Pantanassa, situated 12km west of Heraklion, is named after the Monastery of Panagia Pantanassa, which is dedicated to the Virgin Mary. The beach lies adjacent to the quaint port of Pantanassa. Prior to the establishment of the port, Pantanassa boasted an enchanting beach, concealed by a small pine forest and possessing crystal-clear waters. Now, the beach has been divided by the port, causing Pantanasa beach to lose some of its former allure. Nonetheless, it still retains its beauty, featuring pebbles and clear waters.
The beach offers amenities such as umbrellas and sunbeds, and some pine trees still grace the nearby cliffs. A pathway from the port allows for easy access. If hunger strikes, there are eateries in the port of Pantanassa and nearby areas. Visitors can combine their beach visit with a trip to the Pantanassa Monastery, perched atop the pine-covered hill above the beach. Built in the mid-20th century, it was envisioned to serve as a charity monastery, but the founder, Nikolaos Xenos, passed away before realizing his dream. Today, the monastery functions as a nunnery.
The Lefkadia area lies to the west of Pantanassa beach. Here, two secluded bays, largely unknown to most Heraklion residents, provide an ideal spot for relaxation. Recently, a beach bar was established and a trail leading to the beach was opened. Helidoni beach, featuring sandy and pebbly areas with a predominantly rocky seabed, is perfect for snorkeling. The western view is captivating, with the ruins of the old Paliokastro castle visible. Visitors can park in the nearby small pine grove and hike up to the castle.
Situated 26km northwest of Heraklion, Fodele beach is just a short 3km journey north from the village of Fodele, the suspected birthplace of famed painter Domenikos Theotokopoulos, or El Greco. The National Road, linking Heraklion and Chania, runs parallel to the beach, offering easy access. This sandy beach is open to the north winds and is flanked by Cape Stavros on the east and Kastellos hill on the west. Atop Kastellos hill, one can find the remnants of the old fort, Kastelos. The beach itself is formed at the mouth of the river Pantomantris or Fodelianos.
The western section of the beach is meticulously maintained and comes equipped with sun umbrellas, sun beds, showers, water sports, cafes and taverns. You can spot a large hotel on the west slope of Kastellos hill, with a small pier in front of it that provides protection to swimmers. The eastern part of the beach, near the local gas station, is less developed and exposed to the north winds.
Visitors can pair their beach day with a trip to the picturesque village of Fodele, nestled in a verdant valley along the banks of the river Pantomantris. The village, located on the site of the ancient city Pantomatri, was named after its first inhabitant. The valley is renowned for its citrus trees, especially oranges and lemons. Numerous taverns are scattered within the village and along the river, offering traditional cuisine under the cover of towering plane trees. It’s worth exploring the village streets and visiting the local churches of St. George and the Assumption. Just outside the village, you’ll find the churches of Annunciation, All Saints, St. George, St. John and Virgin Mary.
Fodele is known as the birthplace of El Greco, the most celebrated figure of the Cretan School of Iconography. El Greco spent his early years in Crete before relocating to Italy, where he worked alongside Titian. His later years were spent in Toledo, Spain, where he passed away. His artwork exhibits a fusion of Byzantine and ancient Greek influences with Renaissance art. The house he grew up in, positioned 1km southwest of the village at Skotini, is well preserved and functions as an El Greco museum housing replicas of his work. Nearby, the ancient church of Panagia (Virgin Mary) is a worthwhile visit. It’s believed that this church greatly inspired the artist. Lastly, an exhibition showcasing El Greco’s original and reconstructed works, along with items from the movie “El Greco”, has been on display at the Bethlehem Gate of the Venetian Walls of Heraklion city since 2009.
Contrary to the prevailing belief that Crete’s scenic beaches are situated in remote areas far from major cities, those familiar with the island know that hidden gems are scattered across every corner. One such paradise is the Helidoni (Swallow) beach, just a stone’s throw from the historical Paliokastro fort in Rogdia near Heraklion. This haven is just a five-minute drive from the outskirts of Heraklion.
The beach known as Helidoni or Porto Helidoni is situated just south of Paliokastro and is nestled beneath the highway. A staircase with wooden steps descends to the sea level. The beach stands out for its cleanliness and the crystal-clear water that brings to mind the best beaches of southern Crete. The beach is oriented towards the east and, as a result, is typically calm, much like other beaches stretching from Ellinoperamata to Frankia. It is a quaint beach with a blend of fine pebbles and sand in certain spots. The seabed is quite rocky, making it perfect for snorkelling. There’s also a small canteen on the beach. Its name, Helidoni, is derived from the swarms of swallows that flock to this area annually.
Just a few meters east of the main Helidoni beach, another small sandy beach can be found, surrounded by picturesque rocks. This beach can only be reached by traversing the rocky coastline from Helidoni, lending it a tranquil atmosphere. There are stairs leading to the beach, but they pass through private properties, making them inaccessible to visitors.
The secluded bay of Korakia is located 48km east of Rethymno and 39km west of Heraklion, near the village Sisses and close to Fodele beach. There are three adjacent beaches, which are mainly sandy with large pebbles in places, open to northwest winds. The beaches are secluded and almost unknown to everybody. Korakia is totally unorganized, thus you should have anything you need with you. However, the seawater has been significantly degraded, due to the north winds that carry rubbish and because of the nearby landfill of Heraklion city.
The area is a candidate for the construction of the new Power Station of Crete, but this has raised many arguments against this by ecologists. In order to access Korakia from Fodele, you should take the highway to Rethymno and turn right 1km after Fodele, on a very bad dirt track that leads to the beach after 1.5km.
Situated 14km to the west of Heraklion, Paliokastro, also known as Paleokastro, can be found on the western coastline of the Bay of Heraklion. This charming pebble beach is nestled into a green valley’s exit, which is intersected by streams flowing down from the Rogdia village. The cove of Paliokastro is securely flanked by tall cliffs and faces the east. A massive limestone rock towers over the eastern part of the beach, the summit of which was once the site of the Venetian fortress of Paliokastro. This fortress served as a defensive structure against enemy invasions to the Bay of Heraklion. The castle remnants suggest that it was constructed on the acropolis of the ancient town of Kytaeon.
Paliokastro is a beloved destination for the locals of Heraklion, who visit daily with their families. It has even led many to purchase homes in the area. Although not highly developed, the beach offers an idyllic setting for relaxation. Traditional food can be savored at various taverns, and several small hotels and rooms are available for stay. A mini market is also present on the beach, opposite an old limekiln, which is one of Crete’s best-preserved structures of its kind.
The beach’s western part boasts large pebbles and deep waters, making it a perfect spot for fishing and snorkeling. Natural stair formations on the rocks beneath the old fort provide a thrilling diving experience, with heights ranging from 1 to 20 meters. This spot is often frequented by children competing in diving contests. A tall, narrow, and dark cave is nestled between the beach and the rocks. Local folklore suggests this cave might have been a tunnel leading from the fortress to the sea, serving as an emergency escape route, although this remains unconfirmed. Paliokastro is easily reachable through the Heraklion-Chania highway, with a dedicated exit leading to the beach.
The secluded Pera Galini bay, positioned 48km east of Rethymno and 39km west of Heraklion, is found near the village of Sisses. Most locals on Crete associate the name “Pera Galini” with the local garbage disposal facility that caters to the waste of Heraklion city. The presence of a nearby beach, although significantly degraded by the adjacent landfill, is known to only a handful of people.
Two nearby beaches can be accessed through a poorly maintained dirt road originating from the highway near Sisses. These beaches, while secluded and exposed to northern winds, occasionally host swimmers from the local area. Notwithstanding the rocky terrain, the beaches are sandy. The sea was heavily polluted years ago due to the nearby disposal centre, but recent improvements to the landfill have restored cleanliness and made the waters somewhat safe for swimming.
At the east end of the longest beach, the small cape of Kefali is found. There you will find the ruins of a Minoan settlement believed to have been a significant port in the area. Ongoing excavations, marked by plastic covers that resemble greenhouses, have unearthed a sanctuary. It is believed that an earthquake was the cause of the settlement’s ruin.
Near the beach, the remnants of an old monastery dedicated to Saint Anthony can also be found. Only the chapel of the once-thriving religious center remains. It’s speculated that the monastery was abandoned during the Venetian era due to relentless pirate attacks. The monastery is situated near a picturesque river lined with platan trees. However, the water is polluted due to its proximity to the landfill.
Situated 8km west of Heraklion city, Linoperamata, also known as Ellinoperamata, is a scenic sandy beach stretching up to 7km long, beginning from Linoperamata and culminating at the Pancretan Stadium, 1km west of Heraklion. The beach is uniquely bordered by the Almiros river in the west.
The locals do not frequent Linoperamata as much due to the presence of a local Power Station and heavy industries in its western region. Nevertheless, the beach boasts of clean water and a serene atmosphere. Unlike the highly organized beaches in the neighboring Ammoudara, Linoperamata has a more natural appeal, although there are a few hotels in the vicinity.
Open to the northern winds, the beach is often wavy, making it a favorite among windsurfers. Getting to Linoperamata from Heraklion is convenient via the city’s bus service.
Bogazi beach is nestled in a secluded area on the periphery of the Sisses community in the district of Mylopotamos, located in the Talea Range and east of the German outpost at Pyrgos peak. Its remote location makes it only accessible by boat, as the nearby dirt roads are extremely challenging to navigate. Hence, it remains largely undiscovered. A year-round flowing stream lined with plane trees concludes its course at Bogazi. The beach, facing east and flanked by stunning rock formations to the north, is one of the rare wave-free beaches on the northern coastline of Rethymnon.
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.
Situated 21km west of Heraklion, on the southern side of the compact Cape Souda, you’ll find Agia Pelagia beach, also known as Santa Pelagia. This beach is nestled amidst several picturesque coves with stunning beaches. Originally, Agia Pelagia was a quaint settlement utilized by Achlada villagers for agricultural purposes, but it has since evolved into a bustling tourist destination replete with hotels, restaurants, cafes, bars, and more. Routine bus services to Heraklion ensure its accessibility.
The primary beach of Agia Pelagia is a slender, sandy stretch with greenish water. The Turks dubbed it Tsanak Limani, meaning ‘plate harbor’ due to its circular shape. The bay forms a natural, tranquil harbor, and the beach provides an array of amenities such as watersports, diving, food, and accommodation. However, in some areas, the beach is narrow with sunbeds occupying most of the space.
The beach is well-shielded from northern winds by the Cape of Souda, where ruins of the ancient port town Apollonia can be found. A luxury hotel now stands on Souda, but the ruins are accessible for tourists. A small shrine stands near the hotel, marking where the icon of Santa Pelagia was discovered centuries ago. Not far from the beach is the former Agia Pelagia monastery, renowned throughout the island during the Venetian era. Worshippers would flock to the beach during the monastery’s feast, seeking healing in the sand.
A short walk past the shrine on Cape of Souda will lead you to Fylakes, considered the most beautiful beach of Agia Pelagia. Fylakes consists of two small coves with fine sand and greenish water, concealed by Cape Souda’s towering rocks. Accessing Fylakes requires navigating the rocky coast and wading through chest-high water, so secure your belongings accordingly.
To the east of Agia Pelagia, beneath Hotel Diana, is the lesser-known pebbled beach, Vlyhada. This small, man-made beach is exposed to the winds and can only be reached by swimming from Agia Pelagia, as the hotel does not permit land access.
Agia Pelagia served as a crucial port during the Venetian period, providing aid to the besieged Cretans during the Candia siege. The Turks later constructed a fort here, though no remnants remain today. The port was also where the legendary ship of Arkadi docked during the Cretan Revolution to provide ammunition to the rebels.
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