In the adjacent valley lies the picturesque, quiet village of Bali, which is in a good location from a tourist point of view, as the road connecting Heraklion and Rethymno passes close by. The bay of Bali with its beautiful beaches is one of the favourite places for visitors to the north coast of Crete.

The beaches of Bali are well organized and equipped, suitable for families and couples. However, due to their popularity, they can sometimes seem overcrowded, especially during the peak tourist season. The sea is usually calm in this area, as it is well protected by the walls of the bay. Compared to the surrounding sea, however, the water in the bay tends to be a bit colder, as cold water from several mountain springs flows in.

If you walk from the village towards the coast, the first beach you will come across is Livadi beach (the word "livadi" means "meadows" in Greek, probably referring to the surrounding green valley). Livadi beach is the longest and also the most open towards the sea. In the neighbouring bay of Varkotopos, you will find a pleasant sand and shingle beach, especially popular with families with small children, as it descends very gently into the sea. Further north you will reach the local harbour and Limani beach (Greek for "harbour"). There are several excellent tavernas and restaurants in the vicinity, where you can try, for example, some fish specialities. The last beach is Karavostasis beach, described as the most beautiful of these beaches.

From the port of Limani, cruise ships leave daily for the larger towns of Heraklion and Rethymno, and a cruise along the northern coast of Crete in this area can be a nice excursion tip, as the coastline here is dotted with beautiful caves and interesting rock formations.

More touristic destinations of Crete

Most favourite beaches of Crete: Amoudara Beach (Heraklion), Balos Beach, Elafonisi Beach, Falassarna Beach, Glyka Nera Beach (Sweet Water), Matala Beach, Platanias Beach, Preveli Beach, Stalis Beach, Stavros Beach, Vai Beach, Voulisma Beach, Xerokampos Beach

Resorts, beaches, sights or trips - clearly listed on the map of Crete.