Psili Ammos is one of the best beaches in eastern Crete. It’s wide, deep, and feels secluded despite being next door to one of the busies beaches of Crete, Vai. Vai beach is so well promoted, that most visitors don’t even know Psili Ammos is a short walk over the headland.

- Name: Psili Ammos beach (Ψιλή Άμμος)
- Location: Lasithi, eastern Crete, Greece
Click here to see it on the map and to get directions - Overall Rating: 5/5
- Joy Index (What the Water Felt Like): 5/5
- Beach Berm: Sand
- Seafloor: Sand and rocks
- Access: There is no road to Psili Ammos beach. To get there you need to drive or take the bus to the nearby Vai beach.From there, climb up the steps to the observation post on the south end of Vai. Behind the kiosk you will see a footpath. This will lead you to Psili Ammos beach.You might have to find a way to go over the chain-link fence, but it is usually trampled by the previous hikers. You will reach the beach in about 5 minutes from there.
- Amenities: There is nothing around the beach, but you can always climb back out to Vai beach where you will find plenty of restaurants and bars.
- Snorkeling: The rocks at the south and north ends of Psili Ammos beach are a good place to snorkel.
Notes: Psili Ammos is nicely secluded because most bathers prefer the nearby Vai beach. Either because they prefer to be in close proximity to other bathers, or because they like the amenities of Vai.
Most likely, most bathers stay at Vai beach because they have no idea that such a beautiful swimming spot exists a short hike away.
It’s just as well because besides the beautiful expanse of soft sand and the crystal clear waters, a beach that is so secluded is a good thing in our book.