Quick search
CTRL+KQuick search
CTRL+K
These images are powered by
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.
There are plenty of activities to do at Gouves beaches, including swimming, sunbathing, snorkeling, and beach volleyball.
Yes, there are several restaurants and cafes near Gouves beaches where you can enjoy delicious food and drinks.
Yes, it is generally safe to swim at Gouves beaches, but it is always important to be cautious and aware of any potential hazards.
Yes, there are several water sports available at Gouves beaches, including jet skiing, parasailing, and banana boat rides.
The best time to visit Gouves beaches is during the summer months, from June to September, when the weather is warm and sunny.
Yes, there are several nearby attractions to visit while at Gouves beaches, including the Cretaquarium, the Palace of Knossos, and the Heraklion Archaeological Museum.
The water colour of the Gouves beaches is blue.
The Gouves beaches has sand.
The water at the Gouves beaches is shallow.
The sea surface at the Gouves beaches is usually wavy.
Yes, the Gouves beaches is a crowded place.
The Gouves beaches has accommodation options, food/water nearby, umbrellas/beds, sports, lifeguard, and showers.
The Gouves beaches can be accessed through bus services and a paved road.
No, there is no other information available about the Gouves beaches.
Find below list of things to do near Gouves beaches:
Intro:
A visit to Heraklion, the capital of the island, the fourth largest city of Greece and one of Europe’s fastest growing tourism destinations. Experience the busy life of the citizens and come with us to the biggest open air market of the city. Also visit Cretaquarium or Thalassokosmos located in the small town of Gournes, just outside Heraklion city that hosts sea organisms from over 250 species in more than 60 tanks!
Full Description:
Our day begins with a visit to the city’s biggest open air market that is located in the neighborhood of Pateles, a few minutes away from the city center of Heraklion. Walk around the dozens of stands and be greeted by the friendly merchants who offer their products at very good prices and are willing to give you a taste. Shop around like the locals do and try the high quality products of the Cretan soil.
Next up is the city center of Heraklion. We will have our stop in the city’s main square, the Liberty square and you will have time to scroll around the city center. Visit Daidalou, the main commercial street, have a cup of coffee in the Lions Square or visit the Archaeological museum of Heraklion and discover the greatness of the Minoan civilization. You can furthermore visit the fortress of Koules, one of the strongest fortresses built by the Venetians that is located in the old port of Heraklion. Admire the Venetian walls of the city while learning about the capital of the island.
Our last destination is the Cretaquarium where you can admire various Mediterranean marine species. After the tour, you can have a small break in the aquarium’s bar-restaurant before we head back to your hotels.
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.
Bring your family or friends along to one of Heraklion’s most enjoyable attractions with a full-day pass. Bask in the sun and enjoy the tropical weather as you slide down the water slides, float along the lazy river, or take the kids to the unique playground.
Spend a day at WaterCity and participate in the many activities designed to help you unwind and get your adrenaline pumping. Experience a wide range of water games and feel like a kid again. Playgrounds, slides, a jacuzzi, and a 385-meter lazy river are waiting for your visit.
Make the most of your day with a delicious cocktail or meal from one of the restaurants and bars open in the park, with exciting options available for purchase at your own expense. Don’t worry about your family’s safety while you’re away, as lifeguards are present at all times.
Bring your family or friends along to one of Heraklion’s most fun attractions with a full day pass. Bask in the sun and enjoy the tropical weather as you go down the water slides, float along the lazy river, or take the kids to the unique playground.
Spend a day at WaterCity and take part in the many activities, meant to help you unwind, but also to get your adrenaline pumping. Experience the wide range of water games and feel like a kid again. Playgrounds, slides, a jacuzzi, and a 385-meter lazy river are waiting for you to visit.
Make the most of your day with a delicious cocktail or meal from one of the restaurants and bars open at the park, with exciting options to purchase at your own expense. And don’t worry about your family’s safety while you’re away, as there are lifeguards present at all times.
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.
Find below the list of hotels near Gouves beaches:
Located in Kato Gouves of Heraklion, within 150 metres from the beach, Evdokia Suites offers a pol with poolbar and self-catering accommodation with free Wi-Fi and a balcony. It features a blossomed sun terrace, a children’s playground and free Wi-Fi throughout.
Overlooking the garden, the air-conditioned apartments of Evdokia have a seating area and a well-equipped kitchenette or kitchen. A fridge, a TV and a private bathroom with shower or bath tub are available.
A breakfast buffet with traditional local treats is served at the property. Snacks and drinks are available at the bar.
Guests will find restaurants and cafes within 150 metres from the property. Heraklion City and Port are 17 km away, while Nikos Kazantzakis International Airport is 15 km away. The famous Cretaquarium is at a distance of 800 metres away. Free on-site parking is possible.
from
€68
/night
Boasting garden views, Xenia, villa by the sea! features accommodation with a balcony and a coffee machine, around 500 metres from Gournon Beach. It has a garden, mountain views and free WiFithroughout the property.
The holiday home features 3 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, bed linen, towels, a flat-screen TV with streaming services, a dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, and a terrace with sea views.
At the holiday home guests are welcome to take advantage of a solarium. Both a bicycle rental service and a car rental service are available at Xenia, villa by the sea!, while snorkelling and walking tours can be enjoyed nearby.
Popular points of interest near the accommodation include Marina Beach, American Base Beach and Cretaquarium Thalassocosmos. The nearest airport is Heraklion International, 12 km from Xenia, villa by the sea!, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.
Anfi Suites has air-conditioned guest accommodation in Gouves, 80 metres from Marina Beach, 1.1 km from Gournon Beach and 1.1 km from Gouves Beach. Free WiFi is availablethroughout the property.
Each unit features a balcony, a flat-screen TV, a seating area, a well-fitted kitchenette and a private bathroom with shower, a hair dryer and free toiletries. Some units have a terrace and/or a patio with sea or city views.
Cretaquarium Thalassocosmos is 2 km from the apartment, while Heraklion Archaeological Museum is 19 km from the property. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 13 km from Anfi Suites.
from
€72
/night
Located in Gouves, 1.2 km from Gournon Beach and 1.5 km from Gouves Beach, Kouriton apartment is an ideal place to relax offers a garden and air conditioning. The accommodation is 400 metres from the Marina Beach and features free WiFithroughout the property.
The apartment is equipped with 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, bed linen, towels, a flat-screen TV with cable channels, a dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, and a balcony with garden views.
Cycling can be enjoyed nearby.
Cretaquarium Thalassocosmos is 2.2 km from the apartment, while Heraklion Archaeological Museum is 19 km away. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 12 km from Kouriton apartment is an ideal place to relax.
from
€83
/night
Located in Kato Gouves, 500 metres from Marina Beach, Volta Suites and Villas offers accommodation with free WiFi, a terrace or a balcony and access to a garden and a seasonal outdoor pool.
Featuring a kitchen with an oven and a toaster, each unit also comes with a safety deposit box, a satellite flat-screen TV, ironing facilities, desk and a seating area with a sofa. A fridge, a stovetop and kitchenware are also provided, as well as a coffee machine and a kettle.
The wellness area at the aparthotel is comprised of a beauty services and a fitness room.
Both a bicycle rental service and a car rental service are available at Volta Suites and Villas.
Gournon Beach is 1.3 km from the accommodation, while Gouves Beach is 1.6 km away. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 12 km from Volta Suites and Villas.
from
€95
/night
Featuring air-conditioned accommodation with a private pool, Villa Constantino with heated pool is set in Kato Gouves. This property offers access to a balcony, free private parking and free WiFi.
The villa is fitted with 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, bed linen, towels, a flat-screen TV with streaming services, a dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, and a terrace with sea views.
The villa offers a fitness centre. Guests can also relax in the garden.
Popular points of interest near Villa Constantino with heated pool include Marina Beach, Gournon Beach and Gouves Beach. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 12 km from the accommodation.
Find below list of beaches near Gouves beaches:
Located 16km east of Heraklion, between Kokkini Hani and Kato Gouves, lies the tourist resort of Gournes. The area of Gournes, originally a separate village, is now part of a 23 kilometer stretch of unified beachfront that begins in Vathianos Kambos and ends in Malia. The fertile plains of Gournes are abundant with vegetable crops and olive groves.
The name ‘Gournes’ is derived from the Latin word ‘urna’ which means water troughs for livestock. However, there is another theory suggesting that the name comes from the Minoan larnakes (urns) that were found in the area.
The beaches of Gournes, like most on Crete’s north coast, are exposed to north winds. The beachfront is dotted with small artificial piers constructed to absorb wave impact and to preserve the sand. This has resulted in the formation of several sandy coves between these piers. The area’s long beach, located on the west part of Gournes, is well organized with lifeguards and umbrellas.
As you head east, the coast becomes rockier and you’ll come across a small torrent. A kilometer further east, you’ll find the former American Airbase of Gournes, which was abandoned in the early 1990s. Despite the derelict buildings, the area is home to the International Exhibition Center of Crete, the Centre for Marine Research (HCMR), the City Hall, and the Aquarium. There is also a small port and the longest beach of Gournes, a beautiful sandy stretch that extends to the beaches of Gouves. Particularly noteworthy is the well-organized municipal beach of Gouves, located west of the Old Base boundary.
During your visit to Gournes, don’t miss the chance to see the old church of the Annunciation in the old village and the picturesque church of Agios Ioannis Pezetis with its ancient frescoes. An excavated Minoan settlement and cemetery nearby have revealed many vases, figurines and seals. One of the most popular attractions in Gournes is the Cretaquarium. Once the largest aquarium in southern Europe, it continues to attract thousands of visitors daily and is located within the former U.S. base.
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.
Situated 15km west of Heraklion and to the west of Vathianos Kambos, Kokkini Hani is a thriving resort, nestled amidst numerous crops grown in the region’s fertile plain. Its name, meaning “Kokkinis’s Inn,” harks back to the early 1900s when an inn run by a man named Kokkinis provided a resting place for weary travellers en route to Heraklion.
The resort boasts numerous beaches, safeguarded by artificial mini piers. Characterized by sandy shores and shallow turquoise waters, these beaches, though located in front of hotels, are open for public access. The resort is replete with shops and restaurants, and the beaches are well-equipped with umbrellas, lifeguards, and water sports facilities, providing all the necessary tourist infrastructure. In comparison to Malia and Hersonissos, Kokkini Hani’s nightlife is rather subdued.
Close to Vathianos Kambos, on Kokkini’s eastern side and near the coast, lies the small archaeological site of Niros Villa. This mansion from the Late Minoan Times served as the dwelling of a high-ranking Minoan priest, presumably overseeing the local Minoan harbour. Open to the public, this site offers visitors a glimpse of the architecture of a Minoan religious structure from 4000 years ago. Excavations at the villa have unearthed several large bronze axes – the emblem of the Minoans, along with jars, offering tables bearing raw clay, and a host of other smaller artefacts.
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.
© All rights reserved. Crete Locals
