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Situated 75km southwest of Heraklion, Dyskos, also known as Dytikos, is just a stone’s throw away from Lendas, separated only by the renowned Cape Lion. The legend says that Lion was one of the lions that served the goddess Rhea and was turned to stone at this location.
The settlement of Dyskos is nestled just west of Lion, where a sprawling beach with fine pebbles stretches out all the way to the village of Tsigounas. To reach this spot, one must travel the paved road from Lendas in the direction of Gerokambos. About a kilometer past Lendas, the beach will come into view on the left. In the absence of a car, one can still get to Dyskos by following the brief trail that skirts Cape Lion.
The eastern section of the beach, which lies in front of the village, is moderately developed with a handful of taverns and accommodation options. As one ventures westward, the beach becomes more secluded. The western area, close to Gerokambos, is particularly favored by nudists. In the past, Dyskos was a popular destination for hippies. For those seeking respite from the sun, numerous tamarisk trees line the beach providing ample shade.
Dyskos is also well-known for its breathtaking sunsets, with the sun disappearing behind the wild Asterousia mountains.
Get directions to Dyskos beach
Dyskos beach is known for its crystal-clear waters, golden sand, and stunning natural scenery.
Yes, Dyskos beach is suitable for families with children as the water is shallow and calm, making it safe for kids to swim.
No, there are no water sports activities available at Dyskos beach. However, visitors can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and relaxing on the Dyskos beach.
No, there is no natural shade available at Dyskos beach. Visitors are advised to bring their own umbrellas or sunshades.
No, there is no restaurant or cafe at Dyskos beach. Visitors are advised to bring their own food and drinks.
Yes, there is a parking area available at Dyskos beach. However, it can get crowded during peak season.
No, Dyskos beach is not accessible for people with disabilities as there are no facilities available for them.
No, camping is not allowed at Dyskos beach. Visitors are advised to find accommodation in nearby towns or villages.
The water colour of the Dyskos beach is blue.
The Dyskos beach has fine pebbles as sand.
The Dyskos beach has a normal water depth.
The sea surface at the Dyskos beach is usually calm.
The Dyskos beach has a normal crowd.
The Dyskos beach has accommodation options, food/water nearby, and umbrellas/beds.
The Dyskos beach is accessible via a paved road.
The Dyskos beach is nudism friendly, ideal for snorkeling/spearfishing, has tree shade, and is a seaturtle nesting point.
Find below list of things to do near Dyskos beach:
Southern Crete is a natural beauty which begs to be explored, while the region’s turbulent history has left behind some of the most beautiful remains. Come with us on a day trip with no planned destinations and let us explore together the hidden gems of this magnificent part of Crete!
Our crew will meet you at Agia Galini port and welcome you on board, where you will be given a briefing about safety and boat handling. We set our sails to the unexplored beaches of South Crete.
We arrive at the beach of our choice. We drop our anchor and you will have free time for swimming, snorkelling, enjoying the sun and nature. We carefully approach the coves that are surrounded by the protected wildlife.
Our team will tell you everything about the history and the myths of the places we will visit while a delicious meal from fresh and local organic ingredients is being prepared.
After your lunch and perhaps after a quick dive, we will set our sails again to return back to Agia Galini port.
We only wish to see the dolphins on the way back!
Places of interest: Agios Georgios, Agios Pavlos, Triopetra, Preveli, Komos Beach, Matala, Kokkini Ammos (Red Beach), Vathi Beach, Akra Lithino, Martsalo, Agiofarago, Kaloi Limenes.
**Please note that the itinerary might change due to the weather condition and the duration of the trip!
Discover a shipwreck during 2 scuba dives with an experienced instructor. Head over to South Crete , crossing amazing landscapes , gear up and swim through the now bustling aquatic life living around the cargo ship wreck. Tuck into local snacks in between your dives, reenergizing yourself.
Drive through varying landscapes, past mountains and traditional villages before arriving at the South Coast, where the “Byron I” cargo ship wreck is laying down on the sea floor.
During your dive briefing learn the history of the wreck. The “Byron I” was a cargo ship carrying 11,000 tons of sugar. On January 17, 1985 the ship sunk in bad weather conditions, dropping its sugary cargo around it. Luckily, the crew managed to survive and was saved from the wreck.
Nowadays. this 100-meter ship wreck is home to divers aquatic life, from groupers to octopuses, and from moray eels to lionfish, and more. Dive in crystal clear waters with great visibility, making this dive site a unique place for underwater photography.
Tuck into a delicious local snack with fruits and drinks between your 2 dives, and enjoy a debrief with your instructor after both dives, as your dive log is filled out.
We start driving through the route of the vineyards of crete. The villages we will cross are famous for the grape varieties and their wines and that is why there are many well-known wineries on our way.
Our first stop is at agios thomas a village at an altitude of 760 meters, dating back to 1371 AD. In the village there are byzantine churches, ruins of the byzantine aqueduct as well as roman era tombs.
Going down, we will cross the messara valley and following a route through olive groves, we will reach the monastery of odogitria one of the most famous monasteries of crete, dating back to the 14thcentury. You will be amazed by the beauty of the monastery and you will have the opportunity to visit the museum with objects of the daily life of cretans.
Following a beautiful dirt road we arrive at the entrance of agiofarago and start crossing it on foot. Walking through the gorge (with zero difficulty degree) you will have the opportunity to get close to sheep and goats which are beautiful and absolutely harmless. After 20 minutes walking you will end up on a beach with fine pebble that will really enchant you. It is the paradise of southern crete
After swimming in the crystal clear waters and driving through a beautiful dirt road we reach matala, the famous village of southern crete where the hippies lived in the 70s. You will have free time to admire the beauties of the village and visit the caves of the hippies.
We return to the hotel through a beautiful route. This journey will amaze and fill you with pictures that will stay with you for a lifetime.
After a short drive through the Messara plain you reach Matala. Known for the colony of hippies in the Sixties, where they lived in large holes formed on the mountain. The rocks are holes with a Roman burial. In Matala you will have time for a refreshing dip in the water, eat something or just enjoy a drink on the beach. This is the place where Zeus, having taken the form a bull, swam ashore with Europa on his back before dragging her off to Gortys. Both, the Minoans and the Romans used the place as their harbor. Nevertheless, for most people, Matala means only one thing: hippies. Back in the late 1960s – 1970s, this little town was a colony of the “flower children”, who lived in the caves that used to be former Roman tombs
Explore the highlights of southern Crete on a guided full-day trip from Heraklion. Enjoy a small-group tour of some of the region’s most popular sights.
Meet your guide at your hotel and hop on the bus that will take you to your first stop, Phaistos. Along the way, take in scenic views of the Messara winegrowing region’s mountains and vineyards. At Phaistos, explore the ruins of a medieval city and the second-largest palace in Crete. Learn more about the history of the complex from your guide and enjoy panoramic views of the Ida Mountains and the Lassithi Massif.
Afterward, swim in the crystal-clear waters of the Libyan Sea in the former fishing village of Matala and take a walk to the world-famous cliffside caves. Then, tuck into a delicious lunch with views over the bay.
On the way back to Heraklion, stop at the monastery of Odigitria. Here, witness 2 tholos tombs and let yourself be enchanted by the monastery’s charm before heading back to your hotel.
Join us on an unforgettable adventure through the stunning valleys of Malevizi and Messara, home to millions of olive trees. Experience the thrill of an off-road jeep ride through the Asterousia mountain range, exploring rarely seen areas, and stopping at an observation deck at the peak of the mountains to admire eagles and the breathtaking canyon and Libyan Sea in the background.
During our trip to southern Crete, you’ll learn about the local tradition of goat-keeping from a shepherd. He’ll show you how to feed, milk, and catch goats. Then, you’ll cook Cretan goat cheese with him inside a cave, which is a unique experience. Finally, you’ll get to taste the delicious cheese you made together.
We’ll have lunch at a charming seaside tavern, take a refreshing swim at the tranquil Tripitis beach, make a wish at a picturesque church, and experience a true Cretan farewell with the hospitable old man who owns the tavern and takes care of the church.
This adventure is perfect for anyone looking for an exciting and unique experience in Crete. Book your trip with us now and let us take you on an unforgettable journey.
Find below the list of hotels near Dyskos beach:
Located in Léntas in the Crete region with Lenta Beach nearby, Marina apartments provides accommodation with free private parking.
Each unit comes with a terrace offering sea views, a flat-screen TV, a well-fitted kitchen and a private bathroom with bath and a hair dryer. A balcony with mountain views is offered in each unit.
Guests can also relax in the garden.
Phaistos is 31 km from the villa, while Museum of Cretan Ethnology is 31 km away. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 67 km from Marina apartments.
from
€85
/night
Featuring air-conditioned accommodation with a balcony, Villa Nostalgia Lentas No3 is located in Léntas. It features a garden, a terrace, sea views and free WiFithroughout the property.
Lenta Beach is 90 metres from the apartment, while Phaistos is 39 km away. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 75 km from Villa Nostalgia Lentas No3.
Panorama Luxury Apartment is a beachfront property located in Léntas, a few steps from Lenta Beach and 39 km from Phaistos. It features mountain views and free WiFithroughout the property.
The apartment is equipped with 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, bed linen, towels, a flat-screen TV, a dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, and a terrace with sea views.
Museum of Cretan Ethnology is 39 km from the apartment. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 75 km from Panorama Luxury Apartment.
Boasting sea views, Katerina’s Lux Home offers accommodation with a balcony and a coffee machine, around 1.8 km from Limanaki Beach. This beachfront property offers access to a terrace and free private parking.
With free WiFi, this apartment features a flat-screen TV, a washing machine and a kitchen with an oven and fridge. Towels and bed linen are offered in the apartment.
Guests can also relax in the garden.
Phaistos is 32 km from the apartment, while Museum of Cretan Ethnology is 32 km from the property. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 69 km from Katerina’s Lux Home.
from
€153
/night
Celine Private Residences features mountain views, free WiFi and free private parking, located in Léntas, less than 1 km from Lenta Beach.
The villa provides guests with a terrace, sea views, a seating area, satellite flat-screen TV, a fully equipped kitchen with an oven and a toaster, and a private bathroom with shower and bathrobes. A fridge, a stovetop and kitchenware are also provided, as well as a coffee machine and a kettle.
Guests can enjoy the infinity pool and garden at Celine Private Residences.
Phaistos is 38 km from the accommodation, while Museum of Cretan Ethnology is 39 km away. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 75 km from Celine Private Residences.
Boasting air-conditioned accommodation with a rooftop pool, mountain view and a patio, Villa Melpomeni is set in Andiskárion. This beachfront property offers access to a balcony, free private parking and free WiFi.
The villa with a terrace and sea views has 4 bedrooms, a living room, a flat-screen TV, an equipped kitchen with an oven and a fridge, and 2 bathrooms with a shower. Towels and bed linen are offered in the villa.
The villa offers a picnic area. A car rental service is available at Villa Melpomeni.
Psili Ammos Beach is 1.1 km from the accommodation, while Kokkines Plakes Beach is 2.5 km from the property. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 69 km from Villa Melpomeni.
from
€266
/night
Find below list of beaches near Dyskos beach:
Situated 74km south of Heraklion, on the southern fringes of the grand Asterousia Mountains, is the isolated seaside village of Lendas. This modestly designed tourist resort promises a serene vacation. The journey to Lendas, from Agii Deka near Mires town, via the village of Miamou, is via a narrow paved road that winds through the rough mountains, descending from an elevation of about 1000m to sea level, offering an awe-inspiring view of the Lendas sea.
The vicinity is scattered with beaches, popular among naturists. The beach in the village of Lendas, shielded on the east by Cape Psamidomouri and on the west by the renowned Cape Lion, was once the old port of Lendas, which has since been relocated to Loutra. This beach is the busiest in the area with basic amenities such as umbrellas, showers, sunbeds, and water sports. Beyond the beach, numerous taverns and rental rooms are available. The beach’s trademark is its ducks that wander freely. Additionally, the endangered loggerhead sea turtle lays its eggs on Lendas beach between May and September. For those seeking solitude, the secluded beaches of Dyskos and Loutra are ideal.
Lendas is established on the site of the ancient city Levina, a name believed to be derived from the Phoenician “Lavi” meaning Lion. A lion-like cape located west of the village supports this belief. Legend says this lion was one of the lions pulling goddess Rhea’s chariot and was turned into stone at this location. Another theory suggests the name originates from the Phoenician word “levina”, meaning white, describing the whitish hue of the local rocks. The modern name Lendas is derived from the Greek word “Leondas” meaning lion. This cape, also known as Lion, is an archaeological site that can be visited by a short 15-minute walk to its peak, where you can enjoy a beautiful sunset. Archaeologists have uncovered evidence of early Minoan graves and a settlement, which had ties with Egypt. The ancient city of Levina prospered in the Hellenistic and Roman era, serving as a port for Gortys, the most powerful town in Crete at the time.
East of Lentas, a spring with supposed healing properties can be found. Even today, studies suggest the water aids in healing stomach, blood, and bleeding disorders. Consequently, a massive temple dedicated to the divine doctor Asclepius and Hygeia Sotira was built in the 4th century AC. This temple gained fame as a center for hydrotherapy, physiotherapy, and psychiatry, attracting patients from distant places, such as Libya. Remnants of the temple, a Byzantine church dedicated to Agios Ioannis Theologos, and Roman baths can still be found in the area. Levina was presumably abandoned in the 7th-8th century due to frequent pirate attacks.
East of the village, opposite the Psamidomouri Cape, a rock resembling a crouching elephant can be seen, with another beach formed opposite the rock. Further on, Cape Trafoulas bears a resemblance to a crocodile from Lendas. According to a local legend, Cleopatra once visited Lendas with her favorite animals, namely a lion, a crocodile, and an elephant. She was so enchanted by the place that she left her animals behind when she returned to Egypt. To this day, these “animals” remain there, patiently waiting for Cleopatra’s return.
To the west of Lendas, you’ll encounter the quaint village of Tsigounas, which is home to the modest beach of Limanaki that serves as a local harbour due to its safeguarded orientation. The village of Tsigounas derives its name from the term ‘tsigounis’, meaning ‘stingy’, which is a reference to a local spring that produces a limited amount of water.
East Tsigounas, also known as Petrakis, is a serene beach situated 1km east of Lendas and 76km south of Heraklion on the foot of the rugged slopes of the Asterousia Mountains. The beach can be reached by car from Lendas via a road leading east to the local port. A section of it is referred to as Ostria, named after a small local hotel.
East Tsigounas is home to a quaint hamlet comprising 2-3 taverns with rooms and a handful of houses. The hamlet overlooks a lengthy beach adorned with beautiful round pebbles. Tamarisk trees line the beach, providing shade and an ideal spot for camping. Despite not being well-developed, the beach does offer a few umbrellas provided by the taverns.
Located just 3km to the east of the coastal village of Lendas, and 77km to the south of Heraklion, you’ll find Loutra. Known to locals as the home of the Lendas port, it’s safeguarded on the eastern side by Cape Trafoulas. Adjacent to the harbour, there are several coves with sandy and rocky sea beds, perfect for snorkelling and fishing. Although it’s relatively unorganised and not overly busy, there are a few nearby restaurants and rental rooms. Before the construction of Lendas’ port, Loutra was a favourite amongst naturists, but these days they tend to feel less at ease here.
West of the main beach and detached from the harbour is a small beach known as “Pasiphae’s Baths” or Hammam. Legend has it that this beach was the bathing place of choice for females, led by Queen Pasiphae, wife of the mythical King of Knossos, Minos. Minos and his male counterparts, however, would typically be found at Trafoulas beach.
Close by Loutra, there’s the charming Panaghia (Virgin Mary) Vithanos chapel, which is uniquely built into a rock. According to local folklore, a shepherd found a Panaghia icon in the rocks above Loutra near the canyon. After the icon was stolen from a church in the Plain of Mesara and went missing, the shepherd re-discovered it in the same spot. To express their gratitude for this miracle, the shepherd and his companions decided to construct a church at this site. They were faced with the difficult task of bringing water up from the valley, a task made possible by Panaghia who created a spring from the barren rock. This is the reason the church’s icons depict Panaghia surrounded by water.
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