Kokkinos Pyrgos is a low-key seaside town on the south coast of Crete, in the Heraklion region, sitting just 2 km from Timbaki and roughly 67 km from Heraklion. The town fronts one of the longest sandy beaches on the island, backed by a small working harbour, tavernas and bars, so it suits travellers who want quiet swimming days rather than a busy resort. Kokkinos Pyrgos also makes a practical base for the Mesara plain, with Agia Galini only 4.1 km away and the Minoan sites of Phaistos and Gortyna within an easy drive.
Kokkinos Pyrgos is a coastal community on the southern coast of the Heraklion region, 2 km from the nearby town of Timbaki. The village name means “red castle” and comes from a castle built during the Middle Ages using red clay earth. Heraklion International Airport lies about 63 km away, which puts the town within reach of the island’s main gateway while keeping it off the busier tourist circuit.
The town centres on a long sandy shoreline and a small harbour. Its harbour provides docking facilities for sailing and fishing boats, and the seafront carries the everyday life of a fishing village rather than a purpose-built resort.
The beach at Kokkinos Pyrgos is one of the longest sandy beaches in Crete, split into two distinct parts on either side of the harbour. Each section has a different character, so the town works for both organised comfort and quiet, wild swimming.
The sea here is crystal-clear and suited to swimming and water sports. From the town the sand continues southeast towards Kommos for several kilometres, and that wider stretch is a nesting ground for loggerhead sea turtles during the summer. If you want to walk from the organised strand into wilder territory, the shoreline that runs on towards Kommos beach carries you well away from the sunbeds.
Kokkinos Pyrgos offers a range of restaurants and bars, many of which serve fresh fish. The seafront and the coastal road beside Katalyki hold most of the tavernas and cafes, so meals stay close to the water. Because the harbour still lands sailing and fishing boats, seafood is a natural choice here.
Kokkinos Pyrgos has hotels alongside its restaurants and bars, which makes an overnight stay straightforward. Staying in the town gives you early-morning swims before day-trippers arrive and quiet evenings once they leave. For apartments, studios and villas in and around the town, browse the wider selection on our Crete stays directory.
Kokkinos Pyrgos sits within a short drive of some of southern Crete’s best-known beaches and Minoan sites. The town’s position on the edge of the Mesara plain puts several destinations within a half-day trip.
Other landmarks are further afield but still reachable on a longer day out. Psiloritis National Park is about 41 km away, and the Museum of Ancient Eleftherna is roughly 50 km from the town.
Reach Kokkinos Pyrgos by driving to the south coast of the Heraklion region, with the town lying 2 km from Timbaki and about 63 km from Heraklion International Airport. The Mesara plain is well connected by road to Heraklion and Mires, and the final approach runs down to the coast at Timbaki. A car is the most practical way to arrive and to reach the surrounding beaches and Minoan sites, and you can compare vehicles and pick-up points through our car rental in Crete.
Kokkinos Pyrgos rewards a slower, self-driven trip more than a packed itinerary. A few pointers help you get the most from the town.
Things to do in Kokkinos Pyrgos start at the beach and the harbour and spread a short drive along the coast and inland across the Mesara plain. The list runs from the nearest outwards.
Beaches in and around Kokkinos Pyrgos line Messara Bay, and 5 of them lie within 9 km of the town. The town beach is the nearest. The others run west towards Agia Galini and southeast towards Matala, and the whole bay faces the prevailing westerly winds, so waves are common and the seabed is rocky in places.
Kokkinos Pyrgos is on the south coast of Crete in the Heraklion region, 2 km from Timbaki and about 67 km from Heraklion. Heraklion International Airport is roughly 63 km away.
The beach is one of the longest sandy beaches in Crete and splits into two parts. Katalyki, southeast of the harbour, is organised with umbrellas, sunbeds, lifeguards and water sports, while Makrimaliana (Kakoskalo) to the northwest stays wild and unorganised.
The sand runs southeast towards Kommos for several kilometres, and that stretch is a nesting ground for loggerhead sea turtles during summer. Keep your distance from any nests and avoid the marked areas at night.
The town has restaurants and bars along the seafront, many of which serve fresh fish. The working harbour still lands fishing boats, so seafood is the natural local choice.
Drive to the south coast of the Heraklion region via the Mesara plain and Timbaki, which sits 2 km from the town. A car gives you the freedom to reach the nearby beaches and Minoan sites, so most visitors arrive by road.
Agia Galini lies 4.1 km away, and the beaches of Kommos and Matala run along the same southern coast. The Minoan palace of Phaistos and the ancient city of Gortyna are both a short drive inland on the Mesara plain.
5 beaches lie within 9 km of Kokkinos Pyrgos. They are the town beach at 1.1 km, Agia Galini at 4.1 km, Kalamaki at 6.5 km, Agios Georgios at 7.4 km and Kommos at 8.2 km, all of them on Messara Bay.
Swimming, seafood and short coastal drives are the things to do in Kokkinos Pyrgos. The town beach splits into an organised side and a wild one, the harbour tavernas serve the day’s catch, Timbaki lies 3.3 km inland, and Agia Galini is 4.6 km west along the coast.
Situated in Kókkinos Pírgos, 700 metres from Kokkinos Pirgos Beach and 1.7 km from Katalyki Beach, cosy apartment near the sea offers air conditioning. This beachfront property offers access to a patio, free private parking and free WiFi.
The apartment features 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom, bed linen, towels, a flat-screen TV with cable channels, a fully equipped kitchen, and a balcony with sea views.
Psiloritis National Park is 41 km from the apartment, while Museum of Ancient Eleftherna is 50 km from the property. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 64 km from cosy apartment near the sea.
from
€65
/night
Located 300 metres from Kokkinos Pirgos Beach, less than 1 km from Katalyki Beach and 41 km from Psiloritis National Park, Argiros Appartment provides accommodation situated in Kókkinos Pírgos. The apartment has access to a restaurant and free WiFithroughout the property.
Leading onto a terrace, the air-conditioned apartment consists of 1 bedroom and a fully equipped kitchen. A flat-screen TV is featured.
A car rental service is available at the apartment.
Museum of Ancient Eleftherna is 50 km from Argiros Appartment, while Museum of Cretan Ethnology is 7.1 km away. The nearest airport is Heraklion International, 63 km from the accommodation, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.
from
€81
/night
Situated in Kókkinos Pírgos, just a few steps from Kokkinos Pirgos Beach, Golden Sun features beachfront accommodation with free WiFi. The air-conditioned accommodation is less than 1 km from Katalyki Beach.
The apartment with a terrace and sea views has 1 bedroom, a living room, a flat-screen TV, an equipped kitchenette with a toaster and a fridge, and 1 bathroom with a walk-in shower. Towels and bed linen are available in the apartment.
If you would like to discover the area, cycling is possible in the surroundings and the apartment can arrange a car rental service.
Psiloritis National Park is 41 km from Golden Sun, while Museum of Ancient Eleftherna is 50 km from the property. The nearest airport is Heraklion International, 63 km from the accommodation, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.
from
€75
/night
South Wave Studio is a beachfront property located in Kókkinos Pírgos, a few steps from Kokkinos Pirgos Beach and less than 1 km from Katalyki Beach. It features a terrace, sea views and free WiFithroughout the property.
The apartment includes 1 bedroom, a kitchenette with an oven and a fridge, as well as a coffee machine. Towels and bed linen are featured in the apartment.
If you would like to discover the area, snorkelling is possible in the surroundings.
Psiloritis National Park is 41 km from the apartment, while Museum of Ancient Eleftherna is 50 km away. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 63 km from South Wave Studio.
Featuring mountain views, Pink Panther provides accommodation with a terrace and a coffee machine, around 300 metres from Kokkinos Pirgos Beach. This apartment features air-conditioned accommodation with a balcony.
This apartment comes with 1 bedroom, a kitchen with an oven and a fridge, a flat-screen TV, a seating area and 1 bathroom equipped with a walk-in shower. Towels and bed linen are featured in the apartment.
Katalyki Beach is less than 1 km from the apartment, while Psiloritis National Park is 41 km away. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 63 km from Pink Panther.
Located 100 metres from Kokkinos Pirgos Beach, EL.MA.RA. Luxury Villas offers a seasonal outdoor swimming pool, and air-conditioned accommodation with a patio and free WiFi.
The holiday home provides guests with a terrace, pool views, a seating area, satellite flat-screen TV, a fully equipped kitchen with a dishwasher and an oven, and a private bathroom with shower and a hair dryer. A toaster, a fridge and stovetop are also provided, as well as a coffee machine and a kettle.
A car rental service is available at EL.MA.RA. Luxury Villas, while snorkelling can be enjoyed nearby.
Katalyki Beach is less than 1 km from the accommodation, while Psiloritis National Park is 41 km away. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 63 km from EL.MA.RA. Luxury Villas.
Intro:
Located approximately 68 km southwest of Heraklion, Matala is one of the most popular destinations and one of the most beautiful beaches of our island. Mostly famous for the caves carved in the rocks next to the beach and the hippies of the 60’s.
Gortyna,also known as Gortys, was a city of ancient Crete mentioned by numerous ancient writers for its importance and splendor that is by no means inferior to that of Knossos.
Full description:
Once you are greeted by our friendly driver and guide, your day trip is about to begin.
Our first stop of the day is a visit to the archaeological site of Gortyn which is located 45 km south of Heraklion. Inhabited since 3000 BC, evolved as one of the largest cities during the Minoan era, finally reaching its peak during the Roman Empire, the city of Gortyn is one of the most important archaeological sites in Greece. Walk around the site and have a chance to travel back in time while admiring the ancient ruins.
After a quick ride, we reach our second destination, the village of Matala. As we approach the village, a beautiful sandy beach of around 300 m long will greet you. You will have plenty of time to dive in the crystal clear deep water, swim under the Cretan sun and have lunch in one of the traditional taverns surrounding the beach. Matala is also known for its hand-carved caves that are found in the cliff of its bay. The caves were created in the Neolithic Age and were used throughout history as living spaces. During the 60’s the caves were occupied by the hippies who travelled from all over the world in search of their very own paradise on earth.
Explore the intriguing caves, enjoy a refreshing dive and allow us to take you on an unforgettable experience.
This day trip crosses Crete from the north coast to Matala, the south-coast village where Roman rock tombs became homes for the hippie community of the late 1960s. Matala sits in a sheltered bay below cliffs cut with those caves, and the trip gives you free time to swim, explore the caves and walk the village. ETHERION runs it from €34 with free pick-up anywhere between Malia and Ammoudara, and it holds a 3.81 rating across 30 reviews.
The coach runs south across the island, spends the afternoon in Matala and returns to Heraklion. Three things fill the time on site.
First is the beach, a curve of fine sand in a calm bay with clear water and cliffs at either end. Second are the caves, carved into the soft rock as Roman tombs and occupied by the flower children in the late 1960s and early 1970s, they are the reason most people come, and entry costs €4 separately. Third is the village, with small shops, tavernas along the water and the ruins of Roman buildings including a bath and an arena near the shore.
Matala’s history runs deeper than the hippies. Both the Minoans and the Romans used the bay as a harbour, and Greek myth places it as the spot where Zeus, in the form of a bull, came ashore with Europa.
The trip crosses from the Heraklion coast to the southern shore, ending at one beach.
The fare covers the coach, the guide and the pick-up, and it excludes the cave entry and everything you eat.
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We recommend Matala itself without hesitation and this particular trip with reservations, and it is worth separating the two.
Matala earns its reputation. The caves are genuinely unusual, Roman tombs turned into a 1960s commune, still open to walk through, and the bay behind them is a good beach on its own terms. Reviewers who went agree: several call it a must-see in Crete, and the ones who rated the day three stars still said they were glad they saw the place. If you are based on the Heraklion coast without a car, a coach is the practical way to get there.
The reviews also praise the guides on the good days, with one calling them great and very informative, and several note the pick-up going smoothly from their hotel door.
Now the problems, because this trip scores 3.81 out of 5 and three of the ten reviews we read sit at three stars or below.
Coach time is the biggest complaint by a distance. Value for money scores 3.4 and guiding 3.5, the two lowest marks. The trip is billed as 7 hours but that is door to door, one reviewer reported only 3 hours actually in Matala, another 4 hours, and a third said an hour went on collecting other passengers before the coach even set off south, calling it more time on the bus than on site.
Guiding is inconsistent. One reviewer said the guide spoke three sentences on the coach and then left the group to its own devices with no explanation of the caves or the town. Another booked a Polish-language tour and found it running in French, and was told it did not matter. A third struggled to follow the English commentary.
Matala gets crowded. One reviewer could not get a lounger on the beach at all in August.
Bring the cave money, set your expectations on timing, and head for the caves before the beach.
Free pick-up covers Malia, Stalida, Hersonissos, Limenas Chersonisou, Koutouloufari, Anissaras, Analipsi, Gouves, Kato Gouves, Kokkini Hani, Amnissos, Karteros, Heraklion and Ammoudara. The operator emails your exact pick-up point within 24 hours of booking.
Bring a sun hat, towel, sunscreen and beachwear. The trip is flagged as likely to sell out.
Reviewers report 3 to 4 hours on site. The trip is listed at 7 hours, but that includes the coach south and a pick-up circuit along the north coast first.
Cave entry costs €4 and is not included. One reviewer noted EU residents under 25 entered free.
A multilingual guide travels with the coach, though reviewers report the amount of commentary varying considerably and at least one language mismatch.
Matala’s cliff caves are Roman rock tombs that the flower children lived in during the late 1960s and early 1970s, which is how the village got its name in travel writing.
Pick-up is free from anywhere between Malia and Ammoudara, covering the whole Heraklion north coast strip.
The bay is sheltered and the sand is fine, though reviewers travelling in August report the beach busy enough that loungers ran out.
Check dates and prices for the Matala hippie caves day trip.
This day trip runs south from Rethymno across the island’s interior to the Libyan Sea, taking in the fishing village of Agia Galini, the cave-cut bay at Matala, a four-acre medicinal herb garden and the village of Spili with its lion-head fountains. The stops are timed generously: 1.5 hours at Agia Galini and 3 hours at Matala. PLATANOS TOURS run it over 7 hours from €30.40, with a 4.58 rating across 24 reviews.
The coach crosses to the south coast and works back north through the hills. Four stops fill the 7 hours.
First is Agia Galini, a fishing village built up a hillside above a small harbour, with 1.5 hours to take a coffee and walk the alleys. Second is Matala, where the cliff at the north end of the bay is honeycombed with caves cut as Roman tombs and occupied by the hippie commune of the 1970s, you get 3 hours for the caves and the beach. Third, on the return, is the botanic garden, four acres of medicinal and aromatic herbs that are at their best from April to September. Fourth is a short stop at Spili, known for the row of Venetian lion-head fountains that still run in the village square.
Three hours at Matala is the longest stop any Matala trip we list gives you.
The route crosses the island from the north coast to the Libyan Sea and back.
The €30.40 covers the coach and the guide, and every stop on the route.
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We recommend this one on the time it gives you. Most Matala trips from the north coast leave you three or four hours for the whole day and much of that on a coach. This one puts 3 hours at Matala and 1.5 at Agia Galini inside a 7-hour day, which means you can actually swim, climb to the caves and eat rather than photographing the cliff and leaving.
The four stops are also well chosen as a set. A working fishing village, a famous beach with genuine archaeology, a herb garden and a Venetian fountain square is a fair cross-section of southern Crete, and at €30.40 it is the cheapest multi-stop day we list.
Reviewers praise the running of it consistently. A British guest called the guide informative and the driver fantastic and very safe; a German group named their guide Barbara for providing information throughout the day including on the bus. Value for money scores 4.7 out of 5, the strongest of its three dimension scores.
Two things reviewers flag.
The botanic garden stop is short. A German reviewer who otherwise rated the day five stars said the time there was too brief and suggested two hours. It is a return-leg stop rather than a destination.
Matala does not suit everyone. A Romanian reviewer rating the trip four stars found the water uncomfortably cold at Matala even on a 33-degree day, because the bay is shaded and deep against the cliff. If a warm swim is the point of your day, Agia Galini’s beach is the gentler option.
Climb to the caves early, budget cash for the €4 entry, and take a jumper for the fountains.
Pick-up covers eleven named points between Panormo and Georgioupoli; the Georgioupoli area, Petres, Kavros and Gerani are excluded as transfer points. Personalised pick-up information arrives in a separate email, check your spam folder.
Bring comfortable shoes, a hat, swimwear, a towel and sunscreen. Smoking is not permitted in the vehicle.
The day runs 7 hours, with 1.5 hours in Agia Galini and 3 hours at Matala.
Three hours, the longest Matala stop of any trip we list, enough for the caves, a swim and lunch.
The cliff at Matala is cut with Roman rock tombs that the hippie commune lived in during the 1970s, which is how the bay got its name in travel writing.
Spili has a row of Venetian lion-head fountains still running in the village square, and the stop is a short break on the return leg.
No food or drink is included. Agia Galini and Matala both have tavernas, and the stops are long enough to eat.
Eleven points from Panormo through Rethymno town to Georgioupoli, though the Georgioupoli area, Petres, Kavros and Gerani are excluded.
Check dates and prices for the Matala, Agia Galini and Spili day trip.
This day trip runs 90 km south from the Heraklion coast to Matala, the bay on the Libyan Sea where a cliff of Roman rock tombs became a hippie commune in the late 1960s. The coach arrives at 11:00 and leaves at 15:00, so you get four hours to swim, climb to the caves and eat before the return. PLATANOS TOURS run it over 8 hours from €38.72, with a 4.41 rating across 210 reviews.
The day is one long transfer built around a single four-hour stop. Three stages make it up.
First is the pick-up run along the north coast, starting at Malia at 08:30 and working west through Hersonissos, Gouves and Heraklion to Ammoudara by 09:55. Second is the drive south across the island to Matala, arriving at 11:00. Third is four hours of free time, then departure at 15:00 and arrival back in Heraklion at 16:15.
Matala earns its reputation twice over. The cliff at the north end of the bay is honeycombed with caves cut as Roman tombs and later lived in by the flower children of the late 1960s and 1970s. The bay itself was a working harbour for the Minoans and the Romans, and in myth it is where Zeus came ashore as a bull carrying Europa.
The route crosses the island from the north coast to the Libyan Sea.
The €38.72 covers the coach and the transfer. Everything at Matala is your own.
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We recommend this for one specific reader: someone staying on the Heraklion coast without a car who wants to see Matala. At €38.72 it removes a 180 km round trip on mountain roads and the parking problem at the other end, and the pick-up net is wide, twelve named points from Malia to Fodele.
Reviewers who booked it on those terms are satisfied. A visitor from Réunion put it exactly right: a day trip done in an organised setting from central Heraklion without having to rent a vehicle. A British guest praised the organisation and the amount of time at Matala, and several reviewers single out the hostess.
Matala itself is worth the road. The caves are real archaeology you can walk into, the village is small and colourful, and Red Beach is a walk over the headland for anyone who wants a quieter swim.
Three things to weigh honestly, because this rates 4.41 and the complaints repeat.
Four hours divides opinion. Two separate reviewers rated the day four stars specifically on time: a French guest said the experience was far too short and it was impossible to do everything, and a British visitor said four hours at the beach is not long enough and you need at least five. If you want the caves, Red Beach and a proper swim, four hours is tight.
The coach is the weak link. A French reviewer reported the bus had no working air conditioning and the journey was hot; a Dutch reviewer called the bus outdated. Transportation scores 4.4 out of 5.
This is transport, not a guided tour. GetYourGuide’s own summary of verified reviews says travellers would like clearer information that the day is mainly transport with limited guiding. Guide quality also scores 4.4. Book it as a coach to Matala and you will not be disappointed.
If you would rather have longer at the beach, our Matala hippie beach page covers the alternative departures.
Wear water shoes, carry small change for the caves, and climb early.
Pick-up times run from 08:30 at Malia to 09:55 at Ammoudara, and the route covers 90 km each way. Arrival at Matala is 11:00 and departure 15:00, with drop-off in Heraklion at 16:15.
Bring a sun hat, swimwear and a towel. Infants are seated with their parents rather than given their own seat.
You get four hours of free time, arriving at 11:00 and departing at 15:00.
The cliff at Matala is cut with Roman rock tombs that a hippie commune lived in during the late 1960s and 1970s, which is how the bay entered travel writing.
Entry is €2, paid at the site and not included in the tour price.
A multilingual guide accompanies the coach, English, Polish, French and Italian on Mondays, Russian instead of Italian on Thursdays, but reviewers describe the day as mainly transport.
Yes, reviewers recommend them, the beach is rocky, the water deepens quickly and sea urchins sit near the rocks.
Twelve points from Malia through Heraklion to Fodele, with times running from 08:30 to 09:55.
Check dates and prices for the Matala hippie beach and caves day trip.
After a short drive through the Messara plain you reach Matala. Known for the colony of hippies in the Sixties, where they lived in large holes formed on the mountain. The rocks are holes with a Roman burial. In Matala you will have time for a refreshing dip in the water, eat something or just enjoy a drink on the beach. This is the place where Zeus, having taken the form a bull, swam ashore with Europa on his back before dragging her off to Gortys. Both, the Minoans and the Romans used the place as their harbor. Nevertheless, for most people, Matala means only one thing: hippies. Back in the late 1960s – 1970s, this little town was a colony of the “flower children”, who lived in the caves that used to be former Roman tombs
Our Cretan cooking class is a 100% hands-on experience, perfect for those eager to explore and indulge in the flavors of Cretan gastronomy. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced cook, what truly matters is your open heart and eagerness to embrace the warmth of Cretan culture, becoming a cherished part of our family along the way!”
Mama Stella, my wonderful mum, loves to share her culinary knowledge and techniques with you! We will cook a 4-course meal, by providing all you need, from aprons to fresh, farm-sourced ingredients ensuring a 100% hands-on cooking experience! Local homemade refreshments and water will also be provided. After your cooking adventure, revel in the joy of your creations accompanied by local Cretan wine. Leftovers are carefully packed for you to take along.
Immerse yourself in this unique, 3.5 to 4-hour experience at our olive oil farm. Cooking unfolds in an outdoor space beneath a beautiful wooden roof, surrounded by olive trees on one side and a lush garden on the other. Engage your senses—smell, taste, and feel our culture through a one-of-a-kind cooking adventure. Join us, cook with passion, and savor the moments!”
Kokkinos Pirgos, also known as Red Tower, resides 67km west of Heraklion, near the town of Tymbaki. Its name is derived from a tower constructed from red soil, situated at the mouth of the Geropotamos river. As the coastal village of Timbaki’s main port and a hotspot for tourism, Kokkinos Pirgos is home to numerous hotels, dining establishments, and cafes. The area’s climate is typically warm, enabling locals to cultivate fresh vegetables in greenhouses.
The village boasts a lengthy sandy beach that stretches southeast towards Kommos for several kilometres. This expansive beach is a nesting ground for loggerhead sea turtles (Carretta Carretta) during the summer months. Conservation organizations such as Archelon work to protect these sea turtles and their nests. The beach, which is susceptible to western winds, begins at Timbaki’s military airport wire fence on the east and extends to Agia Galini on the west.
The beach’s eastern portion, stretching from the port to the airport, is known as Katalyki. This well-equipped beach features amenities such as umbrellas, sunbeds, lifeguards, and water sports. A coastal road lined with cafes and restaurants runs alongside the beach, making it a popular spot for refreshments. East of Katalyki lies a sizable marsh, a key wetland in the Mesara plain, which is irrigated by the Geropotamos River.
The beach area west of the harbor is known as Makrimaliana. The beach near Kokkinos Pirgos is relatively broad, but as it extends towards Agia Galini, gravel massifs encroach upon it, narrowing the beach and in some places, eliminating it during high tide. This unorganized, remote beach may not be extraordinary, but the wind and sea-carved rock formations that flank it are certainly impressive.
Agia Galini, a well-loved seaside resort in the southern part of the Rethymnon prefecture, is located near the Amarianos or Platys River mouth. It’s 61km south of Rethymno city and 68km southwest of Heraklion. This quaint town flourishes with activity in the summer and offers all necessary tourist facilities. The stunning green beaches, the fascinating caves in the west, the legends of Icarus and Daedalus, the hippie memories and the peaceful sea, make this village a popular spot for numerous visitors.
Starting east of the port, a long beach extends to Kokkinos Pirgos. The sea here is typically serene. The beach section near the port is well-facilitated and features fine pebbles and chilled water, due to the nearby Platys or Amarianos River, located 200m east of the port. Near the river, remnants of an ancient Artemis temple have been discovered.
Crossing the river via a metal bridge leads to the second beach, which stretches another 1km to the east. This beach, with small pebbles and less organization, is adjacent to the Agia Galini camping site. As you progress eastwards, the beach becomes narrower and more rugged. A 1.5-2 hour walk will take you to Kokkinos Pirgos. This beach, inaccessible by road and favored by nudists, is completely unorganized so be sure to bring food, water, and umbrellas.
On the beach’s west end, beneath a hill with houses, there’s a small network of tunnels from World War II. You can explore these to reach the hilltop.
Kalamaki, a quaint seaside hamlet, is nestled between Matala and Kokkinos Pirgos, 65km southwest of Heraklion. The beach, a 2.5km stretch of the vast Messara Bay coastline, graces the village’s front. Its sandy shore is kissed by the sea, which conceals a slick, flat rock bed beneath its surface. It features large waves, usually stirred by northwest winds, making beach access challenging at times due to the rocky seabed.
The village-facing part of the beach is well-equipped with sunbeds, umbrellas, eateries, accommodation, a lifeguard, playground, and water sports. For a more isolated experience, head southeast towards Kommos beach, a favorite among nudists.
To the north, you’ll find Afratias and the Pahia Ammos beach, which features patches of rocks. Devoid of amenities, the beach does boast a small park used for hosting cultural events like concerts during summer months.
Further north lies the Timbaki military airport, now serving as a resort for Greek Air Force staff. Although the beachfront is accessible, trespassing beyond the fence is prohibited and could lead to arrest. Sometimes, parachuters and skydivers can be spotted descending from small aircraft, courtesy of a local club based at the airport. In 2008, a small plane crashed into the Kalamaki sea, with the pilot miraculously surviving the ordeal. The Tymbaki airport holds ecological significance for the Mesara plains as it’s intersected by the Geropotamos River, which flows out to the beach. This river, the area’s largest, serves as a sanctuary for hundreds of rare birds across its numerous ponds.
The sandy coast of Messara Bay is a protected breeding ground for the loggerhead sea turtle. To prevent nest destruction and avoid frightening these creatures, it’s best not to roam the beach’s darker areas during summer nights.
Although Kalamaki doesn’t boast a significant history due to its relatively new establishment, it’s a popular seaside resort for Kamilari locals. Some believe it once served as a small harbor for Phaestus or Gortys in ancient times, though no concrete evidence supports this claim.
Situated 3km west of Agia Galini, 69km southwest of Heraklion, and 60km south of Rethymno, you’ll find the tranquil valley of Agios Georgios. This spot is home to two small bays, each boasting beautiful pebbly beaches separated by a rocky shore. The weather is often mild, making these beaches perfect for year-round swimming.
The area remains relatively undeveloped, but on the eastern beach, known as Lichnistis, you’ll find a handful of rooms, a tavern, and some umbrellas for shade. A visit to Agios Georgios offers the chance to explore the rugged Cretan countryside and take a stroll to the historic Monastery of St. George, located 500m to the north. The church’s sloping walls show signs of age and soil sedimentation, and inside, you’ll find ancient frescoes.
For those seeking solitude, the western beach, Kolimbistiri, or “swimming area”, is the ideal location. Here, you can swim in peace, and the seabed offers excellent snorkelling opportunities. To reach Agios Georgios’ beaches, take the asphalt-paved road from Agia Galini to Agios Pavlos, or hop on a boat from Agia Galini.
In the quiet, almost abandoned village of Chordaki, located in the Amari district, we discovered the hidden gem of Kynigospilios Canyon. Situated south of the village, this small but stunning canyon remains a secret, its location hidden from view, which contributes to its relative obscurity. The Kynigospilios Canyon boasts a significant water flow from the slopes of Mount Kedros, which lasts from winter through to late spring.
However, traversing the canyon requires the use of ropes and canyoning equipment due to the presence of eight stunning waterfalls along its path, with the last one being particularly breathtaking. Unfortunately, the canyon’s safety measures, installed by canyoners around 2011, are not ideally positioned, making them inaccessible during periods of high water flow. The canyon was christened ‘Koutsouna’ (meaning ‘small’) by the first group to cross it, as they couldn’t find an existing name for it.
At the canyon’s entrance, you’ll find two adjacent watermills, and the surrounding area is lush with greenery, including platans and oaks that provide ample shade. Beneath most of the waterfalls, you’ll find ponds perfect for swimming in the canyon’s crystal-clear river waters. The Kynigospilios Canyon eventually merges into the Platys River bed at its termination point.
On the southeastern flank of Mount Sanida, near the quaint village of Skourvoula, you’ll find a petite yet wildly untamed chasm known as Rizopetro. This gorge culminates in a striking 60m waterfall that cascades into the lake of the Faneromeni dam, a sight to behold especially after heavy downpours.
The Apolychnos Gorge, situated just a few kilometers north of the town of Mires, is nestled in an area abundant with olive groves. This gorge is essentially a narrow valley that traces the path of a river, which in certain areas deepens and is surrounded by thick vegetation. The Tourki stream that flows through it carries water from a valley that begins west of Makres village to the Geropotamos river. The gorge, which is roughly 3 km long, begins near the village of Panagia and concludes at the traditional settlement of Agios Antonios (Vrelis). It’s conveniently accessible, particularly near its exit close to Agios Antonios, as it’s adjacent to the main road from Mires.
The gorge is named after the deserted village of Apolychnos, which is situated within the gorge at an elevation of 220m. This village, enveloped by verdant trees and bubbling springs, is home to the stunning Byzantine church of Saint Panteleimon, located in the village square.
Located approximately 100km southwest of Heraklion city, north of Ano Meros village, you’ll find the Kalamafka or Gorge Smiliano. The Lygiotis river, originating from the Gerakari valleys and the Samitos Mount slopes, flows through this gorge. The 2.5km long canyon begins near Vrysses village, close to the deserted settlement of Smile, and concludes north of Ano Meros, accessible via an asphalt road.
During winter, the gorge is filled with water, making entrance risky even for experienced canyoners. However, an alternative route via a dirt road descending from Drygies village leads just above the gorge. Here, the canyon’s steep walls form a slope with a trail, allowing relatively easy descent to the gorge’s heart, precisely at the point where the stunning waterfalls are formed continuously. The gorge comprises about 10 remarkable rappels, with the tallest waterfall being 13 meters. The ponds formed beneath each waterfall are equally breathtaking, and it’s worth noting that Gorge Smiliano boasts the largest and deepest ponds compared to any other gorge in Crete.
A journey through the canyon (as described in June of a particularly rainy year)
Starting near Smile, we first cross a small arched bridge. After just 50m, we enter the gorge’s main section, greeted by a large pond. The canyon then narrows to about 2m and forms a deep pond, 2-3m deep, requiring swimming. The first small rappel we encounter ends in a large, deep pond (perfect for jumping), where the depth exceeds 3m.
Following this, a rock lodged between the canyon walls forms a natural arch. After swimming for several meters (over 25) without touching the ground, we continue our journey unimpeded. We soon encounter the first high waterfall, and the gorge narrows further (1-1.5m). To continue through this narrow section of the canyon, ropes are required. Alternatively, we can walk alongside the canyon until we reach the 15m high rappel that ends in a very deep pond, perfect for a big jump.
The gorge extends eastward, and the deep ponds gradually become small, shallow ponds. Towards the end of the gorge, the water almost disappears, making it impossible to anticipate the aquatic paradise that lies just a few meters ahead.
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