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Just 1km east of Istron village lies a hidden gem nestled in a precipitous bay – Pilos beach. Though widely recognized as Istron Bay, in honour of the eponymous hotel perched on the bay’s rugged slopes, the beach is accessible to all through a pathway originating from the west of the hotel. No beaches in Greece are private. Pilos beach is characterized by its sandy stretch and serene blue waters, and offers facilities like umbrellas and a canteen (managed by the hotel) as well as a petite pier for boats.
To the east of Istron Bay, a tiny cove reveals three secluded beaches, reachable via a short walking path. These are known as the Vryonisi beaches, named after the small islet of Vryonisi (or Prasonisi) that appears just opposite the small bay.
Pilos beach is located 1km east of Istron village, 21km away from Agios Nikolaos.
Yes, Pilos beach is suitable for swimming. The water is clear and calm, making it safe for swimmers of all levels.
Yes, there are several water sports available at Pilos beach, including kayaking, paddleboarding, and snorkeling.
Yes, there is a lifeguard on duty at Pilos beach during the summer months.
Yes, there are several restaurants and cafes near Pilos beach, offering a variety of food and drink options.
Yes, there is parking available near Pilos beach, although it can get crowded during peak season.
Unfortunately, Pilos beach is not fully accessible for people with disabilities, as there are stairs leading down to the Pilos beach. However, there are some areas that may be accessible with assistance.
The water colour of the Pilos beach is blue.
The Pilos beach has sand.
The water depth of the Pilos beach is normal.
The surface of the sea at the Pilos beach is usually calm.
The Pilos beach has a normal crowd level.
The Pilos beach offers accommodation options, food/water nearby, umbrellas/beds, sports, showers, and a Blue Flag.
The Pilos beach can be accessed by bus services and a paved road.
No other information is available about the Pilos beach.
Find below list of things to do near Pilos beach:
This Land Rover excursion is the perfect way to explore the central part of Crete, visiting 2 different plateaus and learning about mythology as well as local life.
We head out in the Land Rover to the plateau of Katharo, passing through the largest forest on Crete. The roads here are basically non-existent and the mountains reach heights of 1,500 meters. You’ll have a refreshment stop at a kafenion (coffee shop) somewhere in the wilderness.
The tour continues on along dirt tracks, through valleys, and across rivers, and the journey starts to get exciting! At the next stop you’ll have the opportunity to take photos from a spectacular viewpoint above the Lassithi Plateau. You’ll then head to the plateau to enjoy your BBQ lunch, along with unlimited wine.
After lunch you’ll travel back in time as you visit the Eco Village, where you can see local crafts being made by traditional methods. The next stop will be Zeus’s cave where, according to mythology, the father of the gods was born. If you’d like to enter the cave there is a EUR 4 entrance fee that’s payable at the site.
Your driver/guide will take you on to Seli, where you can take photos of the unique scenery. You’ll continue on to the village of Krassi, noted for its 2,000-year-old plane tree and natural spring water source. As you make your way back you’ll pass through Selinari, an area where you’ll be on the lookout for vultures, now an endangered species.
Departing from the Marina of Agios Nikolaos, our journey promises a semi-private escape filled with delightful socializing and shared experiences. It begins with relaxation, sunbathing on the sundeck, or actively participating in sailing procedures. Marvel at the stunning coastal views as we sail, feeling the invigorating sea breeze against your skin.
After circumnavigating Spinalonga and admiring the Venetian fortress from the sea, we set sail toward Kolokitha. Upon reaching Kolokitha, we drop anchor in one of its beautiful bays, where you’re free to immerse yourself in its pristine waters, explore the coastline, or simply unwind on deck, soaking in the Mediterranean sunshine.
Avanti Sailing ensures your comfort with a delectable meal served on board, featuring locally sourced ingredients and complemented by premium local wine and refreshments of your choice. Enjoy a selection of ripe, seasonal fruits as we gently sail back to the Marina of Agios Nikolaos, leaving you feeling invigorated, revitalized, and prepared for the evening ahead.
Sailing trip is designed for half a day – just enough time to enjoy sea and swimming activities.Afternoon sailing trip is suitable for those who prefer waking up late and avoid the hottest hours. The boat trip starts at the port of Agios Nikolaos. Guests will have the opportunity to see famous island Spinalonga from the water. Our catamaran Lagoon 450F* will comfortably accommodate up to 20 guests. For adults, we have snorkel equipment, SUPs, tackle and fishing bait. For children – a box with toys, colouring books, board games. And inflatable flamingos and unicorns for the entire family. Food on a cruise is our pride. For our guests, we have compiled a Mediterranean-style menu with seafood** and unlimited drinks.
* Catamaran model may change,
** The menu consists of local, high quality products. Dishes are subject to change.
Sailing trip is designed for half a day – just enough time to enjoy sea and swimming activities. The yacht cruise starts in the morning at the port of Agios Nikolaos. Guests will have the opportunity to see famous island Spinalonga from the water. Our catamaran Lagoon 450F* will comfortably accommodate up to 20 guests. For adults, we have snorkel equipment, SUPs, tackle and fishing bait. For children – a box with toys, colouring books, board games. And inflatable flamingos and unicorns for the entire family. Food on a cruise is our pride. For our guests, we have compiled a Mediterranean-style menu with seafood** and unlimited drinks.
* Catamaran model may change,
** The menu consists of local, high quality products. Dishes are subject to change.
Discover the highlights of Spinalonga, Agios Nikolaos, Elounda, and Plaka on this multi-stop trip from Heraklion. Take in the sights from onboard a ferry and savor a BBQ or tavern lunch. See Spinalonga Island, the Lake of Voulismeni, and more.
Meet your local guide, and make your first stop at Agios Nikolaos on the Gulf of Mirabello. This place is famous for its picturesque lake, explored by the ocean researcher Jaques Cousteau. Walk along the city on your own or relax at a cafe.
After that, drive to the harbor of Elounda where you’ll get on a ferry to visit the Island of Spinalonga. This small isle carries within the history of Ancient Greece, as it served as a natural guard for the ancient city of Olous.
Choose to join a guided tour or explore the island by yourself. If you don’t want to visit the archaeological site, you can join a 1-hour boat trip to a secret location and dive into the crystal-clear water (cost not included). After visiting Spinalonga, depart for one of the nearby bays.
Get plenty of time for swimming and enjoying BBQ served on board. The menu includes pork BBQ, greek salad, feta cheese, bread, seasonal fruit, wine, and Fanta. If your trip is on a Sunday, you’ll get to enjoy dinner in a tavern instead of having BBQ on board.
After a short drive, reach Plaka, a small fishing village. Plaka was the ferry port of the leper colony, whose history was documented in a book and a Greek television series.
The last stop of the day is the capital town of Lasithi, Agios Nikolaos. Relax in a café next to the bottomless Lake of Voulismeni or explore the local shops. Enjoy a refreshing swim before heading back to your accommodation.
10:30 Departure from Elounda with the boat
11:10 Arrival Kolokytha
12:45 Departure from Kolokytha
13:10 Arrival Spinalonga
14:45 Departure from Spinalonga to Elounda
15:00 Arrival Elounda
15:45 Olive oil tasting – Arrival Agios Nikolaos
16:45 Departure Agios Nikolaos – back to the hotels
18:30 Arrival Heraklion.
Route:128 km
Duration:app. 11 hours
Stay in Spinalonga:1 ½ hours
Stay in Kolokytha Bay-Beach:1 ½ hours
Stay in Agios Nikolaos:app.1 hour
ESSENTIALS:
•shoes for the sea
•sun protection
•hat
* Remarks:Please notify us in advance, if you are vegetarian or if you do not eat pork at all, as we have to preorder another lunch for you.
Agios Nikolaos is the capital of Lassithi prefecture in eastern Crete. A beautiful coastal town popular for its signature sight of the Lake Voulismeni.
Spinalonga is a now uninhabited small island, also known as the “island of the forgotten’’. It was initially built as a Venetian fortress, later used as a settlement by the Turks but it is mostly known for its most recent historical purpose as a leper colony between 1903 and 1957.
Full description:
Your day trip starts early in the morning when our bus and tour guide pick you up from your hotel. While in the bus you get plenty of information about Crete, its history and culture.
Our first stop is the coastal town of Agios Nikolaos where you have free time to scroll around the narrow commercial streets or enjoy a cup of coffee over the “bottomless’’ lake of Voulismeni. After that, we head to the famous village of Elounda that used to be a fishermen village but is nowadays one of the most luxurious areas of Crete, attracting celebrities from all over the world. From there, a short 15 minute boat ride takes us to the beautiful island of Spinalonga.
Arriving on the island, you can enter the historical site and enjoy a guided tour around the old market streets and the houses of the lepers, while learning about the heart-moving story of Spinalonga. Scroll around to find the former hospital and the churches of Saint Panteleimon and Saint George and have a glimpse of the past while discovering the life of lepers on the island.
Following, we board back on the boat and our trip continues to Kolokytha, a beautiful beach where you can relax, have a swim in the clear blue waters and enjoy a delicious BBQ.
Find below the list of hotels near Pilos beach:
Boasting air-conditioned accommodation with a patio, Spacious villa with private pool and sea view, just 150 meters from the sea is situated in Istron. It has a garden, pool views and free WiFithroughout the property.
The villa features 4 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, bed linen, towels, a TV with satellite channels, a fully equipped kitchen, and a terrace with sea views.
A car rental service is available at the villa.
Popular points of interest near Spacious villa with private pool and sea view, just 150 meters from the sea include Pylos Beach, Istro Beach and Chartalami Kolibou Beach. The nearest airport is Sitia Public, 51 km from the accommodation, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.
Just 80 metres from the beach, Istron Collection Villas offers modern Mediterranean villas with unobstructed sea views. The private seawater swimming pools are complete with sun chairs and loungers.
Istron Collection Villas come with an open-plan kitchen with dining area, and large windows with mosquito nets. The two-bedroom and three-bedroom villas feature an elegant living room with fireplace. Amenities include Wi-Fi Internet, satellite TV, home cinema and hi-fi equipment.
Guests can relax in their private terrace with a direct view to the bay. Table and chairs for open-air dining are featured.
Wine, water and fresh fruits will welcome you on arrival. Laundry and ironing service are available upon request. Personalised services include massage appointments and shopping service.
from
€216
/night
With an outdoor pool overlooking the Cretan Sea, Kounenos Apartments offers self-catered accommodation with a wonderful view over the bay. It is situated on the hill of Istron-Kalo Chorio, 300 metres from the beach.
Surrounded by a large garden and olive groves, each guest accommodation has a fully equipped kitchenette. Furnished in typical Cretan style, all units feature round wooden tables, stone floors and stone-built beds. Wi-Fi is free in the entire property.
Kounenos Apartments is approximately 900 metres from the village centre. Agios Nikolaos is some 11 km away. Free private parking is available, and guests can hire a car on site.
Other free services include: at Voulisma beach our guests can relax at our privately owned beachfront space, equipped with comfortable deck chairs and umbrellas, and also park their cars in the adjacent privately owned area
from
€82
/night
Situated on a hillside with views over the beautiful Istron Bay or located at the entrance of Istron village, Istron Luxury Villas offers stylish accommodation with private swimming pool, free WiFi access and private parking. The beach lies within a short walk from the main property.
The fully equipped villas are elegantly furnished and decorated, creating a homely atmosphere. Guests can enjoy a refreshing dip in the private swimming pool, or soak up the sun on the terrace overlooking the sea. Some units are split level and some include a spa bath, while all villas include a microwave, a dishwasher and a flat screen satellite TV with DVD player.
Homemade Greek flavours can be enjoyed at the elegant setting of the on-site restaurant for lunch or dinner. Access to the facilities of the nearby Istron Bay Hotel, including a flood-lit court, a kid’s club and a number of bars and restaurants, is also provided to guests.
The centre of Istron Village lies within 700 metres from the property, while Agios Nikolaos Town is at a distance of 13 km. Nikos Kazantzakis International Airport is 72 km away.
from
€266
/night
Anemone Homes has garden views, free WiFi and free private parking, situated in Istron, 400 metres from Istro Beach.
All units comprise a seating area with a sofa, a dining area, and a fully equipped kitchenette with various cooking facilities, including an oven, a toaster, a fridge and kitchenware. Some units have a terrace and/or a balcony with sea views.
Both a bicycle rental service and a car rental service are available at the apartment, while hiking can be enjoyed nearby.
Pylos Beach is 600 metres from Anemone Homes, while Chartalami Kolibou Beach is 700 metres from the property. The nearest airport is Sitia Public, 51 km from the accommodation, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.
from
€54
/night
Istron Homes features mountain views, free WiFi and free private parking, located in Istron, 500 metres from Istro Beach.
All units come with a terrace with sea views, a kitchenette with an oven and a microwave, and a private bathroom with walk-in shower. A toaster, a fridge and stovetop are also featured, as well as a coffee machine and a kettle.
Cycling and hiking can be enjoyed nearby.
Popular points of interest near the aparthotel include Voulisma Beach, Pylos Beach and Chartalami Kolibou Beach. The nearest airport is Sitia Public Airport, 51 km from Istron Homes.
Find below list of beaches near Pilos beach:
Voulisma Beach dominates Crete’s coastline as a top destination, positioned in a sheltered cove between Agios Nikolaos and Ierapetra. Voulisma Beach provides direct access from Heraklion and includes shallow turquoise waters, smooth sand mixed with pebbles, and structured amenities. Voulisma Beach holds the Blue Flag award, confirming its environmental standards. Voulisma Beach experiences peak-time crowding but sustains appeal through its physical qualities.
Voulisma Beach provides access to the Gournia archaeological site, located 10 kilometres (6 miles) east near Pachia Ammos. Gournia is one of the best-excavated Minoan towns, which was destroyed by an earthquake and subsequently abandoned.
Voulisma Beach offers proximity to Panagia Faneromeni Monastery, positioned 11 kilometres (7 miles) southeast on a steep slope. Panagia Faneromeni Monastery is worth visiting for its stunning church built into a cave and the awe-inspiring sea views. Every year on the 15th of August, Panagia Faneromeni Monastery becomes a pilgrimage site, drawing visitors from across Crete.
Below is the list of the best restaurants near Voulisma Beach
Gournia, situated 17km east of Agios Nikolaos and just 2km west of Pachia Ammos, is renowned for its ancient Minoan town, built atop a small hill. Named after the stone and wooden troughs (‘urna’ in Venetian) found in the vicinity, the original Minoan name of the town remains a mystery.
Nearby, a brief 1km journey north of the archaeological site of Gournia, lies the secluded Frouzis beach. Accessible by car, it sits nestled within a rocky bay, featuring pebbly shores and zero commercial facilities. While the broader area boasts beautiful sea caves and natural rock pools, the beach tends to accumulate litter carried by sea currents. This is also the case for the neighbouring beach, which houses an abandoned camping site.
One of Crete’s most breathtaking natural pools is found near Gournia. This serene rock-bound pond offers an inviting swim, especially when the nearby sea is choppy. The vast cave next to it also provides a fascinating sight.
A trip to Gournia would not be complete without exploring the archaeological site to understand the layout of a small Minoan city. Having thrived in 1500BC, the city has been thoroughly excavated, revealing well-preserved walls, staircases, and streets. The city, centered around a hill housing a small palace, a market, and a temple, appears to have been destroyed by an earthquake around 1450BC, and it was completely abandoned by 1200BC. The Gournia cemetery was discovered in the Sfougaras region, near Kamini.
Agios Panteleimon beach, nestled in Istro, a village 12km east of Agios Nikolaos en route to Sitia, owes its name to a petite church located nearby. Featuring both sandy and pebbly stretches, the beach is set against the backdrop of vibrant turquoise waters. As it doesn’t draw the same crowds as the neighboring Voulisma beach, Agios Panteleimon is the perfect spot for those seeking relaxation and serenity.
In the vicinity, you’ll also find Karavostasi beach. This sandy, unspoiled beach is tucked away in the western part of Istro’s largest gulf and provides the perfect setting for peaceful moments. The surrounding area is rich in tamarisk, carob, and olive trees, adding to the beach’s charm. Just east of Karavostasi, there’s a large rock bearing the remnants of the Minoan settlement Priniatikos Pirgos.
Kamini, situated near the renowned Minoan settlement of Gournia by Pahia Ammos, is an enchanting location composed of five sequential pebble beaches. Positioned north of the archaeological site, Kamini was most likely Gournia’s access point to the sea, explaining the presence of Minoan structures in the area, such as remnants of rooms, walls, and ship sheds or boathouses. The Gournia necropolis is also found in this area.
Kamini’s natural allure is as significant as its archaeological value. The coastline, adorned with limestone conglomerates and strikingly red soil, presents a stunning display of colors. The area boasts intriguing geological formations, sea caves, rock bridges, and five beaches speckled with fine or coarse pebbles. However, some of these beaches can be difficult to access.
Regrettably, the north winds often bring a disheartening amount of trash from across the Aegean Sea, littering the otherwise pristine landscape. This, coupled with the strong winds, tends to deter visitors. However, when the winds shift to the south, Kamini’s true splendor emerges, with turquoise and crystal-clear waters that truly are a sight to behold.
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