There are islands you visit. And there is Crete, which you carry.
The largest of the Greek islands thrives on a contradiction that is actually none: In the morning the quietest bay, in the evening the harbour full of voices. Between the two, there is no change of clothes if you have packed properly — just a linen shirt, a pair of golden sandals, and the decision that looking good is not a matter of place. Welcome to our first stage By the water.
The morning belongs to the lagoons.
Western Crete guards three of the most beautiful beaches in the Mediterranean — and they begin where most postcards end.
Elafonisi is the most famous: a shallow lagoon at the southwestern tip, where centuries-old crushed seashells actually turn the sand pink. The water remains knee-deep and turquoise clear for hundreds of metres; behind the beach lies a protected Natura 2000 reserve, so no hotels obstruct the view. A note for connoisseurs: Since 2024, cars are no longer allowed to drive to the beach — from the new car park, it is about 650 metres on foot, and those who arrive early have the colours almost to themselves.
Balos is the more dramatic brother: a turquoise lagoon at the northwestern tip, framed by a steep cape and a rock that juts out of the sea. The way there is part of the promise — most rental cars are no longer allowed to drive the gravel road, so you take the day boat from Kissamos, which connects Balos with the island of Gramvousa.
And Falassarna, the wide, golden beach in the west, belongs to the evening: Because it faces west, the sun dips directly into the sea here every evening and colours the sky. No place to go before the light has disappeared.
The afternoon belongs to the beach clubs.
Between natural spectacle and nightlife lies Crete's true stage: the beach club. And around Chania, in the more elegant west of the island, addresses have established themselves that celebrate the transition from swimming to cocktails.
In Agia Marina, just ten minutes from the old town of Chania, one looks from private whirlpools and lounge beds at the small island of Agioi Theodoroi — a large pool under palm trees, along with modern Cretan cuisine and sushi. Further west, towards Kissamos, are the stylish beach bars, where a sunset with the right cocktail becomes an event. Here, swimwear is not worn to swim, but to stay — and it is here that it is decided whether a piece can only get wet or also exists at the lounge bed.
Those seeking the more energetic side will find it in the east: Malia is Crete's party capital, with large clubs, guest DJs, and boat parties — loud, young, international. The quieter, more sophisticated counterpart is Elounda, where elegant resort bars stay open late and the scene remains quieter, more refined.
The evening belongs to the harbour.
When the light goes, Crete shifts into its towns. And none is more beautiful for this than Chania: The Venetian harbour, lined with bars and restaurants, is considered one of the most atmospheric places for a drink in the whole Mediterranean. People eat late — the Greeks rarely before 10 PM — the bars fill up around eleven, and the winding alleys of the old town hide the most beautiful addresses. It is not a place for club nights, but for long evenings that no one wants to end in a hurry.
And here comes the piece into play.
The secret of a summer in Crete lies not in the contents of the suitcase, but in its versatility. A swimsuit worn in the lagoon of Elafonisi in the morning need not stay behind in the evening at the harbour of Chania — if it is designed correctly.
A few inspirations on how swimwear can become a whole day:
From the beach to the beach club: A high-cut bikini bottom under a flowing linen trouser or a transparent wrap skirt — the waistband can remain visible, that is intentional, not accidental. Add a pair of flat leather sandals, and the wet piece from earlier suddenly becomes an ensemble.
From the beach club to the sundowner: A bandeau top becomes a top as soon as an open linen shirt is laid over it and fine gold jewellery accentuates the neckline. A basket bag, a pair of character sunglasses — that’s all it takes to switch from the sun lounger to the bar.
From the harbour into the night: A simple one-piece in deep aquamarine, combined with wide palazzo trousers and statement earrings, does not read as swimwear in the twilight, but as an evening look. Those who want to know would understand that underneath lies the piece that has been with them all day. But no one has to.
The thought behind it.
One can understand swimwear as what it literally is — clothing for swimming. Or one thinks further: as the first piece one puts on in the morning, and the last that is still there in the evening. That is exactly what we design for. A Sirenite piece should carry the lagoon just as well as the harbour, the beach club just as well as the evening — not through compromise, but through attitude.
Crete has understood that the most beautiful day does not end when you get out of the water. We do too.
Next stage by the water: soon.