The north coast of Crete is very popular with vacationers - the main city of the region is no exception! What are the beaches in Heraklion like? As a rule, they are well-maintained, sandy, with a good entrance to the sea - this is the area where a record number of Cretan beaches have been awarded EU Blue Flags for cleanliness and environmental friendliness. However, Heraklion is a large city, so for a beach vacation it is better to go to its outskirts.
1. Agia Pelagia
One of the most famous beaches - Agia Pelagia (about 25 km from Heraklion), located in a picturesque bay, is perfect for family vacations with children (the sea is almost always calm). By the way, there are a lot of hotels nearby, so you can stay here and go to Heraklion for a "cultural" program.
2. Amoudara Beach
Amoudara beach (4 km from Heraklion) has excellent infrastructure - there are umbrellas, showers, changing rooms, a lot of water activities, taverns and restaurants nearby. The beach is large, with dark sand, and there are secluded areas.
3. Vatheianos Kambos
Vatheianos Kambos is one of the most popular sandy beaches among locals. There are both "civilized" areas and secluded coves.
4. Karteros Beach
Karteros Beach (7km from Heraklion) is considered a youth beach - there are many separate little coves, bars and inflatable bagels.
5. Florida Beach, EOT, Tompruk
About 8 kilometers from the city is a long stretch of beach, divided into sections, each with its own name (e.g. Florida, EOT, Tompruk). There are many traditional fish taverns here. You can get to the beach by bus. The only disadvantage is the noise of airplanes coming to land (the beach is located close to the airport).
6. Linoperomata Beach
Linoperomata Beach is popular with windsurfers - it's almost always windy. Regular tourists may be deterred by the proximity of the power station and industrial facilities.
7. Fodele Beach
About 23 kilometers west of Heraklion is Fodele beach (near the Heraklion-Hania highway). It is protected from winds and big waves, so it is great for those vacationing with small children.
