The beaches of Eastern Crete are often referred to as some of the more secluded on the island, but when windsurfers discover perfect conditions, things tend to get livelier.

Beaches in the East of Crete tend to remain fairly quiet due to their location away from the main holiday resorts of the south. Places like Tholos beach can be spectacular, especially when the weather is ideal and that is fairly often on an island like Crete. Situated in an area also called the Mirabello Bay due to the fantastic views, Tholos beach is one of only a few on this part of the coastline, which typically features steep rocky cliffs. The simple road winds down through the valley plain to the pebble and sand beach. There not much there in terms of development and only a few trees on the beach for shade. Campers used to favour the spot for its isolation

Further around the north east headland on the East the coast is Kouremenos Beach. This is where freestyle windsurfers have discovered the conditions required for their sport and there is now a small surf school on the beach. When an event in the European Freestyle Pro Tour came to the beach in June this year, conditions were ideal with small waves and fresh breezes. The small fishing harbour of Palechora sits at one end of the beach which is mainly sand. There are some facilities including a choice of tavernas and one mile inland the small town of Palekastro offers a choice of accommodation and a few shops.

Also along this part of the coastline is the very popular Vai beach. Look at the pictures of this place and you could be forgiven for thinking its somewhere in the Caribbean with its palm trees and crystal clear water. Further south, the Houlakis Gorge leads down to a remote and secluded beach which contrasts with the popular but beautiful beach and bay at Kato Zakros. This is another quiet spot with a sand and shingle beach fronting a bay where you may spot just a handful of local fishing boats.