Contrary to the prevailing belief that Crete’s scenic beaches are situated in remote areas far from major cities, those familiar with the island know that hidden gems are scattered across every corner. One such paradise is the Helidoni (Swallow) beach, just a stone’s throw from the historical Paliokastro fort in Rogdia near Heraklion. This haven is just a five-minute drive from the outskirts of Heraklion.
The beach known as Helidoni or Porto Helidoni is situated just south of Paliokastro and is nestled beneath the highway. A staircase with wooden steps descends to the sea level. The beach stands out for its cleanliness and the crystal-clear water that brings to mind the best beaches of southern Crete. The beach is oriented towards the east and, as a result, is typically calm, much like other beaches stretching from Ellinoperamata to Frankia. It is a quaint beach with a blend of fine pebbles and sand in certain spots. The seabed is quite rocky, making it perfect for snorkelling. There’s also a small canteen on the beach. Its name, Helidoni, is derived from the swarms of swallows that flock to this area annually.
Just a few meters east of the main Helidoni beach, another small sandy beach can be found, surrounded by picturesque rocks. This beach can only be reached by traversing the rocky coastline from Helidoni, lending it a tranquil atmosphere. There are stairs leading to the beach, but they pass through private properties, making them inaccessible to visitors.
Beach details
Pebbles
Rocks in places
Sand
Blue
Deep
Usually calm
Vibrant
Food and water
Paved road
Ideal for snorkeling
Location
Helidoni Beach is located at Helidoni Beach, in the Heraklion region of Crete. The map below shows the exact spot; Google Maps and Waze give turn-by-turn directions.
Get directions:Google Maps·Waze
Frequently asked questions
What is the meaning of Helidoni Beach?Helidoni Beach means "Seagull Beach" in Greek.Is Helidoni Beach suitable for swimming?Yes, Helidoni Beach is suitable for swimming as the water is clear and calm.Are there any water sports activities available at Helidoni Beach?No, there are no water sports activities available at Helidoni Beach.Is Helidoni Beach a good spot for fishing?Yes, Helidoni Beach is a good spot for fishing as there are plenty of fish in the area.Is there any accommodation available near Helidoni Beach?Yes, there are several hotels and apartments available near Helidoni Beach.Is Helidoni Beach a good place for a family vacation?Yes, Helidoni Beach is a great place for a family vacation as it is safe and has a calm atmosphere.Is there any public transportation available to get to Helidoni Beach?Yes, there are buses and taxis available to get to Helidoni Beach.Is there any restaurant or cafe available at Helidoni Beach?No, there are no restaurants or cafes available at Helidoni Beach.What is the water colour of the Helidoni Beach?The water colour of the Helidoni Beach is blue.What type of sand is found on the Helidoni Beach?The Helidoni Beach has a mix of sand, pebbles, and rocks in some places.How deep is the water at the Helidoni Beach?The water at the Helidoni Beach is deep.What is the surface of the sea like at the Helidoni Beach?The surface of the sea at the Helidoni Beach is usually calm.What is the crowd like at the Helidoni Beach?The Helidoni Beach usually has normal crowds.What facilities are available at the Helidoni Beach?There are food and water facilities nearby the Helidoni Beach.What is the access to the Helidoni Beach like?The Helidoni Beach is accessible via a paved road.What other activities can be done at the Helidoni Beach?The Helidoni Beach is ideal for snorkeling and spearfishing.
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