alternative. These tours not only provide easy access to the beach but also offer stunning coastal views along the way. Many visitors find this to be the most convenient and enjoyable method of reaching Kolokitha, bypassing the driving and walking challenges altogether.
When planning your trip, consider your comfort level with driving on unpaved roads and walking on uneven terrain. If these present concerns, booking a boat tour is the best way to ensure a stress-free experience and fully enjoy the beauty of Kolokitha Beach.
Experiencing Kolokitha Beach: What to Expect
However, it's crucial to be aware of the beach's size. Kolokitha is quite small and narrow, which means it can become very crowded, especially during peak season. A significant number of visitors arrive via tour boats, often after 11 AM, which can quickly fill up the limited space.
Crucially, Kolokitha Beach is an undeveloped natural site. This means there are no amenities such as toilets, showers, or sunbeds available. Visitors must come prepared with all their necessities, including plenty of water, snacks, and any shade they might require.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit