Photo: Moschos Koupoukis via Google
The verdict
- Best forA relaxed beach club day of sunbeds, cocktails and long lunches by warm water, found mostly along the north coast rather than at the famous wild beaches.
- Single best spotCabana Mare at Agia Marina near Chania for the stylish all day setting, or Almyra Seaside at Agia Pelagia for a sheltered cove and a party.
- One thing to knowCrete's clubs are spread along the north coast near Chania, Rethymno and Heraklion, not at Balos or Elafonissi, so plan a club day around your base rather than the headline beaches.
Published 27 January 2026. Last reviewed 6 April 2026
Crete's beach club scene is a north coast story. The famous beaches in the west and south are wild and largely unorganised, so the sunbed bars and lounge restaurants gather along the more developed north shore, near Chania, Rethymno, Heraklion and the resort strip towards Hersonissos. It is a relaxed genre here, more easy going beach bar than velvet rope, and that suits the island.
Every venue below is a real, established beach bar or lounge described by the day it delivers. We keep exact prices and any minimum spend as to be confirmed, because they move with the season and the seat, and many sunbeds here are simply rented for the day. Send a date and party size and the venue can confirm what applies.
Every club, sorted
Real, established venues only, spread along the north coast near Chania, Rethymno and Heraklion. Prices shift by season and seat, so we mark them to be confirmed.
| Club | Beach | Vibe | Minimum spend | Booking note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cabana Mare | Agia Marina, Chania | Stylish, all day, sunbeds | To be confirmed | One of the best known beach bars near Chania, with elegant sunbeds, large umbrellas and a wide pier of hammocks on the sand at Agia Marina, looking out to the islet of Agioi Theodoroi. A stylish, relaxed all day club. |
| Red Havana | Agia Marina, Chania | Luxe, pool, cabanas | To be confirmed | A more luxurious beach club at Agia Marina with a heated pool, plush sunbeds and spacious cabanas in a prime beachfront spot. The pick for a polished, comfortable day a short drive from Chania. |
| Almyra Seaside | Agia Pelagia, Heraklion | Cove, parties, cocktails | To be confirmed | A seaside food and cocktail spot in the sheltered, windless cove of Agia Pelagia near Heraklion, known for relaxed days that turn into parties and events. Homemade cocktails and Mediterranean snacks by clear water. |
| Guru Bar | Rethymno | Beachfront, all day, social | To be confirmed | A beachfront bar and restaurant on the long sands of Rethymno serving coffee, breakfast, imaginative plates and cocktails through the day. An easy, sociable all day base in the heart of town. |
| Buddha Bar Beach | Anissaras, Hersonissos | Fusion, DJs, upscale | To be confirmed | An upscale beach club at the Abaton resort near Hersonissos blending fusion Asian cuisine with international DJs and events. The most polished party leaning option on the busy eastern resort coast. |
| Bikini Beach Bar | Malia | Relaxed, long hours, food | To be confirmed | A laid back beach bar on the sands of Malia with summer dishes, drinks and long opening hours through the day and into the night. A relaxed, good value base on the eastern resort strip. |
When the clubs are best in Crete
Crete's beach clubs run from late spring through October, longer than most of Greece thanks to the island's warm autumns. July and August are the peak for crowds, prices and party energy on the north coast, while June and September keep the warmth with more room on the sand. The shoulder months of May and October are quieter and easy to walk into, though some venues reduce their hours as the season winds down.
Getting a daybed, the honest way
Booking here is simple. Many sunbeds are rented for the day or come with a drink, and even the smarter clubs rarely demand the high minimums of the glamour islands. The smart move is to reserve a front bed for a summer weekend at the busier north coast spots, arrive before midday for the best position, and ask exactly what a sunbed includes when you book.
Etiquette is relaxed. Dress is beachwear and a cover up, the mood ranges from mellow beach bar to a livelier party towards Hersonissos, and most venues are easy with families earlier in the day. Several run a sunset moment worth timing your afternoon around. Send your date and party size through the form below and the venue will confirm availability and any minimum spend.
Book a beach club in Crete
Before you go
Which is the best beach club in Crete?
Cabana Mare at Agia Marina near Chania is the stylish all day favourite, while Almyra Seaside at Agia Pelagia near Heraklion is the cove spot that turns into a party. The best one depends on your base, since the clubs are spread along the north coast rather than gathered in one place.
Where are the beach clubs in Crete?
Almost all of them sit along the more developed north coast, near Chania at Agia Marina, at Rethymno, near Heraklion at Agia Pelagia, and along the resort strip towards Hersonissos and Malia. The famous wild beaches at Balos, Elafonissi and the south coast have no clubs, so plan a club day around your base.
How much does a sunbed cost at a Crete beach club?
Far less than the marquee club islands. Many beds are rented by the day or come with a drink, and minimum spends are rare outside the most upscale spots. Figures move with the season and the seat, so we list them as to be confirmed and suggest you ask when you book.
Are there party beach clubs in Crete?
Yes, mostly on the eastern resort coast. Buddha Bar Beach near Hersonissos brings international DJs and a polished party, while Almyra at Agia Pelagia runs events and lively afternoons. For a calmer day, the Chania and Rethymno beach bars lean more relaxed and family friendly.
When is the best time for Crete beach clubs?
June and September keep the sea warm and the clubs lively without the full July and August peak in crowds and prices. May and October are quieter and easy to walk into, helped by the island's long warm autumn, though some venues reduce their hours as the season winds down.