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Would you like to combine skiing in the morning and then go swimming in the afternoon, all in one region? Click to choose your interests and see in which part of Greece you enjoy them. Combinations are endless!
Located west of Heraklion, it has in recent years become a popular tourist destination with plenty of visitors. The main beach is long but narrow, with thick sand and turquoise waters. It is organized and offers umbrellas and sun beds, taverns, bars, water sports and scuba diving. Besides the main beach, one can discover the so-called...
In the western portion of the district, not far from Agia Pelagia, lies the beach of Ligaria, a beautiful beach with turquoise waters. The western part of this clean, sandy beach is well organized, with umbrellas, bars, water sports and scuba diving lessons for lovers of the deep. Because of the geography of the bay, the waters are almost...
Shortly after Agia Pelagia, within walking distance, is the beach of Psaromoura, a pebble beach with clear turquoise waters. Until a few years ago it was mostly unknown, its natural landscape kept mostly intact. In recent years there are umbrellas and sun beds available, as well as a cantina that offers food and drinks. The iconic landmark of...
Consisting of a number of small coves with pebbles and sand, the area is not very built-up. In one of the coves, the water is cold because of a spring located nearby. If you love peace, you will surely enjoy the area. The last beach you will find more organized, having umbrellas, lifeguards and water sports. In contrast to the other, calmer...
The pattern of inlets to the east of the port of Hersonissos continues westward to Cape Sarantaris. These beaches are mostly quiet, but there are also some that are organized. They feature limestone cliffs and turquoise, usually calm waters. After your swim, you can enjoy an afternoon or evening stroll among coves, or relax in one of the beach...
Perhaps one of the most famous areas of Crete, mainly because of the nightlife. It has a beautiful beach with fine sand and shallow waters. It is perfectly organized with umbrellas, sun beds, a beachfront gym, and water sports. It is crowded, and certainly not a beach you’d choose if you’re looking for peace and quiet. Also, next to the central...
A short distance from Malia, Stalida beach is another organized beach of northern Crete. Large in size, with fine sand and shallow waters, it is family-friendly, fully organized with umbrellas, sun beds, lifeguards, athletic facilities, and water sports. It features a seaside promenade full of shops, restaurants and cafes. You can get there...
It is the most organized beach in Heraklion prefecture, large in size but very crowded. It offers umbrellas, beach bars and water sports. Located in the area known as ‘Estavromenos’.
Located 7 km east of the city of Heraklion, next to the hill of Paleochora, it is a great beach with shallow waters and sand. It doesn’t attract many people, and therefore it is an excellent option for those who prefer a peaceful vacation. It is organized and features water sports. Nearby there is a small island, which is connected with a local...
Amoudara is probably the largest beach in the prefecture, and is located very near to Heraklion city. The area is highly developed and attracts lots of tourists, mainly because of the beach. One can choose between the crowded and the tranquil; between the organized parts that stretch along the beach, with umbrellas, sun beds, lifeguards, water...
One of the most beautiful beaches of Heraklion prefecture, and perhaps of the whole of Crete, with shallow crystal clear waters and sand. Relatively inaccessible, it is not very popular. The beach area is small, but the scenery breathtaking. The beach is located near Keratokambos, and definitely worth a visit. Above the beach is a rock with...
A truly magnificent beach, which you reach by hiking through a gorge. A pebble beach, with sand and trees further inland make the place ideal for camping. The water is crystal clear and the scenery breathtaking. Behind the large rock to the east one can find among the rocks a small lake, which connects with the sea. You can reach it either by a...
Located in the southeastern of the prefecture is the beautiful beach of Sidonia, or Mesa Psari as it’s known by the locals. It is a long beach, with coarse gray sand and calm waters. Sections of the beach are organized, with umbrellas sun beds and water sports, but there are less crowded sections also. Nearby one can find restaurants and cafes,...
One of the most famous beaches in Crete, located in the south of the prefecture, next to the plain of Messara. Sandy, with clear deep, and often choppy waters, it is an organized beach, with umbrellas, sun beds and showers. During summer time, beach volleyball tournaments take place there. The trademark of the beach is the rock caves which rise...
Another beach located in the south of the county. It is long, with moderately deep waters, coarse sand and pebbles. It is an organized beach with umbrellas, and offers some water sports. In the taverns of the region the locals will welcome you warmly. It is not particularly crowded, but if one seeks still more peace, one can walk west to a...
In recent years, Keratokambos has developed into a tourist resort, but still not overly crowded. It is a long sandy, organized beach with shallow waters, umbrellas, sun beds and water sports available. If you have younger children, and you are looking for a quieter place, you might check out the shallow waters of the uncrowded, sandy beach...
Tsoutsouras is a village at the mouth of Mintri gorge. A long beach of sand and shallow waters stretched along the coast, it is ideal for family holidays. It has accommodation, food and entertainment options. Though the beach is not crowded, there are umbrellas and sun beds available. Due to the large amounts of salt and iodine, the water is...
Although the access to the beach is a bit difficult, as there is only a dirt road that leads there, the place is worth visiting. The dirt road reaches the Monastery of Agios Nikitas, from which there is a 230 step staircase descending to the seaside. The pebble beach with magical crystal clear green waters is completely secluded, since few know...
The beach is located near the village Tris Ekklissies (Three Churches). Passing via a dirt road through the gorge of Mesosfini, one can reach the sea shore. Coarse sand and deep blue waters. The beach is not crowded.
Located west of the village of Tris Ekklisies is the Beach of Pachia Ammos. An isolated beach with fine white sand and crystal waters, it is surrounded by the largest carob forest in Europe. A dirt road will lead the visitor from the village to the beach. Caretta Caretta sea turtles tend to built their nests in the sand so don’t be surprised if...
Is a beach near the village Agios Ioannis, close to Kapetaniana. A dirt road will lead you to a path, which will lead you to the beautiful beach Elygia. A small pebble beach, with not too shallow waters, it usually doesn’t gather lots of tourists. You can also visit the smaller village beach, which is a bit more populous.
A beautiful beach at the edge of Tripiti gorge. To get there you have to drive on a dirt road and enter into the narrow gorge. Your journey will be a spectacular adventure, and the beach which will compensate you duly for the slight inconvenience. It is not an organized beach, but there is a small tavern where you can enjoy a nice Cretan lunch.
74 km south of Heraklion is the village of Lentas, a built-up tourist spot, with shops, restaurants and coffee shops. The beach is pebbly with shallow waters, and it is organized, with umbrellas, sun beds and showers. Nearby one can visit an archaeological site. It attracts many tourists so if you’re looking for solitude, you can go to the...
West of Lentas is the village of Kali Limenes (Good Ports). The meandering road that leads there is paved at least. The first beach you will encounter is Kali Limenes, a long non organized beach with coarse gravel and clear water. On weekends the beach is quite busy. Next to it lays the beach of Tris Ekklissies, which is organized and ideal for...
A fairly well developed touristic village with all the amenities, its beach is sandy and the sea is crystal clear. However, due to a large underwater rock formation, and frequent choppy conditions, swimming may be a little difficult. The beach, located between Matala and Kokkinos Pyrgos, is organized, with umbrellas, sun beds, showers, and a...
The last beach you will encounter at the southwest of the county is the beach of Kokkinos Pyrgos. Its fine sand and shallow waters make it ideal for children. The beach is organized with umbrellas, sun beds, showers, and several dining options and coffee shops.
