Best Beaches near Eloúnda in Lassithi region, Crete Island

Schisma Elountas (Elounda) Beach is located 0.1 km away.

Elounda’s Skisma Beach is a picturesque sandy enclave, perfect for families. Its cleanliness and organization make it especially welcoming.

Little ones delight in its flat sandy terrain and the playground, while older kids gravitate towards the available water sports. Occasional winds result in bigger waves, offering simple surfing opportunities.

With convenient facilities like restrooms and showers, coupled with an array of nearby taverns, it’s an ideal spot for families with children.

Agia Paraskevi beaches is located 1.3 km away.

Beginning your journey from Elounda and heading towards Plaka along the coastal road, you will soon encounter a series of small pebble and stone beaches at the Mavrikiano and Agia Paraskevi settlements. In certain spots, you’ll see olive trees rooted on the beach itself, unharmed by the tranquil and saline waters of the lagoon. Occasionally, you’ll come across beach bars perched on platforms. The charming sight of fishing boats docked nearby undoubtedly tempts you to pause your journey for a photo op. As you move further north, the beaches of Tsifliki and Plaka unveil themselves, offering breathtaking views of Spinalonga, the famous leper island, and one of Greece’s most renowned attractions.

Armos beaches is located 2.6 km away.

Armos, the northern area of the Spinalonga Peninsula, opposite the Spinalonga fort’s islet, Kalydon, is a unique site. It’s dotted with deserted old farms and is relatively unexplored due to a lack of roads leading to it. Besides the renowned Kolokitha beach at the peninsula’s southeast base, several hidden beaches are located in the northern part, which are well worth a canoe trip from Plaka to explore.

Vathi, one of these beaches, is found two kilometres northeast of Elounda port, on the peninsula’s northwest side. This small, sheltered cove boasts calm waters, a southeast orientation, and stunning views of Elounda town and its mountains. The beach at Vathi is a mix of pebbles and sand with relatively shallow water. Old farm remnants are scattered next to the beach, and a nearby boat platform serves as a stop for excursion boats from Elounda. Tamarisk and carob trees offer shade for resting beachgoers.

At the Spinalonga peninsula’s northernmost point, opposite the Spinalonga fort, lies the area known as Oxo Harakia or Skourgeto. The name Oxo Harakia refers to the rocks (haraki in Cretan dialect) that jut out above the sea surface at the narrow pass between the islet and the peninsula. Skourgeto, a Cretan term, describes the sharp, salt and sea-eroded rocks that are unwalkable without shoes. Two secluded, sandy beaches with crystal clear waters are ideal for snorkeling. Pottery fragments scattered around hint at ancient habitation.

Further northeast lies the sandy beach of Pelekiti, situated at a narrow ravine’s exit. The entire northern Spinalonga area, including all limestone-covered places, was previously used to extract boulders for building the Spinalonga fort. From Pelekita to Skourgeto, the area served as a limestone quarry, leading to large stair-like formations and distinctive rock shapes. In some places, the carvings extend into the sea. The name Pelekiti is Greek for “chiseled.”

Kolokytha Beach, Crete: How to Reach the Hidden Cove Across from Spinalonga is located 2.8 km away. Kolokytha beach is a secluded white-sand cove on the eastern side of Crete, in the Lassithi region, sitting directly across from the Spinalonga peninsula and about 12km north of Agios Nikolaos. Kolokytha has no road running to the sand, so you reach it on foot from a small church car park after a short drive out of Elounda. This guide covers where the beach is, how to get down to it, what the water and facilities are like, and how to pair a visit with a Spinalonga day out.

Where Kolokytha Beach Is

Kolokytha beach lies on the eastern coast of Crete, tucked into the Kolokytha peninsula near the town of Elounda. Kolokytha faces the small island that shares its name, where gulls nest offshore, and it looks across the water toward the fortress island of Spinalonga. The cove opens between ancient olive groves and old wheat fields, with the Byzantine chapel of Saint Fokas standing nearby. The setting is quiet and rural rather than developed. Remnants of a limestone quarry and abandoned farmland sit close to the shore, which keeps the whole area feeling wild. For anyone plotting a route, the beach location is 12km north of Agios Nikolaos at coordinates 35.25999, 25.75174.

How to Reach Kolokytha Beach

To reach Kolokytha beach, drive east out of Elounda and follow the coastal road past the old Elounda salt pans. The route is a scenic one, crossing a canal that French engineers built in 1897 before the paved surface gives way to a dirt track. Turn right off the coastal road after roughly 200 to 300 metres to pick up the track toward the beach. The dirt track runs for a short 3 to 4 minute drive and ends at the parking area beside the Church of Saint Luke, also known as Agios Loukas. From the car park, 2 to 3 short foot trails drop down to the sand, so the final stretch is always on foot. There are no boat schedules to note here, because visitors arrive by car and then walk in. Parking sits next to the church and stays free, but the small lot fills up fast in July and August. Arrive early in the day if you want a space in peak season. If you are pairing this trip with other stops in the area, a hire car makes the salt-pan road and dirt track far easier to manage than public transport, and you can compare options through the cretelocals car rental directory.

The Beach and Facilities

Kolokytha beach is an undeveloped cove, so plan to bring everything you need for the day. There are no restaurants, cafes, sunbeds, or umbrellas at the beach itself, and the nearest dining and shops are back in Elounda. Tamarisk and olive trees fringe parts of the shore and throw patches of natural shade, but they do not cover the whole cove, so pack your own umbrella or shelter to be safe. The main strip is soft white sand that slopes into the sea. South of the main cove, two smaller bays known as Vagi mix sand, rock, and tamarisk trees, and these quieter inlets draw naturists and anyone looking for extra privacy. Details on food, hotels, and services sit a short drive away in the town profile for Elounda.

Swimming and Snorkelling at Kolokytha

The water at Kolokytha is turquoise, crystal-clear, shallow, and calm, which makes the swimming gentle and inviting. The cove is sheltered, so it rarely picks up strong currents or big waves. That calm, shallow entry also makes Kolokytha a good choice for families with children. Snorkelling works well over the clear, shallow water close to shore, and sunbathing on the white sand rounds out a slow beach day. There are no organised water sports on offer here, so the appeal is the natural setting rather than rented gear. Hiking the surrounding trails and camping under the trees are both popular ways to extend a visit beyond the swim.

Combining Kolokytha with Spinalonga

Kolokytha beach and the Spinalonga peninsula sit on the same stretch of coast, so many visitors treat them as a single half-day out. Boat tours to the fortress island of Spinalonga run from Elounda and Plaka, and the beach itself is reached separately by the salt-pan road and church car park described above. Time the two by visiting the beach in the cooler morning, then catching a later boat once the sun eases off. The pairing works because both sights share the same base town and the same peaceful, historic character. You can read more about the fortress island and its tour departures in the guide to Spinalonga.

Tips for Visiting Kolokytha Beach

Follow these tips to get the most out of a Kolokytha beach visit:

1. Arrive early morning or late afternoon to dodge the busiest hours and the midday heat, since the car park and cove both fill up around noon in high season.
2. Bring water, snacks, and sun cover because there are no shops, tavernas, or umbrella rentals at the beach.
3. Wear sturdy sandals or shoes for the short foot trails that drop from the church car park down to the sand.
4. Pack a snorkel and mask to make the most of the clear, shallow water close to shore.
5. Head to the Vagi bays to the south if you want a quieter, more private patch of sand away from the main cove.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Kolokytha beach located?

Kolokytha beach sits on the eastern side of Crete, near the town of Elounda in the Lassithi region. It lies about 12km north of Agios Nikolaos, across the water from the Spinalonga peninsula.

Is Kolokytha beach suitable for families?

Yes, Kolokytha beach suits families with children well. The water is shallow and calm with no strong currents or waves, and the gentle entry makes it easy for young swimmers.

Are there facilities at Kolokytha beach?

No, Kolokytha beach has no restaurants, cafes, sunbeds, or umbrellas. Bring your own food, water, and shade, and reach the nearest tavernas and shops back in Elounda.

How do you get to Kolokytha beach?

Drive east from Elounda past the old salt pans, turn onto the dirt track after about 200 to 300 metres, and park by the Church of Saint Luke. From the car park, short foot trails lead down to the sand.

Can you snorkel at Kolokytha beach?

Yes, snorkelling is a favourite activity at Kolokytha beach. The turquoise water stays crystal-clear and shallow near the shore, which gives good visibility close to the sand.

Is there shade at Kolokytha beach?

Tamarisk and olive trees give patches of natural shade along parts of the cove, but the cover is limited. Bring an umbrella or beach shelter so you have shade through the day.

Tsifliki (Driros) beach is located 2.9 km away.

The Tsifliki community is situated 13km to the north of Agios Nikolaos, along the route that links Elounda to the charming village of Plaka. This area is blanketed by olive groves and boasts stunning vistas of Elounda’s lagoon and the former leper colony, Spinalonga Fortress.

The local beaches are sandy, interspersed with occasional rocky areas, and feature tranquil waters. The beach named Dreros, after a nearby hotel, is abundant with tamarisk trees that stand close to the shoreline. The hotel has excellently maintained this beach, making it a perfect destination for families. The serene sea, the tree shadows that reach the beach, and the basic facilities of an organized beach all contribute to its appeal. Plus, the shops of Plaka and Elounda are conveniently nearby.

As previously noted, the most frequented beach in Tsifliki is named after an old hotel, Dreros. This name is not coincidental; it references the ancient Doric city of Dreros, positioned above the modern town of Neapolis. Dreros was home to the Dorians who came to Crete in 1125 BC, as well as the Eteokrites, who are indigenous Cretans and Minoan descendants. The hotel’s original proprietor hailed from Neapoli and named it Dreros in honor of his hometown’s ancient nearby city.

Spinalonga Beach, Crete: How to Reach It, the Swimming and What to Expect is located 3.7 km away. Spinalonga Beach is a small, quiet beach on the southwest part of Spinalonga, a fortified islet in the Gulf of Mirabello in eastern Crete. Spinalonga Beach sits below the island’s Venetian fortress and looks across the water to the Kolokytha peninsula. You reach the beach only by boat, on the same day trip that most visitors take to see the historic island itself. The beach has sand with rocks in places, blue and usually calm water, tamarisk trees for shade, and a few snack bars, but no umbrellas or sun loungers.

Where Spinalonga Beach is?

Spinalonga Beach lies on the southwest part of Spinalonga, a fortified islet off the coast of eastern Crete. The islet stands in the Gulf of Mirabello, near the villages of Elounda and Plaka and the town of Agios Nikolaos. From the sand you look up at the fortress walls and out toward the Kolokytha peninsula across the channel. Spinalonga is one of Greece’s most popular tourist destinations, and its history shapes every visit. The islet once served as a Venetian stronghold that protected the Elounda saltpans. Its later inhabitants were Ottomans, and it eventually became a leper colony until the mid-20th century. Most people arrive knowing this history, yet many are unaware that a beach sits on the island’s quieter southwest side.

How to reach Spinalonga Beach?

Reach Spinalonga Beach by boat, because the beach stands on an islet with no bridge or road to the mainland. Boats ferry visitors across from three departure points: Elounda, Plaka, and Agios Nikolaos. The crossing from Plaka is the shortest, since Plaka faces the island directly across a narrow channel. Plan the beach around the same boat trip you take to tour the fortress, as both share the one landing on the island. Many organised excursions leave from Elounda and Agios Nikolaos, combine the walking tour with time by the water, and return you to your starting port. If you want to travel between Elounda, Plaka and Agios Nikolaos at your own pace before boarding, a rental car covering the Elounda and Agios Nikolaos area gives you the most flexibility on departure times.

The beach and its facilities

Spinalonga Beach is a small strip of sand with rocks in places, backed by tamarisk trees that give natural shade. The beach keeps only limited facilities on site. A few snack bars serve drinks and light food, so you can buy a snack with a sea view. There are no umbrellas and no sun loungers for hire, which means you bring your own shade, water and towel. The setting stays quiet and uncommercial compared with the large organised beaches elsewhere in Crete. You sunbathe under the tamarisks, look across to the Kolokytha peninsula, and share the shore with the day-trippers who came to see the fortress.

Swimming and snorkelling

Swim at Spinalonga Beach in water that is blue, usually calm on the surface, and deep close to shore. The calm, clear water suits swimming and snorkelling around the rocky sections, where you can explore the seabed near the sand. Stay within the beach’s own swimming area and do not swim across toward the nearby coast, because the channel carries strong sea currents and frequent ferry traffic. The passing boats and the pull of the current make the open channel unsafe, even though the opposite shore looks close. Keep children in the shallower water near the sand, where the beach is calm and family-friendly.

Combining the beach with the Spinalonga island visit

Combine your swim with the island tour, since the same boat trip delivers you to both the beach and the fortress. Walk the Venetian fortress and the ruins of the former leper colony first, then cool off at the beach on the island’s southwest side. This pairing turns a historical day trip into a half-day of history and swimming in one crossing. Book the crossing as part of a guided excursion when you want the history explained on site. Many Spinalonga boat trips and guided day tours leave from Elounda, Plaka and Agios Nikolaos, and several add a Cretan tavern lunch or a swim stop at nearby Kolokytha bay.

Tips for visiting Spinalonga Beach

Visit Spinalonga Beach between June and September, when the weather is warm and sunny and the boats run at their fullest schedule. Use these tips to get the most from a beach with no rental equipment on site:

1. Bring your own shade, water and towel, because the beach has no umbrellas or sun loungers.
2. Wear water shoes for the rocky sections, since the beach mixes sand with rocks in places.
3. Pack a snorkel to explore the clear, deep water close to shore.
4. Combine the swim with the fortress tour to make the boat crossing worthwhile.
5. Keep to the beach’s swimming area and avoid the channel, where currents and ferries make crossing dangerous.

For more coastal ideas after Spinalonga, browse the wider collection of Crete beaches along the Gulf of Mirabello and the Lasithi coast.

Frequently asked questions

What is Spinalonga Beach?

Spinalonga Beach is a small beach on the southwest part of Spinalonga, a fortified islet off eastern Crete, Greece. The beach sits below the island’s Venetian fortress and faces the Kolokytha peninsula.

How do I get to Spinalonga Beach?

Get to Spinalonga Beach by boat from Elounda, Plaka or Agios Nikolaos. The islet has no road access, so a boat crossing is the only way to reach the sand, and the shortest hop is from Plaka opposite the island.

What activities can I do at Spinalonga Beach?

Swim, sunbathe, snorkel and explore the historic island at Spinalonga Beach. The beach pairs naturally with a walking tour of the Venetian fortress and the former leper colony on the same island.

Is Spinalonga Beach family-friendly?

Yes, Spinalonga Beach is family-friendly, with usually calm water and space near the sand for children to play. Keep children in the shallower water by the shore and away from the channel, where the current and ferry traffic are unsafe.

Are there umbrellas, sun loungers or snack bars at Spinalonga Beach?

Spinalonga Beach has a few snack bars but no umbrellas and no sun loungers. Buy a snack or drink on site, and bring your own shade, towel and water for the day.

What are the water and sand like at Spinalonga Beach?

Spinalonga Beach has blue water that is deep close to shore and usually calm on the surface. The shore is sand with rocks in places, so water shoes help on the rockier sections.

When is the best time to visit Spinalonga Beach?

Visit Spinalonga Beach from June to September, when the weather is warm and sunny. These summer months also carry the fullest boat schedules from Elounda, Plaka and Agios Nikolaos, and the beach usually stays quiet.

Plaka beach is located 4.1 km away.

Plaka, a picturesque village, is situated 16km north of Agios Nikolaos, on the opposite side of the Korfos (or Elounda) lagoon’s entrance, and boasts one of Crete’s most stunning landscapes. The village is renowned for its spectacular views of Kalydon Island, home to the famous Spinalonga fortress, a leper hospital during the early half of the 20th century. Access to the island is primarily via boats from Elounda and Plaka. Plaka’s existence is closely tied to Spinalonga, as it was established to serve the leper colony.

Present-day Plaka is a traditional village with charming old houses and taverns, giving a sense of time standing still for 2-3 centuries. Its idyllic setting made it the perfect filming location for the popular Greek TV series “The Island” (2010). A significant change to the landscape has been the construction of a large luxury hotel on the outskirts of Plaka.

Plaka is also notable for its two beautiful pebble beaches with clear waters. The first beach, named after the nearby Byzantine church and cemetery of Agia Marina, is located in the east of the village, in front of the large hotel. It is a popular fishing ground with a rough seabed in some parts and is organized by the hotel, providing basic services mostly to its residents. The second beach, Plaka beach, lies to the west of the village and has calm waters and an interesting seabed. It is well-organized and close to Plaka’s taverns.

Apart from visiting Spinalonga, it’s worth exploring the surrounding area when in Plaka. This includes the picturesque villages, ancient sites, and extensive olive groves of Ano Mirabello, the mountainous region west of Plaka. Venturing north of the village, you’ll encounter the village of Vrouchas with its old windmills, and further east, the Aforesmenos Cape lighthouse at the northwest tip of the vast Gulf of Mirabello, along with the area’s modern wind farm. Another recommended route is through Mirabello and its scenic villages, leading to either Neapoli or Milatos, where you can find the main road to Heraklion.

Katsikia (Candia) beach is located 5.3 km away.

As you head north from Agios Nikolaos towards Elounda, the final beach you’ll find is Katsikia Beach also called Candia beach. This spot gets its name (Katsikia means “goats”) from the numerous goat pens that used to dot the area in the past. The town of Agios Nikolaos also has a similar history, as it was once called Mandraki, meaning “goat pen.”

Katsikia (Candia) is a lovely beach, featuring a mix of sand and some scattered stones. It’s tucked away in front of the Candia Park Village hotel, making it a sort of hidden gem. If you’re planning to visit, you can either walk through the hotel or follow the road around it to reach the beach. It’s a peaceful, charming spot that’s definitely worth exploring when you’re in the area.

Havania beach is located 5.8 km away.

Havania Beach, a picturesque bay located near Agios Nikolaos on the route to Elounda, exudes an irresistible charm. With its fully-equipped municipal beach offering ample parking, a food canteen, and lifeguard facilities, it’s an ideal spot for family outings and peaceful vacations. The proximity to the city guarantees easy access to all necessary amenities, ensuring a comfortable stay. Moreover, it’s conveniently reachable from Heraklion, whether you’re arriving by air or sea.

Scenic Beauty and Accommodation Around Havania Bay

With its pristine, tranquil waters and a mix of sandy and pebbled shoreline, Havania beach stands out as a haven for both locals and tourists. The bay area houses a range of hotel complexes and other lodging options, with breathtaking views of the Gulf of Mirabello. Unlike other local beaches blocked by waterfront hotels, Chavania’s accessibility is a major plus. The nearby Mirabello and Candia beaches provide alternative locations to set up base.

Abundance of Nearby Attractions

The area surrounding Havania Beach is rich in attractions, guaranteeing a delightful variety for all. Just 10 km away lies the village of Plaka, from where you can ferry to the historically significant Spinaloga Island. Recently popularized by Victoria Hislop’s novel, “The Island”, Spinaloga was a leper colony from 1909 to 1957, but its history stretches back to ancient times. A journey inland leads to the villages surrounding Mount Dikti, offering a challenging but rewarding road trip. Discover meat tavernas, fresh air, lush plateaus, and numerous archaeological sites. For those preferring the east, the quiet coastal villages towards Sitia offer secluded beaches and serenity.

Mirabelo beach is located 6.2 km away.

Just a short 2km journey north of Agios Nikolaos, you’ll find the inviting Hotel Mirabello. Sitting right across from the hotel, you’ll be delighted by the sight of two gorgeous sandy beaches nestled in the Mirabello bays.

The first beach boasts a safe harbour with docks and a quaint little marina, while both are decked out with everything you need for a great day under the sun – umbrellas, comfy sunbeds, refreshing showers and a lively bar.

Between the beaches, there’s a tiny man-made peninsula sprinkled with tamarisk trees. It’s a perfect spot to catch a break from the sun or enjoy a peaceful stroll. No matter where you are in this coastal paradise, you’re bound to have a good time!