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Vlychadia, a quaint seaside settlement, is nestled 31km north of Agios Nikolaos, along the northern coastline of the Mirabello region. A scenic drive from Neapolis, through the villages of Skinias and Agios Georgios, brings you to this tranquil haven. Here, a small fish tavern offers a taste of local cuisine. The area is dotted with secluded bays featuring mainly rocky and pebbly beaches. Vlychadia beach, directly in front of the village, is a rough and rocky terrain, perfect for spearfishing, though swimming can be dangerous during rough seas.
Further west, at the end of the road, lies Avlaki, arguably the most beautiful beach in northern Mirabello. It is nestled at the exit of the Skinias or Mavrogiannis gorge and is known for its white pebbles and crystal clear water. When the sea is calm, a rare occurrence, swimming at Avlaki is an unforgettable experience.
The road ends at Avlaki, but the beaches continue. About 800m west of Avlaki, the pebbly and rocky beaches of Kakia Naspa and Kouroukoulos can be found. These secluded beaches are only accessible on foot, making them a peaceful retreat. Interestingly, a small olive grove has been planted in the area, despite its inaccessibility by car.
Vlychadia and Avlaki, unspoiled and unorganized, are among the few beaches on the north side of Mirabello. While they are a great choice for a swim, they are not the only reason to visit the area. The gorgeous Mirabello region, with its picturesque villages, ancient monasteries and unique natural beauty, is worth exploring alongside a swim in Vlychadia.
Vlychadia itself is a quiet place, with only a few farmhouses. The site was once home to the Venetian Monastery of St. Nicholas, which was destroyed and later rebuilt in the same location. Today, it is celebrated every year on December 6th.
Get directions to Vlyhadia beaches
Vlyhadia beaches are a group of beaches located in the southern part of the island of Crete, Greece.
There are three beaches in Vlyhadia: Vlychadia Beach, Koutelos Beach, and Agios Pavlos Beach.
Yes, the Vlyhadia beacheses in Vlyhadia are suitable for swimming. The water is clear and clean, and the Vlyhadia beacheses are well-maintained.
No, there are no water sports available at Vlyhadia beaches. However, visitors can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and relaxing on the Vlyhadia beaches.
Yes, there are several hotels and apartments available near Vlyhadia beaches. Visitors can choose from a range of options to suit their budget and preferences.
Yes, there are several restaurants and cafes near Vlyhadia beaches. Visitors can enjoy a variety of local and international cuisine, as well as drinks and snacks.
No, Vlyhadia is not a very popular tourist destination. However, it is a great place to visit for those who want to enjoy a peaceful and relaxing holiday away from the crowds.
The water colour of the Vlyhadia beaches is blue.
The Vlyhadia beaches has pebbles and rocks in some places.
The water at the Vlyhadia beaches is deep.
The sea surface at the Vlyhadia beaches is usually very wavy.
The Vlyhadia beaches is usually quiet.
Food and water are available nearby.
The Vlyhadia beaches can be accessed via a paved road or by walking.
The Vlyhadia beaches is nudism friendly and is ideal for snorkeling and spearfishing.
Find below list of things to do near Vlyhadia beaches:
Join The Malia’s Number 1 Boat Party!
From champagne diving to the wildest drinking games in the Mediterranean, the Malia Booze Cruise has it all! All this topped off with the craziest rave you will ever see at sea!
Make your holiday one to remember and don’t miss out on this once in a lifetime experience!!!
400 people, two decks!
Four hours of boat party
On-board bar
Swim stops
Free wristbands
Cameraman catching the action
Malia’s finest DJs and MCs
Drinking games
Lunch, transportation and more!
Every Thursday and Sunday through out the season .Available transportation from Malia at 15:00 to Agios Nicolaos port duration about 40 min drive.
We start from the port at 16:00 and we are back at 20:00
The boat party is for 4 hours
The boat will take us in a lovely bay suitable for swimming, boat jumping and playing music.
Get ready for some competition such us champagne dive and belly flops and warm up for the best rave you have ever seen on board.
Light lunch is included sandwich hot dog or vegetarian sandwich upon request.
There are 2 bars on board than u can get any drinks you like ,the prices start from 5 euros for an alcoholic drink such as vodka coke .
Djs and host will be all 4 hours playing the finest tunes for everyone to dance and enjoy the lovely sunset in the Mediterranean sea .
Arriving to the port at 20:00 and get on the buses for your transport buck to Malia .
So to make sure these memories wont be forgotten, and trust us is not always easy to remember, we have professional photographer on board, how will post all the pictures on our FB page and Instagram for free.
We start this party 10 years ago ..is hard for me to describe the best day of your holidays. Join us you will love it promise you!
Suitable for young people or for those that feel young in heart!
PS There is 3 Malia booze cruise offices in Malia beach road so for any info you can always visit us in our opening hours from 10 morning till 10 night daily from May till end September.
Start with pickup from your hotel and travel by spacious bus through small towns to the picturesque fishing village of Elounda. Then, board a privately booked traditional wooden fishing boat which will take you on a short cruise to the island of Spinalonga. Hear as your professional guide will share insights and stories of a former leper colony and the history of Spinalonga Island.
After a guided walking tour on the island, board the boat and sail to the beautiful village of Plaka. Upon arrival, enjoy a lunch of local specialties in a traditional Greek tavern with a cozy atmosphere. Choose between fresh fish or chicken, enjoy some local wine, and enjoy the views of the coastline.
Finally, visit the town of Agios Nikolaos for some time for further exploring and shopping. At the end of the tour, the bus will take you back to your pickup point near your hotel.
Experience the Olive Oil Park: A Taste of Greece
Begin your journey with a visit to an olive oil park, where you can witness the fascinating process of making extra virgin olive oil, table olives, and olive paste. Discover the artistry behind these traditional Greek staples and enjoy a tasting session featuring classic Greek foods renowned for their flavor and health benefits. Delight in authentic Cretan products like “raki” and honey, which enhance the culinary experience.
Explore Agios Nikolaos: The Heart of Lasithi
Next, we head to Agios Nikolaos, the vibrant capital of Lasithi. Here, you can explore the picturesque city at your own pace. Browse through charming shops or relax at one of the many coffee shops overlooking the stunning Voulismeni Lake. Take your time to soak in the beauty and atmosphere of this delightful city.
Relax in Plaka: A Quaint Fishing Village
Our tour continues to the charming fishing village of Plaka, situated across the water from Spinalonga. Enjoy plenty time to unwind, take a refreshing swim, or savor a leisurely lunch. For those interested in further exploration, a short 15-minute boat ride will take you to the famous island of Spinalonga.
Discover the Historical Significance of Spinalonga
Spinalonga Island has a profound historical and cultural significance, marked by the deep sadness of its past inhabitants. Over the centuries, this island has served as a refuge for various civilizations, including the Greeks, Saracens, Venetians, and Turks. Additionally, it was once home to a leper colony, leaving an indelible mark on its history.
Enjoy Elounda: A Luxurious Retreat
Our final stop is the charming village of Elounda, a popular holiday destination. Known for its luxurious five-star hotels, Elounda attracts tourists seeking an upscale vacation experience in Greece. Before we conclude our tour, take some time to enjoy a coffee and explore the scenic bay, making the most of your visit to this picturesque locale.
Join Us for an Unforgettable Journey
Embark on this enriching journey through Crete, where each stop offers a unique glimpse into the island’s rich heritage and natural beauty. From the culinary delights of the olive oil park to the historical depth of Spinalonga and the luxurious charm of Elounda, this tour promises an unforgettable experience. Book your adventure today and discover the magic of Crete.
Enjoy a walking tour of the island of Spinalonga during a full-day excursion from Elounda to the island. Visit Agios Nikolaos and Elounda and swim in the crystal-clear waters of Kolokytha, where you can enjoy a delicious BBQ lunch.
Leave from Heraklion, in a spacious, comfortable bus and travel to the designated locations, along the coast through the St. George Gorge to Elounda, a tranquil coastal resort.
Board the boat around 10:00, and visit the bay and the beach of Kolokytha, a secluded haven that offers a respite from daily life. You can swim and eat a delicious BBQ on board.
Take the boat to Spinalonga around 12:45, traveling across Mirabello Bay. Learn about Spinalonga’s complex history guided by a professional tour guide as a natural barrier for Olous in Ancient Greek times, a Saracen pirate refuge, a Venetian fortification, and a Turkic settlement. Depart from Spinalonga at appr. 2:45 pm.
As you head towards our last destination from Elounda by bus, you will have the opportunity for a quick olive oil tasting, before arriving at the capital town of Lassithi, Agios Nikolaos at around 3:45 pm.
Relax in a café next to the bottomless Lake of Voulismeni and enjoy your walk to the local shops.
Return to Heraklion after the excursion, at approximately 6:30 pm.
Enjoy a fun cruise in the Greek sun with a barbecue by the sea. Explore Kolokytha Bay and the historical island of Spinalonga. Start your day boarding the boat at the pretty harbour of Agios Nikolaos. Cruise across the beautiful Bay of Mirabello before arriving at the legendary island of Spinalonga.
On Spinalonga island you will have an hour and a half to tour around and explore the Venetian fortifications and old homes of the victims of leprosy. Learn about the history and people who lived on the island during the first half of the 20th century from the printed guide that will be given to you free of charge.
Later the boat takes you on the other side of the Kolokytha island and moors at the beach of the same name. Kolokytha is a beautiful bay with crystal-clear turquoise waters. Relax, swim and sunbathe while the boat crew prepares a hearty barbecue for you. Enjoy grilled pork chops, cabbage salad, bread, wine and seasonal fruits.
Join us on a relaxing boat trip to the coastal areas of Elounda and Spinalonga Island. Swimming, snorkelling and sunbathing are some of the activities on this trip.
You will be able to take a boat ride around the famous lepers’ island Spinalonga and admire its beauty from another point of view.
Next with our boat we will have the chance to stop at the famous pirate’s Barbarossa Cave where he searched for refuge and then he managed to conquer the island.
Then we make a stop at Kolokytha beach a place well known for its natural beauty.
At the main time boat crew prepares delicious hot dogs to enjoy them when we are in Kolokytha beach accompanied with music and dance. On board is also served raki, fresh fruits and orange juice.
Lastly we stop at “Skistra” beach where you will be able to swim at the crystal clear water, dive and enjoying the sun in a place where very few people visit. Our friendly crew promises you an unforgettable mini cruise which we hope will make one of the highlights of your holidays.
Find below the list of hotels near Vlyhadia beaches:
Located in Elounda Village, Almond Tree offers accommodation with a fully equipped kitchen and private balconies. A swimming pool surrounded by a garden with sun beds is available. Plaka Beach is at 4 km.
Formerly used as stables, the stone-built Almond Tree apartments and villas are traditionally decorated with wooden furnishings and iron beds. The furnished terrace features a traditional Greek clay oven. The property includes a dining and a seating area with fireplace, and is equipped with a flat-screen TV, coffee maker, microwave and mini fridge.
Guests can enjoy local cuisine in a variety of traditional restaurants and cafes at nearby villages.
Within 30 km, you can visit the Minoan town of Gournia, while the Minoan Palace of Malia is at 35 km. The fishing village of Plaka connecting to the island of Spinalonga is at 5 km. Free WiFi is available throughout the property.
from
€178
/night
Boasting air-conditioned accommodation with a private pool, Leyla Luxury Villa is situated in Pláka. This property offers access to a balcony, free private parking and free WiFi.
The villa with a terrace and sea views has 7 bedrooms, a living room, a flat-screen TV, an equipped kitchen with a dishwasher and an oven, and 7 bathrooms with a walk-in shower. Towels and bed linen are available in the villa.
Both a bicycle rental service and a car rental service are available at the villa.
Plaka Beach is 1.3 km from Leyla Luxury Villa, while Spinalonga Beach is 3 km from the property. The nearest airport is Heraklion International, 60 km from the accommodation, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.
from
€756
/night
Villa Dimitra by Elounda Island View Villas features pool views, free WiFi and free private parking, located in Elounda, 700 metres from Plaka Beach.
The villa provides guests with a terrace, mountain views, a seating area, satellite flat-screen TV, a fully equipped kitchen with a dishwasher and an oven, and a private bathroom with walk-in shower and bathrobes. A microwave, a toaster and fridge are also featured, as well as a coffee machine and a kettle.
Villa Dimitra by Elounda Island View Villas offers a hot tub.
Both a bicycle rental service and a car rental service are available at the accommodation.
Spinalonga Beach is 1.5 km from Villa Dimitra by Elounda Island View Villas, while Lake Voulismeni is 16 km away. The nearest airport is Heraklion International, 60 km from the villa, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.
from
€971
/night
Located in Pláka in the Lasithi region, with Plaka Beach and Spinalonga Beach nearby, Plaka Beach Cottages provides accommodation with free private parking.
The holiday home provides guests with a terrace, sea views, a seating area, a flat-screen TV, a fully equipped kitchen with a dishwasher and an oven, and a private bathroom with walk-in shower and a hair dryer. A microwave, a toaster and fridge are also provided, as well as a coffee machine and a kettle.
A private beach area is available on site.
Lake Voulismeni is 16 km from Plaka Beach Cottages, while Panagia Kera Church (in Kritsa) is 18 km away. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 60 km from the accommodation.
Located in Elounda, 400 metres from Plaka Beach, Cayo Exclusive Resort & Spa provides accommodation with a seasonal outdoor swimming pool, free private parking, a fitness centre and a garden. This 5-star resort offers room service and a concierge service. The accommodation offers a 24-hour front desk, airport transfers, a shared lounge and free WiFi throughout the property.
The resort will provide guests with air-conditioned rooms offering a desk, a coffee machine, a minibar, a safety deposit box, a flat-screen TV, a terrace and a private bathroom with a shower. At Cayo Exclusive Resort & Spa every room has bed linen and towels.
Breakfast is available daily, and includes American, vegetarian and gluten-free options. At the accommodation you will find a restaurant serving Mediterranean and international cuisine. Vegetarian, dairy-free and gluten-free options can also be requested.
Bike hire and car hire are available at this resort and the area is popular for cycling.
Spinalonga Beach is 1.9 km from Cayo Exclusive Resort & Spa, while Lake Voulismeni is 16 km away. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 60 km from the resort.
from
€341
/night
Situated near Plaka Village of Elounda, Elounda Luxury Villas features a garden with trees and aromatic herbs. It offers fully equipped and stylishly decorated accommodation, each with a private pool and unobstructed sea views. Free WiFi is available throughout.
Fitted with a fireplace, stone details, Coco-Mat items and hand-picked artwork, all split-level units are air conditioned and have a satellite, flat-screen TV and blu-ray player. All units include a kitchen with a dishwasher and oven with hobs, as well as a Nespresso coffee machine and a kettle. Each has an indoor and outdoor dining area and 2 bathrooms, one with shower and one with bath or spa bath, along with bathrobes and slippers. Towels and bed linen are provided.
Elounda Luxury Villas also includes a barbecue.
Heraklion International Airport is 63 km away. Free private parking is available on site.
from
€61
/night
Find below list of beaches near Vlyhadia beaches:
Skotini Beach is situated 32 kilometers northwest of Agios Nikolaos, north of Finokalias village. It is found at the exit point of Skotini gorge, one of the most secluded and untamed areas of Crete island. This isolated location houses a University of Crete research station for aerosol studies, established here due to the clean, unpolluted air and lack of human interference.
To get to the beach, one can follow a small canyon from Finokalias village until it meets the sea. A short path leading northwards will take you to the gorge bed. As you walk, you’ll encounter a stunning, undomesticated landscape dotted with bare rocks, sparse vegetation, and a plethora of herbs and spices. The gorge houses 2-3 water wells and numerous caves within its towering walls. According to local folklore, a mysterious woman named Datserolenia once lived in one of these caves, its entrance still guarded by a stone wall. A little further along the path, you’ll stumble upon the secluded Skotini beach.
Alternatively, from Finokalias, you could take the dirt road to St. Andrew’s monastery nestled amidst a pine forest on Cape Drepani. Part of the church is built into the mountain rock, with an inscription indicating it was restored using funds from Spinalonga patients. To get to the beach from the monastery, walk eastwards along the coastline. Eventually, you’ll come across an old fountain that still gushes fresh water.
The beach itself is characterized by pebbles and patches of rocks. The rocky seabed, coupled with frequent waves, makes swimming a challenge and occasionally hazardous. However, on a calm day, you’re likely to enjoy a refreshing, solitary dip in Skotini’s cool waters.
The name “Skotini” translates to “Dark” in Greek, likely a reference to the high and closely spaced walls of the canyon that block out the sun. This, along with the tree canopies overhanging the edges, creates a “dark” environment within the gorge. Another theory suggests the name comes from the numerous caves found within the gorge.
Located 30km northwest of Agios Nikolaos on the less-traveled northern shores of the Mirabello area is Agios Antonios at Kato Selles, or Saint Anthony. This secluded area, nestled 3km north of the village Selles, can be reached by taking a mostly passable dirt road heading north from the village. The region is home to a few small beaches and sparsely scattered cottages and farms.
The northern Mirabello is characterized by pebble-strewn beaches tucked amid rugged rocks. Agios Antonios follows this pattern, hosting a collection of small beaches sprinkled with white, round pebbles and stones. These conditions make the beaches perfect for fishing, though not ideal for family swimming due to the frequent large waves crashing onto the northern Cretan shores and the rocky seabed. However, if the weather is calm, Agios Antonios’ beaches offer a tranquil retreat.
400m east of Agios Antonios lies the beach of Patsavra, a secluded pebble beach favored by locals for swimming. To the west, near the village of Kato Selles, you will find the stony beach of Vato Mouri followed by the even rockier beach of Agios Antonios or St Anthony. Tamarisk trees provide shade on the beach, offering a relaxing spot to unwind. Nearby stands the cavernous chapel of Agios Antonios. A small distance further east amongst the rocky shore, you will find a petite beach named Lagadaki with its crystal clear blue water. On calm sea days, which are unfortunately infrequent, Lagadaki is a fantastic spot for swimming and snorkelling.
Plaka beach is a pebbly, well-organised beach in the village of Plaka, on the northeast coast of Crete, 16 kilometres north of Agios Nikolaos and a short drive north of Elounda. Plaka beach faces Spinalonga island and its Venetian fortress across a narrow channel, and it is one of the main points where boats leave for the island. The water is clear and usually calm, the shore is made of smooth pale pebbles, and tamarisk trees give natural shade behind the sunbeds.
Plaka beach sits in Plaka village, 16 kilometres north of Agios Nikolaos, opposite the entrance of the Korfos (Elounda) lagoon in the Gulf of Mirabello, Lasithi. The beach looks straight across the water to Spinalonga, the fortified islet also known as Kalydon, so the fortress and the channel are in view from the sand. Plaka village grew up to serve the Spinalonga leper colony, which is why the settlement and the island share one history. Present-day Plaka keeps old stone houses and waterfront taverns, and the Greek television series “The Island” was filmed here in 2010.
Plaka has two pebble beaches, and each one has a different character. The main beach, Plaka beach, lies west of the village, has calm clear water and an interesting seabed, and sits within walking distance of the taverns. Agia Marina beach lies east of the village in front of the large hotel, has bigger pebbles and deeper water, and is a known fishing ground with a rougher seabed in places. Both beaches are pebbly rather than sandy, so the water stays clear and the surface is usually calm. Sunbeds and umbrellas are available to hire on the organised part of Plaka beach, and the tamarisk trees behind them give shade for anyone who prefers to sit on the pebbles.
Drive to Plaka beach along the paved coast road that runs north from Agios Nikolaos through Elounda, a route of about 16 kilometres. Buses also serve the Elounda and Plaka area during the season, and there is parking by the beach. If you want to move between Elounda, Plaka and Agios Nikolaos on your own schedule, a rental car for the Elounda and Agios Nikolaos area gives you the most flexibility on timing.
Reach Spinalonga by boat from Plaka, because the island has no road link and sits directly across a narrow channel from the village. The crossing from Plaka is the shortest of the three departure points, since Elounda and Agios Nikolaos lie further along the coast. Boats combine the beach with a tour of the Venetian fortress and the ruins of the former leper colony, so a swim at Plaka pairs naturally with the island visit. Many guided Spinalonga boat trips and day tours leave from Plaka, Elounda and Agios Nikolaos, and several add a tavern lunch or a swim stop at nearby Kolokytha bay. The small Spinalonga Beach on the island’s quieter side is reached on the same crossing.
Plaka is a traditional fishing village with a relaxed, uncrowded feel and waterfront taverns that serve fresh fish and Cretan dishes. The area west of the village, Ano Mirabello, holds picturesque villages, ancient sites and wide olive groves in the hills. North of Plaka the village of Vrouchas keeps its old windmills, and further on the Aforesmenos Cape lighthouse marks the northwest tip of the Gulf of Mirabello beside a modern wind farm. Inland stops such as Elounda, Agios Nikolaos and the craft village of Kritsa round out a day trip, and a scenic drive through Mirabello leads on to Neapoli or Milatos and the main road to Heraklion.
Visit Plaka beach between June and September, when the weather is warm and the sunbeds, taverns and boat trips run at their fullest. Spring and autumn stay quieter and still pleasant for swimming, so April to early June and September to October suit anyone who prefers fewer people. The beach faces a sheltered channel, which keeps the water calm on most summer days.
Use these tips to get the most out of a day at Plaka beach:
Yes, Plaka beach is worth visiting for its clear calm water, its pebble shore and its direct views of Spinalonga island. The beach is organised with sunbeds and umbrellas, sits beside a traditional village with waterfront taverns, and works well as both a swimming stop and the start of a boat trip to Spinalonga.
Plaka beach is on the northeast coast of Crete, 16 kilometres north of Agios Nikolaos and just north of Elounda, in the Gulf of Mirabello, Lasithi. It lies opposite the entrance of the Korfos (Elounda) lagoon and faces the island of Spinalonga.
Plaka beach is pebbly, with smooth pale stones rather than sand. The pebbles keep the water clear, and water shoes make walking into the sea more comfortable.
Yes, the water at Plaka beach is clear and usually calm, which suits swimming and snorkeling. The beach faces a sheltered channel toward Spinalonga, so the surface stays calm on most summer days.
Yes, sunbeds and umbrellas are available to hire on the organised part of Plaka beach. You can also sit for free on the pebbles under the tamarisk trees that line the back of the beach.
Yes, Plaka beach suits families, because the main beach has calm clear water and taverns within walking distance. Families who prefer shade can use the tamarisk trees or hire an umbrella on the organised stretch.
Take a boat from Plaka to Spinalonga, which is the shortest of the three crossings to the island. Boats also leave from Elounda and Agios Nikolaos, and most trips combine the fortress tour with time at the beach.
Yes, Plaka has waterfront tavernas within walking distance of the beach. The taverns serve fresh fish and traditional Cretan dishes beside the sea.
No, Plaka beach is an organised family beach and is not a designated naturist beach. It has sunbeds, umbrellas and nearby taverns, and it is used mainly by families and day visitors.
The best time to visit Plaka beach is between June and September, when the weather is warm and all the services run. Spring and autumn are quieter and still good for swimming, so choose April to June or September to October for fewer crowds.
On the easternmost shore, a dirt road begins at Agios Antonios and stretches 1km east towards Cape Kenti, near the wind turbines of Aforesmenos Cape, also known as Avlaki. Beside Avlaki, lies the pebbled beach of Xepapadia (Xepapadeas) , the only beach in the Mirabello area that faces purely east and is typically calm. Adjacent to Xepapadia, you can find the picturesque chapel of St. Dionysios.
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