Kastri beaches

Situated 72km southeast of Heraklion, within the sheltered Keratokambos bay, you’ll find Kastri – the larger of the two conjoined settlements in the region, the other being Keratokambos. Over recent years, tourism in Kastri has seen significant growth, driven largely by the appeal of its surrounding beaches. The serene and welcoming atmosphere attracts many families, some of whom visit multiple times a year. Kastri is accessible by car, with the drive from Ano Viannos to Heraklion taking between 45 to 55 minutes.

Kastri’s distinctive port serves the local fishing community and welcomes other boats. Adjacent to the port, towards the west, there’s a small but stunning sandy beach, adorned with tamarisk trees. Given its proximity to the village amenities, such as rooms, taverns, and shops, it’s one of the most popular beaches in the area. Further west of this beach, you’ll find the longest beach in Skouros.

While in Kastri, don’t miss the opportunity to visit the Church of St. Demetrius Galatoktistos, which used to be a monastery, and the chapel of St. George Vagionitis, set amidst a verdant garden.

About Kastri village

Kastri is a seaside settlement on the south coast of the Heraklion region, 72 km southeast of Heraklion in the sheltered bay of Keratokambos. It runs straight into Keratokambos village, 1.1 km along the same shore, and the two work as one place, with rooms, tavernas, cafes and shops standing behind the beaches. The port takes the boats of the local fishing community and has room for visiting craft.

Two churches in the village are worth the walk: the Church of St Demetrius Galatoktistos, which used to be a monastery, and the chapel of St George Vagionitis, set in a green garden. Ano Viannos, the town inland from the bay, lies 7.1 km away at 560 m on the southern slopes of Dikti, and its own page gives 65 km to Heraklion and 40 km to Ierapetra. Agia Moni monastery stands 5 km from Kastri on the Viannos side.

Places to eat and drink are all within about 1.5 km of the port. Tavernacafe Faros is the closest at 100 m, followed by Portela Pool Bar 400 m away, Taverna Kriti 600 m, Vagia Café 700 m, Aeriko Cafe 800 m, Nikitas Tavern 1 km, Magatzes Keratokampos 1.1 km and Beachcomber 1.7 km.

Behind the bay the land rises into canyon country. The Portela Gorge drains the Ano Viannos basin to the Libyan Sea and comes out at Keratokambos, 3 km from Kastri; its interior is one of the more dangerous canyons in Greece and is for experienced canyoners only, though a trail and a road run alongside it from Hondros down to the coast. The Troulla Gorge, 6.2 km away, is narrow and short with more than 15 waterfalls, the tallest 15 m, and sits beside the longer Tsoutsouras Gorge 6.9 km away. Both end near Tsoutsouros village, a fishing and harbour village 7.8 km from Kastri, built on the site of the ancient city of Inatos.

Beaches in and around Kastri

Kastri has its own sandy beach by the port, and 4 more lie within 3 km along the same run of the south coast. The shore changes character quickly: organised sand in front of the two villages, then quieter pebble and rock coves as you move away from them. Listis and Armenopetra are unmanaged, so take water and shade to those.

• Kastri beach sits right beside the port and just west of it, a small sandy beach under tamarisk trees. The rooms, taverns and shops of the village stand behind it, and that proximity makes it one of the more popular beaches in the area.
• Skouros lies 0.5 km further west, next to the church of Saint Myronas, and is the longest beach here. It mixes sand and pebbles, stays largely empty, and has a grove of tamarisks for shade and rock formations both on the shore and in the water. The name comes from a large dark rock at its western end, and free campers use it: Skouros beach.
• Keratokambos is 1.1 km along the coast, a sandy beach several kilometres long that fronts the neighbouring village. The main stretch runs east from the local harbour to the Keratokambitis river, is organised where it meets the village, and carries large pebbles in places that suit snorkelling. It grows quieter the further east you walk, and Monobouka beach follows it.
• Listis lies 1.7 km from Kastri, a small sandy beach with shallow, clear water and large rocks scattered across it. The road between Kastri and Tsoutsouras runs along the top, and getting down means a steep slope, so some walk in from neighbouring Kamboula beach instead. Nothing is managed here and it fills up in high season: Listis beach.
• Armenopetra sits 2.9 km away, between the small village of Monobouka and the Skoutaris river, and 5 km east of Keratokambos. Small pebbles and sand meet blue water, and the name means “Sailing Rock” after the large rock in the middle of the beach. Only a few greenhouses growing bananas and vegetables break up the shore, and its secluded corners suit anyone who prefers to sunbathe in the nude.