Heraklion is a region of Crete (Central East) where the capital of the same name is located. If you travel to Heraklion don't forget to visit Malia, the city of sex, the three most important Minoan palaces, Knossos, Phaistos, and Malia, and the great beaches from this region.
- Tourist Information
- What is Heraklion famous for?
- Cities and villages
- Archeological sites
- Ancient artifacts
- North Beaches of Heraklion Region
- South Beaches of Heraklion Region
Tourist Information
What is Heraklion famous for?
- The Heraklion region is famous for some of the most beautiful archeological sites, remains of Minoan civilization, Knossos, Phaistos, and Malia
- The Heraklion town is the capital of the island and one of the most popular destinations
- The Heraklion Archeological Museum houses the most important treasures of the Minoan civilization
- Heraklion is famous also for the nightlife from Malia and Hersonissos
Cities and villages
Archeological sites
Ancient artifacts
North Beaches of Heraklion Region
- Malia
- different beaches belonging to Malia town (read the article about Malia HERE)
- usually crowded beaches
- Stalis Beach
- beach with sand
- shallow water
- Hersonissos
- different beaches belonging to Hersonissos town
- Analipsis Beach
- Analipsis is a village located 20 km from Heraklion.
- There are different beaches in this village suitable for families.
- This village is quiet and peaceful and is not as developed as other places in Crete but has beautiful tavernas, restaurants, and hotels.
- Gouves Beach
- Blue Flag Beach
- sunbeds and umbrellas available to rent
- sandy beach
- 16 km east of Heraklion town
- there are bars, tavernas, and restaurants around
- Gournes Beach
- 16 km east of Heraklion
- sandy beach
- Kokkini Beach
- 14 km east of Heraklion
- it is called also Red Beach. the name is taken from the color of the rocks around
- accessible only by boat as no roads lead here
- no amenities on the beach
- Karteros Beach
- 7 km east of Heraklion
- 1 km long beach
- few coffee shops
- no hotels by the beach
- Ammoudara Beach
- 1 km west of Heraklion
- 7 km long beach
- on the beach, you can find places with sunbeds, umbrellas, beach bars, lifeguards, showers, changing rooms, water sport
- Paliokastro Beach
- 14 km west of Heraklion
- few tavernas and a small shop
- the beach is a small bay near Heraklion, under a beach
- Ligaria Beach
- sunbeds and umbrellas to rent
- good for snorkeling
- Agia Pelagia Beach
- 21 km west of Heraklion
- long and narrow beach with sand and emerald waters
- Mononaftis Beach
- small pebbly beach with emerald waters
- tavernas on the beach
- Fodele Beach
- Fodele Beach is 27 km from Heraklion Airport
South Beaches of Heraklion Region
- Kokkinos Pirgos Beach
- a long and pebbly beach
- fishing harbor
- windy beach
- on this beach is Red Castle Fish Tavern, a famous fish taverna
- Kalamaki Beach
- sandy beach
- shallow water
- good for families with children
- Kommos Beach
- long, golden sandy beach
- 70 km from Heraklion
- because of the archeological site nearby, the construction is not permitted so no hotels
- there are umbrellas and sunbeds, toilets, showers, a tavern, and a canteen
- Matala Beach
- 68 km southwest of Heraklion
- it is located close to the Minoan Palace of Phaistos
- one of the most famous beaches in the Heraklion region because of the carved caves in the rocks that surround the beach
- Kokini Ammos (Red Sand Beach)
- you need to hike to reach this beach
- you can take a boat from the Matala harbor to reach this beach
- 68 km southwest of Heraklion
- the view from the hill is beautiful
- on the hill, you can watch the perfect sunset
- Vathi Beach
- 17 km southwest of Heraklion
- bay beach
- Difficult road
- the beach is surrounded by long cliffs
- here there is Daios Cove Hotel (a 5* luxury resort)
- there is a restaurant on the beach
- Ayiofarango Beach
- pebble beach
- no amenities, no restaurants, and hotels
- wear water shoes
- Kaloi Limenes Beach
- 75km southwest of Heraklion
- Diskos Beach
- beach for naturists
- few tavernas
- Lentas Beach
- beautiful beaches belonging to Lentas village
- the beach is located in a bay
- the water is blue and crystal clear
- there are free sunbeds and parasols
- there are restaurants close by
- Loutra Beach
- 69 km south of Heraklion
- 4 km east of the Lentas village
- there are sunbeds, umbrellas, and showers
- there are restaurants close by
- Psili Ammos Beach
- 77 km south of the city of Heraklion
- close to the village Kali Limenes
- sandy beach
- crowdy in weekends
- KoudoumasBeach
- 71 km south of Heraklion
- the beach is located in front of the monastery of Koudoumas
- no amenities on the beach
- there is a cave on the west side of this bach
- Agios Nikitas
- fantastic and isolated beach
- small pebbly beach with emerald waters
- difficult to access (there are stairs)
- Maridaki
- picturesque place
- bluewater next to the mountain
- Tsoutsouros
- beautiful, clean, and organized beach belonging to Tsoutsouros village
- there are trees on the beach
- Dermatos Beach
- 58 km south of Heraklion
- the beach is not organized
- no amenities on the beach
- there are no restaurants close by
- Keratokampos Beach
- 72km southeast of Heraklion
- pebbly beach
- there are trees on the beach offering shade
- Arvi Beach
- calm beach
- organized with sunbeds, umbrellas
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