Heraklion, the largest city in Crete, boasts some of the island’s most spectacular beaches. From long stretches of sandy coastline perfect for families to isolated pebbly coves only accessible by foot or boat, there is something for everyone. Many of the beaches are well-organized with sunbeds, umbrellas, and watersports, while others remain unspoiled and secluded.
Contemplate discovering the stunning beaches of the region of Heraklion by hiring a car. As many of the top beaches are situated beyond the town limits, personal transportation is indispensable for a comfortable and delightful days at the beach.
Matala
The main beach at Matala is 300m long with coarse sand and deep clear waters. Somewhat wavy because of the frequent west winds, the beach is well organised with umbrellas, toilets, showers, water sports, and various food and drink outlets.
Palm and pine fringed Kommos beach stretches from the small resort of Kalamaki to Matala with over 2km of glorious sand backed by tamarisk shaded hills. Organised in parts, generally in front of tavernas, the beach is large enough to dispel any feeling of crowding. The northern section of the beach called Potamos is almost exclusively used by nudists.
A 20 minute walk over a headland from Matala leads to Red Beach, also known as Kokkini Ammos, a secluded shore with reddish sand and clear waters. Especially popular with nudists, the unspoiled crescent has a small canteen and boats run here in summer from Matala harbour.
Analipsi
Northwest of Hersonissos, the beach at Analipsi is more than a kilometre long. Mainly sandy, the waters shelve quite quickly so families with young children should take care. A few giant hotels dominate the shoreline but it is usually possible to find room on the beach. Very well organised, there is a small pier with a picturesque church dedicated to Agia Marina.
Tobrouk
The last beach on Karteros bay, it has fine, golden sands and clear seas. However, the northern winds can sometimes make the waves a little choppy. Close to the airport, you can see planes arriving and departing, and there is a famous taverna serving good food. Fully organised, access is by car and parking can be difficult at weekends.
Agiofarago
Lovers of secluded strands and calm, clean waters will appreciate the beautiful beach at Agiofarago with daunting cliffs, once home to hermits, that surround the pebbly sands. The beach is completely unorganised with access via a 40 minute walk through a gorge or a ferry from Matala, Agia Galini or Kali Limenes.
Hersonissos
One of the main reasons visitors in droves fall upon Hersonnissos are the beaches and calm seas, a rarity on the north coast because of the prevailing wind. There are several beaches east of the port, all well organised and close to the amenities of the town. Silva Maris has many facilities, and Star Beach is one of the busiest beaches on Crete. The last is Drapanos, well organized with sunbeds, lifeguards, water sports and beach bars, while two long rocky headlands keep the water calm.
On the opposite side of the harbour starting from Cape Sarandaris, a series of coves continue until the harbour. Sarandaris beach itself is one of the nicest with shallow, vivid water and soft sand, although access down steep stairs from the limestone cliffs is a little tricky. Next door is Giofyri with white coarse sand and deep waters and a rocky sea floor. Well organised there are umbrellas and canteens. Heading east along the coast road are a series of small and narrow beaches, unorganised and quiet until the Hotel Creta Maris which has a large and wide strip in front, well organised with umbrellas, water sports and tavernas nearby.
Agia Pelagia
The large deep bay of Agia Pelagia is surrounded by the smaller Ligaria cove and Mononaftis Bay to the west. Protected from the north winds, a bustling tourist resort has developed with all the amenities expected of a busy town. The beach is long and narrow, very well organised but with hardly an inch to lay down a towel for free access.
Arvi
A large beach on the south coast west of Ierapetra, Arvi is ideal for families. The main beach is coarse sand and well organised with many options to eat nearby. Continuing westwards there is a long pebbly beach which is always quieter. Lastly, west of Kolimbri is the remote sandy beach of Meakis in a secluded bay with clear water and no facilities. Arvi is famous for small bananas that enjoy the microclimate and the surrounding fields are full of greenhouses that grow the sweet crop.
Kastri
In the sheltered bay of Keratokambos, and 50 minutes south of Heraklion, Kastri is the port for the wider Viannos region. With sand and pebbles, it is unorganised but the village is nearby for tavernas and cafes. To the west is Skouros, named after the islet opposite. Bigger with finer sand, it is popular with boat owners and day-trippers from Heraklion.
Lendas
A remote coastal village on the south coast of the prefecture, backed by the imposing Asterousia Mountains. The journey here through mountain villages and descending 1,000 metres to the sea is spectacular with wonderful views out over the sea. The busiest beach of the area is in front of the village, protected by capes at either side. Slightly organised there is a relaxed air enhanced by the families of ducks that wander up and down. The other side of the headland is Ditikos beach, a vast and sandy beach favoured by naturists.
Gouves
A popular resort with families and quieter than neighbouring Hersonissos, the beach at Gouves is a long well organised strip with all amenities. The sea is shallow with a sandy bottom but it is open to the north winds. Piers and headlands jut into the sea offering shelter and making swimming easier. The coastal road runs behind the coastline so access is easy and there are many taverns and restaurants alongside minimarkets and shops.
Stalida
Between Malia and Hersonissos, Stalida or Stalis has developed into a large resort, albeit one that attracts families and is a lot quieter than its noisy neighbours. A long sandy beach with shallow water extends east until Malia, the coastline is bisected by a short rocky cape. Completely organised it has everything a beachgoer could want. A bus runs from Heraklion and there is parking along the old national road.
Tris Ekklisies
One of the most isolated areas in Crete, amid the wild landscape of the Asterousia Mountains, boasts some dramatic beaches. The road from the village of Paranymphi snakes its way to the Libyan Sea with magnificent views. Tris Ekklisies, three churches, is built in a bay formed at the end of the gorge of Ambas and it is a lovely seaside village with an uncluttered and unorganised grey sand beach. To the west is Pachia Ammos, completely isolated with no facilities, and further west and only accessible on foot or by boat are Koudoumas and stunning Kaminaki, a bright splash of white sand and bottle green water.
Amnissos
Amnissos and Karteros run together in a blaze of bright sand and blue waters east of Heraklion. Karteros is loved by youngsters for the beach bars and restaurants, while Amnissos is quieter. Semi-organised, the sand is soft and lovely but strong northern winds can sometimes rough up the sea.
Psari Forada
On the southern coast 90km from Heraklion, Psari Forada sits in a small valley and it is believed to be the ancient site of Sidonia. A nice shore of dark grey sand the beach stretches from Cape Theophilos to the east to Sendona Hill in the west. Quiet, especially at the western edge, there are a handful of umbrellas, though there is shade from tamarisk trees at the back of the beach. The small settlement has tavernas and a mini-market.
Ammoudara
A long beach 7km west of the town centre, Ammoudara is now a suburb of Heraklion, attracting thousands of visitors every year to its fine brown sands. A true beach for everyone, there are organised areas with umbrellas and beds but the western end in front of the PanCretan Stadium is a lot quieter. Windsurfers love the beach for its reliable, consistent winds, swimmers and sunbathers less so. Easily accessed by car and bus there is parking along the coast road.
Potamos
If you want a break from the aural onslaught of the main Malia beaches, head out to the archaeological site of the Palace and Potamos beach nearby. The only sound here is the wind and the waves. Sandy with easy access to the sea, the beach is semi-organised with beds and parasols and a small canteen. There is parking and a taverna nearby, while the beach is also serviced by a local bus.
Tsoutsouras
On the southern coast, an hour from Heraklion, at the mouth of the gorge of Mindris, Tsoutsouras is a small village with a tiny port. Either side of the harbour, sandy beaches with little infrastructure are found. The seawater here is mineral-rich and has high levels of salt and iodine and the locals claim that it has therapeutic qualities.
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