Heraklion is the largest city in Crete and one of its most touristic prefectures. It is not only the historical sites of Knossos and Phaistos as well as the children’s paradise Cretaquarium that make the wider region around Heraklion so popular among travellers from all over the world. It also has stunning beaches that are well-organised. Party or family-friendly beaches, in the Aegean or the Libyan Sea, the variety is great! If you rent a car in Heraklion, you can see all of them and swim in turquoise sea waters.
Malia
Malia is the most famous beach resort in Crete. It attracts people, who want to party and have fun since the town is a top nightlife spot with clubs that organise international parties mainly for British travellers. Thus, the beach of Malia is ideal to dance and enjoy the atmosphere in one of the numerous beach bars.
Matala
Matala was famous during the ’60s and 70’s beach as a hippie place. The caves above the beach created the ideal scenery for the hippies to stay and have fun, but today, this long, sandy, organised beach is ideal for families that want peace and leisure. The village near the beach is a touristic town, which attracts also young people as a vivid nightlife spot.
Agia Pelagia
Agia Pelagia is a small coastal settlement, which is located 10 km from the city of Heraklion. It gets crowded during summer, but it is definitely worth a visit thanks to its thick sand and the calm emerald waters that create an exotic scenery. Near Agia Pelagia, beautiful is also the beach of Psaromoura. Both are ideal for families.
Ammoudara
Ammoudara is the closest beach to Heraklion, so remember that it is really crowded in the high season. It is a very long, sandy, organised beach, with water-sports facilities and diving club, which make the place ideal for families as well as for young people, who want to combine swimming and sunbathing with fitness.
Voidomatis
Two big rocks emerging from the sea and a huge cave create the breathtaking landscape of this secluded beach, which is located 60 km south of Heraklion. Due to the 3 km of dirt road to access the beach, you can enjoy peace and privacy on this untouched beach, which is not organised. The ultimate contact with nature!
Lentas
The southern side of Crete overlooks the Libyan Sea, where you can find truly exotic beaches, like being in Africa. A perfect example is the beach of Lentas, which is a remote beach, near a friendly fishing village. Because it is uncrowded, Lentas is a nudism-friendly beach. Don’t miss it!
Agiofarago
Take the boat from Matala and go to the virgin cove of Agiofarago with its magnificent environment. Your other option is to hike on foot through a gorge for about 1 hour and then access this impressive beach, which is definitely worth this excursion!
