Tucked away on the hilly north coast of Crete, Bali is a charming seaside village built atop the ancient Roman town of Astale. Once a sleeping fishing harbour, it is now a popular beachside resort with plenty of cafes and restaurants where you can dine throughout the day.
Spend your days relaxing on the scenic sands of Bali Beach, which is lapped by the azure waters of the Sea of Crete. Beach umbrellas and sun loungers are available for rent, and there are a handful of waterfront eateries serving traditional Greek fare. Locals can be seen jumping off the cliffs at the southern end of the bay.
Further south is Livadi Beach, a pebbly cove that provides an idyllic backdrop for water sports. On the other side of Bali is Karavostasi Beach, a small and secluded spot for swimming and sunbathing. You can rent a boat to explore the caves that nestle in the nearby cliffs.
Getting there
Bali is around a one-hour drive from Heraklion and Heraklion International Airport, which has seasonal flights to destinations across Europe. Renting a car is the most convenient way of getting to Bali and the village is small enough to explore on foot.