Heraklion City, the capital and largest city of Crete, is known for its rich history and proximity to some of the island’s beaches. Here’s a guide to the best 18 Heraklion beaches divided into northern and southern coastline beaches, including parking, location, facilities, nearby attractions, and activities for every kind of traveler.
In a Hurry? Here’s Heraklion’s 3 Most Popular Beaches
1. Ammoudara Beach: The most visited beach in Heraklion, drawing over 1.5 million visitors annually due to its proximity to the city center and family-friendly amenities.
2. Matala Beach: Known for its historical caves and artistic legacy from the 1960s, Matala Beach sees over 1 million visitors every year.
3. Star Beach: Located near Chersonissos, Star Beach attracts over 800,000 visitors annually, thanks to its lively atmosphere, water park, and extensive water sports options.
Getting to Heraklion
Before enjoying the beaches of Heraklion, you’ll first need to get there. The Heraklion Airport, an international hub, offers direct flights from many European capitals daily.
If you’re starting in Athens, you have the choice of a short flight or a ferry to Heraklion. There are many flights a day and although the airport has seen better days, it’s not far from the city.
Ferries also allow for island hopping through the Cyclades. You can save several hours by booking the fastest ferries, but especially during the summer months, try to book your ferry tickets in advance.
For a fun option (especially with kids), consider taking the overnight ferry from Piraeus, which is about an hour’s drive from Athens International Airport.
Getting Around Heraklion
To explore Heraklion’s beaches, you have two main transportation options: car rental or public transport.
Car Rental
Renting a car gives flexibility. Booking online a few months before your trip, especially during summer, ensures the best rates. Discover Cars offers competitive prices and reliable service.
I have ridden a scooter around Crete but the roads aren’t great, signposting is minimal, and the distances are significant – this is a large island!
Public Transport
I have only good things to say about the Cretan public bus system.
The local K-TEL bus system is efficient, with detailed schedules for local, regional, and long-distance routes available at e-ktel.com and astiko-irakleiou.gr.
Where to Stay in Heraklion
Our Top 3 Picks:
🛎️ GDM Megaron, Historical Monument Hotel: A 5-star hotel with a bar, conveniently located near major attractions and the port.
🛎️ Ibis Styles Heraklion Central: This hotel offers villas with private pools, suitable for families or groups. Some units accommodate up to six people and feature amenities like an underwater pool window toward the bedroom.
🛎️ A 3-star property with contemporary décor and sea views. Opt for a quiet room overlooking the sea. The staff are lovely.
The 18 best Heraklion Beaches
Heraklion’s northern coastline has its most popular beaches, while the southern coast offers secluded coves and cliffs.
Northern Coast Beaches
1. Agia Pelagia, Fylakes and Psaramoura Beaches
Agia Pelagia: Located 23 km (14 miles) north of Heraklion with several diving centers nearby.
Fylakes Beach: At the end of Agia Pelagia, this quieter spot is accessible by foot or sea. The surrounding rocks create natural pools ideal for kids wanting to spot some marine life.
Psaramoura Beach: Just 500 meters from the main beach, this area is good for snorkeling and fishing. It is bordered by cliffs that provide natural shade in the afternoons.
The beach’s facilities include water sports and cafes that cater to all age groups.
- Parking: Limited parking is available near the beach, especially during weekends and peak hours
2. Lygaria Beach
Situated 21 km (13 miles) northwest of Heraklion, Lygaria Beach has golden sands and calm waters. Try to avoid weekends as it is popular with locals.
The beach is surrounded by hills with traditional Greek houses. Paddleboarding is popular here.
- Parking: Public parking is available close to the beach, but it fills up quickly on weekends.
3. Ammoudara Beach
A busy beach near Heraklion City with fine sand and clear waters (it’s a Blue Flag beach). Known for windsurfing, but I like that it’s lined with hotels, tavernas, and cafes.
A section of the beach is used for windsurfing schools, catering to beginners and experienced surfers. You’ll find lots of people out jogging along the shoreline first thing in the morning.
- Parking: Ample parking options near the beach, with spaces available at nearby hotels and public areas.
4. Tobrouk Beach
Only 7 km (4 miles) east of Heraklion, Tobrouk Beach offers organized amenities, golden sands, and easy access via public transport.
The shallow waters are suitable for children and beginner swimmers and the area is a popular spot for evening walks.
- Parking: Street parking is available, but it can be challenging to find a spot during busy hours.
5. Kokkini Hani Beach
This family-friendly area, 15 km (9 miles) east of Heraklion, has sandy beaches with shallow waters. Facilities include lifeguards, water sports, and beach bars.
The area’s beachside tavernas are known for fresh seafood.
Nearby, Dinosauria Park, located 5 km (3 miles) from the beach, offers a fun family excursion.
- Parking: Several designated parking areas are available, with easy access to the beach.
6. Limanakia Beaches, Hersonissos
27 km (17 miles) east of Heraklion, these beaches are shielded from winds by Cape Sarandaris. Limestone cliffs surround the area, and the water is ideal for diving, it’s extraordinarily clear.
Some coves have small caves that can be explored at low tide.
- Parking: Free parking is available near the coves, but spaces are limited.
7. Star Beach
Located in (C)hersonissos, 30 km (19 miles) from Heraklion, and 1.5 km from Hersonnisos Star Beach is a busy spot with a major water park and various water sports.
The beach has zones for loud music and quieter family-friendly areas. A floating obstacle course is a popular attraction for kids.
- Parking: Large parking lot available near the beach, suitable for RVs and groups.
8. Stalida Beach
A big, family-friendly beach with lots of facilities including sun loungers, beach bars, and tavernas.
A promenade runs parallel to the beach, ideal for evening walks. Local markets are fun to browse nearby. They are usually held on weekends and sell crafts and souvenirs.
- Parking: Public parking is available, but it can become crowded during the summer season.
9. Potamos Beach
Near Malia, 37 km (23 miles) from Heraklion, Potamos Beach offers a quieter experience. It is close to archaeological sites so it’s a good way to spend the second half of a day out. The Minoan Palace of Malia is only 3 km (2 miles) from the beach.
The beach is long and sandy with some flat rocks in the seabed and tamarisk trees for shade.
- Parking: Free parking is available near the beach, with plenty of space even during busy times.
Southern Coast Beaches
10. Keratokampis Beach
Located 72 km (45 miles) south of Heraklion, this beach has a mix of sand and pebbles. Local tavernas serve fresh meals.
it’s a big beach with plenty of space to spread out away from others. A major reason to come here in late July and early August is the summer festivals held in the village.
- Parking: Ample street parking is available, with easy access to the beach.
11. Listis Beach
Listis is a secluded beach, 69 km (43 miles) southeast of Heraklion, accessible via a steep slope.
It’s a good spot for cliff jumping and snorkeling or just checking out the panoramic view of the coastline.
- Parking: Limited parking options are available; be prepared for a short walk to the beach.
12. Tsoutsouros Beach
Divided into two sections by a harbor, this beach, 63 km (39 miles) southeast, has calm waters on one side.
Local bakeries nearby provide snacks and there are tamarisk trees that offer shade.
- Parking: Public parking is available, with some shaded areas near the beach.
13. Maridaki Beach
Maridaki is a remote beach near the Asterousia Mountains, accessed via a 15 km (9 miles) dirt road.
The area is a nesting ground for sea turtles during certain months and there are hiking trails, located 2 km (1 mile) from the beach, that lead to some lovely viewpoints.
- Parking is limited and may require parking along the dirt road leading to the beach.
14. Trypiti Beach
Located 73 km (45 miles) south of Heraklion and not far from Lentas, this beach is accessed through Agios Savvas Gorge.
Rare wildflowers bloom in spring along the gorge. Ancient ruins, approximately 1 km (0.6 miles) from the beach, are scattered around the countryside nearby. Trypiti is a fun adventure.
- Parking: Free parking is available near the beach entrance, but spaces are limited.
15. Lentas (Lendas) Beach
Lentas is a village on a wide Bay, surrounded by sandy beaches where umbrellas are available for free. It’s a lesser-known tourist resort that brings people back year after year.
Lentas is known for its thermal springs but also for Lion Rock which is 1.5 km (1 mile) from Lentas Beach. There are some short hikes around Lion Rock.
- Parking: Plenty of parking spaces are available near the village and the beach.
16. Agiofarago Beach
I know there is Balos, and there is Elafoniis and Preveli. But this is my favorite beach in all of Crete. It’s like being on Paxos in the Ionian Sea but it’s warmer here!
Reached by a hike or by boat, Agiofarago Beach is at the end of Agiofarago Gorge, 80 km (50 miles) south of Heraklion.
The gorge, about 1 km (0.6 miles) from the beach, has ancient hermit caves. The clear waters are ideal for free diving. Definitely worth a day out from Heraklion.
- Parking: Parking is available near the trailhead leading to the beach.
17. Kokkini Ammos (Red Sand) Beach
This beach, 1 km from Matala, is known for its red sand and turquoise waters.
The trail to the beach passes by Roman tombs, located 0.5 km (0.3 miles) from the beach. Kokkini Ammos is a prime spot for stargazing due to low light pollution.
- Parking: Public parking is available in Matala, a short walk from the beach.
18. Matala Beach
A dramatic beach 67 km (42 miles) southwest of Heraklion, known for its caves and history as a hub for artists in the 60s.
You can explore ancient caves once used as homes and burial sites. An annual music festival, held in late June, celebrates the area’s bohemian past.
- Parking: Ample parking is available in the village, with easy access to the beach.
