Top Beaches in Heraklion (north coast)

Unexpected beautiful beach-life experience awaits you in the capital of Crete, Heraklion.

Here is our list of top 10 beaches near the city:

Agia Pelagia Beautiful and quite a popular beach, 24 km northwest of Heraklion, protected from the frequent north winds, overlooking the steep cliffs. There are organized diving schools and water sports clubs. One km to the northwest is a small cove that hosts Mononaftis beach, with pebbles and sand.

Star Beach With many activities to keep locals and visitors entertained and water sports to suit all tastes, it is the definition of an organized beach in Hersonissos that resembles an exotic location, only 25 km east of Heraklion.

Stalida (Stalis) It stands out from the neighboring Hersonissos and Malia beaches, with a milder tourism infrastructure and nightlife. The beach is 4 km long, sandy and busy with water sports options and numerous beach bars.

Amoudara Located in the Gulf of Heraklion, 5 km west of the capital, it is the favourite beach of the locals. Having a 7 km long sandy beach (its name means 'big sand'), there are options for everyone, from those who wish to be close to amenities to those who prefer a quiter spot to swim and enjoy a sunbath.

Amnissos Οnly 8km from the city of Heraklion, it is long and sandy but exposed to the wind. Here are the ruins of the Minoan mansion in which the famous fresco of "Lilies of the sand" was found. It is said that the king of Crete, Minos, came here to take a vacation and got amnesia from the beauty (hence Amnissos).

Anissaras Perhaps the most beautiful and longest beach of those in Hersonissos, 25 km east of the capital city of Heraklion, with numerous beach restaurants behind the beach.

Limanakia Only 27km east of Heraklion and close to the harbour of Hersonissos, one of the most popular destinations in Crete, Limanakia (a.k.a. Sarandaris Coves) are consecutive small natural coves protected from northwest winds, so the waters are calm and safe to swim. Sarandaris Beach has amazing turquoise waters, whitish sand and a sea cave at the north end of the beach.

Malia On the most famous beach resort and nightlife spot in Heraklion prefecture, the beach of Malia is hospitable bustling and well organized with beach bars, where you can combine swimming, sunbathing, water sports and fun.