Best Beaches in Heraklion

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

Moreover, you can easily and quickly get around by car, public buses or by taking the best cruises in Heraklion. It's 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 in 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 centre of the village. On the other hand, the main beaches in Agios Nikolaos are not to be missed:

• Ammaudora beach: it is the closest beach and it is ideal for activities with children in Heraklion, as it is sandy and 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 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, but it is important not to touch the sea urchins. Sharks are also a common sight, although they do not come close to the shore.

The island of Spinalonga, on the other hand, 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's easier to arrange your transfers and itinerary with professionals. If you want to experience the best excursions from Heraklion, you should definitely add this plan to your holiday itinerary.

Details of interest

• Price: Guided tours combining both destinations are available 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 luxury 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 centre of Heraklion.
• How to get there: you can hire a tour, most include a guide and transfers. If you prefer to go on your own, the quickest route is by car, which takes about 40 minutes. After that, you have to drive another 20 minutes to get to the island of Spinalonga.

Karteros Bay is an ideal destination for a holiday in Crete, as it is surrounded by the small village of Heraklion, where you will find a variety of hotels, bars and restaurants.

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

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

Interesting details

• Price: It's a free beach, but I recommend you bring a few euros for the day's expenses.
• Location: just outside Gorge Karteros, a few kilometres from the centre.
• Distance: Five to ten minutes from the town centre.
• How to get there: You can get there by bus and be there in about ten minutes for as little as €1. If you prefer a quicker option, I suggest taking a taxi for around €15, which will get you there in around five minutes.

From Karteros beach, you can walk to Amnissos beach. It is one of the best beaches in Heraklion, due to the fact that 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 harbour and other buildings, such as the temple where Greek gods used to be worshipped. Snorkelling 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's important to wear protective snorkelling gear; if you're adventurous 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, so it's important to stay away from them.

If you go with children, watch out for rocks and hire an umbrella to avoid sunstroke.

Interesting details

• Price: It's a free beach, but you must bring money to rent a wetsuit if you want to snorkel.
• Location: Next to Karteros beach in the Gouves area.
• Distance: 20-10 minutes from the centre of Heraklion.
• How to get there: You can get there by bus and be there in 20 minutes, or drive for a 10-minute ride.

At the far end of the bay, you'll find Tobruk Beach. If you want to enjoy the lively atmosphere, you can stay in the area surrounded by bars, beach bars and fish restaurants.

If you're looking for a more private option because you want the beach to yourself, walk east. Be aware that it tends to be a very hot beach, so it is necessary to rent umbrellas to have a good time and avoid sunstroke.

Interesting details

• Price: It's a public beach, but you'll feel as if you're paying for a private space.
• Location: in the Gournes region, east of Amnissos beach.
• Distance: Just a few minutes from the centre.
• How to get there: if you go by car it takes about ten minutes.

This unique beach is located between Heraklion and the neighbouring mini-town of Malia. It is a luxurious destination, with nightclubs open all night long. Nightly parties in the natural pools are the main feature of the local entertainment, so you won't be bored.

Malia Beach offers shallow waters and during the summer there are lifeguards on duty in the area. It is therefore 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. If you're looking to relax, there are sun loungers and umbrellas for the day.

The most attractive thing is that just a few steps away you can find the third most important Minoan palace on 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: 30 minutes from the city centre.
• How to get there: The quickest way to get there is by car.

If you want to escape to Heraklion to get away from it all and relax, I recommend venturing to Agia Pelagia. It's a tourist beach, so it's best to visit in the low season - March, April, May, June or December. The 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 hamlets. Nearby you can visit a quaint little village, or spend the night in one of the mini Greek villages.

If you decide to spend the night, you can visit the coves of Ligaria and Mononaftis or go to Malia beach. These are paradisiacal beaches that stand out for their turquoise waters with low waves.

If you're looking for fun, there are diving and snorkelling lessons. Note that the most popular sport in the area is quad biking, a kind of jet ski racing.

Interesting details

• Price: These are free beaches, but if you want to spend the night in one of the villages, accommodation can start at €20 a night.
• Location: Heraklion's coastal village on the north-eastern road, near the ancient Venetian monastery Ekklisia Agia Pelagia.
• Distance: Half an hour from the centre.
• 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 the village of Agia Pelagia and is quite private. I suggest going there in the morning or at sunset to explore the surroundings.

There is a cave near the rock formations of the cliffs, where you can take pictures or go diving. Just make sure you look for a cove with the right depth, which doesn't have dangerous rocks in the water.

Details of interest

• Price: Free beach.
• Location: Close to Agia Pelagia.
• Distance: 30 minutes from the centre.
• How to get there: The best way to get there is by car.

Palaiokastro is one of the most impressive beaches in Heraklion, as it is surrounded by an archaeological construction. A bridge passes over the beach and 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.

Interesting details

• Price: 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.
• Distance: 20 minutes from the centre of Heraklion, it may take a little longer depending on your choice of transport.
• How to get there: you can drive to the site 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. It is also a mixed beach with both sandy and pebbly areas. It is an ideal area for snorkelling, as the clear water makes it easy to spot sea animals.

Mini volleyball tournaments are also organised 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 tends to get crowded with tourists, so it is advisable to arrive early to get the best views of the sea.

Interesting details

• Price: It's a free beach, but there is an extra cost for renting surfboards or other water sports equipment.
• Location: Located in the Anissaras area between Heraklion and Hersonissos.
• Distance: Only 30 minutes from the centre.
• How to get there: The quickest way to get there is by car.

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

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.

Interesting details

• Price: it is a free beach.
• Location: on the west road of Heraklion.
• Distance: 30 minutes from the centre of Heraklion.
• How to get there: I recommend a car or taxi.

Traveller Tip

I do not recommend visiting during the Meltemi wind season, i.e. between June and August. It is difficult to practice water sports on this beach during this phenomenon.

If you want to spend time with your family and children in Heraklion, I recommend adding Stalida Beach to your itinerary. With its crystal clear waters and golden sand, it's a great place to play. Here you can get a summer tan on the sun loungers and practice water sports.

You can walk a few minutes to 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 town are unbeatable.

Details of interest

• Price: it is a beach open to the public.
• Location: Located in the tourist village of Stalis, you can use the Byzantine church Agios Loannis as a reference point.
• Distance: 30 minutes from the centre.
• How to get there: You can get there by bus, but the quickest 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 the caves and archaeological sites are used as dwellings. In the 1960' s it was inhabited by hippies, which can be seen 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 that are often organised by the locals, in case you are looking for things to do in Heraklion at night.

Details of interest

• Price: it's a free beach.
• Location: Paleochora-Phaistos road.
• Distance: Fifty minutes from the centre.
• How to get there: I advise you to travel by car and leave early in the morning.

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

Some of the best cruises from Heraklion also sail in the direction of the island of Dia, which is known to be a reserve of wild goats. On a catamaran you can take in the best spots in the bay, while sunbathing and relaxing.

You'll sail through the Aegean Sea, which lies between Greece and Turkey. Some of the most fun activities you can do in the area include fishing, snorkelling and paddle surfing.

The island has been uninhabited for years, but in high season it tends to be crowded with tourists.

Interesting details

• Price: All-inclusive catamaran trips cost approximately €130.
• Location: Located in the centre of Crete Island, just a few kilometres from Heraklion.
• Distance: 14km from Heraklion, you can get there in about half an hour, but the boats usually make stops at nearby coves.
• How to get there: The only way to get there is by catamaran or boat.