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Pantanassa, situated 12km west of Heraklion, is named after the Monastery of Panagia Pantanassa, which is dedicated to the Virgin Mary. The beach lies adjacent to the quaint port of Pantanassa. Prior to the establishment of the port, Pantanassa boasted an enchanting beach, concealed by a small pine forest and possessing crystal-clear waters. Now, the beach has been divided by the port, causing Pantanasa beach to lose some of its former allure. Nonetheless, it still retains its beauty, featuring pebbles and clear waters.
The beach offers amenities such as umbrellas and sunbeds, and some pine trees still grace the nearby cliffs. A pathway from the port allows for easy access. If hunger strikes, there are eateries in the port of Pantanassa and nearby areas. Visitors can combine their beach visit with a trip to the Pantanassa Monastery, perched atop the pine-covered hill above the beach. Built in the mid-20th century, it was envisioned to serve as a charity monastery, but the founder, Nikolaos Xenos, passed away before realizing his dream. Today, the monastery functions as a nunnery.
The Lefkadia area lies to the west of Pantanassa beach. Here, two secluded bays, largely unknown to most Heraklion residents, provide an ideal spot for relaxation. Recently, a beach bar was established and a trail leading to the beach was opened. Helidoni beach, featuring sandy and pebbly areas with a predominantly rocky seabed, is perfect for snorkeling. The western view is captivating, with the ruins of the old Paliokastro castle visible. Visitors can park in the nearby small pine grove and hike up to the castle.
Pantanassa beach is located in the region of Messinia, in the southwestern part of the Peloponnese peninsula in Greece.
Yes, Pantanassa beach is suitable for swimming. The water is clear and calm, making it safe for swimmers of all levels.
No, there are no water sports available at Pantanassa beach. However, visitors can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and relaxing on the Pantanassa beach.
Yes, Pantanassa beach is family-friendly. The Pantanassa beach is clean and safe, and there are no strong currents or waves. Families can enjoy a day at the Pantanassa beach without worrying about their children’s safety.
No, there is no natural shade available at Pantanassa beach. Visitors are advised to bring their own umbrellas or sunshades.
Yes, there are several accommodation options available near Pantanassa beach, including hotels, apartments, and villas.
No, Pantanassa beach is not accessible for people with disabilities. The Pantanassa beach has steep stairs and uneven terrain, making it difficult for wheelchair users to access the Pantanassa beach.
The water colour of the Pantanassa beach is blue.
The Pantanassa beach has a mix of sand and pebbles.
The water at the Pantanassa beach is deep.
The sea surface at the Pantanassa beach is usually calm.
The Pantanassa beach has a normal crowd.
Food and water facilities are available near the Pantanassa beach.
The Pantanassa beach can be accessed via a paved road.
The Pantanassa beach is ideal for snorkeling and spearfishing.
Find below list of things to do near Pantanassa beach:
My name is Maria and I am a professional dancer in Cretan and Greek Dances. I am also the leader of the dancing group of Arolithos Village and the dancing teacher for kids and adults of the local cultural association of the area where I live.
I am a very good friend of Michalis who is the main host of this experience and one of the owners of Arolithos Village. I collaborate with him because he loves to dance and culture as I do. Very often Evi one of the best Cretan dancers in the area of Tilissos also helps me to realize the dancing lessons.
As a professional teacher of dances, dressed in traditional uniform, I will show you the first steps of popular dances of Crete and Greece. Sousta, Zorba the Greek, and much more.
We will have also the chance to do a tour of Arolithos Village and show you shortly the Museum, the old houses and the rest of the village.
You will enjoy a welcome drink on the terrace with the panoramic view.
In the end, I will offer you a copy of a CD with Greek and Cretan music and your dancing certificate.
It is a big honor for me to be your host and I or Evi will do my best for you to have a memorable experience of Cretan amusement and culture.
In your own free time Arolithos village you may have lunch and relax after such a creative experience in the tavern and the swimming pool.
Niki Lyroni will welcome you to Arolithos Traditional Cretan Village. Niki started her artistic activity many years ago. Niki is a very pleasant person- a friend of my family who will give all her attention to you and she will help you learn about her art even if you are not familiar with it. After a short tour of the Museum of the Village and a quick treatment at our Taverna Delfys, you will finish by visiting her workshop.
The workshop of Niki is full of pieces of art from small to very big decorative objects.
She will treat you to Greek coffee & water as we use to do with any friend.
She will initiate you to several techniques and she will explain to you in detail the differences between each one. Mosaic is a very ancient art used for the purpose of artists to decorate public monuments or their own houses.
Then you will use her own tools to cut the little stones. At this point, you have to be very careful not to cut your fingers or your nails as the process demands a bit of force from you. The little pieces you create you will put them carefully with her own instructions. Step by step, you will see your own mosaic to be created. You do not have to be skillful. Then you have to wait for half an hour for the object to dry and finally, you will keep it as a souvenir. In your own free time at Arolithos village, you may have lunch and relax after such a creative experience in the tavern and the swimming pool.
Explore Heraklion city at your own pace using a hop-on hop-off bus. Enjoy a combo ticket good for 48hours and for 2 different bus lines. See famous attractions, visit the beach of Ammoudara and the Knossos archaeological site. Take your chance to see it all with one combo ticket.
Discover the Cretan civilization, history, and architecture and learn all about the old and modern city of Heraklion. Enjoy onboard commentary in 8 different languages explaining important details and facts.
On the first route, embark on a 12 stop line that tours Heraklion city over one hour. Get off and on when you please and appreciate hours from 830am until 530pm every day. The second route provides a 6 stop line that leads to Ammoudara beach.
An incredible day with a team of professionals will be filled with extremes and entertainment!
A day that will leave the best and warmest memories of Crete will start early in the morning. A transfer from the hotel will pick you up and take you to the team meeting point.
If you have a driver’s license, you will be able to drive a jeep by yourself and experience extreme driving on off roads. However, if you do not have a driver’s license or you just want to relax, we will provide you with a driver.
After meeting your guide and a brief briefing on the day’s plan, you will set off on an unforgettable journey.
The first location you will be able to enjoy will be Aposelemis Dam. A place of incredible beauty, where you definitely won’t be able to resist taking a couple of incredible photos.
Continuing along the serpentines and admiring the mountain scenery, you will reach the traditional village of Askoi, where you can taste some traditional delicious or simply enjoy a cup of aromatic coffee.
At the middle of the day, an unforgettable BBQ awaits you near the church of Agia Anna, where you can eat deliciously, relax, catch your breath and regain your strength.
On the way home, you will see an extremely beautiful landscape combining sea and mountains.
Embark on a full-day guided trip to northeastern Crete and take a boat trip to Spinalonga Island. Visit Agios Nikolaos with its famous lake, and explore the picturesque village of Elounda.
Begin the day with the visit to Agios Nikolaos, and see the shore of Mirabello Bay. Explore the town, famous for the lake at its center and its shopping and cafes.
Take your time for a walk to enjoy the views, enjoy some shopping or have a drink in one of the numerous cafes around the lake. Explore an open-air market on Wednesdays.
Move on to see Elounda village, a former fishing village on the northern coast of the island. Depart from Elounda for the cruise to Spinalonga Island.
Learn about the island’s vibrant history, from a home for the Venetians and Turks to a place of isolation for those suffering from leprosy.
Experience the island, more popular after the 2005 historical novel “The Island” about how lepers lived in Spinalonga.
Join the hundreds of people who come to the island every day to visit and learn its history.
If you are over 8 years old, this day-program offers you the opportunity to discover the feelings of freedom and tranquility that scuba diving gives you. Throughout this program, you will be accompanied by an english speaking instructor.
Without you having particular knowledge and in small groups, STAY WET DIVING CENTER makes you discover what you have dreamed of for a long time already! Lack of experience is not an obstacle, since when you arrive with us, you will follow a briefing (about 30 minutes) given by a diving instructor. He will teach you the basics of diving and introduce you to the flora and fauna of the Mediterranean.
Add this unforgettable experience to your vacation!
Following this theory, you will be divided into groups of 4 people maximum and supervised by 1 instructor from the center. At no time will you be alone in the water! We are waiting for you with firm fins to guide you for 45 minutes through this fantastic world, at a maximum depth of 6 meters (regulatory depth for a first dive, 12 meters for the second). Whether it’s the feeling of weightlessness, discovering the fascinating world of the sea or simply breathing easily underwater – you will quickly develop a taste for diving!
If you chose to come with us, the transfer back to your hotel will leave at 4PM. It will give you time to enjoy our beautiful beach and eat at the delicious restaurants we have at the bay.
Do not miss this day!
Find below the list of hotels near Pantanassa beach:
Located 100 metres from Pantanassa Beach, Manificus Villas, Designed for Togetherness, By ThinkVilla offers a seasonal outdoor swimming pool, barbecue facilities and air-conditioned accommodation with a balcony and free WiFi.
The villa provides guests with a terrace, sea views, a seating area, a flat-screen TV, a fully equipped kitchen with a dishwasher and an oven, and a private bathroom with shower and a hair dryer. A microwave, a toaster and fridge are also provided, as well as a coffee machine and a kettle.
Both a bicycle rental service and a car rental service are available at Manificus Villas, Designed for Togetherness, By ThinkVilla, while hiking can be enjoyed nearby.
Palaiokastro Beach is less than 1 km from the accommodation, while Venetian Walls is 13 km away. The nearest airport is Heraklion International, 16 km from Manificus Villas, Designed for Togetherness, By ThinkVilla, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.
from
€212
/night
Set in Gázion, 300 metres from Pantanassa Beach and less than 1 km from Palaiokastro Beach, Beautiful House in Front of the Sea offers air-conditioned accommodation with a balcony and free WiFi. With garden views, this accommodation features a patio.
The apartment is fitted with 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, bed linen, towels, a flat-screen TV, a dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, and a terrace with sea views.
Guests can also relax in the garden.
Venetian Walls is 13 km from the apartment, while Heraklion Archaeological Museum is 14 km away. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 16 km from Beautiful House in Front of the Sea.
from
€158
/night
Boasting mountain views, Villa Evakri features accommodation with a balcony and a coffee machine, around 2.1 km from Pantanassa Beach. This villa has a private pool, a garden, barbecue facilities, free WiFi and free private parking.
The villa features 4 bedrooms, 2 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 picnic area. Guests can also relax in the shared lounge area.
Palaiokastro Beach is 2.3 km from Villa Evakri, while Venetian Walls is 14 km from the property. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 18 km from the accommodation.
from
€279
/night
Set in Palaiokastro and only 400 metres from Palaiokastro Beach, Fortezza Di Palaiokastro – Private pool offers accommodation with sea views, free WiFi and free private parking. With mountain views, this accommodation provides a terrace and a swimming pool.
This villa is fitted with 4 bedrooms, a kitchen with a dishwasher and an oven, a flat-screen TV, a seating area and 2 bathrooms fitted with a shower. Towels and bed linen are offered in the villa.
The villa offers a barbecue. A car rental service is available at Fortezza Di Palaiokastro – Private pool.
Pantanassa Beach is 1.5 km from the accommodation, while Venetian Walls is 14 km from the property. The nearest airport is Heraklion International, 17 km from Fortezza Di Palaiokastro – Private pool, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.
from
€252
/night
Castro Villas Crete features mountain views, free WiFi and free private parking, located in Palaiokastro, 1 km from Palaiokastro Beach.
The villa provides guests with a terrace, sea views, a seating area, a flat-screen TV, a fully equipped kitchen with an oven and a toaster, and a private bathroom with shower and a hair dryer. A fridge, a stovetop and kitchenware are also featured, as well as a coffee machine and a kettle.
At Castro Villas Crete guests are welcome to take advantage of a hot tub.
Guests can enjoy the outdoor swimming pool and garden at the accommodation.
Pantanassa Beach is 1.8 km from Castro Villas Crete, while Venetian Walls is 14 km away. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 18 km from the villa.
Set in Palaiokastro and only 300 metres from Palaiokastro Beach, Villa Erato offers accommodation with mountain views, free WiFi and free private parking. The property features garden and inner courtyard views, and is 1.5 km from Pantanassa Beach.
The air-conditioned holiday home consists of 2 bedrooms, a living room, a fully equipped kitchen with an oven and a coffee machine, and 1 bathroom with a shower and a hair dryer. A flat-screen TV is featured.
Guests can also relax in the garden.
Fraskia Beach is 2.9 km from the holiday home, while Venetian Walls is 14 km away. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 17 km from Villa Erato.
Find below list of beaches near Pantanassa beach:
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.
Situated 14km to the west of Heraklion, Paliokastro, also known as Paleokastro, can be found on the western coastline of the Bay of Heraklion. This charming pebble beach is nestled into a green valley’s exit, which is intersected by streams flowing down from the Rogdia village. The cove of Paliokastro is securely flanked by tall cliffs and faces the east. A massive limestone rock towers over the eastern part of the beach, the summit of which was once the site of the Venetian fortress of Paliokastro. This fortress served as a defensive structure against enemy invasions to the Bay of Heraklion. The castle remnants suggest that it was constructed on the acropolis of the ancient town of Kytaeon.
Paliokastro is a beloved destination for the locals of Heraklion, who visit daily with their families. It has even led many to purchase homes in the area. Although not highly developed, the beach offers an idyllic setting for relaxation. Traditional food can be savored at various taverns, and several small hotels and rooms are available for stay. A mini market is also present on the beach, opposite an old limekiln, which is one of Crete’s best-preserved structures of its kind.
The beach’s western part boasts large pebbles and deep waters, making it a perfect spot for fishing and snorkeling. Natural stair formations on the rocks beneath the old fort provide a thrilling diving experience, with heights ranging from 1 to 20 meters. This spot is often frequented by children competing in diving contests. A tall, narrow, and dark cave is nestled between the beach and the rocks. Local folklore suggests this cave might have been a tunnel leading from the fortress to the sea, serving as an emergency escape route, although this remains unconfirmed. Paliokastro is easily reachable through the Heraklion-Chania highway, with a dedicated exit leading to the beach.
Situated 8km west of Heraklion city, Linoperamata, also known as Ellinoperamata, is a scenic sandy beach stretching up to 7km long, beginning from Linoperamata and culminating at the Pancretan Stadium, 1km west of Heraklion. The beach is uniquely bordered by the Almiros river in the west.
The locals do not frequent Linoperamata as much due to the presence of a local Power Station and heavy industries in its western region. Nevertheless, the beach boasts of clean water and a serene atmosphere. Unlike the highly organized beaches in the neighboring Ammoudara, Linoperamata has a more natural appeal, although there are a few hotels in the vicinity.
Open to the northern winds, the beach is often wavy, making it a favorite among windsurfers. Getting to Linoperamata from Heraklion is convenient via the city’s bus service.
The Panagia’s Fraskia Bay is nestled 24km northwest of Heraklion, on the western fringe of the Heraklion Bay. It is situated at a small valley’s exit, adjacent to the existing private settlement of Theseus. The name, Fraskia, originates from the Cretan term ‘fraski’, a type of jar used as a beehive by the Cretans. The surrounding area abounds in thyme, herbs, and shrubs, making it a perfect spot for beekeeping.
A significant portion of the coastline is peppered with alternating tiny coves of sandy and rocky seafloors, extending southwards to the area known as “The Garden of Priest”. Beyond this area, remarkable caves can be found. The sea, usually calm due to the infrequent eastern winds in northern Crete, was used by the Venetians as a harbour to shield their ships. Particularly on days when the northwest winds prevail, Panagia becomes the preferred choice for Heraklion’s boat owners.
Access to the beach is primarily by boat, with a strenuous path from the Heraklion-Rethymnon highway (before the exit to Ligaria) leading to the bay. A shorter, more accessible path starts from the neighbouring Theseus beach, but entry is restricted as it is private property. The beach is secluded, with no amenities. Sadly, unchecked construction by thoughtless locals has marred the shoreline. These squatters brazenly constructed cement bases on the beach, causing significant damage to the landscape with their refuse.
The beach is named after the Panagia (Virgin Mary) monastery, of which only ruined walls remain. A solitary shrine is the only reminder of a once-existing church. The church continues to celebrate annual festivities, with residents of Rogdia and Achlada villages arriving by boat. A dry creek with dense vegetation lies near the church.
In front of the settlement, there is a deep, pebbly beach with a calm, artificially created sea meant for the residents. The seabed starts shallow but deepens abruptly after a few meters. Umbrellas are provided for the village dwellers. Non-residents or visitors are prohibited from driving cars to the beach and must park near the village exit. A steep 1km walk is required to reach the beach, making the return journey quite exhausting. The beach may not be worth the effort unless permitted by a security guard to drive down. Alternatively, boats from the nearest harbour, Pantanassa, can be used. The deep waters are ideal for fishing, especially for avid snorkelers.
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