Best Beaches in Heraklion

Heraklion is a privileged city, as it has nearby beaches, characterized by their warmth, beauty and entertaining activities. The colors of the water will leave you captivated, I assure you that you will not regret spending your summer on its shores.

Moreover, you can move easily and in a short time, using car, public buses or taking the best cruises in Heraklion. It is also worth spending the night near the beaches, to experience the nightlife and explore the coastal villages.

One of the best things to do in Heraklion, is to plan a romantic getaway to the beaches of Agios Nikolaos. This area is one of the most famous destinations of the Cretan capital, due to its variety of coves with turquoise waters.

Here you can visit the salt lake Voulismeni, which is located in the center of the village. On the other hand, the main beaches that you cannot miss in Agios Nikolaos are:

• Ammaudora beach: it is the closest one and it is ideal for activities with children in Heraklion, as it is sandy and usually not very crowded.
• Vai beach: it is a beach connected to the most important palm forest in Europe. Its beauty is exotic and it is ideal for enjoying beach bars, water sports or just relaxing on a sun lounger.

The best thing is that there are no high-risk animals on Cretan beaches, however it is important not to touch sea urchins. In addition, sharks often hang around, although they do not come close to the shores.

On the other hand, the island of Spinalonga is an uninhabited destination that can be reached on foot in two hours. All around there are coves immersed among archaeological sites typical of the area.

I suggest taking a guided tour to explore this paradise, as it is easier to manage the transfers and itinerary in the hands of professionals. If you want to experience the best excursions from Heraklion, you should definitely pencil this plan to your vacation itinerary.

Details of interest

• Price: there are guided excursions that combine both destinations, for around €40. Some charges are not included, such as the entrance fee to the island of Spinalonga which is around €8 for adults.
• Location: the luxurious village of Agios Nikolaos is located in the prefecture of Lasithi. The island of Spinalonga is located in the Gulf of Mirambello.
• Distance: forty minutes from the center of Heraklion.
• How to get there: you can hire a tour, most of them include guiding and transfers. If you prefer to go on your own, the fastest route is by car, it will take you about forty minutes. Afterwards, you have to drive another twenty minutes to reach the island of Spinalonga.

Karteros Bay is an ideal destination to enjoy your vacation in Crete, as it is surrounded by a small village of Heraklion, where there are a variety of hotels, bars and restaurants.

Nearby is the Xenia hotel, a project that was abandoned years ago. I suggest you approach it, as it is a destination of archaeological interest, where you are allowed to go around the structure.

If you are looking for a fun activity, you can opt for windsurfing, the protagonist sport of the summer on the island of Crete.

Interesting details

• Price: it is a free beach, but I recommend you to bring loose euros for expenses during the day.
• Location: at the exit of Gorge Karteros, a few kilometers from the center.
• Distance: five to ten minutes from the city center.
• How to get there: you can get there by bus and arrive in about ten minutes for only €1. If you prefer a faster option, I suggest taking a cab for around 15 €, you will arrive in about five minutes.

From Karteros beach, you can walk to Amnissos beach. It is one of the best beaches in Heraklion, because it is not very crowded. You can walk around the ruins of the ancient city, which give a special touch to the bay.

It is also known for the Minoan port and other buildings, such as the temple where Greek gods used to be worshipped. Snorkeling keeps the local life active, as the waters are crystal clear, warm and shallow, with a controlled swell that allows you to enjoy this exploration.

In summer it is important to wear protective snorkeling gear, if you are daring and want to venture out in winter, rent a wetsuit. You can swim with turtles, but you should not touch them. Also, remember that sea urchins lurk in the area, it is important to stay away from them.

If you go with children, be careful with the rocks and rent an umbrella to avoid sunstroke.

Details of interest

• Price: it is a free beach, but you must bring money to rent a wetsuit if you want to dive.
• Location: next to Karteros beach, in the Gouves area.
• Distance: twenty to ten minutes from the center of Heraklion.
• How to get there: you can approach by bus and arrive in twenty minutes, or go by car for a ten minute ride.

In the last stretch of the bay, you will find Tobruk beach. If you want to enjoy a lively atmosphere, you can stay in the area surrounded by bars, beach bars and fish restaurants.

On the other hand, if you are looking for a more private option because you want the beach all to yourself, walk east. Keep in mind that it is usually a very hot beach, so it is necessary to rent umbrellas to have a good time and avoid sunstroke.

Details of interest

• Price: it is a public beach, although you will feel as if you were paying for a private space.
• Location: in the Gournes region, east of Amnissos beach.
• Distance: a few minutes from the center.
• How to get there: if you go by car it takes about ten minutes.

This particular beach is located between Heraklion and the neighboring mini town of Malia. It is a luxurious destination, whose discos are open all night long. Night parties in the natural pools star the local entertainment, so you won't get bored.

Malia beach offers shallow waters, and during the summer there are lifeguards patrolling the area. Therefore, it is ideal if you are looking for activities to do with children in Heraklion.

If you want to get to know the underwater ecosystem of the area, you can sign up for diving lessons. On the other hand, if you are looking to relax, there are sun loungers and umbrellas to spend the day.

The most attractive thing is that just a few steps away you can find the third most important Minoan palace of the island of Crete. This archaeological site is 4,000 years old and is located between the sea and the mountains offering breathtaking views.

Interesting details

• Price: the beach is free, but the entrance fee to the Minoan Palace of Malia is around 6 €.
• Location: between the prefecture of Lassithi and Heraklion.
• Distance: thirty minutes from the city center.
• How to get there: the fastest way to get there is by car.

If you want to escape to Heraklion to get away from the routine and rest, I recommend venturing to Agia Pelagia. It is a tourist beach, so it is preferable to visit it in low season: in March, April, May, June or December. Its sand is golden and the sun shines during the summer, creating a stunning contrast.

Years ago it was a traditional fishing village, until it became a seaside club surrounded by small villages. Nearby you can visit a very picturesque little village, or spend the night in one of the mini Greek villages.

In case you decide to spend the night, you can visit the coves of Ligaria and Mononaftis or go to Malia beach. They are paradisiacal beaches that stand out for the turquoise color of its waters of low waves.

If you are looking for fun there are diving and snorkeling classes. Note that the most popular sport in the area is quad biking, a kind of racing on jet skis.

Details of interest

• Price: they are free beaches, but if you want to spend the night in one of the villages, accommodation can go from 20 € per night.
• Location: it is a coastal village of Heraklion located on the northeast road, near the ancient Venetian monastery Ekklisia Agia Pelagia.
• Distance: half an hour from the center.
• How to get there: the best way to get there is by car.

Psaromoura is one of the most beautiful beaches in Heraklion, it is close to Agia Pelagia village and is quite private. I suggest you to go there in the morning or at sunset, to explore the surroundings.

There is a cave near the rock formations of the cliffs, you can take pictures or practice a dive. Just make sure you look for a cove with the right depth, that doesn't have dangerous rocks inside the water.

Details of interest

• Price: it is a free beach.
• Location: close to Agia Pelagia.
• Distance: thirty minutes from the center.
• How to get there: the best way to get there is by car.

Palaiokastro is one of the most impressive beaches of Heraklion, as it is surrounded by an archaeological construction. Over the beach passes a bridge, right next to it is a medieval castle that was used as a fortress.

If you want to access the castle called Palaiokastro Fortress, you should look for the entrance from the road. It is an adventure where you can explore the three levels that were built in 1573.

Details of interest

• Price: the entrance to the castle and the beach is completely free, you can purchase a guided tour if you want to learn more about the archaeological history of the area.
• Location: in the municipality Malevizi municipality.
• Distance: twenty minutes from the center of Heraklion, it may take a little longer depending on the transportation you choose.
• How to get there: you can transfer by car to get there in twenty minutes, or take the local bus which takes approximately twenty-five minutes.

Limanakia beach is one of the best beaches for swimming, due to its gentle waves. In addition, it is mixed as it has sandy and rocky areas. It is an ideal area for snorkeling, due to the transparent water that facilitates the sighting of marine animals.

Mini volleyball tournaments are also organized in the area, in which tourists can participate. There are no lifeguards in the area, so it is advisable to go accompanied or with an expert. In summer it is usually full of tourists, so I recommend arriving early to get the best views of the sea.

Details of interest

• Price: it is a free beach, however renting surfboards or other water sports equipment has an extra cost.
• Location: it is located in the Anissaras area, between Heraklion and Hersonissos.
• Distance: only thirty minutes from the center.
• How to get there: the fastest way to get there is by car.

Fodele beach is very organized and offers crystal clear waters, ideal if you are looking to relax by the sea. In the surroundings there are beach bars, bars to enjoy a beer and sun loungers for rent.

If you are looking for a quiet area, the eastern part is desolate. In the surroundings there are places to play tennis, basketball or relax in a sauna. You can also spend the night in a local hotel.

Details of interest

• Price: it is a free beach.
• Location: on the west road of Heraklion.
• Distance: thirty minutes from the center of Heraklion.
• How to get there: I recommend you to go by car or cab.

Traveller Tip

I don't recommend you to visit it during the meltemi wind season, that is between June and August. It is difficult to practice water sports on this beach during this phenomenon.

If you want to share with your family and do activities with children in Heraklion, I recommend you to add Stalida beach to your itinerary. Its crystal clear waters and golden sand, are an ideal option to play. Here you can get a summer tan on the sun loungers and practice water sports.

You can walk a few minutes to reach the village, from there it is easier to access the Mocho mountain. From this point, the views of the beach and the rest of the city are unparalleled.

Details of interest

• Price: it is a beach open to the public.
• Location: it is located in the tourist village Stalis, you can use the Byzantine church Agios Loannis as a reference point.
• Distance: 30 minutes from the center.
• How to get there: you can travel by bus, but the fastest option is by car.

Matala is a beach with a very interesting history, linked to the hippie culture of Greece. Unlike other areas of Crete, here caves and archaeological sites are used as dwellings. In the sixties it was inhabited by hippies, it can be noticed in the local traditions.

It is one of the best hidden corners of Heraklion, so it is quite quiet. Here you can watch traditional dance performances, or stay for the nightly bonfires usually organized by the locals, in case you are looking for things to do in Heraklion at night.

Interesting details

• Price: it is a free beach.
• Location: Paleochora-Phaistos road.
• Distance: fifty minutes from the center.
• How to get there: I advise you to go by car and leave early in the morning.

The best excursions from Heraklion, can take you to see beautiful islands, monuments and villages in the surroundings. The advantage is that they have an expert guide and usually include transfers.

Also some of the best cruises from Heraklion sail in the direction of Dia Island, which is known to be a reserve of wild goats. On a catamaran you can tour the best spots in the bay, while getting a tan and relaxing.

You will sail through the Aegean Sea, whose territory lies between Greece and Turkey. Some of the most fun activities you can do in the area include fishing, snorkeling or paddle surfing.

The island has been uninhabited for years, but in high season it is usually crowded with tourists.

Details of interest

• Price: all-inclusive catamaran excursions cost approximately 130 €.
• Location: located in the center of Crete Island, a few kilometers from Heraklion.
• Distance: 14 km from Heraklion, you can get there in half an hour, but the boats usually make stops in the nearby coves.
• How to get there: the only way to get there is by catamaran or boat.