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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:
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.
Take in the beauty of the Cretan Sea on a scenic boat tour with iconic snorkeling opportunities. Depart from Malia on a 3 hours Motor Yacht and discover Stalis, Hersonissos, and Saint George Bay. Swim in crystal-clear waters, gaze at vibrant marine life, and enjoy tasty snacks.
Start your adventure with a hotel pickup before heading to Malia. Set sail and admire stunning views of the coastline of the Aegean Sea. Stop at various beaches and coves along the way for swimming, snorkeling, or sunbathing. Enjoy a sandwich, dessert, and fruit salad if you’re feeling hungry.
Explore the villages by boat of Stalis and Hersonissos, both known for their lively atmosphere and nightlife, and soak up the sun at Saint George Bay, surrounded by rocky cliffs and lush greenery. Finally, make your way back to Malia to be transferred to your accommodation.
Alar Dinner Show runs a purpose-built theatre on the north-coast road near Hersonissos, staging two productions with a four-course meal served through the performance. The venue was created by Virginia Carbone and built specifically for the format, with a 24-square-metre LED screen and laser lighting integrated into the room rather than added to it. Two shows run: ALAR Spectacular, aimed at ages 12 and up, and TROY, a family production built around Greek mythology.
The evening runs to a fixed programme from doors to exit. Five stages fill it.
First, doors open at 19:00 and the performances start as soon as you walk in, around the room rather than only on the stage. Second, dinner is served at 19:30 alongside a pre-show, for TROY this is “Meet the Gods and Heroes”. Third, guests on the Drinks & Show ticket arrive at 20:00. Fourth, the main show starts at 20:30: dancing, acrobatics, comedy, a quick-change act, aerialists and live singers, carried by the laser and LED staging. Fifth, the night ends at 22:30, with an after-show party on the dance floor.
TROY adds an interactive layer. A QR code puts the show on your own phone, and the audience votes during the performance, Greeks or Trojans, Achilles or Hector, with the choice changing how the story runs.
The theatre sits on the main north-coast road in the Heraklion regional unit.
Two ticket types cover the same performance.
The dinner ticket includes:
The Drinks & Show ticket includes:
Tickets start from €40. Tables can be chosen at booking, or left to the venue, which assigns the best available in your category.
We recommend Alar because it is not competing with anything else on this coast. Crete’s evening options are overwhelmingly folklore nights, a village, a lyra, a buffet, a dance troupe, and they are good at what they do. Alar is a staged production with acrobats, aerialists and a quick-change act in a room built for it, which is a different night out entirely. If you have already done a Cretan night, this is the one that does not repeat it.
Having two productions is the practical strength. ALAR Spectacular is suggested from age 12 up, while TROY is written for mixed ages with a menu to match, so a family with younger children has a real option rather than a compromise.
The venue itself is worth noting. A 24-square-metre LED screen, laser performances and pre-show acts working the room are production values you would expect in a city, not on a resort road.
Two practical points rather than criticisms.
Book on the venue’s own site. Alar states a lowest-price guarantee there, and booking directly lets you pick your table and flag a special occasion.
The rating we hold is based on a small sample. Our listing records 4.7 out of 5 across 20 ratings, which is positive but not a large base, check recent reviews yourself before committing a whole evening.
Book direct, pick your show by who is coming, and arrange the taxi both ways.
The programme runs 19:00 doors, 19:30 dinner and pre-show, 20:00 arrival for Drinks & Show, 20:30 showtime and 22:30 exit, followed by the after-show party.
The venue is wheelchair accessible, state it in the booking form and do not choose a table, and an accessible table with the best available view is assigned. Booking ahead on the venue website is recommended.
Contact Alar directly: alardinnershow.com, info@alardinnershow.com, +30 694 712 4299.
Doors open at 19:00, dinner and the pre-show begin at 19:30, and the main show starts at 20:30, finishing at 22:30.
TROY suits families, with a menu for all ages and an interactive vote during the performance, while ALAR Spectacular is suggested from age 12 up.
Yes, a Drinks & Show ticket covers the performance and the after-show party, with arrival at 20:00.
Yes. State it in the booking form and leave the table unselected, and an accessible table with the best available view is assigned.
Tickets start from €40, with the venue’s own website carrying a lowest-price guarantee.
Alar is on the main north-coast road near Hersonissos, a short drive from the resort strip.
Acqua Plus is the largest water park in Crete, and this ticket combines entry with a return coach from hotels in the Rethymno area. Acqua Plus sits on a hillside 5 kilometres from Hersonissos and 30 kilometres from Heraklion, split into an adult section and a children’s section. Pick-up runs from around 08:00, the coach reaches the park near 10:30, and you stay until 17:00, so the ticket buys roughly six and a half hours inside the gates.
The ticket covers the coach, the gate, every slide and a sunbed, which means the only thing you spend money on inside is food.
Platanos Tours runs the transfer. The park itself is built across a terraced hill, so the walk between rides is short and mostly downhill, and the layout puts the adult slides on one side and the children’s pools on the other. Slides include the Kamikaze drop, the Tsunami, the Black Holes tunnels and the Crazy River, which zig-zags through three linked pools. A lazy river, a playground and shallow pools make up the children’s half.
Qualified lifeguards work the pools and a doctor stays on site through the day. Reviewers consistently single out how closely the lifeguards watch the water, which is the detail that matters most if you are bringing small children.
The trip runs between the Rethymno coast and the Heraklion regional unit, and two of the places on the route have their own page here.
The fare covers transport, entry and shade, and it excludes food, drinks and anything sold separately inside the park.
Included:
Not included:
Children aged 0 to 4 enter free.
We recommend Acqua Plus as the family day out that survives a hot week, and we send people here rather than to the coast when the north wind makes the sea uncomfortable. A water park is one of the few things in Crete that works better at 35 degrees than at 25, and this one is big enough that the crowd spreads out.
The reviews back up three things in particular. Supervision is genuinely tight, several reviewers mention lifeguards positioned everywhere and watching properly. Queues are short outside peak weeks, with visitors reporting they got round every slide without stress. The park is large enough to feel uncrowded even on a busy day, which is the single most common observation across the review record.
Now the things we would flag before you book, because this tour scores 4.13 out of 5 and the gaps are worth knowing.
The journey is the weakest part. Transportation scores 3.9 out of 5 and guiding 3.8, the two lowest marks the tour carries, and reviewers from Rethymno report a coach journey of at least 90 minutes each way. Add the 08:00 start and you are committing the whole day, not the afternoon.
The Grand Rimondi exclusion is real and it catches people out. One reviewer described a 1.2-kilometre uphill walk to reach the Creta Star bus stop, and that is the official pick-up arrangement rather than a mistake.
Spending inside the park is the third point. Entry costs around €29 and the food is described as good but priced up, and a few attractions such as the Ninja course carry their own charge on top of the ticket. Budget for extras rather than assuming the ticket is all-in.
Arrive at opening, stake out shade early, and treat the coach timetable as the fixed part of your day.
Show your ticket at the Acqua Plus entrance, there is no separate meeting point at the park itself. Pack sunglasses, a sun hat and strong sunscreen, because the hillside layout offers little shade between the rides and the reflection off the pools is harsh.
The park runs from late spring to early autumn. Infants and children under 5 enter free, and the children’s section has its own shallow pools, playground and lazy river well away from the drop slides.
You get about six and a half hours in the park, arriving around 10:30 and leaving at 17:00 when the coach departs.
Hotel pick-up and drop-off are included for most Rethymno-area hotels, though guests at remote properties such as Grand Rimondi board at the Creta Star bus stop instead.
The coach takes at least 90 minutes each way, according to reviewers travelling from the Rethymno area, with pick-ups starting around 08:00.
Yes, and children under 5 enter free. A separate children’s section has shallow pools, a lazy river and a playground kept apart from the adult slides.
Food, drinks and a few attractions cost extra. The ticket covers every standard slide, a sunbed and an umbrella, but reviewers note the Ninja course and similar add-ons carry their own charge.
Acqua Plus is 5 kilometres from Hersonissos and 30 kilometres from Heraklion, on a hillside in the Heraklion regional unit.
Check dates and prices for Acqua Plus water park entry with transfer.
Spend a special day in one of the largest water parks on Crete. Pre-book an entrance ticket to Acqua Plus Water Park, approximately 26 kilometers east of Heraklion, and enjoy over 50 different slides, games and facilities where the friendly and helpful staff await you.
Enjoy adrenaline thrills at different slides, and attractions, like the Aqua Slalom, Black Holes, and Crazy River. Alternatively, get in some serious relaxation on a lazy river. Visitors of all ages can find something to suit among the dozens of different slides, making it an ideal day out for the entire family.
Swim in the main pool, or slip and slide down the 262-foot (80-meter) hydrotube. Relax on the lazy river or at the hydromassage pool. The park even has a garden section where you can see Cretan flowers, palm trees, and bougainvillea, along with French marigolds and many other flowers.
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.
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