The beaches of Iraklia
In Iralia there are beaches for all tastes. The port of Agios Georgios and Livadi are the two closest solutions. Livadi is usually preferred by families, with tamarisks creating many shady spots. In case you are a fan of free camping, know that camping has been banned on the island since 2019. This is confirmed by the two huge signs that are there and warn that “camping is prohibited”. At the same time, at the edge of the coast you will see several nudists.
Then you can go to Turkopigado, a long beach protected from the summer meltemias, with some fishing boats moored. There you will see wild goats coming down to drink water or look for food, while on the shore stands a mine-harvesting tool left in time.
Also, Vorini Spilia, which is located in the northern part of Heraklia and is close to Agios Georgios, is a sandy beach that is quite battered by the north wind. It is quiet and really very beautiful, with crystal clear waters, but it is good to visit it when there will be no north winds, because then, many times, various objects come up on the shore. Undoubtedly, however, the two best beaches of the island can only be reached by boat.
Agios Georgios beach
The beach of Agios Georgios is located in the picturesque harbor of Irakleia. It is characterized by the large tamarisk trees that offer enough shade as well as support for the children’s improvised swings. It is very easy to reach on foot from any point of the settlement of the same name where the majority of the island’s tourist accommodations are located.
Alimia beach
The bay of Alimia hosts two very beautiful sheltered beaches and is located on the southwest coast of the island. They are both sandy, with wonderful waters that deepen quite a distance from the shore, while one also has natural shade thanks to the small cave-like rock that rises behind it. A hallmark of Alimia beach, the “carcass” of the German seaplane that sunk here during the Second World War, visible even from the surface of the sea.
Ammoudi beach
It is a small but impressive beach in the bay of Mericha. It is surrounded by huge imposing cliffs, has fine pebbles on the coast, clear waters and interesting seabed.
Karvounolakos beach
Karvounolakos beach is an isolated and relatively small beach on the southern coast of the island. It is characterized by the rocks that surround it, which impress with their cave-like formations and their brown-green color. It has coarse pebbles, transparent waters and very interesting seabed.
Livadi beach
Livadi beach (on some maps it is referred to as Murto bay), is the largest beach of Heraklion, on its northeastern coast, opposite the islet of Venetiko. With the Castle of Livadi rising behind it, wonderful white sand and shallow waters for several meters from the shore, Livadi beach is particularly popular and crowded. On the coast there are tamarind trees and stone terraces. In recent years, a sea turtle, Giannis, as the locals call him, has been added to the attractions of the beach, which makes frequent appearances a short distance from the shore.
Spilia beach
Vorini Spilia is a beautiful beach, in the north of the island near Agios Georgios. It got its name from the two small rocky caves located at one end of it. Vorini Spilia located on the north side of the island. The beach is secluded, ideal for those seeking privacy.
Turkopigado beach
The beach of Turkopigados is located in the picturesque cove of the same name, which is only a short distance from the island’s village, Panagia. The view of the narrow bay from above as one descends from the asphalt road is amazing. Two or three anchored fishing boats and a few little goats perched high on the slope that ends in the sea, make up the picturesque image of the beach, which is usually quiet and peaceful. It has white pebbles on the shore and beautiful turquoise waters.
