Beaches

Crystal Blue Waters

Ammoudara Beach

Ammoudara is a long beach which starts from River Giofyros, 1km west of the center of Heraklion and reaches the mouth of the river Almyros, 7km on the west. Ammoudara is today a suburb of Heraklion, attracting thousands of visitors every year, mainly because of its long sandy beach. Ammoudara is well known for windsurfers, due to the intense winds all year round.

Matala beach

Matala is located 68km southwest of Heraklion, where the plain Messara meets Asteroussia Mountains. This is one of the most popular tourist destinations of Crete and certainly the most famous beach of south Heraklion prefecture. It is famous for the carved caves in the rocks and the hippies of the ‘70s. The beach is very well organized with umbrellas, toilets, showers, lifeguard, first aids, beach volley courts, snack bars, water sports, excursion boats, a camping site, etc. Around Matala you will find many options for accommodation, entertainment and eating. Also, a large part of the beach is covered by tamarisk trees, where you can find shade.

Agiofaraggo beach

Agiofaraggo Heraklion: Agiofaraggo is a wonderful yet secluded beach located 80 km south west Heraklion town close to the village of Kali Limenes, at the end of a small gorge. There are two ways to reach Agiofaraggo: by boat from Kali Limenes or on foot along the gorge. This gorge is a nice trekking path gifted with natural beauty. There are no tourist facilities in Agiofaraggo and the beach is not organized. The closest hotels and taverns are found in Kali Limenes. This beach gets particularly popular for free camping and nudism, although it is not an officially nudist beach.