Beaches near Zarós, in Heraklion region

Kokkinos Pirgos, also known as Red Tower, resides 67km west of Heraklion, near the town of Tymbaki. Its name is derived from a tower constructed from red soil, situated at the mouth of the Geropotamos river. As the coastal village of Timbaki’s main port and a hotspot for tourism, Kokkinos Pirgos is home to numerous hotels, dining establishments, and cafes. The area’s climate is typically warm, enabling locals to cultivate fresh vegetables in greenhouses.

The village boasts a lengthy sandy beach that stretches southeast towards Kommos for several kilometres. This expansive beach is a nesting ground for loggerhead sea turtles (Carretta Carretta) during the summer months. Conservation organizations such as Archelon work to protect these sea turtles and their nests. The beach, which is susceptible to western winds, begins at Timbaki’s military airport wire fence on the east and extends to Agia Galini on the west.

The beach’s eastern portion, stretching from the port to the airport, is known as Katalyki. This well-equipped beach features amenities such as umbrellas, sunbeds, lifeguards, and water sports. A coastal road lined with cafes and restaurants runs alongside the beach, making it a popular spot for refreshments. East of Katalyki lies a sizable marsh, a key wetland in the Mesara plain, which is irrigated by the Geropotamos River.

The beach area west of the harbor is known as Makrimaliana. The beach near Kokkinos Pirgos is relatively broad, but as it extends towards Agia Galini, gravel massifs encroach upon it, narrowing the beach and in some places, eliminating it during high tide. This unorganized, remote beach may not be extraordinary, but the wind and sea-carved rock formations that flank it are certainly impressive.

Kalamaki, a quaint seaside hamlet, is nestled between Matala and Kokkinos Pirgos, 65km southwest of Heraklion. The beach, a 2.5km stretch of the vast Messara Bay coastline, graces the village’s front. Its sandy shore is kissed by the sea, which conceals a slick, flat rock bed beneath its surface. It features large waves, usually stirred by northwest winds, making beach access challenging at times due to the rocky seabed.

The village-facing part of the beach is well-equipped with sunbeds, umbrellas, eateries, accommodation, a lifeguard, playground, and water sports. For a more isolated experience, head southeast towards Kommos beach, a favorite among nudists.

To the north, you’ll find Afratias and the Pahia Ammos beach, which features patches of rocks. Devoid of amenities, the beach does boast a small park used for hosting cultural events like concerts during summer months.

Further north lies the Timbaki military airport, now serving as a resort for Greek Air Force staff. Although the beachfront is accessible, trespassing beyond the fence is prohibited and could lead to arrest. Sometimes, parachuters and skydivers can be spotted descending from small aircraft, courtesy of a local club based at the airport. In 2008, a small plane crashed into the Kalamaki sea, with the pilot miraculously surviving the ordeal. The Tymbaki airport holds ecological significance for the Mesara plains as it’s intersected by the Geropotamos River, which flows out to the beach. This river, the area’s largest, serves as a sanctuary for hundreds of rare birds across its numerous ponds.

The sandy coast of Messara Bay is a protected breeding ground for the loggerhead sea turtle. To prevent nest destruction and avoid frightening these creatures, it’s best not to roam the beach’s darker areas during summer nights.

Although Kalamaki doesn’t boast a significant history due to its relatively new establishment, it’s a popular seaside resort for Kamilari locals. Some believe it once served as a small harbor for Phaestus or Gortys in ancient times, though no concrete evidence supports this claim.

Situated 66km southwest of Heraklion, Kommos (or Komos) lies a mere 2km north of Matala and in close proximity to Pitsidia village. It stands as the southernmost and remotest section of the extensive beachfront of Messara Bay. Once serving as the port of Phaestus, the remnants of the ancient port of Kommos can still be observed on the beach. It can be reached by driving towards Matala and following a sign to Kommos near Pitsidia.

The entire beachfront of Messara is exposed to the prevalent westerly winds. Visitors should exercise caution as the seabed can be rocky in certain areas. The beach also serves as a nesting ground for the protected loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta) between the months of May and September.

Potamos or Potamoserma, the northern section of Kommos, is a popular spot among naturists, dating back to when hippies frequented the area. The location is dotted with sparse tamarisk trees and devoid of buildings due to its protected archaeological status, restricting construction. Next to the archaeological site in the south, there is a developed beach equipped with amenities such as umbrellas, sun beds, a toilet, showers, a canteen and a lifeguard. Surrounding sand dunes are home to white sand lilies that mark the end of summer. Nearby Kalamaki or Pitsidia and Matala offer options for accommodation and dining.

The sight of Paximadia islets during sunset is breathtaking. A large rock, known locally as Volakas, stands 300m out at sea, opposite the archaeological site. According to local lore, this rock is the tip of the boulder that the blinded Cyclops Polyphemus hurled at Odysseus’ ship to prevent his escape, following Odysseus and his crew’s escape from Polyphemus’ cave.

Kommos, the ancient port of Phaestus, was established around 200BC. However, it was subsequently destroyed by an earthquake and then rebuilt at the same location. The archaeological site of Komos, not open to the public, houses a Minoan harbour, public buildings, warehouses, oil presses, shipyards and a large courtyard. Archaeologists have uncovered a small temple, constructed on the ruins of an older one.

Agia Galini, a well-loved seaside resort in the southern part of the Rethymnon prefecture, is located near the Amarianos or Platys River mouth. It’s 61km south of Rethymno city and 68km southwest of Heraklion. This quaint town flourishes with activity in the summer and offers all necessary tourist facilities. The stunning green beaches, the fascinating caves in the west, the legends of Icarus and Daedalus, the hippie memories and the peaceful sea, make this village a popular spot for numerous visitors.

Starting east of the port, a long beach extends to Kokkinos Pirgos. The sea here is typically serene. The beach section near the port is well-facilitated and features fine pebbles and chilled water, due to the nearby Platys or Amarianos River, located 200m east of the port. Near the river, remnants of an ancient Artemis temple have been discovered.

Crossing the river via a metal bridge leads to the second beach, which stretches another 1km to the east. This beach, with small pebbles and less organization, is adjacent to the Agia Galini camping site. As you progress eastwards, the beach becomes narrower and more rugged. A 1.5-2 hour walk will take you to Kokkinos Pirgos. This beach, inaccessible by road and favored by nudists, is completely unorganized so be sure to bring food, water, and umbrellas.

On the beach’s west end, beneath a hill with houses, there’s a small network of tunnels from World War II. You can explore these to reach the hilltop.