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Agia Pelagia is a beautiful coastal town situated 20km west of Heraklion, known for its stunning bay that offers a perfect blend of sea sports and relaxation. The bay is ideal for water-skiing, wind surfing, and canoeing, and visitors can take advantage of the well-trained instructors who offer lessons. The town has a range of high-standard hotel facilities, as well as smaller hotels and pensions that cater to different budgets and preferences.
Apart from sea sports and accommodation options, Agia Pelagia has a lot more to offer. The town has a charming traditional village feel, with narrow streets and whitewashed houses. Visitors can explore the local shops and markets, where they can find unique souvenirs and traditional Greek products. The town also has a variety of restaurants and tavernas that serve delicious local cuisine, including fresh seafood and traditional Cretan dishes.
For those who want to explore the surrounding area, there are plenty of hiking trails and scenic drives that offer breathtaking views of the coastline and the rugged landscape of Crete. Additionally, the town is home to several historical and cultural landmarks, including the Monastery of Savvathiana and the ancient Minoan settlement of Fylakes. Overall, Agia Pelagia is a must-visit destination for anyone looking for a perfect blend of sea, sun, and culture.
In the heart of Agia Pelagia Village, a diverse array of accommodations awaits to cater to every traveler’s needs. From the luxury seeker to the budget-conscious, Agia Pelagia’s hotels range from high-end boutique stays with panoramic sea views to cosy, family-run guesthouses steeped in Cretan hospitality. Browse below our list of best 168 hotels and villas for a perfect stay in Agia Pelagia.
Conveniently located only 50 metres from the beach of Agia Pelagia, Superior Savvas Apartments by the sea offers units with free WiFi access, and a spacious terrace. Bars and restaurants are 200 metres away.
All air-conditioned rooms include a kitchenette with electric kettle and fridge. Each has a flat-screen TV, coffee machine and bathroom with shower.
Apartments Savvas is 25 km from Heraklion International Airport. Free public parking is available.
Joanna Apartments are situated 30 meters away from the beach, in the center of Agia Pelagia, at a beautiful and quiet neighborhood. The apartments have a 200-m² garden with showers where you can have your breakfast, enjoy the Cretan sun and let children play safely.
Featuring a balcony, the air-conditioned (AC extra charged) apartments offer a kitchenette with cooking hobs and refrigerator. A sofa, safety deposit box and private bathroom are also included.
A variety of beach bars, taverns and water sport facilities can be found at the nearby beach. Joanna Apartments lies 22 km from Heraklion Port and 25 km from Kazantzakis International Airport.
Situated a few steps from Agia Pelagia Beach, Buganvilla-Sea front villas offers barbecue facilities, and air-conditioned accommodation with a balcony and free WiFi.
Each unit has a terrace offering sea views, a flat-screen TV, a dining area, a well-fitted kitchen and a private bathroom with a bath or shower, bathrobes and a hair dryer. An oven, a fridge and stovetop are also offered, as well as a coffee machine and a kettle.
Psaromoura Beach is 1 km from the villa, while Ligaria Beach is 1.4 km from the property. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 25 km from Buganvilla-Sea front villas.
Situated a few steps from Agia Pelagia Beach, Buganvilla Sea View apts offers air-conditioned accommodation with a balcony and free WiFi.
The apartment provides guests with a terrace, sea views, a seating area, satellite flat-screen TV, a fully equipped kitchen with an oven and a fridge, and a private bathroom with shower and a hair dryer. A stovetop and kitchenware are also available, as well as a coffee machine and a kettle.
Fishing and hiking can be enjoyed nearby.
Psaromoura Beach is 1 km from Buganvilla Sea View apts, while Ligaria Beach is 1.4 km from the property. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 25 km from the accommodation.
from
€69
/night
Situated in Agia Pelagia, within a short walk of the beach and the vibrant centre, Seascape Luxury Residences offers uniquely decorated apartments with free WiFi access. The complex includes 2 swimming pools, outdoor pool with a decked terrace, and a poolside bar offering drinks and snacks throughout the day.
Opening to balconies, Seascape Luxury Residences offer views over the sea or the pool. Each apartment includes a fully equipped kitchen with dining table, a seating area and a luxurious bathroom with glass shower. A flat screen TV and air conditioning are available.
Heraklio Town is 18 km from the accommodation. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 20 km from Seascape Luxury Residences.
from
€113
/night
Di Gortina has air-conditioned guest accommodation in Agia Pelagia, 200 metres from Agia Pelagia Beach, less than 1 km from Psaromoura Beach and a 16-minute walk from Mononaftis Beach. Free WiFi is offeredthroughout the property.
Each unit has a balcony offering sea views, a satellite flat-screen TV, a dining area, a well-fitted kitchen and a private bathroom with shower, a hair dryer and free toiletries. An oven, a toaster and fridge are also available, as well as a coffee machine and a kettle.
A car rental service and a private beach area are featured at the apartment.
Venetian Walls is 21 km from di Gortina, while Heraklion Archaeological Museum is 23 km from the property. The nearest airport is Heraklion International, 25 km from the accommodation, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.
from
€99
/night
Nestled along the serene bay, Agia Pelagia village is a haven for those looking to balance relaxation with vibrant sea activities. The crystal-clear waters are perfect for an array of water sports, offering visitors the chance to engage in water-skiing, wind surfing, and canoeing. Whether you’re gliding over the waves or paddling through them, Agia Pelagia provides the perfect backdrop for aquatic adventure. After a day on the water, unwind on the tranquil beaches that line the bay.
For more explorations in this scenic locale, see below the list of things to do near Agia Pelagia village.
Discover the underwater world with the experts of Scuba Diving at the famous bay of Agia Pelagia, where the sea is always calm and clear.
Discover the underwater world and feel as a diver. This program is specifically designed for those who never dived before and know nothing about scuba diving.
You’ll be taught the basics of scuba so that you’ll have a real dive, always following the safety standards of Padi, the leading scuba diving organization in the world. Feel like diver, breathe and move freely underwater and listen to the sounds of silence, always accompanied and supervised by qualified PADI instructors.
You’ll spend one hour in the diving center for basic information and introduction to scuba diving, watch a 20 minutes informational video in your language. Your experienced instructors will teach you all the secrets and the techniques of scuba diving. that makes it easy and simple, and will be continuously with you during your whole activity.
You’ll spend one more hour in the sea where you’ll be practicing the simple techniques you previously learned, while your instructors will guide you to the top experience of your life. You’ll be breathing and moving freely and play underwater games while exploring the house reef and thousands of fish swim around you.
Your instructors will teach you how to be autonomous and enjoy the most, not just hold you and pull you around.
During your first dive, you’re allowed to reach the depth of six meters, but you’ll be taken only where you feel comfortable and safe.
Return to the dive center to watch the footage and HD videos captured during your whole activity.
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!
Mermaid diving is a popular and exciting new trend in the world of diving. Instead of traditional scuba gear, divers wear a mermaid tail, allowing them to swim like a mermaid or merman.
Mermaid diving is suitable for both beginners and experienced divers, as long as they are comfortable in the water and have basic swimming skills.The experience of mermaid diving is not just about swimming with a tail. It’s also about exploring the underwater world in a new and magical way. In mermaiding participants use their whole bodies, similar to the dolphin movement. The movement starts in the chest and from there continues like a wave throughout the entire body.
The mermaid tail, adds an element of fantasy and fun to the dive, and many divers enjoy performing tricks and swimming in formation with other mermaids.
Generally, there is no age limit in mermaiding but participants must be experienced swimmers.
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!
After learning the basics during this first dive, we invite you to repeat the experience during a 2nd dive during the day. During this, you will discover a completely different universe since you will leave the bay to do a slightly deeper dive (12 meters) where you will be able to observe new types of fish as well as a unique relief.
The second dive will be done around 2PM. 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!
The Discover Scuba – Intro program takes approximately 1 and a half hours, including a 30 minute theory session conducted by one of our professionals. This is followed by a dive in our pool or in confined water (shallow water in front of our dive center) where divers practice a few basic diving skills. Then the program involves a Confined Water dive to a maximum depth of 5 meters for approximately 30 minutes.
The Discover Scuba Diving and Discover Scuba – Intro program lets you experience the thrill of diving under the supervision of a PADI/SSI Instructor in ideal conditions.
This is the ideal diving course for those who want to try scuba diving but do not have a diving certificate. Enjoy a pre-dive lesson and always be accompanied by a certified instructor.
Begin your day with the basic theory on diving and the skills necessary to do so. You will then move on to real-life diving under the supervision of a certified instructor.
During the dive, you will have the opportunity to explore the bottom of the sea in Agia Pelagia, learn the basic commands, and get the chance to observe up-close the fish and sea creatures living near the seabed.
Situated 21km west of Heraklion, on the southern side of the compact Cape Souda, you’ll find Agia Pelagia beach, also known as Santa Pelagia. This beach is nestled amidst several picturesque coves with stunning beaches. Originally, Agia Pelagia was a quaint settlement utilized by Achlada villagers for agricultural purposes, but it has since evolved into a bustling tourist destination replete with hotels, restaurants, cafes, bars, and more. Routine bus services to Heraklion ensure its accessibility.
The primary beach of Agia Pelagia is a slender, sandy stretch with greenish water. The Turks dubbed it Tsanak Limani, meaning ‘plate harbor’ due to its circular shape. The bay forms a natural, tranquil harbor, and the beach provides an array of amenities such as watersports, diving, food, and accommodation. However, in some areas, the beach is narrow with sunbeds occupying most of the space.
The beach is well-shielded from northern winds by the Cape of Souda, where ruins of the ancient port town Apollonia can be found. A luxury hotel now stands on Souda, but the ruins are accessible for tourists. A small shrine stands near the hotel, marking where the icon of Santa Pelagia was discovered centuries ago. Not far from the beach is the former Agia Pelagia monastery, renowned throughout the island during the Venetian era. Worshippers would flock to the beach during the monastery’s feast, seeking healing in the sand.
A short walk past the shrine on Cape of Souda will lead you to Fylakes, considered the most beautiful beach of Agia Pelagia. Fylakes consists of two small coves with fine sand and greenish water, concealed by Cape Souda’s towering rocks. Accessing Fylakes requires navigating the rocky coast and wading through chest-high water, so secure your belongings accordingly.
To the east of Agia Pelagia, beneath Hotel Diana, is the lesser-known pebbled beach, Vlyhada. This small, man-made beach is exposed to the winds and can only be reached by swimming from Agia Pelagia, as the hotel does not permit land access.
Agia Pelagia served as a crucial port during the Venetian period, providing aid to the besieged Cretans during the Candia siege. The Turks later constructed a fort here, though no remnants remain today. The port was also where the legendary ship of Arkadi docked during the Cretan Revolution to provide ammunition to the rebels.
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.
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.
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.
A petite gorge forms to the west of the Rogdia village and opens up at the Paliokastro area. The journey begins from the ancient Koukos watermill, situated on the primary road linking Rogdia to Achlada, and takes you down to its most striking feature, the 10-meter tall Rechtra waterfall, which can be accessed through a relatively steep descent with ropes. As you traverse down the gorge, you’ll encounter several small waterfalls, the cave-like chapel of Panagia Spiliotissa, and finally arrive at the Paliokastro beach.
One of the most astounding sights is a cave situated right in the heart of the gorge, which has been converted into a studio for creating Christian icons by a hagiographer, seemingly in the middle of nowhere. It is highly recommended to stop by this unique site, engage in conversation with the artist, admire the icons, and perhaps purchase a few.
You can also conveniently reach the fall by trekking up the gorge from Paliokastro.
Just a stone’s throw away from Heraklion city, near the Agios Panteleimonas Monastery in Fodele, you’ll find the Santorinios canyon. This canyon carries water from the Marathos village and the western slopes of Platani to the Fodelianos river. Although the canyon is relatively short, it remains unexplored due to the challenging access caused by thick vegetation and numerous ponds. Trekking through the riverbed, despite getting wet, simplifies the journey but calls for a change of footwear. The canyon’s name originates from the soil’s resemblance to that of Santorini Island, which was previously used in Crete’s construction.
Upon entering the gorge, you’ll encounter the ruins of a two-room watermill, its walls still standing tall, supported by an ivy branch woven into them. After some time, you’ll reach the first pond, Azilakokolymbos, which appears to be the path’s endpoint. However, if you manage to bypass the lake by either swimming or rock climbing, there’s more to discover. After overcoming this hurdle, the journey continues smoothly until you reach a majestic waterfall that forms a stunning pond at its base.
The adventure intensifies from this point. To proceed, you’ll need to scale the right side of the waterfall, approximately 15 meters, to reach the hilltop. To access the waterfall’s edge from here, a rope is necessary due to the steep and slippery terrain. As you continue up the canyon, you’ll be greeted by two awe-inspiring twin waterfalls.
Almyros Gorge, situated in Ellinoperamata, is the closest canyon to the west of Heraklion city. The gorge, a small oasis near the bustling city, is formed between Keri hills and the post-Minoan town of Kastrokefala. It serves as a crucial habitat, primarily due to the largest holly wood (Phillirea media) in Crete located on its eastern side. Other species like platan trees, carob, and wild olive trees also thrive here despite overgrazing.
The gorge has various names, such as Keri Gorge, named after the adjacent hill, or Almiros, due to its closeness to the Almiros river. It’s also called Ellinoperamata, the area where the gorge terminates. Frequently termed Porofarago, a common name for Cretan gorges, it’s also known as the Three Churches, in honor of the three chapels — Santa Marina, St. Antonios, and St. Paraskevi. Its commencement point near the Strouboulas peak gives it the Strouboulas name, while stories of Satanist assemblies and ghost sightings have resulted in its spooky moniker, the Ghosts’ Gorge.
Despite its proximity to Heraklion, few people have ventured here. Cars can reach the location where the 14th-century monastery of Agios Ioannis Farangitis (Saint John inside the Gorge), dedicated to Saint John the Baptist, was constructed near the canyon exit. The surviving chapel of Saint Marina was used as a cemetery, while the main temple was the present two-aisled chapel of Saint Anthony and Saint Paraskevi with significant frescoes. A little further, a shrine dedicated to Saint George can be found, and after nearly 1:30 hours of walking, the chapel of Lord Christ at the gorge’s starting point is reached.
The trail is lined with various trees, and the vegetation thickens as one ascends. Initially, the gorge is typically dry but transitions into a small stream during spring. While ascending, one can encounter three small waterfalls, which form at a site with a pinkish limestone hue after prolonged, heavy rainfall.
Almiros Gorge is a must-visit for adventure seekers and nature lovers. To reach this wild beauty, navigate towards the equally breathtaking Lake of Almiros. Located just a short distance from the path leading to the gorge, this lake is a wonder in itself. The lake’s crystal-clear water, flowing directly from the spring-fed mountain cliffs, offers an extraordinary view all the way to its bed.
Agia Pelagia is located 20km west of Heraklion.
The bay of Agia Pelagia is ideal for combining sea sports with relaxation. Visitors can enjoy water-skiing, wind surfing, and canoeing.
Yes, well-trained instructors are available in Agia Pelagia to offer lessons for sea sports.
Agia Pelagia offers unique high standard hotel facilities as well as many small hotels and pensions.
Yes, Agia Pelagia is a great place for a vacation as it offers a combination of sea sports and relaxation, along with high standard hotel facilities.
The average temperature in Agia Pelagia Village ranges from 15°C to 30°C, depending on the season.
Agia Pelagia Village is located on the north coast of the island of Crete, Greece.
The nearest airport to Agia Pelagia Village is Heraklion International Airport, which is approximately 20 km away.
Some popular attractions in Agia Pelagia Village include the Agia Pelagia Beach, the Monastery of Savvathiana, and the Lygaria Beach. Visitors can also enjoy water sports, hiking, and exploring the local shops and restaurants.
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