Sarandari Beach
Two beaches tucked below the cliffs near Hersonissos — a family-friendly sandy cove and, just around the rocks, the nude beach that's become Crete's most popular gay hangout.
You'll find Sarandari (also spelled Sarantari, after the tavern that sits above it) just east of Hersonissos, sheltered beneath limestone cliffs between two large resort hotels. The main beach is a pretty, organised cove — shallow, calm water, sunbeds, and a small canteen — perfectly decent and popular with families. But the draw for queer men is around the rocks: a small naturist beach tucked into the cliff face, protected from view and from the wind, with flat rocky outcroppings ideal for sunbathing and the kind of easy social energy that tends to develop when a spot quietly earns its reputation. Widely reported as the most popular gay beach in Crete, it's not signposted or official — you follow the path from the tavern, turn right, and there you are.
Getting there
The beach takes its name from the Sarantaris Tavern above — look for it on the coast road between the Creta Maris and Hersonissos Maris hotels, about 25km east of Heraklion. You'll see the name spelled both Sarandari and Sarantari depending on the source; either will get you there.
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