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To the west of the village of Platia Peramata, you’ll discover the humble settlement known as Krigioi, with its array of unlawfully constructed homes and cottages. A brief drive along the local stream leads you to a stunning beach adorned with fine pebbles and crystal clear water. The uniqueness of Krigi lies in its numerous miniature beaches that stretch along the coast to Platia Peramata and the awe-inspiring soft limestone formations.
Overlooking Krigi is the quaint chapel of Saint Demetrius. To its west, you will find another secluded pebbly beach, Aspros Harakas, or White Rock, named for the pale rocks at its western end. However, Aspros Harakas may not appeal to everyone as it can only be reached by boat, boasts large stones and lacks shade.
Venturing further westward, you’ll stumble upon the three consecutive beaches of Kokkines Plakes, or Red Rocks. True to their name, these beaches are surrounded by reddish rocks and are primarily accessible via the sea.
Get directions to Krigi beach
Krigi beach is located in which country and region?
Can visitors swim in the waters of Krigi beach?
What are the available activities for visitors to enjoy at Krigi beach?
Are there any rules or regulations that visitors should be aware of when visiting Krigi beach?
What is the ideal season or time of year to visit Krigi beach?
Is Krigi beach a safe place for children to play and swim?
What is the natural beauty and landscape of Krigi beach like?
What other tourist destinations or attractions are located near Krigi beach?
Are there any accommodations or facilities available for visitors with disabilities at Krigi beach?
The water colour of the Krigi beach is blue.
The Krigi beach has fine pebbles as sand.
The water depth of the Krigi beach is normal.
The surface of the sea at the Krigi beach is usually calm.
The Krigi beach is usually quiet with fewer crowds.
There are no facilities available at the Krigi beach.
The Krigi beach can be accessed through a dirt track.
Yes, there is tree shade available at the Krigi beach.
Find below list of things to do near Krigi beach:
Southern Crete is a natural beauty which begs to be explored, while the region’s turbulent history has left behind some of the most beautiful remains. Come with us on a day trip with no planned destinations and let us explore together the hidden gems of this magnificent part of Crete!
Our crew will meet you at Agia Galini port and welcome you on board, where you will be given a briefing about safety and boat handling. We set our sails to the unexplored beaches of South Crete.
We arrive at the beach of our choice. We drop our anchor and you will have free time for swimming, snorkelling, enjoying the sun and nature. We carefully approach the coves that are surrounded by the protected wildlife.
Our team will tell you everything about the history and the myths of the places we will visit while a delicious meal from fresh and local organic ingredients is being prepared.
After your lunch and perhaps after a quick dive, we will set our sails again to return back to Agia Galini port.
We only wish to see the dolphins on the way back!
Places of interest: Agios Georgios, Agios Pavlos, Triopetra, Preveli, Komos Beach, Matala, Kokkini Ammos (Red Beach), Vathi Beach, Akra Lithino, Martsalo, Agiofarago, Kaloi Limenes.
**Please note that the itinerary might change due to the weather condition and the duration of the trip!
Discover a shipwreck during 2 scuba dives with an experienced instructor. Head over to South Crete , crossing amazing landscapes , gear up and swim through the now bustling aquatic life living around the cargo ship wreck. Tuck into local snacks in between your dives, reenergizing yourself.
Drive through varying landscapes, past mountains and traditional villages before arriving at the South Coast, where the “Byron I” cargo ship wreck is laying down on the sea floor.
During your dive briefing learn the history of the wreck. The “Byron I” was a cargo ship carrying 11,000 tons of sugar. On January 17, 1985 the ship sunk in bad weather conditions, dropping its sugary cargo around it. Luckily, the crew managed to survive and was saved from the wreck.
Nowadays. this 100-meter ship wreck is home to divers aquatic life, from groupers to octopuses, and from moray eels to lionfish, and more. Dive in crystal clear waters with great visibility, making this dive site a unique place for underwater photography.
Tuck into a delicious local snack with fruits and drinks between your 2 dives, and enjoy a debrief with your instructor after both dives, as your dive log is filled out.
We start driving through the route of the vineyards of crete. The villages we will cross are famous for the grape varieties and their wines and that is why there are many well-known wineries on our way.
Our first stop is at agios thomas a village at an altitude of 760 meters, dating back to 1371 AD. In the village there are byzantine churches, ruins of the byzantine aqueduct as well as roman era tombs.
Going down, we will cross the messara valley and following a route through olive groves, we will reach the monastery of odogitria one of the most famous monasteries of crete, dating back to the 14thcentury. You will be amazed by the beauty of the monastery and you will have the opportunity to visit the museum with objects of the daily life of cretans.
Following a beautiful dirt road we arrive at the entrance of agiofarago and start crossing it on foot. Walking through the gorge (with zero difficulty degree) you will have the opportunity to get close to sheep and goats which are beautiful and absolutely harmless. After 20 minutes walking you will end up on a beach with fine pebble that will really enchant you. It is the paradise of southern crete
After swimming in the crystal clear waters and driving through a beautiful dirt road we reach matala, the famous village of southern crete where the hippies lived in the 70s. You will have free time to admire the beauties of the village and visit the caves of the hippies.
We return to the hotel through a beautiful route. This journey will amaze and fill you with pictures that will stay with you for a lifetime.
We reach the famous beach of Matala. This is the place where Zeus, having taken the form a bull, swam ashore with Europa on his back before dragging her off to Gortys. Both the Minoans and the Romans used the place as their harbor. Nevertheless, for most people, Matala means only one thing: hippies. Back in the late 1960s – 1970s, this little town was a colony of the “flower children”, who lived in the caves that used to be former Roman tombs. Here we will enjoy the crystal waters, the warm sun and lunch by the sea, while later we can explore the prehistoric caves, carved on thesteep rocks of the area.
11:00 Arrival at Matala – free time
15:00 Departure from Matala
16:15 Arrival in Heraklion
Route: 90 km
Duration: app. 8 hours
Extras: Entrance Caves Matala (optional): 2,00 €
Pick up
Malia: 08:30
Stalis: 08:35
Hersonisos: 08:45
Anissaras: 08:55
Analipsi: 09:10
Gouves: 09:20
Gournes: 09:30
Kokkini Hani: 09:30
Karteros: 09:35
Heraklion: 09:45
Ammoudara: 09:55
Early in the morning we will pick you up from your hotel or the nearest suitable pick up point with one of our air conditioned and comfortable buses so that we lead you at first to Matala, famous for the artificial caves in the cliff of the bay that were created in the Neolithic history, used later through the years as tombs or more likely as living spaces. In recent history, during the 70’s, the caves were occupied by hippies, a history that is nowadays celebrated every June during the 3 day Matala Beach Festival. In Matala you can enjoy swimming at the sandy beach, have a drink or a snack in one of the small picturesque cafe, or explore the village and the surrounding area. Three hours later, leaving from Matala we will go to Agia Galini, a famous tourist resort also in the South coast of Rethymno region, where you can relax, swim or enjoy your lunch in one of the many restaurants located at the small port and the alleys of the village. Final destination in our trip will be Spili, a small, traditional and very beautiful village, located at the Southwest side of mountain Vorizi, 30 klms away from the city of Rethymno. You can enjoy a walk, a soft drink at the central square with the famous 25 lionhead marble taps with water always running from the mountain.
One hour later we will take our way back to Rethymno where our day trip will come to an end.
Join us on a unique adventure as we travel along the island’s beautiful southern coast, stopping to enjoy the stunning scenery, cute towns, and stunning views of the water.
Get ready to be blown away by Matala’s stunning natural beauty when we get to this cute town. Grab a delicious lunch by the water and get ready to enjoy the beauty of the clear water, the warm sun, and the weather. Get ready for an interesting trip through ancient caves that have been carefully cut into the steep rocks of this amazing place.
Matala is known for its beautiful beaches, clear waters, and towering hills that make the village’s setting truly gorgeous. It is located in a calm bay. The town has an interesting past. In the 1960s and 1970s, hippies came there because of its free-spirited vibe, natural beauty, and easygoing way of life. This is the spot where Zeus, dressed as a bull, brought Europa to Gortys while riding on his back. Both the Minoans and the Romans used this spot as a harbour. Matala, on the other hand, is usually associated with hippies by most people. The “flower children” lived in this cute town in the late 1960s and early 1970s. They were a group of free-spirited people. The caves, which used to be Roman tombs, were where they lived.
Our next stop is the famous beach of Matala, where you can swim, lay out in the sun on the fine sand, and explore the interesting caves that used to be home to the hippie community. Along the beach, there are also ruins of Roman buildings, such as the remains of an arena and a Roman bath.
Matala beach is beautiful, but after you’re done there, take a stroll through the village’s pretty streets. You will be charmed by the village’s traditional buildings, brightly coloured homes, and lively atmosphere. Enjoy the village’s charm by looking around the one-of-a-kind shops, eating delicious local food, or just relaxing in the friendly atmosphere.
As the day comes to a close, we’ll head back to Heraklion, remembering all the wonderful things that happened. On our trip to Matala, you will see the stunning natural beauty and interesting past of Crete. Make memories that will last a lifetime and amaze you.
Find below the list of hotels near Krigi beach:
Boasting air-conditioned accommodation with a rooftop pool, mountain view and a patio, Villa Melpomeni is set in Andiskárion. This beachfront property offers access to a balcony, free private parking and free WiFi.
The villa with a terrace and sea views has 4 bedrooms, a living room, a flat-screen TV, an equipped kitchen with an oven and a fridge, and 2 bathrooms with a shower. Towels and bed linen are offered in the villa.
The villa offers a picnic area. A car rental service is available at Villa Melpomeni.
Psili Ammos Beach is 1.1 km from the accommodation, while Kokkines Plakes Beach is 2.5 km from the property. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 69 km from Villa Melpomeni.
from
€266
/night
Situated in Kali Limenes, 1.3 km from Maha Beach and 1.3 km from Karavovrisi Beach, Beach View offers air conditioning. This beachfront property offers access to a balcony and free WiFi.
The apartment has 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, bed linen, towels, a flat-screen TV, a dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, and a terrace with sea views.
Kokkines Plakes Beach is 1.8 km from the apartment, while Phaistos is 28 km from the property. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 72 km from Beach View.
from
€65
/night
Set in Kali Limenes, a few steps from Kaloi Limenes Beach and 300 metres from Psili Ammos Beach, Beach Front Condo South Crete offers barbecue facilities and air conditioning. This beachfront property offers access to free WiFi and free private parking.
The apartment with a balcony and sea views has 3 bedrooms, a living room, a flat-screen TV, an equipped kitchen with a dishwasher and an oven, and 2 bathrooms with a walk-in shower. Towels and bed linen are offered in the apartment.
The apartment offers a range of wellness facilities including a wellness packages and a beauty services. A car rental service is available at Beach Front Condo South Crete, while skiing and hiking can be enjoyed nearby.
Makria Ammos Beach is 800 metres from the accommodation, while Phaistos is 19 km from the property. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 71 km from Beach Front Condo South Crete.
from
€153
/night
Situated a few steps from Kaloi Limenes Beach, Marousa Apartments features accommodation with pool with a view, a garden and a shared kitchen for your convenience. Free WiFi is offeredthroughout the property.
Offering a terrace or balcony with views of the sea and mountain, the units feature air conditioning, a seating area, cable TV and kitchen. An oven, a fridge and stovetop are also available, as well as a coffee machine and a kettle.
A car rental service is available at the apartment.
Psili Ammos Beach is 300 metres from Marousa Apartments, while Makria Ammos Beach is 800 metres from the property. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 71 km from the accommodation.
Boasting sea views, Katerina’s Lux Home offers accommodation with a balcony and a coffee machine, around 1.8 km from Limanaki Beach. This beachfront property offers access to a terrace and free private parking.
With free WiFi, this apartment features a flat-screen TV, a washing machine and a kitchen with an oven and fridge. Towels and bed linen are offered in the apartment.
Guests can also relax in the garden.
Phaistos is 32 km from the apartment, while Museum of Cretan Ethnology is 32 km from the property. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 69 km from Katerina’s Lux Home.
from
€153
/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
Find below list of beaches near Krigi beach:
Platia Peramata, a quaint village situated 69km south of Heraklion and 7km east of both Kali Limenes and Lendas, nestles at the exit of a small, fertile valley that cuts through the rugged Asterousia Mountains. This valley begins at Antiskari village and concludes in a settlement, its rich soil used for growing early vegetables like tomatoes, cucumbers, and peppers in greenhouses due to the consistently high temperatures.
The region features numerous adjacent bays that form serene and picturesque beaches, frequented primarily by locals. At the heart of the settlement lies the small beach of Platia Peramata, known for its fine pebbles which are predominantly used to moor the locals’ boats. Despite the beach’s lack of extensive facilities, a handful of tavernas and rooms are available nearby. Tamarisk trees line the beach and are often used as camping spots. To the east of the settlement, East Platia Peramata beach, less favored by swimmers, offers another pebbly shoreline.
Just about 1km eastward from the Chrysostomos settlement, you’ll come across the stunning Maha beaches. The first beach, primarily used as a harbour, is rocky and unorganized. However, there are a few rooms and a tavern in close proximity, with a road that leads right to the beach. If you continue to follow the dirt pathway that runs parallel to the beach towards the east, you’ll discover another breathtaking beach after about 100m. This beach boasts fine pebbles and deep, crystal blue waters. Although there are no trees to offer shade, there’s a cave on the eastern side of the beach that provides some respite from the sun. Do note that camping is prohibited here, as indicated by the signs scattered around the area.
The longest beach in the region, Psili Ammos, is situated to the east of the village Platia Peramata. This secluded and stunning beach does not cater well to camping due to the lack of tree shade. Still, at the eastern extremity, one can find large white rocks known as Asproharaki, which provide shade to those fortunate enough to claim them. The beach was thrust into prominence in 2010 when a significant Russian oil tanker was stranded there during a storm. Thankfully, no one was at risk and no environmental harm was done.
Paliomandra beach
On your way to Psili Ammos from Tsigounas, you will encounter several minor beaches. The furthest east cove, reachable via a dirt road, is known as Paliomandra and is rather secluded. The beach features coarse sand and a rocky seabed, making it ideal for fishing and snorkeling.
Chrisostomos, a quaint seaside hamlet, is situated 75km to the south of Heraklion and 3km to the east of Kali Limenes. This small community features a few local taverns, a mini market, and available lodging. It takes its name from the decaying church of Saint John Chrisostomos located on the eastern side of the settlement. Chrisostomos is established on the ancient city of Lassea’s site, which Saint Paul visited during his time on Crete. Lassea served as a port for the Roman city Gortys, the then capital of Crete and Libya in the Roman era, and was rich in copper resources.
Chrisostomos (Lassea) beach, in front of the village, is a picturesque spot featuring coarse sand and shelter from westerly winds. It’s not commercialized, but is conveniently close to the village. On the beach’s western edge, a rocky outcrop extends towards the small islet of Trafos, marking the ancient port of Lassea’s old pier. These rocks have been there since the 1960s, when they were used to construct the Oil Tanks of Kali Limenes. The ancient town of Lasea’s remnants are still visible on the beach and the islet. The beach extends beyond Trafos to the west, forming a separate beach known as Segrezo Ryaki that faces westward. This beach is proximate to a Roman cemetery and is secluded, ideal for nudists, but has more rocks than the main beach. At the westernmost point, there’s a freshwater spring.
To get here from Kali Limenes, take the paved road that begins 1km east of Kali Limenes and head east towards Platia Peramata. After about 2km, you will encounter the village of Chrysostomos on your right.
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