Crete's Best Sunset Spots
Close your eyes for a minute (but don't forget to reopen them to carry on reading this blog!) and imagine yourself sat on Greece's largest island, looking out over the vast Mediterranean Ocean. You can feel the sea breeze, taste the salt in the air, and those golden hour views? Oof, simply phenomenal. On your next Crete villa holiday, don't miss out on visiting these breathtaking spots with some of the best sunset views!
Without further ado, let's get stuck in...
Chania's Venetian Harbour
Described as a "social-media must share spot", Chania's Venetian Harbour is simply scintillating. With impressive architecture and a laid-back atmosphere, this popular place is perfect for a picturesque evening. We highly recommend trying the local restaurants in the area for a real taste of Crete's gorgeous culture, especially a restaurant that can give you the opportunity for some alfresco dining. Picture it, you've just finished your mouth-watering main meals and are slowly sipping from some tasty wine, staring out onto the vast ocean, backdropped by the dramatic sky painted with blue and gold as the sun gradually drops below the horizon - bliss.
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Exceptional Views
Agios Pavlos
Backdropped by an ancient Byzantine church, Agios Pavlos is a stunning beach in the south of Crete, where the rocky coastal cliffs rise up out of the sea and create a dramatic landscape to admire throughout the day, and especially in the evening! A sandy beach but with plenty of pebbles to pick up and skim on the ocean waves, the relaxed atmosphere of this seaside paradise will keep you feeling chill under the warm sun! The beach bar that overlooks this stretch of sand is the perfect place to have a refreshing drink and a bite to eat whilst looking out onto the gorgeous seascape as the sun sets, or alternatively head to the unique capes and coves hidden away nearby, providing some of the most scenic settings for the perfect snap of golden hour!
You need to be here to believe it
Balos
With a photo like that, what else is there to say?
Renowned as one of the best beaches on this scenic island, Balos is one of the best places to come to simply unwind and watch the sun sink beyond the horizon. Bring your loved ones, bring your cameras, bring a picnic, or don't bring anything at all to just admire the view with no distractions. There's nothing more rewarding than the spectacular sunsets on offer after a walk to this west-facing, postcard-perfect beach.
Breathtaking beaches
Falasarna & Elafonissi Beaches
Right on Crete's west coast, sunsets don't get much better than from the sands of Falasarna & Elafonissi Beaches! Backdropped by the harsh mountain terrain that the west coast is famous for, whether you're chilling out in the day or soaking up the spectacular sunsets in the evening, Falasarna is a truly picturesque spot.
Technically a little island just clinging onto Crete's mainland, Elafonissi is well worth the journey south. Kick back on the pinkish sands and settle in for the sunset of a lifetime, just try to keep your jaw from hitting the floor!
One for the history buffs
Fortezza of Rethymnon
Sat on the north coast, Rethymnon's imposing 16th-century Venetian citadel offers some breathtaking views of the town and port, and of course is a superb place for a sunset. A canvas of blue and white throughout the day, magically transformed to golds and purples as the evening sets in, the sky will have you in complete awe as you look out over the ocean. Although you might not want to get out of the private pool of your Crete villa, the view from this ancient fortress is completely worth it. If you're left without words during these gorgeous golden hours, we'll give you one for free to use as soon as you get there - "wow".
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It doesn't get much more picturesque...
Venizelos Tombs
Atop the hills overlooking Chania, you'll find the Vanizelos Graves, one of Crete's most famous burial sites. We know, visiting some graves doesn't sound like too much fun, but just you wait until you see the sunsets on offer from this hidden gem location!
Providing some absolutely incredible views over the Mediterranean Ocean, as soon as the sun starts to set, you'll struggle to find anywhere better to be. Watch the sky transform in colour as the golden glow slips further and further down, and don't forget to take plenty of photos to make everyone back home jealous. Listen to the local cicadas buzzing away, the wind rustle the leaves of the trees and enjoy the view of a lifetime on offer right in front of you.
Last but not least
Gavdos Lighthouse
Ever wanted to feel like you're in a Bond movie? If earning your licence to chill in one of our Crete villas hasn't quite quenched your thirst for the glamourous life of espionage, the view from Gavdos Lighthouse certainly will! Looking like it's straight out of a wide pan shot from one of the newer films, bring a camera along to make the most of the sensational sunsets on offer from this island paradise. Catch the ferry over from Crete's mainland, spend the day relaxing on the beach before the sunset ties off your day in the most perfect way.
If you've made it to the end of all this and haven't been too distracted by the phenomenal photos, what are you waiting for? These sunsets won't admire themselves. Book your escape to Crete today.
