Beaches in Crete

Crete has 155km of sandy beaches along its coastline.
Malia has a most famous and historical beach. A quite open beach with great clean sand, ideal for children and families.

Water's edge has gradual slope into sea, but can get rough in late evenings. One local taverna offering traditional dishes, baguettes, iceceams and drinks to eat in or take away.

AGIA PELAGIA BEACH:
is 20km west of Iraklion on the Iraklion - Rethimnon highway. Agia Pelagia was the site of an ancient Greek city. It is not clear which one it was, but some assume that it was Apolonia, the city that was destroyed by the Kydonians at 171 B.C. The name Agia Pelagia originates from the monastery of Agia Pelagia, approximately 1km west of the bay. In the wall of the old monastery there are two shields in relief and between them a coat of arms.

BEACHES OF AGIOS NIKOLAOS:

AMMOS BEACH:
Next to the coach station, practically within the city center, this marvellous beach, offers easy swimming near the city and various water sports.

MUNICIPAL BEACH:
Within Ammos beach, surrounded by plants, right after the National swimming pool, you can find the well organized Municipal beach, offering a children’s swimming pool, play grounds, snack bars, mini golf e.t.c.

GARGADOROS BEACH:
Right after Ammos beach, in a rather isolated, secret place, Gargadoros beach lies next to splendid hotels and offers quiet swimming.

KITROPLATIA BEACH:
This is another beach for swimming and sports, right in the heart of the city. Surrounded by taverns, restaurants, hotels, banks e.t.c., it is a lively and busy place.

HAVANIA - MUNICIPAL BEACH: Along the coast road to Elounda, you can find the organized Havania Municipal beach. A marvellous sandy beach for swimming , sun-bathing and most sports.

PLAKIAS: An old Cretan fishing village of with its little harbour, lies in a particulary beautiful landscape between the blue Libyan Sea and vast majestic mountains that edge down to one of the loveliest bays on the south coast about 1 1/2hrs drive from Heraklion

SITIA An attractive, traditional yet large place when torisum has had an untoward effect upon Vai has been voted consistently as one of the top ten beaches in Greece in various publications. The palm forest that frames the beach bestows unique character to the place, and offers a welcome spot for shade.