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Situated 26km northwest of Heraklion, Fodele beach is just a short 3km journey north from the village of Fodele, the suspected birthplace of famed painter Domenikos Theotokopoulos, or El Greco. The National Road, linking Heraklion and Chania, runs parallel to the beach, offering easy access. This sandy beach is open to the north winds and is flanked by Cape Stavros on the east and Kastellos hill on the west. Atop Kastellos hill, one can find the remnants of the old fort, Kastelos. The beach itself is formed at the mouth of the river Pantomantris or Fodelianos.
The western section of the beach is meticulously maintained and comes equipped with sun umbrellas, sun beds, showers, water sports, cafes and taverns. You can spot a large hotel on the west slope of Kastellos hill, with a small pier in front of it that provides protection to swimmers. The eastern part of the beach, near the local gas station, is less developed and exposed to the north winds.
Visitors can pair their beach day with a trip to the picturesque village of Fodele, nestled in a verdant valley along the banks of the river Pantomantris. The village, located on the site of the ancient city Pantomatri, was named after its first inhabitant. The valley is renowned for its citrus trees, especially oranges and lemons. Numerous taverns are scattered within the village and along the river, offering traditional cuisine under the cover of towering plane trees. It’s worth exploring the village streets and visiting the local churches of St. George and the Assumption. Just outside the village, you’ll find the churches of Annunciation, All Saints, St. George, St. John and Virgin Mary.
Fodele is known as the birthplace of El Greco, the most celebrated figure of the Cretan School of Iconography. El Greco spent his early years in Crete before relocating to Italy, where he worked alongside Titian. His later years were spent in Toledo, Spain, where he passed away. His artwork exhibits a fusion of Byzantine and ancient Greek influences with Renaissance art. The house he grew up in, positioned 1km southwest of the village at Skotini, is well preserved and functions as an El Greco museum housing replicas of his work. Nearby, the ancient church of Panagia (Virgin Mary) is a worthwhile visit. It’s believed that this church greatly inspired the artist. Lastly, an exhibition showcasing El Greco’s original and reconstructed works, along with items from the movie “El Greco”, has been on display at the Bethlehem Gate of the Venetian Walls of Heraklion city since 2009.
There are various activities you can do at Fodele beach, such as swimming, sunbathing, snorkeling, and beach volleyball.
Yes, Fodele beach is suitable for families with children as the water is shallow and calm, and there are lifeguards on duty during the day.
Yes, there are several restaurants and cafes near Fodele beach where you can enjoy local cuisine and drinks.
Yes, you can rent beach equipment such as sun loungers and umbrellas at Fodele beach.
Yes, Fodele beach is accessible for people with disabilities as there are ramps and special facilities available.
Yes, you can enjoy water sports such as jet skiing, parasailing, and windsurfing at Fodele beach.
Yes, Fodele beach is a great spot for watching the sunset as it offers a stunning view of the sea and the surrounding mountains.
The water colour of the Fodele beach is blue.
The Fodele beach has sand as its sand type.
The water at the Fodele beach is shallow.
The sea surface at the Fodele beach is usually wavy.
The Fodele beach has normal crowds.
The Fodele beach has accommodation options, food/water nearby, umbrellas/beds, sports, lifeguard, showers, and a Blue Flag.
The Fodele beach can be accessed through bus services, paved road, and is handicap friendly.
No, there is no other information available about the Fodele beach.
Find below list of things to do near Fodele beach:
Take part in this exciting and unforgettable experience which is guaranteed to highlight your holiday in Crete. Elevate your adventurous side to a whole new level with this quad safari. Ride and ATV through Crete’s rugged mountainous terrains and lush green valleys. Have a thrilling and adrenaline pumping experience by overcoming obstacles along the way through well-hidden routes of the island. Be surrounded by stunning landscapes and scenic viewpoints not accessible with other means of transportation. Our experienced local guides will take you to unique vantage points that provide the most chances of encountering wildlife coupled with the awe- inspiring vistas of two traditional villages in Crete. The combination of this exhilarating quad biking safari and access to unreachable viewpoints will give you a unique perspective of the island assured to create lasting memories.
Visit of the ‘Ghost town’
Off-the-beaten-path exploration: Explore a deserted village which was once thriving and learn about its rich history. Step back in time and learn about the culture and lifestyle of people who used to inhabit there. Have a chance to exchange pleasantries with the few residents that still live there and ask them any questions about this fascinating village. Wander around the picturesque alleys and observe the architectural remnants of the past whilst capturing unique photographs of the history frozen in time. Connect with a different side of the island’s history and culture that it is not commonly visited and known. Our quad safari will introduce you to one of Crete’s mysterious ‘ghost town’ in a funny and safe way to create life lasting memories.
Visit Fodele – El-Greco
Visit and explore a traditional charming Cretan village known for its picturesque surroundings, characterised by green valleys and hills covered in olive and orange groves. The village is nestled in a fertile valley, providing a tranquil and idyllic atmosphere to visitors. It is renowned as the birthplace of El Greco, the famous Renaissance painter. Our quad safari will take you right outside the house of El Greco where you will have the chance to see his family home and learn about his life. Another point of interest in the beautiful village of Fodele is the 11th century church of Panagia which features traditional Byzantine architectural elements and gives a glimpse into the rich cultural and religious heritage of the Byzantine Empire. During the visit you will have the opportunity to see this church as well as to explore the central village and have a short break for refreshments in an iconic café next to a river.
Return
Having explored different aspects of the island through this diverse and enriching quad biking tour we take the return route back to the starting point. Our fun does not end until the last min
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.
This is the ideal diving course for those who want to try scuba diving but do not have a diving certificate. Enjoy a pre-dive lesson and always be accompanied by a certified instructor.
Begin your day with the basic theory on diving and the skills necessary to do so. You will then move on to real-life diving under the supervision of a certified instructor.
During the dive, you will have the opportunity to explore the bottom of the sea in Agia Pelagia, learn the basic commands, and get the chance to observe up-close the fish and sea creatures living near the seabed.
Dive into a new adventure and experience this scuba activity suitable for first-timers. Enjoy 45 minutes of theoretical training and 45 minutes inside the water.
Learn from a local experienced and licensed instructor who will teach you how to breathe and move underwater. Get introduced to the marvelous experience of diving.
U will learn about the use of your diving equipment, hand signals, the sea life of Ligaria and more!
Take photos , live the dream of diving for an unforgettable experience with our certified experienced professionals.
Enjoy a pickup from your accommodation.
An evening quad safari in Crete can be a magical experience, allowing you to enjoy the beauty of the island’s landscapes as the sun dips bellow the horizon. Here is what to expect from our sunset tour:
Gather at the starting point at 17:00 pm for a short introduction to the quads following by a practical lesson in our private course (4 acres).
Once familiar with the quad bike our fun begins and we are setting off heading to our first stop which is at the top of the mountain ‘the ghost town’. The route is along the golden mountain trails which offers panoramic views of the sea coast and verdant mountains of Crete. It is a great opportunity to capture stunning photographs and create lasting memories whilst enjoying a smooth ride.
The ‘Ghost Town’ is situated on top of the mountain very well hidden and secluded. Our experienced guides will take you to this traditional abandoned village to show you the most interesting parts and tell you a few facts about the place. There are many abandoned old cottages in this village and the setting brings to mind a horror movie. Be prepared for amazing pictures and a unique experience.
Filled with fresh oxygen from the heights of Achlada ‘Ghost Town’ we are heading off road through an old donkey road descending 300 meters to the sea coast of Fodele. The selected route offers scenic views riding through olive groves and the natural beauty of Crete. As the tour progresses you will make your way to the sea coast where we can pause for a brief moment to take in the scenery and capture some pictures.
Our next stop is at a charming traditional village
renowned for its scenic beauty and the birthplace of the famous painter EL Greco. Once there, we are taking a 20 mins break to recharge and why not explore the streets of the village and the shops who offer local products such as fresh orange juice, honey, raki and handicrafts.
Having explored Fodele and being rejuvenated, we are taking the road back to the seacoast to capture a magnificent sunset. Once located in a comfortable spot by the beach which offers a clear view of the horizon, you can share a special moment with friends, family or loved ones anticipating the sunset. The warm hues of orange, pink and red in the sky in combination with the cooler blues and purples of the sky and sea are guaranteed to create a mesmerizing spectacle.
Experience unforgettable moments on the Quad Safari Peninsula and discover a world full of fascinating highlights. Our tours offer you the perfect mix of adventure, nature experience and cultural discovery.
Join us on our journey to a ghost village that reveals a forgotten past. Immerse yourself in history, get to know the only three residents of the village as you explore the deserted streets and soak up the atmosphere of this place.
With our newest, comfortable quads you drive through picturesque landscapes and enjoy the untouched nature. From the rolling hills to the majestic mountains, we offer you a variety of captivating panoramas and views stretching all the way to Heraklion.
We run our tours in small groups to give you a personalized experience. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced rider, our experienced, multilingual guides are always by your side.
Also discover the village of the famous painter El Greco – a wonderful place that fascinates artists and art lovers alike. Let yourself be enchanted by the charming streets and the cultural treasures of this place. Explore the enchanting village of oranges and savor the delicious flavors and incomparable charm of this location.
Take part in a unique adventure where you can combine the beauty of nature, the culture of the region and the joy of quad biking. Book now to start your journey and create unforgettable memories.
Find below the list of hotels near Fodele beach:
Fodele Beach Water Park Resort is a luxury, all-inclusive resort with a seafront location on the sandy beach of Fodele, on Crete’s northern coast. Featuring a water park, the hotel also has 3 swimming pools, 3 restaurants and meeting facilities. A tennis court and a fully equipped fitness centre are also included on site.
All rooms are spacious, air conditioned, with a light contemporary decor and tiled or parquet floors. Each comes equipped with a cable TV, in-room safe and phone. Free WiFi is provided
Guests can relax with a full-body massage, enjoy a refreshing dip in one of the pools or lounge on the sunny terraces enjoying the sea views. Younger guests can spend their time at the water park or at the kids club available on site. Beach towels are also offered to guests free of charge.
Fodele Beach Hotel has 3 restaurants, offering a selection of cuisines that range from Greek to French and from traditional fresh fish to Italian. Drinks, coffees and a selection of cocktails can also be enjoyed at the poolside bars.
The hotel is 28 km from Heraklion Archaeological Museum and 25 km from Heraklion International Airport. Free private parking is provided on site, while extra services include a 24-hour front desk and concierge.
from
€197
/night
Set in Fodele and only 1.3 km from Fodele Beach, Korfe Estate offers accommodation with mountain views, free WiFi and free private parking. This villa provides air-conditioned accommodation with a balcony.
The villa with a terrace and sea views has 3 bedrooms, a living room, a flat-screen TV, an equipped kitchen with a dishwasher and an oven, and 3 bathrooms with a hot tub. Towels and bed linen are offered in the villa.
The wellness area at the villa is comprised of a sauna and a hot tub. Guests can enjoy the pool with a view and garden at Korfe Estate.
Venetian Walls is 26 km from the accommodation, while Heraklion Archaeological Museum is 27 km from the property. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 29 km from Korfe Estate.
from
€299
/night
Offering mountain views, Villa Mandarin Grove Alyanoe in Fodele offers accommodation, an outdoor swimming pool and a garden.
Fitted with a terrace, the units offer air conditioning and feature a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with bath and a hair dryer. There is a seating and a dining area in all units.
Venetian Walls is 28 km from the holiday park, while Heraklion Archaeological Museum is 29 km away. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 32 km from Villa Mandarin Grove Alyanoe.
Offering an outdoor pool, “BlueVedere” Sea View Luxury Villa is a Detached villa with a balcony and views of the Cretan Sea, located 4 km from Agia Pelagia in the Crete Region. It provides free private parking and free grocery deliveries. The closest beach is 400 metres away.
There is a dining area and a kitchen complete with a dishwasher, an oven and a coffee machine. Other facilities include a washing machine, an iron and a TV in every room.
Other facilities at “BlueVedere” Sea View Luxury Villa include a BBQ and grocery delivery service. The owners can help with car rentals to explore the Crete island, as well as massage, special nights and private chef.
A supermarket can be found at a distance of 1 km. Heraklio Town is 15 km from “BlueVedere” Sea View Luxury Villa, while Hersonissos is 38 km away. The nearest airport is Nikos Kazantzakis Airport, 19 km from “BlueVedere” Sea View Luxury Villa.
from
€45
/night
Located in Achlada, 22 km from Venetian Walls and 23 km from Heraklion Archaeological Museum, Luxurious Stone house provides air-conditioned accommodation with a balcony and free WiFi. With mountain views, this accommodation features a patio.
The apartment is equipped with 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, bed linen, towels, a flat-screen TV, a dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, and a terrace with sea views.
The apartment offers a barbecue. A car rental service is available at Luxurious Stone house.
The Palace of Knossos is 26 km from the accommodation, while Cretaquarium Thalassocosmos is 38 km away. The nearest airport is Heraklion International, 26 km from Luxurious Stone house, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.
Brand new studio Sea View has garden views, free WiFi and free private parking, set in Agia Pelagia, 22 km from Venetian Walls.
Each unit has a terrace offering sea views, a flat-screen TV, a dining area, a well-fitted kitchenette and a private bathroom with shower, a hair dryer and free toiletries. An oven, a fridge and kitchenware are also offered, as well as a coffee machine and a kettle.
Guests can also relax in the garden.
Heraklion Archaeological Museum is 23 km from the country house, while The Palace of Knossos is 26 km from the property. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 25 km from Brand new studio Sea View.
from
€59
/night
Find below list of beaches near Fodele beach:
The secluded bay of Korakia is located 48km east of Rethymno and 39km west of Heraklion, near the village Sisses and close to Fodele beach. There are three adjacent beaches, which are mainly sandy with large pebbles in places, open to northwest winds. The beaches are secluded and almost unknown to everybody. Korakia is totally unorganized, thus you should have anything you need with you. However, the seawater has been significantly degraded, due to the north winds that carry rubbish and because of the nearby landfill of Heraklion city.
The area is a candidate for the construction of the new Power Station of Crete, but this has raised many arguments against this by ecologists. In order to access Korakia from Fodele, you should take the highway to Rethymno and turn right 1km after Fodele, on a very bad dirt track that leads to the beach after 1.5km.
The secluded Pera Galini bay, positioned 48km east of Rethymno and 39km west of Heraklion, is found near the village of Sisses. Most locals on Crete associate the name “Pera Galini” with the local garbage disposal facility that caters to the waste of Heraklion city. The presence of a nearby beach, although significantly degraded by the adjacent landfill, is known to only a handful of people.
Two nearby beaches can be accessed through a poorly maintained dirt road originating from the highway near Sisses. These beaches, while secluded and exposed to northern winds, occasionally host swimmers from the local area. Notwithstanding the rocky terrain, the beaches are sandy. The sea was heavily polluted years ago due to the nearby disposal centre, but recent improvements to the landfill have restored cleanliness and made the waters somewhat safe for swimming.
At the east end of the longest beach, the small cape of Kefali is found. There you will find the ruins of a Minoan settlement believed to have been a significant port in the area. Ongoing excavations, marked by plastic covers that resemble greenhouses, have unearthed a sanctuary. It is believed that an earthquake was the cause of the settlement’s ruin.
Near the beach, the remnants of an old monastery dedicated to Saint Anthony can also be found. Only the chapel of the once-thriving religious center remains. It’s speculated that the monastery was abandoned during the Venetian era due to relentless pirate attacks. The monastery is situated near a picturesque river lined with platan trees. However, the water is polluted due to its proximity to the landfill.
Bogazi beach is nestled in a secluded area on the periphery of the Sisses community in the district of Mylopotamos, located in the Talea Range and east of the German outpost at Pyrgos peak. Its remote location makes it only accessible by boat, as the nearby dirt roads are extremely challenging to navigate. Hence, it remains largely undiscovered. A year-round flowing stream lined with plane trees concludes its course at Bogazi. The beach, facing east and flanked by stunning rock formations to the north, is one of the rare wave-free beaches on the northern coastline of Rethymnon.
Situated 21km west of Heraklion, on the southern side of the compact Cape Souda, you’ll find Agia Pelagia beach, also known as Santa Pelagia. This beach is nestled amidst several picturesque coves with stunning beaches. Originally, Agia Pelagia was a quaint settlement utilized by Achlada villagers for agricultural purposes, but it has since evolved into a bustling tourist destination replete with hotels, restaurants, cafes, bars, and more. Routine bus services to Heraklion ensure its accessibility.
The primary beach of Agia Pelagia is a slender, sandy stretch with greenish water. The Turks dubbed it Tsanak Limani, meaning ‘plate harbor’ due to its circular shape. The bay forms a natural, tranquil harbor, and the beach provides an array of amenities such as watersports, diving, food, and accommodation. However, in some areas, the beach is narrow with sunbeds occupying most of the space.
The beach is well-shielded from northern winds by the Cape of Souda, where ruins of the ancient port town Apollonia can be found. A luxury hotel now stands on Souda, but the ruins are accessible for tourists. A small shrine stands near the hotel, marking where the icon of Santa Pelagia was discovered centuries ago. Not far from the beach is the former Agia Pelagia monastery, renowned throughout the island during the Venetian era. Worshippers would flock to the beach during the monastery’s feast, seeking healing in the sand.
A short walk past the shrine on Cape of Souda will lead you to Fylakes, considered the most beautiful beach of Agia Pelagia. Fylakes consists of two small coves with fine sand and greenish water, concealed by Cape Souda’s towering rocks. Accessing Fylakes requires navigating the rocky coast and wading through chest-high water, so secure your belongings accordingly.
To the east of Agia Pelagia, beneath Hotel Diana, is the lesser-known pebbled beach, Vlyhada. This small, man-made beach is exposed to the winds and can only be reached by swimming from Agia Pelagia, as the hotel does not permit land access.
Agia Pelagia served as a crucial port during the Venetian period, providing aid to the besieged Cretans during the Candia siege. The Turks later constructed a fort here, though no remnants remain today. The port was also where the legendary ship of Arkadi docked during the Cretan Revolution to provide ammunition to the rebels.
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