Northern beaches

Ammoudara, which is 5 km long, is to the west of Heraklion. It is a place where tourists enjoy to swim and there is a windsurfing school.

Young people from the city, however, choose Kartero, for the popular beach bars. At Arina beach, you can try practicing sub.

Agia Pelagia. Welcome to a beach for every taste on the northern coast of Crete. The once small fishing village, which is located about 30 minutes from Heraklion by car, has been transformed into a fully functional tourist resort with hotels, restaurants, and bars. This Heraklion beach attracts families, groups of young people and water sports enthusiasts (you will find a scuba diving center here).

If you were dreaming of something more peaceful, and since you’re already here, you can swim in the small sandy beach around the bay to the north, near the cave of Euresis. Alternatively, there are other beaches nearby, such as Ligaria, Mononautis (both have diving centers) and Psaromoura. They are all sandy, organized beaches.

Potamos beach at Malia

If you find yourself near Malia and you want a break, then Potamos beach is exactly what you are looking for. This 700m long organized beach of Heraklion will enchant you with its fine sand, shallow blue waters, and wild, exotic beauty.

Beaches to the South

Let’s go for a swim in the South

In the south of the island, the golden beach of Matala is one of the busiest.

Renowned Matala was the port of Phaistos during the Minoan times and Gortyna during the Roman era. This famous beach has clear waters, is rather deep and often has waves. It is organized, with umbrellas, sunbeds and showers, and beach volleyball matches are organized during the summer monts.

The trademark of the beach is the caves on the hillside that rises to the west of the beach. The beach of Matala has been inhabited since ancient times and became famous as a place where hippies stayed in the 1960s and 1970s. The town was previously a fishing village and nowadays its economy depends mainly on tourism.

Near Matala is Kommos, with its grey sand, a huge beach where absolute tranquility prevails.

Agiofarago

Southern Crete, wild and untouched. The Agioi Pantes Gorge is framed by steep rocky slopes. It is a 20-minute hike to reach the crystal-clear waters that crash against its golden sand. This place is perfect for couples.

Listis beach

This Heraklion beach will definitely steal your heart. It is located between Tsoutsouras and Keratokampos beaches on the south coast of Heraklion and is one of the most beautiful and wild beaches of the island.