These images are powered by
Analipsi, or Ascension, is a village situated 20km to the east of Heraklion and is named after the Ascension of Christ church. Positioned in a fertile valley, the area is primarily utilized for olive groves. In the early 20th century, it was known as Svourou Metohi, after the Turks who owned land there. Upon Crete’s liberation from the Ottomans, Analipsi was given to the shepherds of Agios Georgios village in Lasithi Plateau as a winter grazing ground. Now, these shepherds’ fortunate descendants own expansive properties featuring hotels, shops, restaurants, and various tourist amenities.
Compared to neighboring resorts, Analipsi is less touristy and more peaceful, making it a preferred destination for families. The village front features a quaint pier with a charming church dedicated to Agia Marina. To the west of the chapel, the coast is rocky, save for a small harbor with a lovely beach. East of the chapel, you’ll find the main sandy beach of Analipsis, which is well-maintained. Though the water isn’t deep, summer months often bring waves.
A leisurely afternoon can be spent wandering through the charming alleys of the old traditional village, admiring the beautiful gardens and stone-paved square. You might also want to visit the four-aisled Ascension church, dedicated to the Virgin Mary, the Ascension of Christ, the Holy Cross, and Saint Efrosinos. The village’s main street, lined with cafes and shops, runs perpendicular to the coast.
Get directions to Analipsis beaches
There are various activities available at Analipsis beaches such as swimming, sunbathing, beach volleyball, and water sports like jet skiing, parasailing, and banana boat rides.
Yes, there are lifeguards on duty at Analipsis beaches during the peak season.
Yes, there are several restaurants and cafes near Analipsis beaches where you can enjoy delicious food and drinks.
Yes, you can rent beach chairs and umbrellas at Analipsis beaches for a reasonable price.
Yes, there are several nearby attractions to visit while at Analipsis beaches such as the Palace of Knossos, the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, and the Cretaquarium.
Yes, it is safe to swim at Analipsis beaches as the water is clean and clear. However, it is always important to follow safety guidelines and swim within designated areas.
The best time to visit Analipsis beaches is during the summer months from June to September when the weather is warm and sunny.
The water colour of the Analipsis beaches is blue.
The Analipsis beaches has sand, with rocks in some places.
The water depth of the Analipsis beaches is normal.
The sea surface at the Analipsis beaches is usually wavy.
The Analipsis beaches has a normal crowd.
The Analipsis beaches has accommodation options, food/water nearby, umbrellas/beds, sports, lifeguard, and showers.
The Analipsis beaches can be accessed through bus services and a paved road.
No other information is available about the Analipsis beaches.
Find below list of things to do near Analipsis beaches:
Embark on an off-road e-bike tour from Analipsi and discover the beauty of the Cretan countryside. Travel at a slow to moderate pace with many stops to rest, take photos, learn about Crete, admire the views, and visit the highlights of the area.
After a short safety introduction, jump on your bike and travel through low-traffic roads to the countryside following a route of farmer and quiet tarmac roads. Go uphill on rural smooth dirt tracks and back downhill on asphalt roads.
Hear stories about the cultivation of the olives, the use of plants, the traditional life, ethics, and the nature of Crete from your guide.
Discover the mountains of Crete with the Quad safari Crete and witness the wonders of nature and the unknown wild Crete. We will experience a high-adrenaline off-road ride, passing through muddy roads and gloomy forests. We will discover the secrets and the unique beauty of Crete’s countryside covered in dust. We will be driving up the mountain to 450 meters altitude and make a stop to drink cold water while you will have some photos to share with your friends and keep the memories forever alive. we drive near to the coast to see the best sunset in Crete We can guarantee that it will be the highlight of your holidays.
Explore Crete by Land Rover on a full-day adventure along the Minoan Path, and experience a blend of ancient myths, spectacular landscapes, and a barbecue lunch on the Lassithi Plateau.
Following a pick-up from your hotel, drive through spectacular mountains en route to the Aposelemis Basin Reservoir, and see an ancient aqueduct of the Roman Empire. Continue to the village of Kastamonitsa in the foothills of the Afendi Mountains. Stop for a Cretan-style breakfast and raki tasting.
Next, brace yourself for the dirt tracks of the Minoan Path. Drive through a stunning mountain landscape to see wildlife and the unbelievable scenery. Learn the myths and legends of Crete on the way to a shepherd’s mitato (mountain shelter).
Feed the animals as you watch the shepherds produce cheese according to traditional methods. Taste some of the fresh, rich cheese.
Enjoy a bird’s-eye view of the Lassithi Plateau and north coast. Continue to Dikteon Cave to marvel at the birthplace of Zeus. Work up an appetite before your lunch at a local taverna. Try a selection of traditional dishes (vegetarian option available) and a glass or two of wine.
Then, go to Lassinthos Eco Park to admire traditional handicrafts. Back on the Lassithi Plateau, experience a wilderness and farming land where time has stood still. See donkeys put to work to help farm the land. Then, go to Seli to take photos of the unique scenery.
Drive to the village of Krassi, famous for its 2,000-year-old tree and natural spring water source. Continue down the mountain roads, passing ancient olive groves before you reach the spectacular coastline and deep blue sea.
Explore Chersonissos while riding a mini tourist train. Roll past the picturesque old town, two beaches, and the boats in the port. See more of Crete with the half-day option to the country villages of Avdou, Gonies, and Potamies.
Hop on the train and listen to Greek music and your audio commentary as you see the lively old town in Chersonissos. Admire the narrow streets and churches. Snap pictures of the boats at the port. View the sandy beaches at Analipsi and Anisaras.
On the half-day trip head to the villages of Avdou, Gonies, and Potamies. Enjoy views of the countryside and water as you ride along. Dink Raki (a traditional liquor) and snack on some local sweets.
Embark on a multi-stop cruise from Heraklion to St. Georges Bay, Sissi, Stalis, and more. Hop on board the Black Rose pirate boat and enjoy a pirate-themed experience with face painting, music, dancing, and a BBQ meal.
The Black Rose sails daily from the Port of Hersonissos through the clear waters of the Cretan Sea. The first stop on the trip is St. Georges Bay. You’ll have around 2 hours to swim and snorkel and explore the area.
By the time you’re back on the boat, the pirate crew will have prepared a delicious BBQ meal for you to enjoy. Later, head for the coast of Malia and Stalis for the second swimming stop.
Matala, a safe natural harbor, 65 kilometers from Heraklon, on the Bay of Messara, blessed with a gently sweeping sandy beach, where Zeus swam ashore in the guise of a bull with Europa on his back. The beach is 250m long and 45m wide.
Matala has something for everyone. It has become a popular tourist destination but still retains the character of a quiet fishing village. it started at the beginning of the 20th-century, and goes back to the lifestyle of the hippies of the 60’s and 70’s lives on. Matala hippies’ history relives during the 3 days Matala beach festival, every June since 2011. Half beach is fringed by tamarisk trees, leading the eye on to impressive formations of sandstone rock cliffs with their famous caves, creating one of the most unusual beachscapes on the island.
There have been many pages of history here. Nobody knows quite who started caves but it seems that they were first hollowed out as Roman or early Christian tombs. There are other ruins at the eastern end of the village and in the clear waters of Messara Bay there are ancient ruins to be seen in the depths.
Matala it is one of just over 400 beaches in Greece that have been awarded a Blue Flag. This exclusive eco-label is given to beaches that offer cleanliness and safe bathing areas and has strict criteria dealing with water quality, environmental management and safety. There is a lifeguard and first aid facilities, as well as toilets and showers.
The beaches of Matala, come under Natura 2000, a European Union network of nature protection.
At the beach there are sport facilities as well as activities for children
Find below the list of hotels near Analipsis beaches:
Paralos Venus Suites is located in the picturesque village of Analipsi and only 200 metres from the beach. It features a garden, sun terrace and two outdoor pools.
The air-conditioned Suites feature a smart TV with satellite channels and ironing facilities. They also include electric kettle and espresso coffee machine. The bathroom comes with a shower and hairdryer. WiFi in rooms is provided free of charge.
Guests can enjoy pool or garden views from their balcony. However some of the Suites offer sea view. They can also use the patio with sun loungers and umbrellas. Alternatively, they can visit the Archaeological or Historical Museums in Heraklion, with Minoan civilization relics.
Paralos Venus Suites is 4 km from the lively city of Hersonissos and 7 km from Thalassocosmos Aquarium. Heraklion Airport is 20 km away.
from
€154
/night
Set 1.9 km from Aposelemis Beach, Nagia Luxury Family Villas offers a seasonal outdoor swimming pool, a garden and air-conditioned accommodation with a balcony and free WiFi.
The villa provides guests with a terrace, pool views, a seating area, satellite flat-screen TV, a fully equipped kitchen with a dishwasher and an oven, and a private bathroom with walk-in shower and bathrobes. A microwave, a toaster and fridge are also featured, as well as a coffee machine and a kettle.
Nagia Luxury Family Villas offers a barbecue.
A kids pool is also available for guests at the accommodation.
Analipsi Beach is 2.2 km from Nagia Luxury Family Villas, while Cretaquarium Thalassocosmos is 7.6 km away. The nearest airport is Heraklion International, 17 km from the villa, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.
from
€261
/night
Situated in Hersonissos in the Crete region, Svourou Appartment features a balcony. It has inner courtyard views and free WiFithroughout the property.
The air-conditioned apartment consists of 1 bedroom, a living room, a fully equipped kitchen with an oven and a coffee machine, and 1 bathroom with a walk-in shower and a hot tub. Towels and bed linen are offered in the apartment.
Cycling can be enjoyed nearby.
Analipsi Beach is 1.8 km from the apartment, while Aposelemis Beach is 2.2 km from the property. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 17 km from Svourou Appartment.
from
€55
/night
Offering an outdoor pool with a sun terrace and a garden, Paul Marie is located in Hersonissos, just a 4-minute walk from the beach. Free WiFi access is available in public areas.
Opening to a balcony with garden views, each self-catering unit here will provide you with a kitchenette, including a refrigerator, cooking hobs and dining area. Each private bathroom comes with a shower and free toiletries. Extras include bed linen.
At Paul Marie you will find a restaurant,a poolside bar and a lounge bar. Cretan nights with BBQ are regularly organised. An array of activities can be enjoyed on site or in the surroundings, including golfing.
Heraklion International Airport is 16 km away. Free public parking is possible on site.
from
€48
/night
Located in Hersonissos, 500 metres from Analipsi Beach, Lyttos Mare provides accommodation with a seasonal outdoor swimming pool, free private parking, a fitness centre and a shared lounge. Featuring a kids’ club, this property also welcomes guests with a restaurant, a water park and a terrace. The accommodation offers room service, a 24-hour front desk and currency exchange for guests.
The hotel will provide guests with air-conditioned rooms with a desk, a coffee machine, a fridge, a safety deposit box, a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with a shower. All rooms are equipped with a kettle, while some rooms are equipped with a balcony and others also offer sea views. At Lyttos Mare each room is equipped with bed linen and towels.
A vegetarian, vegan or gluten-free breakfast can be enjoyed at the property.
The accommodation offers a children’s playground. You can play table tennis and darts at this 5-star hotel, and the area is popular for cycling.
Aposelemis Beach is 2.4 km from Lyttos Mare, while Anissaras Main Beach is 2.4 km away. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 17 km from the hotel.
from
€44
/night
Located in Analipsi, 1.9 km from Aposelemis Beach and 450 metres from Analipsi Beach, Sofilins Luxury Suite provides accommodation with amenities such as free WiFi and a flat-screen TV. Guests benefit from a patio and a terrace.
The air-conditioned apartment consists of 1 bedroom, a living room, a fully equipped kitchen with a fridge and a coffee machine, and 1 bathroom with a shower and free toiletries. Towels and bed linen are provided in the apartment.
Cretaquarium Thalassocosmos is 7.3 km from the apartment, while Heraklion Archaeological Museum is 23 km away. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 16 km from Sofilins Luxury Suite.
from
€135
/night
Find below list of beaches near Analipsis beaches:
The Aposelemis River, situated 19km east of Heraklion, between Analipsi and Gouves, is a significant wetland in northern Crete. The pond that forms near the shoreline serves as a natural habitat for various migratory birds and rare species. The river’s outlet gives way to a beautiful sandy beach with shallow cool waters. Although it’s in close proximity to large hotels and tourist spots, the beach lacks organization compared to other top beaches in the vicinity, with only a handful of umbrellas and sunbeds available.
There are two alternative routes to reach the beach. One option is to drive towards the beach of Analipsi and then follow the coastal road heading west. After traversing a few meters past the region’s rocky shores, you’ll arrive at the extensive Aposelemis beach. Alternatively, you can take the coastal road of Kato Gouves to its eastern end, where the road veers right and runs along a hotel’s walls. Aposelemis beach is directly across from this hotel, adjacent to Gouves’ soccer field.
Located 21km east of Heraklion and west of Cape Sarandaris, the tranquil resort of Anisaras is now home to a plethora of large hotels, most of which provide all-inclusive services. Small sandy beaches with rocky seabeds line the front of these hotels, all well-equipped with umbrellas and sun beds mainly offered complimentary to hotel guests.
Although beautiful, the beaches have a generally rocky seabed, making them popular with snorkelers. Regular waves can pose challenges. The beach near Analipsi, however, the longest in the area, is notably sandier. The coastal road of Anissaras starts from here, running along the coast, stopping before the large Anissaras hotel complex, and then extends southwards, passing around the hotels up to Cape Sarandaris. To swim at the hotel-front beaches, one must either stroll along the coast until finding a preferred cove or seek permission from hotel security to cross the hotel grounds.
The small, picturesque chapel of St. George can be found on Cape Sarandaris, offering breathtaking views of Hersonissos’ western coves. It can be accessed by walking eastwards from the hotel beaches or by taking the road that links Anisaras and Hersonissos. Near the cape, a stone footpath leads to the church.
Anisaras is not a structured settlement, but rather a scattering of hotels and holiday homes, limiting dining and entertainment options outside the hotels. However, the close proximity of Hersonissos provides alternatives. Access to Anisaras from Heraklion by bus is slightly problematic, with no direct route available. The buses destined for Hersonissos stop about 2km from the beach, necessitating a taxi.
Contrary to rumors, Anisaras does not derive its name from the plant anise, which is not found in the area. Instead, the name is a corruption of ‘agisaras,’ the Greek name for the plant Cistus creticus (also known as aladania), which is abundant in the region.
The tranquil beaches of Hersonissos Coves, also known as Limanakia, are located 27km east of Heraklion, extending from Cape Sarandaris to Hersonissos harbour. The beaches are protected from the strong northwest winds by Cape Sarandaris (Sarantari), providing calm waters for visitors. These coves are easily reachable and are situated near the vibrant town of Hersonissos with plenty of bars and cafes.
The western edge of the coves features a concrete dock ideal for diving, nestled on the rocky western side of Cape Sarandaris (Sarantari) near the quaint St. George Sarandaris chapel. A staircase leads to a sunbathing spot with hotel umbrellas and a rocky seabed perfect for swimming and snorkeling.
Further down, at Cape Sarandaris’s base, you’ll discover the breathtaking Sarantari Cape beach, arguably the most picturesque and sheltered beach in Hersonissos. Its sandy beaches, shallow crystal-clear waters, and an intriguing sea cave make it a tranquil alternative to other beaches, despite the challenging descent through steep limestone cliffs.
Contrary to popular belief, Hersonissos also has a stony naturist beach located next to Sarandaris Cape, hidden discreetly by tall cliffs. This sandy, rocky cove provides a peaceful spot for swimming and solitude.
The well-known Sarandari beach comes next, popular among children due to its shallow waters and soft sands. The beach offers umbrellas, sunbeds, and a small canteen for convenience.
Next to Sarandari is Giofyri beach, situated under the main road and supported by a massive concrete wall. With its unique white coarse sand, deeper waters, and rocky seabed, it’s a popular choice among visitors, complete with umbrella and sunbed facilities.
Heading east from Giofyri along the coastal road, a series of small, slim beaches framed by white rocks awaits, their light-blue waters offering a truly mesmerizing sight. This captivating landscape stretches until you reach the large beach in front of the Creta Maris hotel, which extends up to Hersonissos port. This beach is well-equipped with sunbeds, umbrellas, water sports facilities, and a beach volleyball court, becoming busier and more exposed to winds nearer the harbor.
Regardless of whether you decide to swim, a casual walk from the port to Cape Sarandaris offers stunning views of Hersonissos Bay and St. George’s chapel in Sarandaris. At Hersonissos port, consider visiting the lighthouse and the Agia Paraskevi church, partially built into the rock. On Kastri Hill, the remnants of the early Christian Hersonissos basilica and its preserved mosaics are a must-see.
Kato Gouves, often referred to as Gouves, is a sought-after holiday destination nestled 18km east of Heraklion, at the base of Mount Ederi. Historically, the valley of Kato Gouves was a fertile ground for vegetables, olives, and cereals, cultivated by the inhabitants of Ano Gouves. Today, it’s been transformed into a tourism hub, featuring numerous hotels. Unlike the bustling resorts of Malia and Hersonissos nearby, Gouves offers a tranquil vacation experience, making it an ideal spot for families and the elderly. The sandy beaches here are loved by families, and are conveniently close to all necessary amenities.
Gouves beach is well-equipped with facilities such as umbrellas, sunbeds, lifeguards, water sports, and diving centres, alongside showers and changing rooms. The sea, featuring fine sand and shallow waters, is exposed to the common north winds. As a result, there are several small piers and marinas in the vicinity where you can enjoy a swim, shielded from the waves. The coastal road of Gouves runs parallel to the coastline, simplifying the task of locating your perfect beach spot! Enjoy an evening stroll on this road while admiring the sunset. The road also boasts numerous cafes and restaurants, offering panoramic sea views. Furthermore, Gouves’ main road houses a number of supermarkets, shops, pharmacies, clinics, and ATMs.
One must-visit spot is the Church of St. Constantine, nestled in a quaint pine forest adjacent to the sea. Its picturesque seaside location makes it a popular wedding venue, especially for couples from Heraklion. If your visit falls on a Saturday, you’re likely to witness a traditional Greek wedding or baptism. Beyond the shoreline, 2km to the north, lies the village of Ano Gouves. Its narrow streets, churches, and coffee shops exude a traditional charm. Further north, you can explore the Cave of Agia Paraskevi near the village of Skotino. To the east, Mount Ederi stands tall, home to radars used by the Americans for the operation of the erstwhile US air base in Gournes.
© All rights reserved. Crete Locals
