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A long strip of bars, clubs, shops, hotels and apartments lines the main coast highway at Malia. The splendid sandy beach is crowded with sun loungers and umbrellas from early summer until September.

A big, brash resort that may soon grow to merge with neighbouring Stalida and Malia. The beach is unarguably superb, and has an array of multinational bars and restaurants.

A series of sandy coves separated by rocky headlands, Matala first attracted sunseeking hippy travellers in the 1960s and graduated to become a small holiday resort in the 1980s.

On a crescent bay where a reed-lined river meets the sea, this is a classic fishing village turned beach resort.

A small, purpose-built resort set around three coves sheltered by cliffs. Avoid the crowds from June to September.

One of the longest beaches on the south central coast, Dytikos is popular with nudist sunbathers.

With its long stretch of sand and shingle and growing number of package holiday hotels, this is one of the better beaches close to Irakleio.

One of the less developed beaches on the central north coast, Panormos has a small sandy beach beside a miniature fishing harbour and a few places to eat and drink.

A relatively remote and peaceful series of small beaches and coves among dramatic cliffs. But the offshore oil tanker terminal rather mars the view.

If you have time to kill while in the capital, head for the municipal beach at Amnisos, which is open from 9am to 7pm for a small fee.