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Agia Pelagia beach is a sandy, sheltered bay about 21 km west of Heraklion, on the north coast of Crete. Cape Souda shields it from the summer meltemi winds, so the greenish water stays calm and clear for most of the season. The main beach is a several-hundred-metre strip of sand mixed with patches of small pebbles, narrow at the edges where sunbeds fill much of the space.
The bay curves into a natural, protected harbour, which the Turks once called Tsanak Limani, meaning “plate harbour”, after its rounded shape. Agia Pelagia began as a small settlement worked by Achlada villagers, then grew into a busy resort lined with hotels, tavernas, cafes and bars.
The main beach is fully organised. You will find sunbeds, umbrellas, showers, a lifeguard and parking near the seafront, with a row of tavernas, cafes and bars set just behind the sand. The calm, clear water suits swimming, snorkelling and diving, and the bay runs water sports through the summer months. Scuba diving centres operate here from around April to October, so first-timers and certified divers can both get in the water.
The sheltered bay makes Agia Pelagia a comfortable choice for families. Cape Souda blocks the strong summer winds, the surface stays calm, and the water shelves gently near the shore, so children can paddle and swim close to the sunbeds while parents watch from the beach.
Regular buses connect Agia Pelagia with Heraklion, and the drive along a paved road takes roughly half an hour, so the beach is easy to reach with or without a car. There is parking near the beachfront, though spaces fill quickly in peak summer, so arriving early helps. Having your own car also makes it simple to reach the quieter coves around the bay, and you can compare options for car rental in Crete before you travel.
The beach takes its name from an icon of Saint Pelagia, found centuries ago in the Evresi cave on the northern side of the bay, where a small shrine still marks the spot. The find inspired the nearby Agia Pelagia monastery, once known across Crete: worshippers would gather on the beach during its feast and lie in the sand seeking healing.
Cape Souda itself holds the ruins of ancient Apollonia, the port town that once guarded this coast; the ruins remain open to visitors even though a hotel now stands on the headland. Agia Pelagia stayed an important harbour into the Venetian period, when it supplied the Cretans besieged during the siege of Candia, and later the legendary ship of the Arkadi docked here to land ammunition for the rebels during the Cretan revolution.
A short walk past the shrine on Cape Souda leads to Fylakes, two small coves of fine sand and green water tucked below the cape’s rocks; reaching them means crossing the rocky shore and wading through deep water, so keep your belongings dry. East of the main beach, below Hotel Diana, lies the small man-made pebble cove of Vlyhada, which you reach by swimming round from Agia Pelagia because the hotel does not allow access by land.
Agia Pelagia beach sits about 21 km west of Heraklion, on the north coast of Crete, on the sheltered southern side of Cape Souda.
Regular buses run between Heraklion and Agia Pelagia, and the drive along a paved road takes roughly half an hour. There is parking near the beachfront, but it fills quickly in peak season, so arrive early.
The main beach is mostly sand with patches of small pebbles. It is narrow at the edges, where sunbeds take up much of the space.
Yes. Cape Souda shelters the bay from strong winds, the water stays calm, and it shelves gently near the shore, so children can swim and paddle safely close to the beach.
The bay offers swimming, snorkelling and organised water sports, and scuba diving centres run introductory and guided dives through the summer season, roughly April to October.
The beach is fully organised, with sunbeds, umbrellas, showers, a lifeguard and parking, plus tavernas, cafes and bars just behind the sand.
The beach is named after an icon of Saint Pelagia found centuries ago in the Evresi cave beside the bay. A shrine marks the spot, and the nearby Agia Pelagia monastery grew from the same story.
Fylakes, two sandy coves below Cape Souda, is a short walk past the shrine, and the small pebble cove of Vlyhada lies just east of the main beach below Hotel Diana.
Get directions to Agia Pelagia beach
Find below list of things to do near Agia Pelagia 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 Agia Pelagia beach:
Situated a few steps from Agia Pelagia Beach, Buganvilla-Sea front villas offers barbecue facilities, and air-conditioned accommodation with a balcony and free WiFi.
Each unit has a terrace offering sea views, a flat-screen TV, a dining area, a well-fitted kitchen and a private bathroom with a bath or shower, bathrobes and a hair dryer. An oven, a fridge and stovetop are also offered, as well as a coffee machine and a kettle.
Psaromoura Beach is 1 km from the villa, while Ligaria Beach is 1.4 km from the property. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 25 km from Buganvilla-Sea front villas.
Situated a few steps from Agia Pelagia Beach, Buganvilla Sea View apts offers air-conditioned accommodation with a balcony and free WiFi.
The apartment provides guests with a terrace, sea views, a seating area, satellite flat-screen TV, a fully equipped kitchen with an oven and a fridge, and a private bathroom with shower and a hair dryer. A stovetop and kitchenware are also available, as well as a coffee machine and a kettle.
Fishing and hiking can be enjoyed nearby.
Psaromoura Beach is 1 km from Buganvilla Sea View apts, while Ligaria Beach is 1.4 km from the property. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 25 km from the accommodation.
from
€69
/night
Conveniently located only 50 metres from the beach of Agia Pelagia, Superior Savvas Apartments by the sea offers units with free WiFi access, and a spacious terrace. Bars and restaurants are 200 metres away.
All air-conditioned rooms include a kitchenette with electric kettle and fridge. Each has a flat-screen TV, coffee machine and bathroom with shower.
Apartments Savvas is 25 km from Heraklion International Airport. Free public parking is available.
Situated in Agia Pelagia, within a short walk of the beach and the vibrant centre, Seascape Luxury Residences offers uniquely decorated apartments with free WiFi access. The complex includes 2 swimming pools, outdoor pool with a decked terrace, and a poolside bar offering drinks and snacks throughout the day.
Opening to balconies, Seascape Luxury Residences offer views over the sea or the pool. Each apartment includes a fully equipped kitchen with dining table, a seating area and a luxurious bathroom with glass shower. A flat screen TV and air conditioning are available.
Heraklio Town is 18 km from the accommodation. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 20 km from Seascape Luxury Residences.
from
€113
/night
Featuring sea views, By the sea provides accommodation with a balcony and a kettle, around a few steps from Agia Pelagia Beach. This beachfront property offers access to a terrace and free WiFi.
The air-conditioned villa consists of 2 bedrooms, a living room, a fully equipped kitchen with an oven and a coffee machine, and 1 bathroom with a walk-in shower and bathrobes. Towels and bed linen are provided in the villa.
A continental breakfast is available daily at the villa.
If you would like to discover the area, skiing, snorkelling and cycling are possible in the surroundings and By the sea can arrange a car rental service.
Psaromoura Beach is 1.1 km from the accommodation, while Ligaria Beach is 1.4 km away. The nearest airport is Heraklion International, 25 km from By the sea, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.
Joanna Apartments are situated 30 meters away from the beach, in the center of Agia Pelagia, at a beautiful and quiet neighborhood. The apartments have a 200-m² garden with showers where you can have your breakfast, enjoy the Cretan sun and let children play safely.
Featuring a balcony, the air-conditioned (AC extra charged) apartments offer a kitchenette with cooking hobs and refrigerator. A sofa, safety deposit box and private bathroom are also included.
A variety of beach bars, taverns and water sport facilities can be found at the nearby beach. Joanna Apartments lies 22 km from Heraklion Port and 25 km from Kazantzakis International Airport.
Find below list of beaches near Agia Pelagia beach:
Kladissos, situated 21km northwest of Heraklion and to the northwest of the Agia Pelagia resort, is home to a historically significant hotel that sprawls across the entire Cape Souda area. The beach here boasts fine gravel and tranquil green waters, with the hotel providing an array of amenities such as umbrellas, deck chairs, bars, showers, and changing rooms.
Despite appearing to be private due to the hotel’s influence, it’s essential to remember that all beaches in Greece are accessible to the public. You can gain access to the beach by requesting permission from the hotel, at no cost. Kladissos beach is typically serene and secluded, as locals tend to favor the nearby Agia Pelagia or Psaromoura beaches.
In close proximity to the shore, post-Minoan tombs have been discovered, adding a historical significance to the area. Additionally, archaeologists have uncovered a large public building from the third to fourth century AD, known as the Prytaneum, which was used for political meetings of the ancient town Apolonia. Some of the ceramic artifacts found in the area are now displayed in the Ashmolean Museum in Oxford.
Psaromoura, situated 22km northwest of Heraklion and only 500m north of Agia Pelagia, faces east and is protected from the prevalent northwest winds. There are no immediate accommodations or dining options on the beach, but various facilities can be found within a short walking distance. The beach is pebbled and tends to be frequented more by locals than tourists. The northern end of the beach features a large, folded rock formation common to the Talea Range area, which shields the beach from the waves.
In the past, Psaromoura was one of the most beautiful unorganized beaches in Crete. Today, it has been transformed into a well-organized beach equipped with umbrellas, sun loungers, and a beach canteen serving refreshments and cocktails. Environmental groups in Crete have repeatedly requested the removal of the umbrellas to restore the beach to its original state.
To reach Psaromoura, one must drive to Agia Pelagia. After passing the Hotel Capsis Out of the Blue, continue westwards for an additional 100 meters before turning right onto a small road. A few steps ahead, you’ll find a closed gate and a sign indicating “To the Beach”. After parking your car, head west past the gate and you’ll soon arrive at Psaromoura. Alternatively, heading east from the gate will lead you to an elevated view of Kladissos Beach, accessible via the hotel.
The name Psaromoura derives from the Greek words psari, meaning fish, and mouri, meaning cape. Thus, it is located on a cape populated with fish.
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.
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.
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