Tripiti, also known as Trypiti, lies 73km south of Heraklion and 12km east of Lendas, nestled in a small plain near the exit of the gorge of Tripiti. Its name originates from the Panagia Tripiti church, nestled within a cave near the beach and the canyon exit.
Two unpaved paths lead to Tripiti. The first commences near Lendas harbour and stretches for 6km, leading east to Kroto’s village. At the crossroads, a turn to the right, past Cape Trafoulas, reveals stunning views of the authentic Cretan countryside before arriving at Tripiti. The second route starts from the village of Vassiliki in the Messara plain, accessible via the village of Agii Deka. This route traverses the untamed Asterousia Mountains, the Trypiti gorge, and the olive grove of Agios Savvas, replete with striking karstic formations.
Regardless of the route chosen, visitors are treated to dramatic landscapes, the tranquillity of the beach juxtaposed with the rugged mountainous terrain. Upon arrival, a serene beach with pebbly shores and clean, dark green waters await. Tamarisk trees, a stone’s throw from the shoreline, provide ideal camping spots.
Overlooking the beach, in the Kalokambos area, are the ruins of the Minoan settlement of Papouri. Small windows and doors suggest that dwarfs once inhabited the dwellings. The southern view of the Cretan Sea is simply breathtaking.
While Tripiti is not a developed beach, it has a small tavern and attracts a significant number of visitors in August. The only eyesore in the landscape is the illegally constructed rental rooms and the permanently stationed caravans by locals.
For those seeking solitude, especially in August, two nearby secluded beaches offer respite. Both beaches feature coarse sand and calm waters. The first, hidden at the base of Fylakas Cape, is a haven for nudists, with its green-blue waters and rocky seabed. The second, located about 1km to the west, is Vyzaroplaka beach, a small bay aside from the Trafoulas Peninsula, perfect for snorkelling and fishing.
Get directions to Tripiti beach
The best time to visit Tripiti beach is during the summer months, from June to September, when the weather is warm and sunny.
Yes, Tripiti beach is suitable for families with children as the water is shallow and calm, and there are no strong currents or waves.
No, there are no water sports activities available at Tripiti beach, but visitors can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and relaxing on the Tripiti beach.
No, there is no natural shade available at Tripiti beach, but visitors can bring their own umbrellas or rent them from nearby shops.
No, Tripiti beach is not accessible for people with disabilities as there are stairs leading down to the Tripiti beach and no special facilities available.
Yes, visitors can bring their own food and drinks to Tripiti beach, but there are also several beach bars and taverns nearby that offer refreshments and snacks.
Yes, there is a parking area available at Tripiti beach, but it can get crowded during peak season, so visitors are advised to arrive early.
The water colour of the Tripiti beach is blue.
The Tripiti beach has fine pebbles as sand.
The water at the Tripiti beach is deep.
The surface of the sea at the Tripiti beach is usually calm.
The Tripiti beach has normal crowds.
Food and water facilities are available near the Tripiti beach.
The Tripiti beach can be accessed through a dirt track.
The Tripiti beach is ideal for snorkeling and spearfishing. It also has tree shade and rock shade.
Find below list of things to do near Tripiti beach:
Take and airconditioned bus trip through South Crete on this day trip with pickup from Heraklion. Travel back in time as you explore Cretan history at the Gortys archeological site and have plenty of free time to soak up the vibes of at the colorful, seaside town of Matala.
Be picked up from the comfort of your accommodation in selected locations on Crete in the morning. Drive for 1.5 hours to the Gortys archeological site. Purchase a ticket to the site to uncover sights from 5000 years of Cretan history.
Take a short drive to Matala and spend 4.5 hours of free time where you can go swimming, sunbathe at the beach, purchase a ticket to the local caves or have lunch at a charming seaside café.
Return to your accommodation in Crete at the end of your free time in Matala.
A special excursion to the South of the island, starting our exploration with a visit to the emblematic lake of incomparable beauty in Zaros in a highly impressive landscape in central Crete! Then driving among the biggest valley of Crete, Messara, where we drive through pre-Minoan, Minoan, ancient Greek, and Roman ruins. We continue to the gorge of Trypiti through the biggest valley of Crete, this of Messara where our descent inside the gorge and through huge vertical rocks ends at the well hidden and exotic beach of Trypiti. Landscape of incomparable natural beauty rich in flora and fauna. Arrival at the beach and time for swim in its crystal clear waters. Quiet beach for moments of relaxation just before our lunch with authentic Cretan food in the center of the wild olive tree forest in the canyon of St. Savvas. Satisfying experiences and good traditional food, we return to your hotel with the best memories !
Find below the list of hotels near Tripiti beach:
Celine Private Residences features mountain views, free WiFi and free private parking, located in Léntas, less than 1 km from Lenta Beach.
The villa provides guests with a terrace, sea views, a seating area, satellite flat-screen TV, a fully equipped kitchen with an oven and a toaster, and a private bathroom with shower and bathrobes. A fridge, a stovetop and kitchenware are also provided, as well as a coffee machine and a kettle.
Guests can enjoy the infinity pool and garden at Celine Private Residences.
Phaistos is 38 km from the accommodation, while Museum of Cretan Ethnology is 39 km away. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 75 km from Celine Private Residences.
Panorama Luxury Apartment is a beachfront property located in Léntas, a few steps from Lenta Beach and 39 km from Phaistos. It features mountain views and free WiFithroughout the property.
The apartment is equipped with 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, bed linen, towels, a flat-screen TV, a dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, and a terrace with sea views.
Museum of Cretan Ethnology is 39 km from the apartment. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 75 km from Panorama Luxury Apartment.
Featuring air-conditioned accommodation with a balcony, Villa Nostalgia Lentas No3 is located in Léntas. It features a garden, a terrace, sea views and free WiFithroughout the property.
Lenta Beach is 90 metres from the apartment, while Phaistos is 39 km away. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 75 km from Villa Nostalgia Lentas No3.
Surrounded by olive trees, in Vasiliki Village, the stone-built Amazing Stone Villa offers self-catering accommodation with free WiFi access and views over the lush surroundings. Guests will find traditional cafes, a mini market, a pharmacy and a gas station within a short drive.
Featuring vintage furniture and decoration, all units come with a fully equipped kitchen, a living area and a bathroom with shower. Facilities include a TV, an oven, a fridge, and a stovetop. A bottle of olive oil and a bottle of local wine , produced by the owners are offered upon arrival.
All bedrooms have air conditioning.
The property offers a large shared courtyard with flowers , BBQ and outdoor furniture.
The isolated sandy beach of Tripiti is 8 km from Amazing Stone Villa, while Matala is 25 km away. Heraklio Town is 41 km from the accommodation and Agia Galini is 30 km away. Heraklion International Airport is at a distance of 42 km.
from
€75
/night
Located in Léntas in the Crete region with Lenta Beach nearby, Marina apartments provides accommodation with free private parking.
Each unit comes with a terrace offering sea views, a flat-screen TV, a well-fitted kitchen and a private bathroom with bath and a hair dryer. A balcony with mountain views is offered in each unit.
Guests can also relax in the garden.
Phaistos is 31 km from the villa, while Museum of Cretan Ethnology is 31 km away. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 67 km from Marina apartments.
from
€85
/night
Studios Anna Maria has sea views, free WiFi and free private parking, set in Kapetanianá, 100 metres from Paralia Agios Ioannis.
All units are air-conditioned and some of them feature a seating area with a flat-screen TV, and a fully equipped kitchen with a dining area. Some units have a terrace and/or a balcony with mountain or inner courtyard views.
Phaistos is 42 km from the apartment, while Museum of Cretan Ethnology is 43 km from the property. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 72 km from Studios Anna Maria.
from
€55
/night
Find below list of beaches near Tripiti beach:
Located in the Kalokambos region, approximately 73km south of the city of Heraklion, Leprias, also known as Lepries, is a quaint pebbly beach nestled amidst the rugged and awe-inspiring landscape of the Asterousia Range, southwest of Kofinas peak. The beach is accessible via a hiking trail that starts at Tripiti beach and leads to Agios Ioannis. Leprias beach is set against a steep dirt slope that erodes and crumbles, reminiscent of a leper’s skin, giving the beach its name, derived from the Greek word for leper.
The safest way to descend to the beach from the trail is from the bay’s western end. The eastern part of the beach boasts impressive caves that provide shade throughout the day. As you travel between Leprias and Tripiti, you will encounter other beautiful beaches in the Kalokambos area, characterized by their rocky bottoms and favored by local fishermen.
Dragon Bay, also known as Trafoulas, is situated 4km east of Lendas and 69km south of Heraklion. It’s a secluded beach on Crete’s southern coast, nestled at the mouth of a striking canyon on Cape Trafoulas or Trahilas. Legend has it that King Minos and his entourage frequented this beach, while the adjacent Loutra beach was the preferred bathing spot for his wife, Pasiphae, and her female company. The canyon is often mistakenly referred to as Steno Faragi (Narrow Gorge), which is actually a slim section of the Tripiti canyon. The lower segment of the gorge leading to Trafoulas is named Canyon Pidimatou (Jumping Canyon), due to its narrowness that allows an animal to leap from one side to the other.
Reaching the beach requires a drive on a rugged road commencing from Lenda’s harbour (in Loutra) and heading towards the village of Krotos. After about 500m, you’ll spot the small canyon to your right and the trailhead that leads to the beach. Along the wild road, there’s a chance to enjoy a breathtaking panorama encompassing the coastline from Loutra to Lendas. Park your vehicle in a suitable spot and follow the trail to the beach, approximately a 15-20 minute walk. An alternative, yet less adventurous route, is to take a boat from Lendas to Trafoulas. The gorge itself is remarkably beautiful, abundant with oleander.
Trafoulas beach is also referred to as Psili Ammos (Fine Sand) and is considered the most exquisite beach in the larger region. It is primarily desolate, save for a few individuals occasionally residing in a massive cave on the beach. On the eastern portion of the beach, there are four caves – two high on the cliffs and two at beach level. They offer limited sun protection, assuming they are unoccupied. The cliffs on the eastern side appear to be an ideal spot for climbing, with evidence of previous use (hooks embedded in some cliffs). The beach is lengthy, featuring tiny greyish gravel and smooth rocks in the centre, with crystal-clear, deep waters. It is encircled by towering vertical cliffs that descend several meters into the sea. Weathered white rocks on the beach have formed beautiful natural marble sculptures. Pahia Ammos is also a favourite among naturists, who appreciate the seclusion from prying eyes.
The only disadvantage of the beach is the lack of shade during the peak sunlight hours, except for the cave areas.
Katarti, a small beach nestled at the mouth of a narrow gorge, is situated 73km south of the city of Heraklion, at the base of Cape Oxa on Crete island. This secluded beach is enveloped by the untamed and majestic landscape of the Asterousia Range, lying southwest of Kofinas peak. One rugged dirt track from Salamias bay provides road access to the beach, but primarily, it is reached by boat or on foot from Agios Ioannis or Tripiti beach, located 2.5km westward.
The region is a haven for fishing enthusiasts as the rocky seabed still teems with fish, despite the damaging illegal use of dynamite by some locals. Katarti’s coastline is adorned with white pebbles and its waters are crystal clear and deep, while the surrounding rocky shores are strikingly beautiful. The beach is flanked by tall cliffs, a natural extension of the gorge’s walls into the sea, offering both wind protection and shade.
The name Katarti, translating to mast in Greek, is inspired by a tall boulder in the sea nearby. Some locals also refer to it as Arkouda, meaning bear, asserting that the rock formations resemble a bear!
Located just 3km to the east of the coastal village of Lendas, and 77km to the south of Heraklion, you’ll find Loutra. Known to locals as the home of the Lendas port, it’s safeguarded on the eastern side by Cape Trafoulas. Adjacent to the harbour, there are several coves with sandy and rocky sea beds, perfect for snorkelling and fishing. Although it’s relatively unorganised and not overly busy, there are a few nearby restaurants and rental rooms. Before the construction of Lendas’ port, Loutra was a favourite amongst naturists, but these days they tend to feel less at ease here.
West of the main beach and detached from the harbour is a small beach known as “Pasiphae’s Baths” or Hammam. Legend has it that this beach was the bathing place of choice for females, led by Queen Pasiphae, wife of the mythical King of Knossos, Minos. Minos and his male counterparts, however, would typically be found at Trafoulas beach.
Close by Loutra, there’s the charming Panaghia (Virgin Mary) Vithanos chapel, which is uniquely built into a rock. According to local folklore, a shepherd found a Panaghia icon in the rocks above Loutra near the canyon. After the icon was stolen from a church in the Plain of Mesara and went missing, the shepherd re-discovered it in the same spot. To express their gratitude for this miracle, the shepherd and his companions decided to construct a church at this site. They were faced with the difficult task of bringing water up from the valley, a task made possible by Panaghia who created a spring from the barren rock. This is the reason the church’s icons depict Panaghia surrounded by water.
© All rights reserved. Crete Locals
