35 Amazing Beaches in Heraklion That You Will Love!
In this post, check out all the beaches in Heraklion region, Crete. The article features essential details, GPS coordinates, and other tips to plan your beach day in Heraklion.
📍 Must-do: Balos Cruise 📍 Knossos Palace 📍 Check rental car rates for Crete 🚗
The region of Heraklion, in central Crete, has a wonderful variety of beaches. Some of them are quite popular and touristic, but there are also plenty hidden coves that can turn your swimming experience into a real adventure. Here, you can take a look at this ultimate guide to the best beaches in Heraklion, Crete.
35 Unique Beaches That you Cannot Miss in Heraklion, Crete
You will certainly spend some time in Heraklion, the capital of Crete when visiting the island. Heraklion is the main gate to the island, with most flights arriving at its International Airport.
And unless you’re landing in Chania and spending your vacation exclusively in West Crete, you will probably spend a few days in Crete’s capital
Other than taking some time to explore the wonderful Palace of Knossos and the unique Archaeological Museum of Heraklion, there are plenty of other places to check in the region, including more great museums, one of the most important vineyard in Greece, and yes, a lot of fantastic beaches!
This article offers a list with the beaches worth exploring in Heraklion. The best of them, as usual on the island, are on the southern coast. However, you will also find good beaches in the northern area. So, without any further ado, get your beach bag ready and let’s discover the best beaches in the Heraklion region.
>> RELATED ARTICLES
– Explore more Crete beaches by reading about the best beaches in south Crete or the most incredible beaches in west Crete.
BEACHES NEAR THE CITY OF HERAKLION (Northern Coast)
Even though the most beautiful beaches in Crete are not near the city center, you will still find some good shores if you’re staying in town for just a short time and can’t get around the region. These are some of the beaches near Heraklion city.
Ammoudara Beach
📍35.338232 N, 25.087512 E
⛱️ Organized sandy beach, clean but deep waters, sometimes windy.
Located 5 km from the city center, Amoudara is a must-visit for those staying in the center of town (in fact, several hotels offer complimentary buses to travel to this beach). This short distance makes it also a popular beach among locals, especially in the weekend. The coast is long and wide so it never really feels crowded.
The beach is perfectly organized, featuring umbrellas and loungers, showers, lifeguards, and different water sport facilities. You can also order drinks from the several snack bars and tavernas along the shore.
The coast is shallow but it can get deep very near the shore in some areas, so you should be careful especially if visiting with small kids. The sand is soft and golden, so many families with choose this place. Since this beach is exposed to the northern winds, it is a great spot for windsurfing.
📌 Are you skimming through the post and have no time to read it now? Save it on Pinterest and read it later!
Paleokastro Beach
📍 35.366452 N, 25.038802 E
⛱️ Some organization available, it features a mix of sand and rocks and crystal-clear water. There’s a parking area available
Paleokastro is hidden in a bay, protected from the winds, thus it has clean and calm waters. The beach is located 15 km from the city of Heraklion and can easily be found under the remains of an old Castle, just a few meters from Crete’s northern highway.
The place is very picturesque, with scenic cliffs on both sides. By the way, half of the beach is covered with shade from the highway bridge on top. The waters get gradually deep and they are very clear, so it is a great spot for snorkeling. Not far, there’re a few good Greek tavernas with delicious homemade food, perfect for lunch!
Amnissos Beach
📍35.332232 N, 25.206330 E
⛱️ Well organized sandy beach near Gouves.
You can find this long sandy beach just 8 km east of Heraklion, only minutes from Gouves. During the high season, the beach can get quite crowded as it is fully organized, but you can always choose a hotel with a private beach to enjoy.
The beach also has great bars and tavernas, as well as water sports centers. The place gets windy very often, so if you are into windsurfing, this place is perfect for you. From the beach, you get a privileged view of the small Dia island.
Vathianos Kampos Beach
📍 35.332671 N, 25.244159
⛱️ Well-organized beach, sand mixed with pebbles, and crystal clear sea.
This long sandy beach is located around 12 km from the center of Heraklion. The most organized area is opposite the Arina Beach Resort (a perfect structure for families for its small water parl!).
It has umbrellas, sunbeds, and great beach bars. The interesting thing about this beach is that you can also visit the remains of an ancient Minoan shipyard that are still visible in the sea.
If you continue to the East, you will find different coves divided by small piers. These are great for a relaxing swim, as the sea is calm and shallow.
Kokkini Hani Beach
📍 35.332036 N, 25.256191 E
⛱️ Organized sandy beach, crystal-clear waters, super popular among tourists.
Kokkini Hani is a well-known village and resort near the city of Heraklion. It has a beautiful sandy beach divided into small coves through artificial piers. All the area of the beach is organized with every necessary amenity to spend a great day at sea.
There are also some good water sports facilities and a big choice of local cafes, bars, and tavernas.
Gouves Beach
📍 35.337222 N, 25.305988 E
⛱️ Fully organized sandy beach, exposed to northern winds, with shallow clear waters.
This beach is located in the very popular resort village of Kato Gouves, 18 km East of Crete’s capital, Heraklion. The soft sandy beach stretches along with the village, for those who don’t enjoy sandy beaches, there are some coves and areas where you can also find pebbles.
As in most of the northern coast, the beach is exposed to winds, but you will find different small areas protected by piers. The beach is very well-organized, you can rent umbrellas or use the showers but also enjoy all the activities offered by local water sports and diving centers.
The entrance to the sea is very comfortable, while the shallow crystal-clear waters are simply perfect for small kids. If you visit, don’t miss the sunset time in Gouves, it’s super romantic and picturesque.
BEACHES ON THE NORTH COAST OF HERAKLION (Away from the city center)
In no particular order, the following are some of the beaches you can visit if you decide to stay in the northern area of the region…
Fodele Beach
📍 35.402764 N, 24.956378 E – The beach is located 25 km west of Heraklion.
⛱️ Long sandy beach, partly organized, clean waters, exposed to northwest winds.
The beach of Fodele is a great option if you want to escape from the hassle and crowds of downtown Heraklion. Only the western area of the beach is fully organized with umbrellas and sunbeds as there is a huge resort located directly on the beach. The eastern part is totally unorganized and usually less visited.
Fodele Beach is another favorite among local families as it has nice soft sand (on some spots mixed with pebbles) and fairly shallow waters.
However, being exposed to the winds, the waters are not so calm. If you want to avoid currents and waves, try the western side of Fodele close to the small pier.
If you visit this beach, take some time to explore the area. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit the village of Fodele. A green village with hundreds of orange trees.
The village is crossed by a small river, and you can also visit the museum of the famous Cretan artist, El Greco, as well as one of the pretties Byzantine churches on the island.
Mononaftis Beach
📍 35.417304 N, 25.018465 E – 24 km west of Heraklion.
⛱️ Organized and beautiful pebbled beach with emerald waters, not usually affected by heavy winds.
This picturesque small bay is located fairly close to the village of Agia Pelagia. High rocks protect the bay on both sides so here, it’s easy to enjoy a swim in calm and dreamy emerald waters.
The sea bottom is rocky and has rich sea life, making it a popular diving place. The beach is organized with umbrellas and sunbeds, and there are a few local tavernas worth a stop at.
During the high season, the beach can get crowded both with locals and tourists coming from the nearby resort of Agia Pelagia.
>> The stunning Sea Side Resort and Spa is the best place to stay in Mononaftis
Psaromoura Beach
📍 35.413171 N, 25.017794 E – 29 km west of Heraklion
⛱️ Small pebbled beach, part of the Agia Pelagia coast, featuring a wonderful sea bed ideal for snorkeling. Organized facilities and water sports available.
Another small beach that hides away from Agia Pelagia is Psaromoura. It is organized with sunbeds and umbrellas and there’s also a small bar offering refreshments.
The rocky seabed is shallow only for a few meters, the waters are clear and it’s easy to spot fish swimming right next to you. The beach gets crowded during the weekends as it’s a favorite place for locals, so it’s always better to visit it during the week, especially in the mornings.
On one side of the beach are some scenic rock formations, a cave, and small cliffs to jump from for an epic dive.
Agia Pelagia
📍 35.406194 N, 25.018443 E – 21 km west of Heraklion.
⛱️ Well-organized beach, sandy with crystal clear waters, and very popular, thus often crowded.
The main beach of Agia Pelagia has golden sand and shallow crystal clear waters. Since it’s very popular among tourists, it gets quite busy during the whole season.
The beach is perfectly organized so that you will find all the necessary amenities for a great day by the sea.
There is a great variety of water sports and activities and a few diving centers. Some parts of the beach are pretty narrow, and it’s not uncommon to see that some umbrellas are actually in the water! The place is perfect for a vacation for families with small children.
Ligaria Beach
📍 35.398774 N, 25.026619 E – 20 km west of Heraklion.
⛱️ Well-organized beach, sand, pebbles, turquoise calm waters.
Ligaria (or Lygaria) offers you a relaxing setting and the possibility to spend a quiet time surrounded by a beautiful landscape. It’s usually not crowded, but it can get busy on weekends.
The beach has a mix of coarse sand and pebbles while the entrance to the sea is a little bit challenging as there are huge flat rock formations. However, also because of this reason, underwater life is amazing.
They say that this is a favorite place to spot octopuses, so you can have a good chance to see them in their natural environment. The beach is well organized, featuring a diving center and facilities to enjoy other water sports.
Mades Beach
📍 35.401226 N, 25.034352 E – 18 km west of Heraklion.
⛱️ Organized pebbled beach, crystal clear waters, exposed to northern winds.
This small beach is a perfect gateway for quiet sea time as it is visited mostly by locals and guests from nearby hotels. It is organized with sunbeds and umbrellas provided by the hotel.
The waters are clear and it is an ideal place for snorkeling and fishing too. The beach has pebbles and there are some scenic rocky formations not far from the coast.
Aposelemi Beach
📍 35.335352 N, 25.330531 E – 25 km east of Heraklion.
⛱️ Beach with minimal organized facilities, featuring a sandy shore with clear waters and exposed to northern winds.
This beach is not very popular thus it is perfect for those who seek isolation. There are several sunbeds with umbrellas available for rent but there are no other amenities. The beach is long and features very fine golden sand. A lovely pond is directly on the beach, created by a mountain river.
Of course, this is a favorite place for birds which offers a magical touch and atmosphere to the area. The waters are clear but usually wavy as the beach is exposed to the winds.
Analipsi Beach
📍 35.336205 N, 25.344804 E – 24 km east of Heraklion
⛱️ Well-organized sandy beach with some rocky areas, featuring clear, shallow waters, exposed to the wind.
The beach of Analipsi is long and sandy on the eastern side while there are some big rocks towards the West. This western area is perfect for some secluded swimming and fishing as it is not organized.
On the other hand, if you walk to the eastern part of Analipsi, you’ll find soft sand and all the necessary amenities, including water sports centers.
The place is loved by families because the sea is crystal clear and shallow. In August, it’s a perfect place for windsurfing because the beach is exposed to the northern Meltemi wind.
BEACH RESORTS NEAR HERAKLION CITY
Loud, busy, crowded… in a way, not my favorite part of Crete, it’s also true that these beaches are a place that many European choose as their holiday destination in Crete.
The area has some beaches with amazing characteristics, including crystalline waters and fine clear sand. If you also want to add some exciting nightlife during your vacation, then definitely head to this part of the region.
Sarandaris
📍 35.333351 N, 25.384434 E – 25 km east of Heraklion.
⛱️ Partly organized beach, part of the Anissaras resort area. It features sand and rock formations and is well protected from the wind.
The area before Hersonissos towards the West is divided into several small beaches, the best-known of them is Sarandaris.
This secluded beach has soft white sand and shallow waters of vivid blue hues. The beach has sunbeds and umbrellas for rent as well as a small canteen where to buy refreshments. The beach is great for families but it’s also a favorite of couples and solo travelers.
If you’re looking for some more privacy, head a little further to the West and discover the spectacular Cape Sarandaris. Although access to this beach is not easy, the effort can be worth the try!
You might even find yourself having the beach all for yourself. The white cliffs surrounding this beautiful place are just the icing on top of the cake! If you walk a little bit further, you will find another hidden rocky beach also included in my best nudist beaches in Crete guide… Guess why!
GOOD TO KNOW: Not far from the area, it’s also worth exploring Anissara Beach.
Not far from the area, it’s also worth exploring Anissara Beach.
Hersonissos
📍 35.315368 N, 25.395661 E – 27 km from Heraklion.
⛱️ Very well-organized sandy beaches, crystal waters, super crowded during the whole season.
The main beach of Hersonissos is a long narrow sandy beach that stretches for quite a few kilometers. The beach is well-organized, and there is no shortage of facilities, including beach bars, water sports centers, and tourist shops.
The beach is overcrowded during the high season as Hersonissos is one of the most popular resorts in Crete. Further to the East, there are many organized coves mostly in front of some very exclusive hotels and resorts.
The most popular one is known as Star Beach, a perfectly organized spot with fabulous fine gold sand. The beach is surrounded by palm trees and rocky formations that give you the feeling of being on the most perfect tropical island.
Drapano Beach
📍 35.306813 N, 25.420421 E – 31 km east of Heraklion.
⛱️ Fully organized sandy beach, crystal clear waters, protected from the winds.
This beach attracts visitors during the summer season due to its natural beauty. Crystal clear waters allow you to see the rocky sea bottom. The beach is fully organized and features a water sports center.
This beach may not be as crowded as the other beaches in the Hersonissos area, which is another good reason to visit.
Two long piers on both sides of the beach protect the shore against the waves, so it’s easy to enjoy swimming in calm waters here.
Stalida (Stalis Beach)
📍 35.294607 N, 25.428504 E – 32 km east of Heraklion.
⛱️ Long sandy beach with crystalline waters, well organized, and a favorite for families.
Stalida Beach is a favorite place for families as it has warm shallow waters and nice soft sand. It’s not as crowded as Hersonissos and Malia, but it has all the necessary facilities as well as great beach bars and water sports centers.
There is a road along the beach which is perfect for an evening walk. The sunsets here are amazing. There is also a small natural cove full of Cretan Date palms that give some tropical vibes to the place.
Malia
📍 35.294093 N, 25.462178 E – 35 km east of Heraklion
⛱️ Well-organized series of sandy beaches. All of them are very popular among tourists, clear shallow waters.
The wide sandy beach of Malia stretches for 6 kilometers and is extremely popular among tourists. Here you can find everything you need, from umbrellas and sunbeds to water sports centers and sophisticated massage services directly on the beach. There are plenty of beach bars and tavernas offering top service right at your sunbed.
This place is perfect for those who love people and movement, and it’s usually a favorite destination among young crowds. The clean, shallow waters are always warm and are ideal for a relaxing swim.
Potamos Beach (in Malia)
📍 35.297031 N, 25.486133 E – 41 km east of Heraklion.
⛱️ Partly organized sandy beach with clean deep blue waters.
For those who seek privacy, this beach is the perfect choice to avoid the crazy crowds of Malia in summer. The western part of the beach is organized with sunbeds and umbrellas, while the furthest eastern part remains quite unexplored.
There is a river that flows into the sea, so the temperature of the water can sometimes feel a bit cool. The sand is very soft and the sea has comfortable smooth access.
BEACHES IN SOUTH HERAKLION
Getting to the southern coast of Crete is always synonymous with awe-inspiring beaches, the region of Heraklion also abides by this rule… Take a look!
Kokkinos Pirgos Beach
📍 35.089571 N, 24.730129 E – 61-78 km south (depending on the route you pick).
⛱️ Well-organized sandy beach, clear azure waters, exposed to western winds.
This long sandy beach is well-organized and features facilities such as sunbeds, umbrellas, and showers. There is a road alongside the beach with many bars, tavernas, and cafes which are great for an evening cocktail admiring the great southern coast and a beautiful sunset.
The beach is sandy and the sea bottom is also made of soft sand, which makes it a great stop for families with children.
Besides, the beach offers amazing views over the coastline and the Libyan Sea. This area is also a shelter for Caretta Caretta turtles, so mind your step as you can find their nests all over the beach.
Kommos Beach
📍 35.018912 N, 24.759628 E – 62-81 km from Heraklion (depending on the route you drive).
⛱️ Partly organized sandy beach, exposed to western winds, with beautiful turquoise waters.
This sandy beach has only a few parts organized with umbrellas and sunbeds. The rest of the beach preserves its unique wild natural beauty.
The area surrounding the beach is a protected archeological zone where you can check the remains of the ancient Port of Phaistos. A visit to Kommos is a great opportunity to learn more about the history of the Minoan era after having enjoyed a swim in its spectacular turquoise sea.
Matala Beach
📍 34.993349 N, 24.749464 E – 65 km from Heraklion.
⛱️ A well-organized sandy beach, with a deep turquoise sea. A very popular and tourist place in South Crete.
Matala is a beautiful beach with nice gravel sand, perfectly organized with sunbeds, umbrellas, showers, beach bars, and tavernas, where it’s also possible to enjoy water sports. Matala is well known around the world due to its scenic cliffs and caves. The caves were created during ancient times but have become mostly known as a refuge place for a big hippie community during the 1960s.
Nowadays, free access to the caves is not allowed, but there are a few cliffs you can climb to take a closer look. Once you reach the top, you can get a full stunning view of Matala. If you visit Matala in June don’t miss the opportunity to take part in the famous Matala Music Festival, where thousands of people dance until the morning after both on the beach and even inside the sea!
>> RELATED ARTICLE
– Things to Do in Matala Beach
Kokkini Ammos, the Red Beach
📍 34.993250 N, 24.749948 E.
⛱️ The beach is poorly organized and it has a distinct red sand surface. It’s exposed to the western winds while it features clear waters with green and blue hues.
Distance from Matala: Once you get to Matala Beach, you need to hike to Kokkini Ammos as there’s no other way to access it. The hike is about 1.7 km and it can take you about half an hour. Take enough sun protection, water, and a hat!
This secluded beach with an amazing landscape hides near the village of Matala. To reach it you need to hike for around 30-45 min. If you are not into hiking then there are small boats departing from Matala that can take you there too.
If you’re fit enough to face a 2-km path, then I recommend hiking. In fact, from the top of the cliff, you will be surprised by the breathtaking view of the beach and the sea. The beach has amazing reddish sand which gave it its name (Kokkini Ammos means red sand in Greek).
If you plan to spend the day, you better carry some shade in the form of a light umbrella as well as a beach mat as there are only a few of them available for rent. Here, there is also a small bar with refreshments but it is not open daily, so make sure to carry drinks and snacks with you.
It’s also a nice idea to come here in the evening to witness its legendary sunset. This beach is also another famous nudist beach in South Crete.
>> RELATED ARTICLE:
– Red Beach Matala
Vathi Beach
📍 34.954222 N, 24.754682 E – 65 km from Heraklion.
⛱️ Not organized sandy beach with breathtaking scenery. The sea has magnificent turquoise color and the area is protected from the wind.
This magnificent beach hides in a bay that’s protected by the walls of a gorge. The beach is not spoilt with any infrastructure and it usually welcomes just a few visitors with a wild natural beauty.
Its clear waters with a vivid shade of turquoise are perfect for snorkeling or just swimming and relaxing.
The coast is well protected from the winds and it features very calm waters even when nearby shores are wavy or windy. The beach can be easily reached by car following the dirt road that starts in the village of Sivas.
Agiofarago Beach
📍 34.936564 N, 24.774018 E – 88 km from Heraklion.
⛱️ Not organized beach with relatively difficult access, clean azure waters, protected from the winds.
This spectacular beach is situated at the end of the Agiofarago Gorge. There are two ways to access it: Either by boat from Matala, Agia Galini, or Kokkinos Pyrgos; or by hiking along the gorge itself.
The hike is highly recommended as the trail is not very difficult and takes around 1 hour. As a plus, the beautiful scenery will leave you with some incredible memories of the Cretan landscape.
The beach is not organized. The place offers ultimate relaxation far away from the crowds. You might find some nudist swimmers, although nudism is not allowed here, as the area is a place of great religious importance.
Krigi Beach
📍 34.940703 N, 24.8460821 E – 73 km south of Heraklio.
⛱️ Not organized beach with pebbles and crystal clear sea.
This small secluded beach is located not far from the village of Plateia Peramata. It’s not organized and it offers visitors nothing but a quiet and relaxing atmosphere. The beach is divided into small coves by rocky formations.
The sea gets deep pretty close to the shore and it has a beautiful bottom which makes it great for snorkeling and diving.
Lentas and Diskos Beach
📍 34.930104 N, 24.922733 E – 77 km from Heraklion.
⛱️ Lentas offers more organized structures than Diskos. Both present a mix of sand and pebbles and are usually very quiet.
Loutra is mostly known only by locals thus it is very quiet and relaxing. It is not organized but there are a few tavernas and rooms for rent serving mostly the more popular Lentas Beach. Both areas can be seen in a day and they are great spots for those seeking a peaceful vacation.
The two beaches offer a mix of gravel sand and pebbles with a rocky seabed, thus they are ideal for fishing and snorkeling.
Diskos is another small beach in the area, west of Lentas, featuring a few tavernas and rooms for rent serving mostly the more popular Lentas Beach. Both areas can be seen in a day and they are great spots for those seeking a peaceful vacation.
The two beaches offer a mix of gravel sand and pebbles with a rocky seabed, thus they are ideal for fishing and snorkeling.
Tris Ekklisies Beach
📍 34.954817 N, 25.130383 E – 58 km from Heraklion
⛱️ Slightly organized beach with sand and pebbles, and crystal but deep waters.
The remote seaside village known as Tris Ekklisies has a long sandy beach with crystal clear waters. The place is great for a quiet holiday as there are only a few tavernas and rooms for rent, what else do you need? The beach is not organized at all. The sea is quite deep and crystal clear too.
If you continue your journey to the East, on the dirt road, you will come across some beautiful secluded coves with amazing deep waters and unique natural surroundings.
Aspes Beach
📍34.95527 N, 25.210474 E – 65 km from Heraklion.
⛱️ Not organized isolated beach with black sand, unusual rocks, and a vivid turquoise sea.
This magnificent beach can be described only as a piece of heaven! Isolated and accessible only by boat, Aspes is the owner of stunning natural beauty. The beach features very dark, almost black sand, and is surrounded by cliffs with many scenic caves.
The sea is deep and has a bright shade of turquoise which makes a perfect contrast with the dark sand.
You can ask for a boat ride from the locals in the village of Treis Ekklisias, it can be a truly unforgettable experience!
Tsoutsouros Beach
📍 34.991612 N, 25.287995 E – 54 km from Heraklion.
⛱️ Partly organized sandy beach, with calm and crystalline waters, perfect for a family vacation. Also known as Tsoutsouras.
Tsoutsouros and nearby beaches are located right by the village of the same name. The whole area is nothing but a perfect place for a relaxing family vacation. The main beach has umbrellas and sunbeds available for rent. There are also more solitary shores for those who prefer a quite spot under the sun.
There are also tamarisk trees along the beach where you can find natural shade during a hot day.
The waters are always calm and very clean. Families with small children love not only Tsoutsouros but also Krassas (in the picture) and Pera – all nearby shores – for their shallow sea and soft sand.
Arvi Beach
📍 35.000225 N, 25.451389 – 72 km from Heraklion.
⛱️ Well-organized beach with sand and pebbles and clear blue waters.
Arvi is a gorgeous seaside village quite popular as a family vacation spot. The village has a beautiful shore known as Arvi Beach, featuring a few zones with pebbles and clear, shallow water. The beach has a snack bar, whle umbrellas and sunbeds are available for rent. There are also a few centers for water sports.
The western side of the beach is more secluded, featuring rocks where locals enjoy fishing and visitors go for snorkeling. If you’re in the mood to keep exploring, you can also check out Maridaki Beach just a few minutes from Arvi.
GOOD TO KNOW: By the way, the bananas from Arvi are famous all around Crete for their unique fragrance and taste! Don’t miss the opportunity to try some.
Sidonia Beach
📍 34.984257 N, 25.499265 E – 76 km from Heraklion.
⛱️ Slightly organized sandy beach, clear but deep waters, protected from the winds. Also known as Sintonia.
This tranquil beautiful beach is situated next to the village of Psari Forada. There are a few beach cafes where you can rent sunbeds and umbrellas too.The rest of the beach is not organized but there are plants, bushes, and some tamarisk trees that provide natural shade.
The beach has dark coarse sand and the sea has calm and clean waters of vivid blue color. The place is popular among families in search of a calm place to spend their holidays. Right off the shore, there is a beautiful rock formation with the Greek flag on top, an iconic image of this beach.
Tertsa Beach
📍 34.991371 N, 25.532866 E – 78 km from Heraklion.
⛱️ Little organization, pebbles mixed with sand.
Tertsa is a solitary beach on the southern coast of Heraklion. It features crystal clear blue waters and a pebbled shoreline perfect for water sports and underwater exploration. The beach features an area without organized facilities, and another area where you can rent umbrellas and sunbeds.
The small nearby village of Tertsa, hidden under the imposing Dikti range, is a quiet place to stay if you’d like to spend time in this quiet corner in South Crete. The village is about one hour and a half from Heraklion by car (and about an hour from Agios Nikolaos.
>> Check out this property for top accommodation in Tertsa, close to the village and the sea.
Did any of these places make it to the list of the nicest beaches you want to discover when visiting Heraklion? I’m sure more than one is already on your itinerary and you can’t wait to see it! What are your favorite beaches in Heraklion?
Are you visiting Crete Soon?
Join my Facebook group for more tips, or plan your Crete itinerary with me!
Pin for Later
Best Beaches in Heraklion, Crete
Gabi, the Crete Insider
Hi, I’m Gabi — your go-to local expert in Crete! I’ve been living in Chania, Crete since 2016, and I’ve turned my love for the island into a full-time passion — guiding travelers, writing for travel media, and curating local experiences.
I co-authored DK Eyewitness Top 10 Crete and other guides. I run the blogs The Tiny Book, Greece Planner, and My Cretan Recipe. Through this platform I help travelers design unforgettable trips to Crete.
