Agios Pavlos Sandhills' beach, Sand dunes beach in southern Crete, Greece
A one-kilometer coastal stretch features massive sand dunes descending into the sea, creating a distinctive silver-grey shoreline against the Libyan Sea.
The beach shares its name with another location in Crete, both claiming connections to Saint Paul's journey to Rome during early Christian times.
A 10th-century Byzantine church stands near the water, displaying traditional icons and simple decorative elements that reflect Greek Orthodox heritage.
Visitors can access the beach through a one-hour hiking trail from Agia Roumeli village or by taking a boat from neighboring coastal settlements.
The intersection of two gorges, Elygia and Sapounas, near the beach creates underwater sand dunes visible through the clear Mediterranean waters.
Address: 740 53, Greece
Website: http://cretanbeaches.com/Beaches/Rethymnon/st-paul-sandhills-beach
GPS coordinates: 35.10377,24.56102
Latest update: March 4, 2025 16:31
Crete combines remnants of ancient civilizations with striking natural landscapes along its 650 mile (1,050 km) coastline. The island offers photographers a mix of archaeological sites like the Minoan palace at Knossos and historic settlements such as the Venetian harbor districts of Chania and Rethymno. Coastal formations range from the pink sand beaches of Elafonisi to the turquoise lagoon at Balos and the palm groves at Preveli and Vai. Mountain ranges in the interior contain gorges like Samaria and Aradena, along with remote villages such as Kritsa and Margarites where traditional ways of life continue.
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