A Visual Journey Through Crete’s Mythic Beaches, Waterfalls, and Towns

Crete is a place where every corner feels alive with story and light. On my recent trip, I discovered landscapes that made me stop mid-step—the kind that pull your gaze across turquoise waters, dramatic cliffs, and sunlit streets. From hidden waterfalls to shimmering lagoons and bustling historic harbors, each location offered a new way to see the island, to feel its textures, and to capture its essence through the lens.

These are the moments and places that stayed with me long after the shutter clicked.

1. Preveli Waterfall and Beach

Stepping into Preveli feels like stepping into a living postcard. The waterfalls cascade gently into a serene pool, framed by the canyon walls and sun-dappled trees that grow from the banks. The beach itself curves softly along the water, its sand kissed by the sea and shaded by palms. I spent hours capturing the light filtering through the canyon in the late afternoon, experimenting with creative perspectives to emphasize the gentle flow of water, and framing shots to balance the rugged cliffs with the calm turquoise pool below. This is a place where history and nature meet—the feel is ancient, almost Olympian, yet incredibly peaceful.

2. Balos Beach and Lagoon

Balos is otherworldly. From the cliffs above, the lagoon stretches out like a palette of blues and greens, shallow waters meeting soft pink sands, the surrounding mountains framing the scene. I arrived with friends via chartered boat in the morning, just before the crowds started trickling in. I can’t tell you how many photos I took, working hard to get the right combination of rocky beaches, soft sand and shimmering water in my shot. Balos is both dramatic and tranquil, a perfect place for capturing the magical colors of the Mediterranean.

3. Chania’s Old Town

After so much nature, Chania is like entering a storybook. The old town is a labyrinth of narrow streets, pastel buildings, and bustling harbors. Light spills onto the cobblestones in the late afternoon, highlighting the textures of the stone walls and the gentle waves in the harbor. I wandered for hours, photographing fishermen at work, the colorful boats bobbing in the water, and the reflection of sunlight in the windows. Chania is alive with history and charm, offering an intimate, human scale to contrast with Crete’s vast natural landscapes.

Final Thoughts
Crete is a dream for photographers—mythic, luminous, and full of texture and story. Each of these places offered something unique, whether it was the cinematic light at Preveli, the magical color palette of Balos, or the intimate, historical charm of Chania.

If you’re planning a trip to Crete or simply chasing beauty through a lens, these locations should be at the top of your list. And if you want to see how I captured them all, follow along on Instagram @GarrickTakesPhotos or visit my print shop—these places deserve a spot on your wall, too.ace on your wall, too.