Heraklion Beaches
Know Before You Fly
All You Need To Learn About The Best Crete Beaches Near Heraklion
Heraklion is the capital city of Crete, which is the largest of the Greek islands and somewhere that attracts millions of visitors throughout the year whether for work or for vacation. It’s easy to understand why the city and its surroundings are so appealing to people from other countries, because there are fantastic food and drink options, historic sights, and great beaches.
Because Crete is located in the Mediterranean Sea, it enjoys moderate temperatures and sunshine is all but guaranteed on most days. And the beaches that are situated throughout the island offer many chances for tourists to soak up the sun, play in the water, or do both. There are dozens of beaches to choose from, each one with its own particular advantages.
There’s truly something for everybody, as the beaches on offer range from secluded coves with minimal crowds through to thriving family friend spots close to the center of the city, and from adults-only nudist beaches through to destinations nearby to Heraklion’s busy nightlife. Whatever type of beach you’re looking for, there will be one just a short distance from the city.
Tobrouk beach
Location: 6.2 miles (about 10 kilometers) to the east of Heraklion
This beach is one of the most popular for tourists staying at nearby resorts, and you can expect it to be very crowded during the summer when people like to use its watersport options.
Matala beach
Location: 41 miles (about 67 kilometers) to the southwest of Heraklion
The beach of Matala is considered to be southern Crete’s most photographed beaches, and that’s because the sea and sandy beach are adjacent to interesting mountainous walls of rock.
Agia Pelagia beach
Location: 24 miles (about 38 kilometers) to the northwest of Heraklion
For some postcard picture perfect scenery, visit the fishing village of Agia Pelagia which has some well-maintained beaches in a relaxed atmosphere that’s not as busy as other beaches.
Lygaria beach
Location: 14 miles (about 23 kilometers) to the northwest of Heraklion
If you are interested in some privacy, this is one of the more secluded beaches on the island. It’s particularly convenient for people staying in the nearby resort of Agia Pelagia.
Agiofaraggo beach
Location: 49 miles (about 80 kilometers) to the southwest of Heraklion
Unlike some of the sandy beaches that you’ll find elsewhere on the island, this beach is pebbled and secluded because it is a popular location for nudists to enjoy themselves.
Tymbaki beach
Location: 43 miles (about 70 kilometers) to the southwest of Heraklion
This beach is great for families with children of all ages, with activities to entertain everybody. The crowds aren’t as bad as other beaches on the island, helping to give it a relaxing feel.
Malia beach
Location: 22 miles (about 36 kilometers) to the east of Heraklion
A sandy beach that is one of the most in-demand for tourists of all ages and backgrounds, because of its proximity to popular bars, clubs and other nightlife available all year.
Karteros beach
Location: 4.9 miles (about 8 kilometers) to the east of Heraklion
Another family friendly destination, this beach is one of the closest to the city center and therefore is usually in high demand from both tourists and locals alike and can get crowded.
Sidonia beach
Location: 55 miles (about 90 kilometers) to the south of Heraklion
You have to travel further to get this beach than other locations on this list, but you will be rewarded with a very secluded and quiet spot where you can spend hours simply relaxing.
Tertsa beach
Location: 88 miles (about 54 kilometers) to the southeast of Heraklion
Another beach that will require you to drive a lengthy distance, but the advantages include minimal crowds. Note that this is a pebbled beach rather than a sandy destination.
Keratokambos beach
Location: 43 miles (about 70 kilometers) to the south of Heraklion
This quiet, secluded and sandy beach is somewhere you might consider going if you are a family with children because they can play loudly without disturbing anyone else.
Kokkinos Pyrgos beach
Location: 41 miles (about 67 kilometers) to the southwest of Heraklion
Here you’ll find a nice sandy beach that is very popular with families, although there are minimal tourist amenities available here compared to many of the other beaches on the island.
Treis Ekklisies beach
Location: 40 miles (about 65 kilometers) to the south of Heraklion
A pebbled and secluded beach, this is an ideal spot for anyone looking for some privacy. It’s off the beaten path and you will have to use a track road in order to access the beach.
Vathi beach
Location: 49 miles (about 80 kilometers) to the southwest of Heraklion
Yet another of the more remote and therefore more secluded of the beaches on Crete, you’ll also have to use a track road to walk down to the beach and there are no tourist facilities.
Komos beach
Location: 41 miles (about 67 kilometers) to the southwest of Heraklion
The journey to this sandy beach is worth it, because it’s one of the longest stretches of beach on the island. You can see some ancient ruins here, as well as possibly spotting sea turtles.
Paleokastro beach
Location: 9 miles (about 15 kilometers) to the northwest of Heraklion
A pebbled beach that is relatively small compared to some of the other great destinations on this list, it’s secluded and guarded against powerful winds from a large rock that surrounds it.
Linoperamata beach
Location: 4.3 miles (about 7 kilometers) to the west of Heraklion
You’ll find a good mix of single travelers, families, watersports enthusiasts and others using this lengthy and sandy beach, which is situated nearby to both Heraklion and Ammoudara.
Psari Forada beach
Location: 54.6 miles (about 88 kilometers) to the southeast of Herkalion
This beach is relatively quiet and has bright sand and clear seawater, but you’ll have to drive a long distance from the city center to get here — although the seclusion makes the trip worth it.