23 listings found

Vathy

Category: Areas of Interest, Beach
Region: Festos, Heraklion
Vathy Beach, a secluded haven on Crete's southern coast, is located 79 kilometers southwest of Heraklion and 17 kilometers south of Sivas, near Cape Lithino. The beach, nestled at the end of a gorge carved by the Vathy stream, is surrounded by towering cliffs that create a lagoon-like setting. Historically, it was a pirate hideaway and a hermitage for monks from the Odigitria Monastery. The surrounding cliffs feature natural alcoves and shelters built by locals from Gergeri village who brought their flocks here to overwinter. The beach is generally calm, except during westerly winds, and has a sandy seabed with some rocks. It offers a tranquil escape, with few tamarisk trees for shade and no amenities. To reach Vathy, drive from Sivas to the Odigitria Monastery, turn right onto a dirt road heading west, and continue for about 10 kilometers. Despite its remote location, the beach can get crowded in August.

Kokkini Ammos beach

Category: Areas of Interest, Beach
Region: Festos, Heraklion
Crete’s Captivating Red Beach Kokkini Ammos, or Red Beach, is situated 68 kilometers southwest of Heraklion and a mere 800 meters south of the renowned Matala, in the Moudia region. […]

Paleokastro beach

Category: Areas of Interest, Beach
Region: Heraklion, Malevizi
Paliokastro beach, 14 kilometers west of Heraklion, features a blend of natural beauty and historical significance. Located within a valley carved by mountain streams, the cove includes a Venetian fortress, Paliokastro, built on the ancient Kytaeon acropolis. The beach has deep waters, a pebble shoreline, and rocky seabed suitable for snorkeling and fishing. Residents frequent this tranquil area, which offers tavernas, hotels, and a mini-market in a restored limekiln. The beach is accessible via the Heraklion-Chania highway.

Vai beach

Category: Areas of Interest, Beach
Region: Lasithi, Siteia
A destination of exceptional natural beauty in the Sitia region, featuring pristine golden sands and crystal-clear turquoise waters. The beach is adjacent to a unique, protected palm forest, the largest of its kind in Europe, composed of thousands of Cretan date palms (Phoenix theophrasti). The surrounding area contains ancient ruins and traditional villages. Just south, a footpath leads to the secluded cove of Psili Ammos, a tranquil beach with fine sand popular with naturists.

Martsalos

Category: Areas of Interest, Beach
Region: Festos, Heraklion
Secluded beach in the Asterousia Mountains of Crete, accessible via a scenic gorge hike. The beach features pebbles, calm waters, and historical significance.

Tsoutsouras

Category: Areas of Interest, Beach
Region: Heraklion, Minoas - Pediada
Located on Crete's S. coast (Heraklion), 63km S. of Heraklion town at the Mindris Gorge exit near the Asterousia Mountains. Site of ancient Inatos, Priansos' port. Features a ~2km sand/pebble beach with clear, calm, shallow waters, ideal for families, shaded by tamarisk trees. Organized with amenities like sunbeds, showers, and nearby tavernas. Local tradition attributes therapeutic qualities to the water. Accessible via a paved, winding mountain road. Nearby are Pera Tsoutsouras (shallow, sandy), Maridaki (pebble, isolated, gorge access), and Listis Beach (rocks). Offers a quiet, relaxing atmosphere.

Trypiti beach

Category: Areas of Interest, Beach
Region: Gortyna, Heraklion
Located on the southern coast of Crete's Heraklion prefecture within the Asterousia Mountains, approximately 57-73 km south of Heraklion city and 12 km east of Lendas. It sits at the exit of the Tripiti Gorge. The name relates to local geology and the Panagia Tripiti chapel cave. Access involves unpaved dirt tracks from Lendas or Vassiliki, often requiring a 4x4 vehicle, particularly the route through the narrow final gorge passage. The 400m beach features fine pebbles, clear, calm waters sheltered by Cape Fylakas, though it deepens quickly offshore. Tamarisk trees and cliffs offer shade. Despite difficult access, it's popular with locals and can be crowded. Basic tavernas are available, but no organized facilities exist. The area, part of Natura 2000, sees local caravan presence. Activities include swimming, snorkeling, hiking to nearby Minoan ruins of Papouri, and stargazing.

Agios Pavlos sand dunes

Category: Areas of Interest, Beach
Region: Agios Vasilios, Rethymno
Also known as Alatsogremnos, is a long sandy beach with towering sand dunes, perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and enjoying stunning sunsets.

Trafoulas beach and gorge

Category: Areas of Interest, Beach
Region: Gortyna, Heraklion
Trafoulas Gorge: A Geological Masterpiece in the Asterousia Mountains Trafoulas Gorge is a breathtaking geological formation located southeast of the village of Krotos in the Asterousia Mountains. Hidden from the […]

Afrathias

Category: Areas of Interest, Beach
Region: Festos, Heraklion
Aftathias Beach, Crete: A unique blend of pebbles, coarse sand, and tranquil waters, nestled near a river and a military airport. A haven for families and nature lovers.

Kaloi Limenes beach

Category: Areas of Interest, Beach
Region: Festos, Heraklion
Kaloi Limenes, in Heraklion, Crete, is a coastal settlement with a natural harbor. The area is known for its rugged beauty and proximity to Lentas and the ancient city of Lasaia. A small islet named "Apostolos Pavlos" is located in the harbor and a nearby church is dedicated to Apostle Paul. The name Kaloi Limenes appears in the Acts of the Apostles and is associated with Apostle Paul's journey. During the Venetian era, it was known for smuggling activities.

Agiofarago Gorge and Beach

Category: Areas of Interest, Beach
Region: Festos, Heraklion
Agiofarago Gorge in Crete offers a stunning hike with steep cliffs and caves. The beach boasts fine pebbles and clear blue water.

Lentas

Category: Areas of Interest, Beach
Region: Gortyna, Heraklion
Secluded Lentas Beach in southern Crete offers a mix of sand and pebbles, historical significance, and stunning natural beauty.

Agia Galini

Category: Areas of Interest, Beach
Region: Agios Vasilios, Rethymno
A coastal village in southern Crete, combines ancient history with modern amenities. It features a mix of old and new, from ancient ruins to tavernas and shops.

Matala

Category: Areas of Interest, Beach
Region: Festos, Heraklion
A seaside haven on Crete's south coast, blends ancient history, hippie legacy, and beach paradise. The caves, once home to prehistoric and Roman dwellers, later embraced a bohemian spirit.