With summer calling there is nothing more marvellous than planning a getaway to the Greek Islands. Located on the Aegean Sea, the island of Crete is the perfect destination for anyone looking to blend a beach holiday with art, history and culture. Heraklion, which is the capital of Crete, offers breathtaking natural beauty from its nearby beaches and coves.
While enjoying these exquisite beaches, don’t forget to book your exceptional accommodation with Oreo Travel and its many rental options waiting to host you on your Greek getaway. Join us as we share all the best-kept secrets of Heraklion’s seaside spots.
Discover the Best Beaches of Heraklion
Heraklion is not just known for its ancient ruins and history but is also a stunning beach holiday destination within the Mediterranean. Along the city’s coastline, there are many beaches where both locals and tourists come to relax and soak up the sun. When venturing a little further out of the city’s limits you can find some secluded bays and coves that provide a more peaceful experience for those looking to unwind without the hustle and bustle of a crowded and noisy beach. There are also plenty of water sports and beach bars along many of the shorelines.
Here are our suggestions for the best beaches to visit when in Heraklion:
Ammoudara Beach
Stretching out at about 5 km long, Ammoudara is the longest shoreline in the region of Heraklion. It is a sandy beach with a slow decline into the sea, making it a favourite spot for families with small children. This beach has been awarded Blue Flag status by the EU for its clean and clear waters and amenities offered, such as umbrella and lounge chair rentals and plenty of beach bars and taverns to enjoy along the promenade.
Getting to Ammoudara Beach is pretty easy from Heraklion, you can either rent a car if you would like to explore the area past the beaches, or you can take a 30-minute bus ride from Heraklion directly to Ammoudara. Bus fare costs €2.
Karteros Beach
Probably one of the busiest beaches near Heraklion, it is famous for its crystal clear waters and also holds the prestigious Blue Flag status. Some parts of the beach are sand while other parts have pebbles, therefore swimming shoes and sandals might not be such a bad idea if you are planning to visit Karteros Beach.
There are tanning beds, umbrellas, and water sports rental equipment available for hire, and there are many beach bars along the shoreline. Perhaps more popular with the younger crowds due to its beach party vibes, this might not be the ideal place for families as there also are sharp rocks at the entrance to the sea and strong winds, causing waves. But, if you enjoy water sports, this is the ideal place for windsurfing! The nearby town of Karteros is also worth a visit for a taste of real small-town Cretan life.
Tobrouk Beach
Located about 10 km away from the city of Heraklion, this is yet again another EU Blue Flag beach with some amazing local Greek tavernas located along the shoreline. This is a beautiful beach but can get quite busy, especially during the summer months, so if you are planning to spend the day at this beach, make sure to get there early to claim your spot on the sand. Your best bet for getting here is by hopping into a taxi, but be aware, that there are no umbrella or chair rental services, so be sure to bring a comfy towel or foldable beach chair if you can.
Palaiokastro Beach
Probably one of the best spots for fishing and snorkelling, this rocky beach has many species of fish nearby due to its vibrant ecosystem of calm yet deep waters and limestone cliffs along the shore. There is a cave that holds some folklore about the Venetian Fortress that is located nearby, however, we must be honest and state that there is a highway overpass near the beach, which can be an eye soar to some.
Lygaria Beach
This is a beautiful bay located about 30 minutes away from Heraklion. The waters are deep but calm due to the protection of the rocks surrounding the beachfront. It is an ideal location for snorkelling and has water sport rental equipment available, as well as sunbeds and umbrellas for hire.
There are many cafés, taverns and even souvenir shops, and is a great beach to relax, even for families with small children. It does however get busy as it is a popular beach spot, so plan ahead and come early.
Tips for Enjoying Heraklion Beaches
Although it might seem pretty straightforward what to expect from a beach trip, make sure to think about which beach you are going to and what you can and cannot buy once there. For example, do you need to bring water and a picnic lunch with you or can you buy a meal at a restaurant nearby?
Bring plenty of sunscreen and sun protection, as the hot Mediterranean sun can be a scorcher. Don’t forget a beach towel and beach mat to make your stay more comfortable, especially if you cannot rent a sunbed, and finally, bring cash with you! Many small beach bars, tavernas and even rental shops will not accept bank cards.
Visit Heraklion and Enjoy Its Incredible Beaches
The beaches of Heraklion are enough to make anyone come running to Crete. With such a variety of beach activities and scenic views of cliffs, castles and Mediterranean cypress trees surrounding the shorelines, Heraklion promises a beach getaway like no other. Rely on Oreo Travel to enjoy your next holiday at some of Crete’s best beaches with the comfort of our accommodations. Ranging from apartments to suites, our rental properties are suited for couples or for larger groups of families and friends. Your incredible beach adventure awaits.
