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Heraklion Attractions: Beaches, Archaeology & More |
| Beaches in Crete are a popular destination for tourists. Whether you are looking for picturesque rocky coves or sandy stretches of coast, you can find the beach of your dreams in Crete. | ||||
| A. Fodele/ Mononaftis | |
| Fodele beach is located 23 km west of Heraklion. The sandy beach is by the highway from Heraklion to Rethymnon and Chania. The village of Fodele is 2 km distance from the beach. This is the birthplace of "El Greco" (Domenico Theotocopoulo), the famous Cretan painter. | |
| B. Agia Pelagia | |
Located 16 km west of Heraklion, there are plenty of taverns, restaurants and cafes in Agia Pelagia town. There are also many hotels and apartments. The bay of Agia Pelagia is protected from north-west winds and the sea is almost always calm. |
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| C. Ligaria / Paleokastro | |
| This beach is located 15 km west of Heraklion and it is less crowded than the Agia Pelagia beach. Paleokastro beach is closert to Heraklion and is a small pebbles beach. It is relatively protected from north winds and the water becomes deep rapidly. There are a few restaurants here and some small hotels & apartments. Good for snorkelling. | |
| D. Ammoudara | |
Located just 5 km west of Heraklion. This is a long, sandy beach in an area with many hotels, both large and small. Cafes, restaurants and beach bars can be found along the beach. Easy transportation by public buses or taxi from Heraklion. |
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| E. Tomprouk / Karteros | |
| A long & wide sandy beach 8 km east of Heraklion, with different names for the various parts of it. Beach cafes, restaurants and fish taverns are available. Easy transportation by bus or taxi from Heraklion. | |
| F. Kokkini Hani | |
| Situated 12 km east of Heraklion this is a big sandy beach along the main road, which is full of sunbeds. There is also a beach bar with loud music and younger people may find it interesting. | |
| G. Gouves | |
| Gouves beach is located 18 km east of Heraklion. | |
| H. Analipsis / Anissaras | |
| These small sandy beachers are located 20 km east of Heraklion. The sandy beach often has a rocky sea bottom. It is possible to find a secluded spot if you are willing to walk. | |
| I. Hersonissos Beaches | |
| Limanakia, Silva Maris, Nana Beach, Star Beach and Stalis beaches are all small beaches in the Hersonissos area. Many of these beaches are privately operated by adjacent hotels. | |
| J. Stalida | |
| This is a Nice sandy shallow beach. When the wind is too strong high waves may prove dangerous for inexperienced swimmers. | |
| K. Malia | |
| Malia beach consists of 6 km of sandy beach near the town of Malia. This area can get crowded at times. | |
| L. Kokkinos Pirgos | |
| This long sandy beach is very shallow close to the fishing port of Kokkinos Pirgos. It is preferred by the locals, very few tourists around. The part of the beach to the east is more secluded than the part close to the port. | |
| M. Kalamaki | |
| This sandy bach has some submerged rock plates. | |
| N. Kommos | |
This area of beach is close to Kalamaki and is a naturist part of the beach with no tourist facilities. There are many tamarisk trees near the beach. This area is particularly exposed to winds from the North. The Archaeological site of Kommos is nearby but still closed to the public. |
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| O. Matala Beach / Kokini Amos | |
| This is a famous beach preferred by hippies, who used to live in the many caves of Matala in the late 60's and early 70's. The beach is relatively protected from north winds but big waves are not unusual when south or west winds blow. The beach of Matala is usually very crowded. Kokini Amos is a red-sand beach adjoining the Matala beach and is a naturist beach. | |
| P. Ayiofarango | |
| Also known as the gorge of the Saints, this pebbly beach is accessed on foot through the gorge or by boat from Kaloi limenes port. An excellent beach protected from the wind but with no facilities. The beach is occasionally clothing optional. | |
| Q. Diskos | |
| West of the village of Lentas, this is a beautiful beach with its east part clothing optional. | |
| R. Loutra | |
| This is a nice beach with pebbles 3 km east of Lentas. The road is a dirt track suitable for all cars. The rocky seabed makes it good for snorkelling. The east part of the beach is occasionally clothing optional. | |
| S. Monastery Beaches | |
| Koudoumas, Maridaki, Agios Nikitas Beaches are near monestaries by the same names. These beaches are not very accessable but offer outstanding views. No tourist facilities are available. | |
| T. Tsoutsouros | |
| This sandy beach is located near the Tsoutsouros village. This beach is very popular to the people of Crete, therefore it may be crowded during the weekends. | |
| U. Keratokampos | |
| This is a long beautiful beach with pebbles and sand on parts. If you walk to the east, then you will reach a beach with sand-dunes and almost nobody close to you. The rocky sea bottom makes the place excellent for snorkelling | |
| V. Psari Forada / Sidonia | |
| A beach with dark sand and tamarisk trees. | |