Summary
Most travellers know Heraklion for Knossos but the regional unit also has excellent beaches — sandy and family-friendly to the west, dramatic and remote to the south. This guide covers Ammoudara, Amnissos, Matala, Komos and a handful of harder-to-reach pebbled coves on the Asterousia coast, with honest notes on facilities, crowds and how to get there.
The best beaches in Heraklion at a glance
| # | Beach | Distance | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ammoudara | 5 km west of city centre | Easy access, family resorts |
| 2 | Amnissos | 8 km east of city | Sunset, families, less developed than Ammoudara |
| 3 | Matala Beach | 70 km south of Heraklion | History, sunsets, surf |
| 4 | Komos Beach | 65 km south of Heraklion | Long unspoilt sand, surf |
| 5 | Agiofarago | 85 km southwest of Heraklion | Adventure, gorge hike + beach |
| 6 | Kalamaki Beach | 70 km south of Heraklion | Family-friendly south coast |
1. Ammoudara
- Location
- West Heraklion suburbs
- Distance
- 5 km west of city centre
- Water
- Shallow, mostly calm
- Facilities
- Fully organised
A 7 km strip of dark golden sand running west from the city, lined with hotels and cafés. The default city beach for visitors based in Heraklion — easy to reach, fully serviced, busy but spacious enough that you always find a sunbed.
Infrastructure
Sunbeds and umbrellas the entire length, lifeguard, watersports schools, dozens of beach restaurants, accessible.
Sand & swimming
Soft dark sand, shallow gradual entry, occasionally choppy in the afternoons when the meltemi blows.
Local secret
Walk west to the quieter end past the river mouth where the resorts thin out — fewer people, the same water.
How to get there
- 10-min drive on the western coast road; large free parking lots.
- Bus 6 from Lions Square every 20 min in summer.
2. Amnissos
- Location
- East Heraklion
- Distance
- 8 km east of city
- Water
- Calm, shallow
- Facilities
- Organised
A long pebble-and-sand beach east of the city, with views back to the Heraklion port and the Karteros river mouth at one end. Less developed than Ammoudara, with more shaded tavernas and a calmer atmosphere.
Infrastructure
Sunbeds, several relaxed beach restaurants, lifeguard in summer, free parking.
Sand & swimming
Mix of pebbles and dark sand, calm protected bay, ideal for families.
Local secret
The far eastern end (past the small archaeological site of Amnissos) has almost no people and excellent late-afternoon light.
How to get there
- 15-min drive east on the old national road.
- Bus 1 from the central station.
3. Matala Beach
- Location
- South coast
- Distance
- 70 km south of Heraklion
- Water
- Open Libyan Sea
- Facilities
- Organised
A protected south-coast bay framed by sandstone cliffs riddled with caves used in Roman, Christian and 1960s hippie eras. The wide golden beach is the main draw; the village behind has good fish tavernas and a quirky atmosphere.
Infrastructure
Sunbeds, lifeguard, multiple beach cafés; the cave area is an archaeological site you can explore.
Sand & swimming
Soft golden sand, gradual entry to a crystal-clear bay, surfable on windier afternoons.
Local secret
Walk south over the headland (20 min) to "Red Beach" (Kokkini Ammos) — clothing-optional, fewer people, dramatic ochre cliffs.
How to get there
- 1 h 30 m drive from Heraklion via Mires.
- Combine with the archaeological site of Phaistos (15 min away).
4. Komos Beach
- Location
- South coast (10 km north of Matala)
- Distance
- 65 km south of Heraklion
- Water
- Open Libyan Sea
- Facilities
- Limited (mostly wild)
A 2 km stretch of bright golden sand backed by dunes — quieter than Matala, with a couple of beach tavernas and an active Minoan archaeological site at the southern end. A favourite among locals who skip the busier Matala in summer.
Infrastructure
Two seasonal beach tavernas with limited sunbeds; otherwise wild.
Sand & swimming
Wide soft sand, open Libyan Sea — calmer mornings, surfable in afternoon swells.
Local secret
The southern end near the archaeological site is the quietest. Sea turtles (Caretta-caretta) sometimes nest here in early summer — respect the marked nests.
How to get there
- 1 h 30 m drive from Heraklion via Mires and Pitsidia.
- Free parking at both ends of the beach.
5. Agiofarago
- Location
- Asterousia mountains, south coast
- Distance
- 85 km southwest of Heraklion
- Water
- Crystal-clear, deep
- Facilities
- None
A small pebbled cove at the end of a narrow gorge with sheer walls — you walk down through the gorge, swim in transparent deep water, then walk back. One of the most magical beach experiences in Crete and almost unknown to international visitors.
Infrastructure
Nothing — bring everything. No shade except some at the beach itself.
Sand & swimming
Pebbles and clear deep water; great for snorkelling.
Local secret
Combine with the Holy Trinity (Agia Triada) hermitage at the gorge entrance and lunch at the village taverna at Kapetaniana.
How to get there
- 1 h 45 m drive south from Heraklion via Pyrgos.
- Park at Kaloi Limenes road junction; walk 20 min through the gorge to the beach.
6. Kalamaki Beach
- Location
- South coast (Messara plain)
- Distance
- 70 km south of Heraklion
- Water
- Calm to lightly choppy
- Facilities
- Organised
A long sandy beach next to the small village of Kalamaki — the bay shelters it from most afternoon swells, and a sea-turtle protection station marks nesting sites. The relaxed alternative to Matala for families.
Infrastructure
Sunbeds for hire, several beach tavernas, easy parking.
Sand & swimming
Soft sand, mostly calm bay, gentle entry.
Local secret
Visit the turtle conservation centre at the south end of the beach to learn about the Caretta-caretta turtles that nest here every June.
How to get there
- 1 h 30 m drive from Heraklion via Mires.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ammoudara for easy access (10 min drive west), Amnissos for a quieter family day east of the city. For something memorable, drive south to Matala or Komos.
Yes if you want a quick swim — Ammoudara is well-serviced and only 10 minutes from the city. For more dramatic landscapes, plan a south-coast day to Matala or Agiofarago.
Matala in July–August on weekends and during the annual Matala Beach Festival (mid-June). Komos and Agiofarago stay quieter even at peak season.
Yes — Caretta-caretta turtles nest on Komos and Kalamaki beaches in June and hatch in August/September. Look for marked nests; the conservation centre at Kalamaki is worth a visit.
Doable as a day trip from Heraklion (1.5 h each way), but staying a night in Matala, Pitsidia or Kalamaki gives you the morning beach with very few people.
