When staying in the heart of Heraklion, Crete, you’re perfectly positioned to explore not only the city’s rich culture and history but also some of the island’s most beautiful beaches. Whether you’re staying at Lato Boutique Hotel, Olive Green Hotel, or Legacy Gastro Suites, these seaside gems are within easy reach for a day under the Cretan sun.
Ammoudara Beach
This long, sandy beach lies just 1 kilometer from Heraklion’s city center and is ideal for travelers staying at Lato Boutique Hotel. Ammoudara is perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports, and offers organized areas with umbrellas, bars, and even secluded dunes on its east side.
- You can reach Amoudara with the blue bus N.6, the trip lasts about 25 minutes and the bus stop is in Platia Eleftherias.
Agia Pelagia
Only 21 kilometers west of Heraklion you can find the famous Agia Pelagia, a small picturesque bay with calm, turquoise waters. There are restaurants, tavernas, and cafes and it is and is connected to Heraklion with a regular bus service.
The main beach is long and narrow with clear sand. The greenish water is usually calm and the bay creates a natural harbor. There are several options for diving and practicing water-sports too.
Staying in central Heraklion allows you to combine city breaks with easy beach escapes like this.
- You reach Agia Pelagia with the green bus (direction to Chania or Rethymno), the trip lasts about 30 minutes and you catch the bus at Heraklion’s Central Bus Station.
Psaromoura Beach
A pebbly cove located 22 kilometers from Heraklion, popular among locals for its crystal-clear waters and laid-back vibe. Guests at Olive Green Hotel or Legacy Gastro Suites often choose this hidden gem for a quieter day by the sea. There are sunbeds and a canteen that offers drinks and cocktails.
You reach Psaromoura within 20 minutes by car, direction to Agia Pelagia.
Karteros
Just 7 kilometers east of Heraklion, Karteros boasts a long bay with shallow waters, perfect for families and couples alike. From Heraklion city center hotels, this beach is an easy bus ride or taxi trip away.
There is beautiful beachfront, clean shallow water, fine golden sand. The area counts with several bars and restaurants too.
- To visit Karteros take the blue bus N. 7, the trip is about 30 minutes, and the bus stop is opposite the Archaeological Museum, next to the taxi station.
Kokkini Chani
Located 15 kilometers west of Heraklion, this developed resort area offers sandy beaches and shallow waters. After a cultural day exploring Knossos Palace, relax here for a sunset swim.
This landscape has always been popular among travelers for its many sandy beaches and shallow waters. Each beach has lifeguards, water sport options, umbrellas, and sunbeds and there are lots of shops and restaurants all over the area. A very popular beach in the area is Arina Beach, well organized and with beautiful clear waters.
Near Kokkini, visit Niros Villa, a small archaeological site dating to Late Minoan Times as a residence of a senior Minoan priest who ruled the local Minoan harbor.
- Get to Kokkini Chani with the green bus (direction Malia, Chersonissos, Gouves or Agios Nikolaos), the trip lasts about 25minutes, the bus departs from Heraklion’s Central Bus Station.
Amnissos
Only 9 kilometers east of Heraklion, Amnissos is a historic beach once serving as the port of Knossos. Staying at Lato Boutique Hotel puts you close to this site, combining beach time with archaeological intrigue.
Travelers will find very clean waters, water sports facilities, sun-beds, umbrellas, showers, and several seaside fish taverns for a quick and delicious lunch.
- To reach Amnissos take the blue bus N. 7, the trip is about 30 minutes, and the bus stop is opposite the Archaeological Museum, next to the taxi station.
If you want to discover more beaches in the area near the city of Heraklion, you can read our article about Family Holidays in Heraklion.
Where to stay in Heraklion:
For a perfect beach and city break:
Lato Boutique Hotel – Perfect for adventurous travelers seeking panoramic sea views.
Legacy Gastro Suites – Ideal for luxury & foodie travelers exploring Cretan culture.
Olive Green Hotel – Modern comfort and eco-conscious design.
These hotels are centrally located, making them the perfect base for exploring Heraklion’s beaches, museums, and vibrant city life.
Related Articles
You might also like
12 Comments
I visited several websites however the audio feature for audio songs current
at this website is really wonderful.
Hello There. I found your blog the use of msn. That is a really well written article.
I will make sure to bookmark it and come back to learn extra of your useful info.
Thanks for the post. I’ll definitely return.
I like the valuable info you provide in your articles.
I will bookmark your blog and check again here regularly.
I’m quite certain I will learn a lot of new stuff right here!
Best of luck for the next!
I like what you guys are usually up too. This type of
clever work and coverage! Keep up the terrific works
guys I’ve added you guys to my blogroll.
you are actually a just right webmaster. The website loading speed is incredible.
It seems that you’re doing any distinctive trick.
In addition, The contents are masterpiece. you’ve performed a magnificent activity in this matter!
Thanks on your marvelous posting! I quite enjoyed reading it, you happen to be a great author.I will ensure that I
bookmark your blog and will often come back someday.
I want to encourage you to definitely continue your great
writing, have a nice evening!
When someone writes an piece of writing he/she keeps
the plan of a user in his/her brain that how a user
can know it. Therefore that’s why this post is perfect.
Thanks!
I feel this is among the most vital information for me.
And i’m satisfied studying your article. But wanna statement on some general issues,
The site style is ideal, the articles is in reality excellent :
D. Good job, cheers
sbfplay99
Hi, I do believe this is a great blog. I stumbledupon it ;) I
am going to revisit once again since I book-marked it.
Money and freedom is the greatest way to change, may you be rich and continue to guide other people.
If you are going for finest contents like I do, just go to see this site everyday
since it offers quality contents, thanks
Wow that was strange. I just wrote an very long
comment but after I clicked submit my commnt didn’t show up.
Grrrr… well I’m not writing all that over again. Anyway, just wanted tto say excellent blog!
Spot on with this write-up, I actually think this web site needs far more attention. I’ll
probably be back again to read more, thanks for the info!