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The Panagia’s Fraskia Bay is nestled 24km northwest of Heraklion, on the western fringe of the Heraklion Bay. It is situated at a small valley’s exit, adjacent to the existing private settlement of Theseus. The name, Fraskia, originates from the Cretan term ‘fraski’, a type of jar used as a beehive by the Cretans. The surrounding area abounds in thyme, herbs, and shrubs, making it a perfect spot for beekeeping.
A significant portion of the coastline is peppered with alternating tiny coves of sandy and rocky seafloors, extending southwards to the area known as “The Garden of Priest”. Beyond this area, remarkable caves can be found. The sea, usually calm due to the infrequent eastern winds in northern Crete, was used by the Venetians as a harbour to shield their ships. Particularly on days when the northwest winds prevail, Panagia becomes the preferred choice for Heraklion’s boat owners.
Access to the beach is primarily by boat, with a strenuous path from the Heraklion-Rethymnon highway (before the exit to Ligaria) leading to the bay. A shorter, more accessible path starts from the neighbouring Theseus beach, but entry is restricted as it is private property. The beach is secluded, with no amenities. Sadly, unchecked construction by thoughtless locals has marred the shoreline. These squatters brazenly constructed cement bases on the beach, causing significant damage to the landscape with their refuse.
The beach is named after the Panagia (Virgin Mary) monastery, of which only ruined walls remain. A solitary shrine is the only reminder of a once-existing church. The church continues to celebrate annual festivities, with residents of Rogdia and Achlada villages arriving by boat. A dry creek with dense vegetation lies near the church.
In front of the settlement, there is a deep, pebbly beach with a calm, artificially created sea meant for the residents. The seabed starts shallow but deepens abruptly after a few meters. Umbrellas are provided for the village dwellers. Non-residents or visitors are prohibited from driving cars to the beach and must park near the village exit. A steep 1km walk is required to reach the beach, making the return journey quite exhausting. The beach may not be worth the effort unless permitted by a security guard to drive down. Alternatively, boats from the nearest harbour, Pantanassa, can be used. The deep waters are ideal for fishing, especially for avid snorkelers.
Get directions to Fraskia beach
There are various activities you can do at Fraskia beach such as swimming, sunbathing, snorkeling, and beach volleyball.
Yes, Fraskia beach is suitable for families with children as the water is calm and shallow, making it safe for kids to swim.
Yes, there are several restaurants and cafes near Fraskia beach where you can enjoy delicious food and drinks while enjoying the beautiful view.
Yes, you can rent beach equipment such as umbrellas, sun loungers, and beach towels at Fraskia beach.
Yes, Fraskia beach is accessible for people with disabilities as there are ramps and special facilities available for them.
Yes, there are several water sports activities available at Fraskia beach such as jet skiing, parasailing, and banana boat rides.
Yes, Fraskia beach is a good spot for snorkeling as there are various marine species and colorful corals that can be seen underwater.
Yes, there is a parking area near Fraskia beach where you can park your car for a fee.
The water colour of the Fraskia beach is deep blue.
The Fraskia beach has fine pebbles.
The water at the Fraskia beach is deep.
The sea surface at the Fraskia beach is usually calm.
The Fraskia beach is usually quiet.
There are no facilities available at the Fraskia beach.
The Fraskia beach can be accessed via a paved road or by boat.
The Fraskia beach is ideal for snorkeling and spearfishing.
Find below list of things to do near Fraskia beach:
If you are over 8 years old, this day-program offers you the opportunity to discover the feelings of freedom and tranquility that scuba diving gives you. Throughout this program, you will be accompanied by an english speaking instructor.
Without you having particular knowledge and in small groups, STAY WET DIVING CENTER makes you discover what you have dreamed of for a long time already! Lack of experience is not an obstacle, since when you arrive with us, you will follow a briefing (about 30 minutes) given by a diving instructor. He will teach you the basics of diving and introduce you to the flora and fauna of the Mediterranean.
Add this unforgettable experience to your vacation!
Following this theory, you will be divided into groups of 4 people maximum and supervised by 1 instructor from the center. At no time will you be alone in the water! We are waiting for you with firm fins to guide you for 45 minutes through this fantastic world, at a maximum depth of 6 meters (regulatory depth for a first dive, 12 meters for the second). Whether it’s the feeling of weightlessness, discovering the fascinating world of the sea or simply breathing easily underwater – you will quickly develop a taste for diving!
If you chose to come with us, the transfer back to your hotel will leave at 4PM. It will give you time to enjoy our beautiful beach and eat at the delicious restaurants we have at the bay.
Do not miss this day!
Discover the underwater world with the experts of Scuba Diving at the famous bay of Agia Pelagia, where the sea is always calm and clear.
Discover the underwater world and feel as a diver. This program is specifically designed for those who never dived before and know nothing about scuba diving.
You’ll be taught the basics of scuba so that you’ll have a real dive, always following the safety standards of Padi, the leading scuba diving organization in the world. Feel like diver, breathe and move freely underwater and listen to the sounds of silence, always accompanied and supervised by qualified PADI instructors.
You’ll spend one hour in the diving center for basic information and introduction to scuba diving, watch a 20 minutes informational video in your language. Your experienced instructors will teach you all the secrets and the techniques of scuba diving. that makes it easy and simple, and will be continuously with you during your whole activity.
You’ll spend one more hour in the sea where you’ll be practicing the simple techniques you previously learned, while your instructors will guide you to the top experience of your life. You’ll be breathing and moving freely and play underwater games while exploring the house reef and thousands of fish swim around you.
Your instructors will teach you how to be autonomous and enjoy the most, not just hold you and pull you around.
During your first dive, you’re allowed to reach the depth of six meters, but you’ll be taken only where you feel comfortable and safe.
Return to the dive center to watch the footage and HD videos captured during your whole activity.
If you are over 8 years old, this day-program offers you the opportunity to discover the feelings of freedom and tranquility that scuba diving gives you. Throughout this program, you will be accompanied by an english speaking instructor.
Without you having particular knowledge and in small groups, STAY WET DIVING CENTER makes you discover what you have dreamed of for a long time already! Lack of experience is not an obstacle, since when you arrive with us, you will follow a briefing (about 30 minutes) given by a diving instructor. He will teach you the basics of diving and introduce you to the flora and fauna of the Mediterranean.
Add this unforgettable experience to your vacation!
Following this theory, you will be divided into groups of 4 people maximum and supervised by 1 instructor from the center. At no time will you be alone in the water! We are waiting for you with firm fins to guide you for 45 minutes through this fantastic world, at a maximum depth of 6 meters (regulatory depth for a first dive, 12 meters for the second). Whether it’s the feeling of weightlessness, discovering the fascinating world of the sea or simply breathing easily underwater – you will quickly develop a taste for diving!
After learning the basics during this first dive, we invite you to repeat the experience during a 2nd dive during the day. During this, you will discover a completely different universe since you will leave the bay to do a slightly deeper dive (12 meters) where you will be able to observe new types of fish as well as a unique relief.
The second dive will be done around 2PM. The transfer back to your hotel will leave at 4PM. It will give you time to enjoy our beautiful beach and eat at the delicious restaurants we have at the bay.
Do not miss this day!
The Discover Scuba – Intro program takes approximately 1 and a half hours, including a 30 minute theory session conducted by one of our professionals. This is followed by a dive in our pool or in confined water (shallow water in front of our dive center) where divers practice a few basic diving skills. Then the program involves a Confined Water dive to a maximum depth of 5 meters for approximately 30 minutes.
The Discover Scuba Diving and Discover Scuba – Intro program lets you experience the thrill of diving under the supervision of a PADI/SSI Instructor in ideal conditions.
Mermaid diving is a popular and exciting new trend in the world of diving. Instead of traditional scuba gear, divers wear a mermaid tail, allowing them to swim like a mermaid or merman.
Mermaid diving is suitable for both beginners and experienced divers, as long as they are comfortable in the water and have basic swimming skills.The experience of mermaid diving is not just about swimming with a tail. It’s also about exploring the underwater world in a new and magical way. In mermaiding participants use their whole bodies, similar to the dolphin movement. The movement starts in the chest and from there continues like a wave throughout the entire body.
The mermaid tail, adds an element of fantasy and fun to the dive, and many divers enjoy performing tricks and swimming in formation with other mermaids.
Generally, there is no age limit in mermaiding but participants must be experienced swimmers.
Take the plunge with a beginner’s diving course in Agia Pelagia and earn an SSI certification at the end. Enjoy a driving trip with two open water dives, descend up to 6 meters, and benefit from the support and guidance of an SSI instructor.
After being picked up from your hotel, arrive at the base and meet your SSI instructor. Take a 30-minute theory class to learn the ins and outs of water and diving safety. Once you feel comfortable, pick up your diving equipment and make your way to the water for the first of two dives.
Take your time to get comfortable in the water and enjoy the support of your instructor. Explore the world beneath the waves of Agia Pelagia as you scout out colorful fish, unique rock formations, and otherworldly plant life.
Both dives will last approximately 45 minutes, giving you plenty of time to adjust and gain confidence.
Finally, enjoy a relaxing transfer back to your hotel.
Find below the list of hotels near Fraskia beach:
Boasting air-conditioned accommodation with a pool with a view, Antiopi Luxury Villa is situated in Agia Pelagia. This beachfront property offers access to a balcony, tennis at the tennis court, free private parking and free WiFi.
The villa features 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, bed linen, towels, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, and a terrace with sea views.
The villa offers a barbecue. Snorkelling and fishing can be enjoyed nearby, while a car rental service and a private beach area are also available on site.
Popular points of interest near Antiopi Luxury Villa include Theseus Beach, Fraskia Beach and Mades Beach. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 23 km from the accommodation.
from
€375
/night
Featuring a garden, rooftop pool and garden views, Aegean blue dream Villa is set in Lygaria. This beachfront property offers access to a balcony, ping-pong, and free WiFi.
The villa is fitted with 5 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, bed linen, towels, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, and a terrace with sea views. The air-conditioned villa also offers a washing machine and 3 bathrooms with a shower.
The villa offers a children’s playground. Guests at Aegean blue dream Villa can enjoy tennis on site, or snorkelling in the surroundings.
Popular points of interest near the accommodation include Theseus Beach, Fraskia Beach and Mades Beach. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 23 km from Aegean blue dream Villa.
Featuring air-conditioned accommodation with a pool with a view, mountain view and a balcony, Suite Fleria with private beach is located in Lygaria. There is an on-site restaurant, plus free private parking and free WiFi are available.
The holiday home comes with 2 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, bed linen, towels, a flat-screen TV, a dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, and a terrace with sea views.
Staff at the holiday home are always available to provide guidance at the reception.
Suite Fleria with private beach offers a children’s playground. A car rental service and a private beach area are featured at the accommodation.
Popular points of interest near Suite Fleria with private beach include Theseus Beach, Fraskia Beach and Mades Beach. The nearest airport is Heraklion International, 23 km from the holiday home, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.
from
€251
/night
Providing garden views, Family Apartment Ammoudi in Agia Pelagia provides accommodation, a seasonal outdoor swimming pool and a garden. Free WiFi is providedthroughout the property.
All units come with a terrace with pool views, a kitchen with an oven and a fridge, and a private bathroom with a bath or shower. There is a seating and a dining area in all units.
Popular points of interest near the apartment include Theseus Beach, Fraskia Beach and Mades Beach. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 22 km from Family Apartment Ammoudi.
from
€65
/night
Set 300 metres from Theseus Beach and 300 metres from Fraskia Beach, Villa Marie Nicol in Agia Pelagia offers air-conditioned accommodation with views of the garden and free WiFi.
The villa 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 bath and slippers. A toaster, a fridge and stovetop are also offered, as well as a coffee machine and a kettle.
Guests at Villa Marie Nicol can enjoy a continental breakfast.
The accommodation offers a children’s playground.
Both a bicycle rental service and a car rental service are available at Villa Marie Nicol.
Mades Beach is 1.4 km from the villa, while Venetian Walls is 19 km from the property. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 22 km from Villa Marie Nicol.
Boasting air-conditioned accommodation with a private pool, Villa Deana by Villa Plus is set in Lygaria. It has a garden, sea views and free WiFithroughout the property.
The villa features 4 bedrooms, a kitchen with a dishwasher, a washing machine, and 2 bathrooms with a hair dryer. Towels and bed linen are offered in the villa.
A a baby safety gate is also available for guests at Villa Deana by Villa Plus.
Popular points of interest near the accommodation include Theseus Beach, Fraskia Beach and Mades Beach. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 22 km from Villa Deana by Villa Plus.
from
€241
/night
Find below list of beaches near Fraskia beach:
Situated 19km northwest of Heraklion, nestled between the Capes Katarameno to the west and Bourouni of Rogdia to the east, lies Tripiti. This untouched stretch of coastline is north of its namesake settlement and boasts a pebbled shore alongside deep blue waters. Towering cliffs encase it, and to the east, exquisite caves can be found, giving the beach its name, Tripiti, which translates to ‘with holes’. These imposing cliffs contribute to the beach’s seclusion, making it one of the most remote beaches near Heraklion.
It’s worth noting that there is no vehicular access to the beach, evident by the remnants of a road that once led there until 1995. This road was entirely washed away by floods, leaving no trace of even a footpath.
The only drawback of this stunning location is its exposure to the north winds, which occasionally deposit litter along the coast. However, when the sea is tranquil, the beach offers an ideal getaway, particularly for those fortunate enough to own a private boat.
Madé, also known as Madés, is a quaint coastal hamlet situated close to Ligaria, 20km to the northwest of Heraklion and 4km towards the east of Agia Pelagia beach. It can be found near the northernmost fringe of the Gulf of Heraklion, at a site known as Cape Bourouni of Rogdia. To reach this spot from Heraklion, you would have to travel along the highway to Chania and then take the Ligaria / Mades exit. A sign for Madé will appear just 1.5km into this route.
The village overlooks a tiny bay with a pebble beach, enveloped by several rocks and the small settlement of Madé. The local hotel manages this area well, offering both umbrellas and sunbeds to its guests. Nearby, you can find a handful of rooms, a mini-market, a beach bar, and a few taverns. The tranquillity of the beach attracts mostly locals who have constructed their summer homes here. Its rocky seabed teeming with fish makes it a perfect spot for fishing and snorkelling. However, the beach’s northern orientation leaves it susceptible to winds.
The signature feature of Mades is a pair of small islets that lie opposite the western end of the beach, which are perfect for snorkelling. The name ‘Mades’ derives from the Greek verb ‘Mado’, meaning ‘break easily’. It refers to the area’s stones, which are prone to cracking and are highly unstable.
The Ligaria beach, nestled 21km northwest of Heraklion and just 1km east of Agia Pelagia, is shielded by the Bay of Ligaria from the common northwest winds of the region. Not far from here is the Panagia church, a relic from its days as the Panagia Ligariani monastery. The area is named after this monastery, which in turn, derives its name from the abundant osier plant, also known as ‘ligaria’ in Greek, famous for its pliable stems and lovely flowers.
The beach is an enchanting spot with its rough sand and serene, turquoise water. The presence of small boats adds to the charm of the scene. While the eastern part is more exposed to waves and tends to gather more debris, the western side boasts cleaner water and a flat sea. Smooth rocks are found close to the shore except for the western part of Ligaria which has small sandy areas. The beach is well-equipped with facilities like umbrellas, sunbeds, water sports, a diving school, beach bars, restaurants, and accommodations. However, parking can be a challenge, especially on weekends due to the influx of locals.
A trail leading northeast from the west end of the beach takes you to the top of the cape safeguarding Ligaria. Adjacent to this cape lies a secluded little beach named Parasfougario. It has sand and pebbles but is exposed to the wind. A stone pathway starting from a cliffside house leads to this beach, but it is off-limits as it falls under private property.
Parasfougario Beach, situated in the Achlada district of Malevizi province, is approximately 22 km northwest of Heraklion on the island of Crete. Positioned on a steep incline between the well-known beaches of Lygaria and Agia Pelagia, the only access to it is by a 20-25 minute swim from either of these beaches.
A set of stairs from a nearby house lead directly down to this petite beach. Its backdrop of a slope blanketed in crithmum adds to its charm. The ocean floor features pebbles and coarse sand, and a small cave to the east further enhances the picturesque setting.
Unlike its neighbouring beaches, Parasfougario is exposed to the northern winds. As a result, it is advisable to avoid it during windy periods, as it tends to accumulate a significant amount of rubbish during these times.
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