These images are powered by
Psaromoura, situated 22km northwest of Heraklion and only 500m north of Agia Pelagia, faces east and is protected from the prevalent northwest winds. There are no immediate accommodations or dining options on the beach, but various facilities can be found within a short walking distance. The beach is pebbled and tends to be frequented more by locals than tourists. The northern end of the beach features a large, folded rock formation common to the Talea Range area, which shields the beach from the waves.
In the past, Psaromoura was one of the most beautiful unorganized beaches in Crete. Today, it has been transformed into a well-organized beach equipped with umbrellas, sun loungers, and a beach canteen serving refreshments and cocktails. Environmental groups in Crete have repeatedly requested the removal of the umbrellas to restore the beach to its original state.
To reach Psaromoura, one must drive to Agia Pelagia. After passing the Hotel Capsis Out of the Blue, continue westwards for an additional 100 meters before turning right onto a small road. A few steps ahead, you’ll find a closed gate and a sign indicating “To the Beach”. After parking your car, head west past the gate and you’ll soon arrive at Psaromoura. Alternatively, heading east from the gate will lead you to an elevated view of Kladissos Beach, accessible via the hotel.
The name Psaromoura derives from the Greek words psari, meaning fish, and mouri, meaning cape. Thus, it is located on a cape populated with fish.
Get directions to Psaromoura beach
Yes, Psaromoura beach is suitable for families with children as the water is shallow and calm.
Yes, there are water sports activities available at Psaromoura beach such as jet skiing, paddleboarding, and snorkeling.
Yes, there is a restaurant and cafe near Psaromoura beach where you can enjoy a meal or a drink while enjoying the view.
Yes, there is a parking area near Psaromoura beach where you can park your car for a fee.
Unfortunately, Psaromoura beach is not accessible for people with disabilities as there are stairs leading down to the Psaromoura beach.
The water colour of the Psaromoura beach is blue and green.
The Psaromoura beach has pebbles as its sand type.
The water at the Psaromoura beach is deep.
The sea surface at the Psaromoura beach is usually calm.
Yes, the Psaromoura beach is a crowded place.
The Psaromoura beach has accommodation options, food/water nearby, umbrellas/beds, and showers.
The Psaromoura beach can be accessed through a paved road.
The Psaromoura beach is ideal for snorkeling and spearfishing.
Find below list of things to do near Psaromoura beach:
ELA Quad Safari runs guided quad tours from Achlada, in the hills above Agia Pelagia west of Heraklion. The route takes riders to viewpoints and stretches of country that no coach or hire car reaches, passing two traditional villages, with experienced guides leading the group to the spots where wildlife is most often seen.
The tour is a guided convoy on tracks rather than roads. Three things define it.
First is the terrain. Quads get to ground that is closed to other vehicles, the dirt tracks above the coast, the ridges between the villages, and viewpoints that exist only at the end of an unsurfaced road. That access is the whole reason to take a quad rather than a bus.
Second are the villages. The route passes two traditional settlements in the hills behind the coast, which is a different Crete from the resort strip 20 minutes below.
Third is the guiding. The guides choose the vantage points for the combination of view and the chance of seeing wildlife, rather than running the shortest loop.
The route works the hills behind the coast west of Heraklion.
We recommend ELA Quad Safari for its patch of the island. Most quad and buggy operators in Crete work the tracks inland from Hersonissos and Malia, which get busy in summer. The hills above Agia Pelagia are the quieter side, west of Heraklion rather than east, and the ridges there give you the coast on one side and the interior on the other with far fewer vehicles on the same tracks.
Our listing records a strong rating across a substantial number of ratings, which for a small independent operator is a meaningful signal. The listing is also verified on this site, meaning the business has claimed and confirmed it directly rather than it being scraped from a feed.
The villages are the part we would go for. Two traditional settlements in the hills, reached on a quad rather than a coach, is the kind of stop that turns an adrenaline activity into a day you remember for the place rather than the vehicle.
Two things to check before you book.
Confirm what you need to ride. Quad operators in Greece generally require a valid driving licence, and the rules on who can carry a passenger vary by operator, ask when you book.
Confirm departure times and duration directly with the operator, since these change with the season.
Call ahead, wear clothes you can dust, and pick the morning.
The base is at Achlada, above Agia Pelagia and west of Heraklion. The operator is a verified listing on this site.
Contact ELA Quad Safari directly for departure times, prices and licence requirements: infoelaquadsafari@yahoo.com, +30 694 944 3991.
The base is at Achlada, above Agia Pelagia, in the hills west of Heraklion.
The tour visits viewpoints unreachable by other vehicles and two traditional villages in the hills behind the coast.
Confirm this with the operator when booking. Quad operators in Greece generally require a valid licence, and passenger rules vary.
Ask the operator directly, since experienced guides lead the group and briefing arrangements are set by the operator.
ELA works the hills west of Heraklion rather than east, which is the quieter side of the island for off-road tracks.
Contact the operator directly by phone or email for departures, prices and availability.
Experience unforgettable moments on the Quad Safari Peninsula and discover a world full of fascinating highlights. Our tours offer you the perfect mix of adventure, nature experience and cultural discovery.
Join us on our journey to a ghost village that reveals a forgotten past. Immerse yourself in history, get to know the only three residents of the village as you explore the deserted streets and soak up the atmosphere of this place.
With our newest, comfortable quads you drive through picturesque landscapes and enjoy the untouched nature. From the rolling hills to the majestic mountains, we offer you a variety of captivating panoramas and views stretching all the way to Heraklion.
We run our tours in small groups to give you a personalized experience. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced rider, our experienced, multilingual guides are always by your side.
Also discover the village of the famous painter El Greco – a wonderful place that fascinates artists and art lovers alike. Let yourself be enchanted by the charming streets and the cultural treasures of this place. Explore the enchanting village of oranges and savor the delicious flavors and incomparable charm of this location.
Take part in a unique adventure where you can combine the beauty of nature, the culture of the region and the joy of quad biking. Book now to start your journey and create unforgettable memories.
Take part in this exciting and unforgettable experience which is guaranteed to highlight your holiday in Crete. Elevate your adventurous side to a whole new level with this quad safari. Ride and ATV through Crete’s rugged mountainous terrains and lush green valleys. Have a thrilling and adrenaline pumping experience by overcoming obstacles along the way through well-hidden routes of the island. Be surrounded by stunning landscapes and scenic viewpoints not accessible with other means of transportation. Our experienced local guides will take you to unique vantage points that provide the most chances of encountering wildlife coupled with the awe- inspiring vistas of two traditional villages in Crete. The combination of this exhilarating quad biking safari and access to unreachable viewpoints will give you a unique perspective of the island assured to create lasting memories.
Visit of the ‘Ghost town’
Off-the-beaten-path exploration: Explore a deserted village which was once thriving and learn about its rich history. Step back in time and learn about the culture and lifestyle of people who used to inhabit there. Have a chance to exchange pleasantries with the few residents that still live there and ask them any questions about this fascinating village. Wander around the picturesque alleys and observe the architectural remnants of the past whilst capturing unique photographs of the history frozen in time. Connect with a different side of the island’s history and culture that it is not commonly visited and known. Our quad safari will introduce you to one of Crete’s mysterious ‘ghost town’ in a funny and safe way to create life lasting memories.
Visit Fodele – El-Greco
Visit and explore a traditional charming Cretan village known for its picturesque surroundings, characterised by green valleys and hills covered in olive and orange groves. The village is nestled in a fertile valley, providing a tranquil and idyllic atmosphere to visitors. It is renowned as the birthplace of El Greco, the famous Renaissance painter. Our quad safari will take you right outside the house of El Greco where you will have the chance to see his family home and learn about his life. Another point of interest in the beautiful village of Fodele is the 11th century church of Panagia which features traditional Byzantine architectural elements and gives a glimpse into the rich cultural and religious heritage of the Byzantine Empire. During the visit you will have the opportunity to see this church as well as to explore the central village and have a short break for refreshments in an iconic café next to a river.
Return
Having explored different aspects of the island through this diverse and enriching quad biking tour we take the return route back to the starting point. Our fun does not end until the last min
This day trip covers the three places most visitors to eastern Crete want to see: Agios Nikolaos with its lake, the former fishing village of Elounda, and Spinalonga, the Venetian fortress island that served as a leper colony until 1957. The boat to Spinalonga leaves from Elounda, and a guide travels with the group throughout. Altino Travel runs it over 8 to 11 hours from €37.80, with a 4.67 rating across 5,734 reviews, it ranks 29th among all GetYourGuide experiences in Greece.
The coach works east along the Mirabello coast, with roughly 90 minutes at each stop. Three parts make up the day.
First is Agios Nikolaos, built around Lake Voulismeni, a deep inland pool connected to the harbour by a short channel, ringed with cafes and shops. Second is Elounda, once a fishing village and now the anchor of Crete’s luxury hotel coast, where the boat to Spinalonga departs. Third is Spinalonga itself: the Venetian fortifications, the Ottoman town that followed, and the leper colony that operated until 1957, the subject of Victoria Hislop’s 2005 novel The Island, which is why the daily visitor numbers run into the hundreds.
Reviewers report approximately 90 minutes at Agios Nikolaos, 90 at Elounda and 90 on Spinalonga.
The route runs along the Mirabello gulf in the Lasithi regional unit.
The fare covers the transport, the guide and the boat, and the island entry is paid separately.
Included:
Not included:
EU citizens under 25 and non-EU visitors under 18 enter Spinalonga free, on presentation of ID or passport.
We recommend this trip because it solves the Spinalonga problem properly. Getting to the island independently means driving to Elounda or Plaka, finding parking in high season, buying a boat ticket, buying an entry ticket, and hoping a guide is available on the island. This does all of it, and adds the two towns either side.
At 5,734 reviews averaging 4.67, with guiding and transport both at 4.8, the delivery is consistent at scale. Guides are named, Jana appears repeatedly, described as friendly, personable and genuinely informative. A British reviewer summed up the appeal as ticking every box: history, attractive towns, a boat ride and a swim.
Reviewers also praise the variety. One noted all four activities suited everybody in the group, which matters on a family day out where a full day of ruins would not.
Three things to know honestly.
The €20 island fee is a significant addition. It is more than half the tour price again, and it is not in the headline figure. Bring cash or a card and check who in your group qualifies for free entry before you go.
The stops are 90 minutes each and that is tight for Elounda. A Belgian reviewer put it precisely: 1 hour 20 minutes at Elounda when you also want to eat leaves no time to enjoy the village. If lunch matters, eat at Agios Nikolaos instead.
Changing after the swim is awkward. A British reviewer noted there was no room on the boat to get changed, and said that on a fully booked sailing it would have been impossible. Wear your swimwear under your clothes.
If you want the shorter, cheaper version with a longer swim and no coach, the Agios Nikolaos boat trip to Spinalonga sails from the harbour in 4.5 hours.
Budget for the island fee, wear swimwear under your clothes, and eat at the first stop.
Pick-up and drop-off are included, and the day runs 8 to 11 hours depending on your hotel. Bring comfortable shoes and beachwear; pets are not permitted.
The €20 Spinalonga entry fee is paid on the island. To claim free or reduced entry you must show a valid ID card or passport confirming your age and country.
The day runs 8 to 11 hours depending on your pick-up point, with roughly 90 minutes at each of the three stops.
No, entry to Spinalonga costs €20 and is paid separately on the island.
EU citizens under 25 and non-EU visitors under 18 enter free, on presentation of a valid ID card or passport.
A swim is part of the day, though reviewers warn there is little room to change on the boat afterwards.
Spinalonga was a Venetian fortress, then an Ottoman town, then a leper colony until 1957, and became widely known through Victoria Hislop’s 2005 novel The Island.
About 90 minutes, which reviewers describe as tight if you also plan to eat there.
Check dates and prices for the Agios Nikolaos and Spinalonga day trip.
Arolithos is a recreated traditional Cretan village in the hills outside Heraklion, built as a working complex of stone houses, a museum and a taverna. This experience covers a tour of the village and its folk museum, a hands-on cooking lesson, and lunch or dinner of the dishes you made, with local wine included. The village runs it itself over 4 hours from €99, with a 4.96 rating across 72 reviews and a perfect 5.0 for guiding.
The day splits into a tour and a class, then the meal you produced. Four parts make it up.
First is the walk through the village streets, past the stone architecture and into the two old houses furnished as they would have been. Second is the museum, holding the family’s own collection of everyday objects from Cretan rural life. Third is the cooking itself, in the taverna kitchen with the chefs, covering dishes from the village’s own weekly cooking, stuffed vine leaves, stuffed vegetables, pork in wine sauce, lamb with green beans, ntakos and tzatziki among them. Fourth is eating what you made, on a terrace looking over the valley towards Heraklion, with vineyards, olive trees and Mount Giouchtas in view.
The activity itself runs 2.5 hours; lunch brings the total to 4. Recipes go home with you.
Everything happens at one village complex in the hills.
The €99 covers the village, the museum, the class and the meal.
Included:
Not included:
We recommend this as the cooking class to book if you want the food rather than the photographs. The reason is that Arolithos is not a venue that hosts classes, it is a family complex where the taverna, the museum and the village are all theirs, and the recipes taught are described as what they cook in their own weekly diet rather than a curated tourist menu.
At 4.96 across 72 reviews with a flat 5.0 for guiding, the execution matches. Reviewers name their hosts individually, Eva and Vicki both appear, and describe a relaxed atmosphere rather than a production line. An American guest called it one of the best parts of their trip to Crete, describing the sequence exactly as it runs: a short tour of the village and museum, then cooking lamb, pork and more.
The setting does a lot of work. Eating what you cooked on a terrace over the valley, with vineyards and Mount Giouchtas in front of you, is a better ending than a classroom, and reviewers mention the view as often as the food.
Two things to be clear about.
Value for money scores 4.8 out of 5, the lowest of its dimensions, and €99 is a real price for four hours. What you get is a museum, a village tour, a hands-on class, a full meal and wine, but it is not a cheap afternoon.
Getting there is on you. No transfer is included, though the village can arrange one at extra cost. Arolithos is in the hills outside Heraklion and there is no practical bus.
Accessibility is partial. Only the cooking class is wheelchair accessible, not the village and museum tour.
Arrange the transfer when you book, declare diets early, and stay on after lunch.
The meeting point is Arolithos Traditional Cretan Village. The activity runs 2.5 hours, with lunch bringing the total to 4.
Transfer service and car hire can be organised at extra charge. Children must be accompanied by an adult, and dietary requirements including vegetarian options must be advised at booking.
The cooking activity runs 2.5 hours, and with the meal afterwards the total visit is 4 hours.
The class covers dishes from the village’s own everyday cooking, stuffed vine leaves, stuffed vegetables, pork in wine sauce, lamb with green beans, ntakos and tzatziki among them.
You eat the dishes you prepared, with local wine and mineral water included, on a terrace overlooking the valley.
No transfer is included, though the village can arrange transport or car hire at extra cost.
Vegetarian options are available with advance notice, so state any dietary requirement when you book.
Only the cooking class is wheelchair accessible, not the village and museum tour.
Check dates and prices for the Cretan cooking lesson at Arolithos.
Visit Dia Island, by sailing boat. You can choose between a morning or sunset private half-day cruise, and a full-day private cruise, up to ten persons.
Embark on a half-day cruise to Dia Island from Heraklion and explore this rugged island with plenty of time to swim, snorkel, or relax on its pristine shores.
Swim in the crystal clear water, take a walk among the island’s cedar trees or just relax in the quiet bay overlooking Heraklion.
Our cruises include historical narrations across the Cretan coastline, sailing, swimming, exploring the Aegean Sea.
Relax on board our sailing boat Maryline, enjoy the stunning view of the city and feel the refreshing summer breeze!
Find below the list of hotels near Psaromoura beach:
A 2-minute walk the sandy beach of Psaromoura, Evita Bay Agia Pelagia Heraklion enjoy beautiful views of the sea. Cretan nights with grills, traditional Greek music, wine and local raki are hosted. Agia Pelagia centre is a 5-minute walk.
The homely studios and one-bedroom apartments are surrounded by a Mediterranean garden. All units are air conditioned and come equipped with a kitchenette with cooker, fridge and all necessary kitchenware. Free Wi-Fi, a TV and a dining table are also provided.
Agia Pelagia is a small coastal town 20 km west of Heraklion. A range of taverns, cafes and tourist shops are featured here. Water sports are available on the Blue Flag Agia Pelagia Beach. Heraklion Airport is 25 km away, while the port of Heraklion is at 22 km.
Located in Agia Pelagia and only 400 metres from Psaromoura Beach, * * *Ammira Mare* *Maisonette near sea with pool provides accommodation with sea views, free WiFi and free private parking. With mountain views, this accommodation features a balcony and a swimming pool.
This holiday home comes with 2 bedrooms, a kitchen with a dishwasher and an oven, a flat-screen TV, a seating area and 2 bathrooms equipped with a bath. Towels and bed linen are provided in the holiday home.
The holiday home offers a sun terrace. A car rental service is available at * * *Ammira Mare* *Maisonette near sea with pool.
Agia Pelagia Beach is 800 metres from the accommodation, while Mononaftis Beach is less than 1 km away. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 25 km from * * *Ammira Mare* *Maisonette near sea with pool.
from
€143
/night
Overlooking the deep blue bay of Agia Pelagia, Peninsula Resort & Spa sits amidst lush plantations and is surrounded by 2 beaches. Two large pools, 2 children’s pools and 2 tennis courts are featured.
The Peninsula Resort & Spa is located on the North coast of Crete, just 25 km from Heraklio. It is surrounded by 2 beaches that offer a wide range of water sports, as well as a certified diving centre.
The Peninsula Resort & Spa offers elegant guest rooms styled in a local Cretan décor. In-room equipment includes air conditioning, satellite TVs and a fridge.
The buffet restaurant serves Cretan, Greek and international dishes. Breakfast, lunch and dinner can be enjoyed with a view of the sea and Dia Island in the distance. Drinks can be enjoyed at the 4 bars available.
Multi-use courts for football, basketball and volleyball, pool games, table tennis and billiards are available. The animation program ends at 23:00 daily. A satellite TV area is available for gatherings and football games. A spa centre with an indoor pool lies within the premises.
Car parking is available and a Byzantine Chapel enhances the hotel’s entrance with its frescoes. Taxis and the public bus stop are available right outside the hotel.
from
€198
/night
This five-bedroom villa is located in Agia Pelagia, on the north coast of central Crete, offering modern accommodation in a peaceful, seaside area. Heraklion Town is at 25 km. A jetted outdoor pool is featured.
Boasting unobstructed views of the sea and surrounded by a lush garden full of fruit and olive trees, palms, herbs and flower, the property offers guests the opportunity to relax. The kitchen is fitted with a dishwasher and an oven. A flat-screen TV is offered. The property provides free private parking and free WiFi is available throughout.
Other facilities at Kladissos Villa include fully equipped barbeque facilities.
Children are welcome in Kladissos Villa. An outdoor playground with swings and a slide is available for younger guests. A baby cot and a high chair are available as well.
Guests will find the picturesque Psaromoura beach at 100 metres and several shops, restaurants, a pharmacy, a medical center, an ATM, bus stops and a taxi station just a short walk away.
Hersonissos is 46 km from Kladissos Villa, while Balíon is 31 km away. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 25 km from the property.
from
€377
/night
Boasting quiet street views, Ammira Mare Apartment features accommodation with a patio and a coffee machine, around 800 metres from Agia Pelagia Beach. The air-conditioned accommodation is 400 metres from Psaromoura Beach, and guests benefit from private parking available on site and free WiFi.
The apartment features 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, bed linen, towels, a flat-screen TV, a dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, and a balcony with sea views.
The apartment offers a terrace. Guests can enjoy the outdoor swimming pool at Ammira Mare Apartment.
Mononaftis Beach is 800 metres from the accommodation, while Venetian Walls is 22 km from the property. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 25 km from Ammira Mare Apartment.
from
€142
/night
Boasting a year-round outdoor pool, Olive and Sea Villas in Agia Pelagia features accommodation with free WiFi and free private parking for guests who drive.
All of the air-conditioned units feature a private bathroom, flat-screen TV, fully-equipped kitchen and terrace.
Guests can relax in the garden at the property.
Popular points of interest near the villa include Psaromoura Beach, Agia Pelagia Beach and Mononaftis Beach. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 25 km from Olive and Sea Villas.
from
€345
/night
Find below list of beaches near Psaromoura beach:
Kladissos, situated 21km northwest of Heraklion and to the northwest of the Agia Pelagia resort, is home to a historically significant hotel that sprawls across the entire Cape Souda area. The beach here boasts fine gravel and tranquil green waters, with the hotel providing an array of amenities such as umbrellas, deck chairs, bars, showers, and changing rooms.
Despite appearing to be private due to the hotel’s influence, it’s essential to remember that all beaches in Greece are accessible to the public. You can gain access to the beach by requesting permission from the hotel, at no cost. Kladissos beach is typically serene and secluded, as locals tend to favor the nearby Agia Pelagia or Psaromoura beaches.
In close proximity to the shore, post-Minoan tombs have been discovered, adding a historical significance to the area. Additionally, archaeologists have uncovered a large public building from the third to fourth century AD, known as the Prytaneum, which was used for political meetings of the ancient town Apolonia. Some of the ceramic artifacts found in the area are now displayed in the Ashmolean Museum in Oxford.
Mononaftis is a stunning pebble-strewn beach situated 24km northwest of Heraklion and just 1km north of Agia Pelagia on the island of Crete. Its name, meaning “One sailor”, originates from a local tale about a shipwreck where only one sailor survived. Interestingly, the term Mononaftis also refers to the large boulder floating about 50m off the shore.
The beach is nestled in the northern region of the Agia Pelagia peninsula and is shielded from the prevalent north winds due to its eastward facing position. This makes it, along with the nearby beaches, a popular choice among locals.
Mononaftis beach has a mixture of coarse sand and pebbles and the sea displays a unique greenish hue. It’s well-equipped with amenities such as umbrellas, sunbeds, and water sports facilities. Additionally, a variety of cafes, restaurants, and accommodation options can be found in close proximity. The seabed is rocky, making it a perfect spot for fishing and scuba diving.
Reaching Mononaftis from Heraklion involves driving on the National Road towards Chania, bypassing the first sign to Agia Pelagia. Take a right at the second exit to Agia Pelagia/Achlada and continue northwards towards the sea. After driving for 2-3 km, you’ll notice a petrol station on your left. Take a left before the station and keep driving until you arrive at the Mononaftis settlement. However, be aware that finding parking can be a challenge during the peak season.
Agia Pelagia beach is a sandy, sheltered bay about 21 km west of Heraklion, on the north coast of Crete. Cape Souda shields it from the summer meltemi winds, so the greenish water stays calm and clear for most of the season. The main beach is a several-hundred-metre strip of sand mixed with patches of small pebbles, narrow at the edges where sunbeds fill much of the space.
The bay curves into a natural, protected harbour, which the Turks once called Tsanak Limani, meaning “plate harbour”, after its rounded shape. Agia Pelagia began as a small settlement worked by Achlada villagers, then grew into a busy resort lined with hotels, tavernas, cafes and bars.
The main beach is fully organised. You will find sunbeds, umbrellas, showers, a lifeguard and parking near the seafront, with a row of tavernas, cafes and bars set just behind the sand. The calm, clear water suits swimming, snorkelling and diving, and the bay runs water sports through the summer months. Scuba diving centres operate here from around April to October, so first-timers and certified divers can both get in the water.
The sheltered bay makes Agia Pelagia a comfortable choice for families. Cape Souda blocks the strong summer winds, the surface stays calm, and the water shelves gently near the shore, so children can paddle and swim close to the sunbeds while parents watch from the beach.
Regular buses connect Agia Pelagia with Heraklion, and the drive along a paved road takes roughly half an hour, so the beach is easy to reach with or without a car. There is parking near the beachfront, though spaces fill quickly in peak summer, so arriving early helps. Having your own car also makes it simple to reach the quieter coves around the bay, and you can compare options for car rental in Crete before you travel.
The beach takes its name from an icon of Saint Pelagia, found centuries ago in the Evresi cave on the northern side of the bay, where a small shrine still marks the spot. The find inspired the nearby Agia Pelagia monastery, once known across Crete: worshippers would gather on the beach during its feast and lie in the sand seeking healing.
Cape Souda itself holds the ruins of ancient Apollonia, the port town that once guarded this coast; the ruins remain open to visitors even though a hotel now stands on the headland. Agia Pelagia stayed an important harbour into the Venetian period, when it supplied the Cretans besieged during the siege of Candia, and later the legendary ship of the Arkadi docked here to land ammunition for the rebels during the Cretan revolution.
A short walk past the shrine on Cape Souda leads to Fylakes, two small coves of fine sand and green water tucked below the cape’s rocks; reaching them means crossing the rocky shore and wading through deep water, so keep your belongings dry. East of the main beach, below Hotel Diana, lies the small man-made pebble cove of Vlyhada, which you reach by swimming round from Agia Pelagia because the hotel does not allow access by land.
Agia Pelagia beach sits about 21 km west of Heraklion, on the north coast of Crete, on the sheltered southern side of Cape Souda.
Regular buses run between Heraklion and Agia Pelagia, and the drive along a paved road takes roughly half an hour. There is parking near the beachfront, but it fills quickly in peak season, so arrive early.
The main beach is mostly sand with patches of small pebbles. It is narrow at the edges, where sunbeds take up much of the space.
Yes. Cape Souda shelters the bay from strong winds, the water stays calm, and it shelves gently near the shore, so children can swim and paddle safely close to the beach.
The bay offers swimming, snorkelling and organised water sports, and scuba diving centres run introductory and guided dives through the summer season, roughly April to October.
The beach is fully organised, with sunbeds, umbrellas, showers, a lifeguard and parking, plus tavernas, cafes and bars just behind the sand.
The beach is named after an icon of Saint Pelagia found centuries ago in the Evresi cave beside the bay. A shrine marks the spot, and the nearby Agia Pelagia monastery grew from the same story.
Fylakes, two sandy coves below Cape Souda, is a short walk past the shrine, and the small pebble cove of Vlyhada lies just east of the main beach below Hotel Diana.
Parasfougario Beach, situated in the Achlada district of Malevizi province, is approximately 22 km northwest of Heraklion on the island of Crete. Positioned on a steep incline between the well-known beaches of Lygaria and Agia Pelagia, the only access to it is by a 20-25 minute swim from either of these beaches.
A set of stairs from a nearby house lead directly down to this petite beach. Its backdrop of a slope blanketed in crithmum adds to its charm. The ocean floor features pebbles and coarse sand, and a small cave to the east further enhances the picturesque setting.
Unlike its neighbouring beaches, Parasfougario is exposed to the northern winds. As a result, it is advisable to avoid it during windy periods, as it tends to accumulate a significant amount of rubbish during these times.
© All rights reserved. Crete Locals
