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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.
Get directions to Kastri beaches
The Kastri beaches are a group of beaches located in the Kastri area of Greece.
There are three main beaches in Kastri: Kastri Beach, Agios Ioannis Beach, and Agios Nikolaos Beach.
Yes, the Kastri beaches are suitable for swimming. The water is clear and clean, and the Kastri beacheses are well-maintained.
No, there are no water sports available at the Kastri beaches. However, visitors can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and relaxing on the Kastri beaches.
Yes, there are several hotels and apartments available near the Kastri beaches. Visitors can choose from a range of options to suit their budget and preferences.
Yes, there are several restaurants and cafes near the Kastri beaches. Visitors can enjoy a range of local and international cuisine, as well as drinks and snacks.
Yes, there is parking available near the Kastri beaches. Visitors can park their cars in designated areas and walk to the Kastri beaches.
The water colour of the Kastri beaches is blue.
The Kastri beaches has a mix of sand and pebbles.
The water at the Kastri beaches is shallow.
The sea surface at the Kastri beaches is usually calm.
The Kastri beaches has normal crowds.
The Kastri beaches has accommodation options, food/water nearby, umbrellas/beds, and sports facilities.
The Kastri beaches can be accessed via a paved road.
The Kastri beaches is ideal for snorkeling/spearfishing and has tree shade.
Find below list of things to do near Kastri beaches:
Through this route you will have the opportunity to take a wine tour at a local winery with tasting and information on wine production from ancient times to the present day. Also enjoy the route which combines impressive mountains, a panoramic view of southern Crete, the impressive gorge with the incomparably beautiful waterfall Richtra and the charming beaches of southern Crete.
Starting from your hotel we head to the winery where the wine experts will introduce you to this special world of wine. You will have the opportunity to taste but also to learn all the secrets of production, of the varieties we have in Crete, as well as winemaking techniques of yesterday and today. Then we will cross a route through small traditional villages surrounded by verdant hills and olive groves. Just before our descent into the gorge we will make a photo stop at a spot with an incredibly beautiful panoramic view of the South Cretan sea that will amaze you!
Then we will head to the local gorge by a highly impressive off-road descent with continuous spectacular views amidst nature. The Portela Gorge which has an extremely unspoiled landscape that will be deeply etched in your memory as its river passes through cliffs and sheer cliffs, rich in both flora and fauna ending in the spectacular Richtra waterfall with flowing water until the spring that ends in Keratokampos.
Having enjoyed our walking exploration among this magical landscape we will be transferred to the beach of Tsoutsouros, where you will have enough time to enjoy both the crystal clear waters of southern Crete and a wonderful bbq lunch by the sea. This quiet and welcoming place will enchant you and the photos you will take will be impressive.
Full of unique memories and images we take the way back having visited unique places and having experienced life experiences!
Discover the magic of South Crete on a Self-Drive Private Jeep Safari in Convoy with our Brand New & Fully air conditioned 4X4 Dacia Duster. Shared or Private!
Feel the Off-road, Swim in the South, visit the local pottery workshop, create your ceramics and feel the authentic vibes of Crete! We start by exploring off the beaten paths through olive groves, traditional villages, scenic landscapes, and more! Then let’s uncover the art of pottery from ancient traditions to modern processes in the local workshop. We continue our adventure with an impressive off-road descent through the Gorge of Portela that is offering a breathtaking photo stop. Enjoy seaside driving along the Libyan Sea, Swim in the crystal-clear waters of Tsoutsouros beach and have your lunch by the sea. We end our day with panoramic views, letting the essence of Southern Crete captivate us! Take the wheel and let’s explore the South!
Discover Tsoutsouros gorge, one of the many gorges in the Viannos area of South Crete. Abseil down this beautiful and technical canyon, suitable for beginners and anyone up for a challenge.
Begin your adventure with a short hike from the parking lot and reach the entrance to the canyon. From there, hear a short safety and equipment briefing before strapping up and entering the canyon. Start with short and easy abseils, ideal for getting used to the techniques and the use of the equipment. Gradually, take on longer and steeper abseils.
Admire the constantly changing terrain and seaview during your descent through the canyon. Depending on the weather conditions, you may come across water in the gorge until the beginning of summer. If so, have the incredible opportunity of abseiling through waterfalls.
The duration of the descent can vary from 3 to 4 hours depending on the experience of the group. After your abseil, head to the beautiful Tsoutsouros village.
Find below the list of hotels near Kastri beaches:
Within a 10-minute walk from the beach, Portela Apartments Kastri is located in the village of Keratokambos. Offering free WiFi access, the self-catered apartments and studios provide views of the mountain and Libyan Sea from their balcony.
Spacious and bright, the accommodation units consist of an open-plan seating, dining and kitchenette area. Each includes air conditioning, a flat-screen satellite TV and hairdryer.
A minimarket and various restaurants are conveniently located just 300 metres from Portela Apartments Kastri. It is 36 km from the seaside village of Myrtos and 52 km from Ierapetra Village. Heraklion City is 62 km away.
Located in Keratokampos, 1 km from Keratokampos Beach and 2.6 km from Armenopetra Beach, Breathtaking sea view flat for families in Crete offers a garden and air conditioning. This beachfront property offers access to a balcony, free private parking and free WiFi.
The apartment with a terrace and sea views features 2 bedrooms, a living room, a flat-screen TV, an equipped kitchen with a dishwasher and an oven, and 1 bathroom with a walk-in shower. Towels and bed linen are featured in the apartment.
The apartment offers an outdoor fireplace. A a baby safety gate is also available for guests at Breathtaking sea view flat for families in Crete.
Nikos Kazantzakis Museum is 46 km from the accommodation, while Acqua Plus Waterpark is 48 km away. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 58 km from Breathtaking sea view flat for families in Crete.
from
€193
/night
Located within 200 metres of the beach, Despoina Apartments offers self-catering accommodation in Kastri, Keratokampos. The property features a blossomed garden with mountain and Libyan Sea views. Free WiFi is available throughout.
All units are air-conditioned and feature a private bathroom with hairdryer, TV and kitchenette. Each opens to a private balcony with Libyan Sea views.
Despoina Apartments also includes a sun terrace. Free private parking is possible on site.
Several restaurants, cafes and mini markets can be found within 300 metres. Heraklion is 70 km from Despoina Apartments and Ierapetra is at a distance of 52 km.
Panorama Apartments offers accommodation in Kastri Xondrou Vianou. The property features views of the sea is 43 km from Heraklio Town. Free WiFi is provided throughout the property.
The kitchenette is fitted with a toaster and a fridge, as well as a coffee machine. A flat-screen TV is available. Free private parking is also available at this apartment.
Hersonissos is 35 km from Panorama Apartments, while Agios Nikolaos is 38 km away. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 42 km from the property.
from
€58
/night
Featuring garden views, Hara’s Apartments offers accommodation with a balcony and a kettle, around less than 1 km from Keratokampos Beach. It features a garden, sea views and free WiFithroughout the property.
The air-conditioned apartment consists of 1 bedroom, a living room, a fully equipped kitchen with a toaster and a coffee machine, and 1 bathroom with a shower and a hair dryer. Towels and bed linen are featured in the apartment.
The apartment offers a sun terrace.
Armenopetra Beach is 2.5 km from Hara’s Apartments, while Nikos Kazantzakis Museum is 46 km away. The nearest airport is Heraklion International, 58 km from the accommodation, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.
from
€52
/night
Set in Keratokampos, less than 1 km from Keratokampos Beach and 2.5 km from Armenopetra Beach, Hara’s Apartment 1 offers air-conditioned accommodation with a balcony and free WiFi. With garden views, this accommodation provides a patio.
The apartment with a terrace and sea views features 2 bedrooms, a living room, a flat-screen TV, an equipped kitchen with an oven and a fridge, and 1 bathroom with an a bath or shower. Towels and bed linen are featured in the apartment.
Nikos Kazantzakis Museum is 46 km from the apartment, while Acqua Plus Waterpark is 48 km away. The nearest airport is Heraklion International, 58 km from Hara’s Apartment 1, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.
from
€74
/night
Find below list of beaches near Kastri beaches:
Kastri, a serene location nestled 72km southeast of Heraklion in the protected bay of Keratokambos, offers the longest beach of Skouros just to the west of its central beach, located next to the Saint Myronas church. The beach is a picturesque blend of sand and pebbles and remains largely unpopulated. A grove of tamarisk trees along the beach offers a haven of shade. The shoreline is dotted with unique rock formations, both on land and extending into the sea, adding to the beauty of the landscape. The beach derives its name from a large, dark rock known as Skouros, located in the western part. The beach is an ideal spot for free camping and offers a secluded retreat.
Further west of the Skouros rock, you can explore the most isolated beaches in the region, starting from Xerokambi and extending to the eastern edge of the Listis rock. Access to these beaches is via dirt roads leading to nearby greenhouses.
Located 72km southeast of Heraklion, the small seaside resort of Keratokambos, along with the nearby coastal settlement of Kastri, has evolved into a sought-after family destination over recent years. The village of Keratokambos is fronted by a lengthy sandy beach, extending for several kilometers in both directions.
The village’s main beach is situated to the east of the local harbour, extending eastwards up to the Keratokambitis river. The beach is quite organized where it adjoins the village, and in some areas, it is strewn with large pebbles, making it a suitable spot for snorkelling. The beach becomes more peaceful and secluded as you move eastwards. Following this is Monobouka beach, located near the Kapsali settlement, and equipped with a few tourist facilities. Monobouka beach, with its sandy terrain and shallow waters, is perfect for children. The beach is dotted with many tamarisk trees, providing ample shade.
A brief overview of the Keratokambos area reveals that Keratokambos (and Kastri) function as the harbour for the inhabitants of the mountainous village of Ano Viannos, situated further north. In the 1950s, the area housed only warehouses for storage of products like carob, citrus, oil, etc. The local harbour was employed for transporting these products to urban centres via cargo ships, as there was no road network at that time. Today, Kastri and Keratokambos form a unified village, which has witnessed significant growth in tourism in recent years. The village boasts of a school, a clinic and a notable gallery.
The name Keratokambos translates to Carob Fields in Greek, a name derived from the locust trees grown in the region for producing carobs. Another interpretation suggests that the name comes from the Greek word ‘Kerato’, meaning horn, referring to the towering steep rock, called Kerato, located north of the village in the Vigla area. The top of Vigla houses the ruins of a Venetian fortress, while its base is home to a large cave with rich stalagmite decorations and numerous bats.
The villages of Keratokambos and Kastri are built in a valley formed by several wild gorges, with the Keratokambitis river cutting through the rugged Portela gorge. In the Richtra region, a beautiful 10m high waterfall can be found, which is worth a visit (especially in spring).
The Kavousi and Piskopi Pidima (Bishop’s Jump) gorges are other impressive natural formations of the area. The latter gets its name from a local legend of a bishop and his horse miraculously leaping across the gorge to escape from the Turks. As a tribute to this miracle, the bishop built the church of St. George near the gorge.
Listis, a charming beach tucked away 69km southeast of Iraklion, is nestled between the towns of Kastri, 2km to the west, and Tsoutsouras. The road that connects these two towns skirts the edge of the beach. To reach the beach itself, it’s necessary to navigate a steep slope. Alternatively, you can alight at the neighbouring Kamboula beach and stroll eastwards. Regardless of the route you choose, the destination is undeniably worth it.
Despite its modest size, Listis beach stands out as one of Crete’s most appealing. It’s an unmanaged location that can get crowded during peak season. The beach boasts sandy stretches and shallow, crystal clear waters. Its uniqueness lies in the large rocks scattered in the sea and along the shore. Even though the water is rocky, the sandy seabed is perfect for swimming and frolicking in the water. If you swim east of the beach, beyond the massive Listis rock, you’ll find a quaint sandy beach with a spring in the Xirokambi area.
Listis rock, rising above the beach, is home to several intriguing caves. According to local lore, these caves once sheltered a bandit, hence the name Listis, meaning bandit. The caves are easily accessible from the main road rather than from the beach. On the crest of the hill, remnants of an ancient sanctuary can be found.
The beach of Armenopetra is nestled between the Skoutaris river to the east and the small village of Monobouka to the west, located 5km east of Keratokambos. This stunning beach is one of the most picturesque in the Keratokambos area. The name Armenopetra, translating to ‘Sailing Rock’ in Greek, is inspired by the large, distinct rock that sits in the middle of the beach. It boasts a mixture of petite pebbles and sand, and its waters are a captivating shade of blue. The area is relatively untouched, with only a few greenhouses cultivating bananas and vegetables. This allows for tranquil, secluded spots on the beach, potentially for those who prefer to sunbathe in the nude.
Just west of Armenopetra, you’ll discover the low sandhills known as Pahia Ammos or ‘thick sand’. Regrettably, these sandhills have experienced significant reduction due to prolonged exposure to irrigation pipes. This has resulted in hardened mud formations. These sand dunes are a unique and scarce ecosystem in Crete, inhabited by rare flora and fauna. If you’re fortunate, you might spot the rare white sand lilies, a sign that summer is drawing to a close.
As you transition from Keratokambos towards the Arvi area, the final stretch of beach you’ll encounter is Cape Peristerionas, situated below the Vahoudianos Xerokambos greenhouses. This beach is entirely uncommercialised and is almost always deserted. However, there’s no natural shade available, so bringing an umbrella is advisable. The beach consists of fine sand and a few small rocks on the eastern side.
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