Voulisma or Golden Beach is undoubtedly the best beach in Agios Nikolaos and one of the best beaches in Crete. It has dreamy landscapes, crystal waters, white sand, water sports, beach bar and restaurants. If you plan to visit Crete, this amazing beach should be on your list. In this article, you will find all you need to know about Voulisma beach.
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Things to know before visiting Voulisma beach
As the island of Crete is the largest and one of the most visited islands of Greece, we strongly advise you to plan your days ahead so that you do not risk wasting your time. Here is all you need to know before visiting :
- Lifeguards are there most of the time
- There are toilets, showers or changing rooms on the beach
- It can be very windy, just like in the rest of South Crete
- You can find enough space to set up your umbrella on the sand (especially on weekdays)
- Wheelchair access is not easy
- In the surrounding area, there are restaurants, bar, mini markets
How to get to Voulisma beach ?
Voulisma Beach is located in the northeastern part of Crete, 15 kilometres south of Agios Nikolaos. You can easily combine it with your trip to Agios Nikolaos or as a day trip during your stay on the island of Crete. The most convenient way to get to this beach is by car, as it is quite far from the town. Renting a car is the best way to explore the island of Crete, as some beaches are difficult to reach. For example, if you want to go to one of the most famous beaches of Crete, Seitan Limania Beach, you cannot visit it without a car ! There is always the option of public buses which are quite regular, but of course not the perfect way to get around and explore the island. Regular buses run between Agios Nikolaos, Sitia or even Ierapetra and drop you off close to the beach.
The best time to visit Voulisma beach
If you do a quick search on the Internet, you will find that it is one of the most crowded beaches in Crete. For this reason, we highly recommend visiting either off-season or on weekdays. We visited in early June and the beach was almost empty. The other option is to go to the beach in the early morning or late afternoon for a sunrise or sunset dip respectively. It depends on your personal preferences and schedule.
The best activities in Voulisma beach
If you are an outdoor enthusiast, hiking and snorkeling are a must for you. On the contrary, if you want to relax on a dreamy beach, then you can set up your umbrella or lie on a deck chair at the beach bar. You can rent jet skis or pedal boats. The entire scenery lends itself to various beach activities depending on your personal needs and time. The basic thing we advise you to do is to swim and enjoy these amazing waters, especially on hot summer days. If you are not very lucky with the weather, but it does not rain, you can still enjoy your day hiking in the surrounding area which offers stunning views of the beach and the Cretan mountains ! The natural beauty of Voulisma beach is something else. Try to enjoy it regardless of the weather or a little inconvenience like crowds.
Nearby beach bar, restaurants and hotels
Voulisma beach is a well-known and organized beach. This means there is a beach bar and restaurants to enjoy your peaceful day at the beach. In addition, the entire area around Voulisma beach is considered a tourist resort. So, there are many hotels and apartments. Depending on your preferences, do your proper research for food, accommodation etc before and during your vacation in Crete. There are options available for all budgets (hotels, Airbnbs,hostels)
- Beach Bar : “Beach Bar Golden Beach Voulisma”
- Restaurants : “Taverna Kavos”, “Meraki”, “Panorama”
- Hotels : “Istron Luxury Villas”, “Istron Bay Hotel”, “Daios Cove Luxury Resort”, “Blue Marine Resort & Spa”
Final Thoughts
We spent a whole day at this beach enjoying its crystal blue waters, exploring the surrounding area and snorkeling. Of course, if you need to relax at a beach bar, you can have that option as well. But, if you are a photography lover like us, it is impossible not to wander around and capture its amazing landscapes. This beach is a real gem in Crete.
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