When choosing a holiday destination in Crete, tourists and independent travelers often book hotel rooms on the north and east coasts. The reason is the developed infrastructure, good sea and proximity to attractions. But South Crete is better suited for a relaxing beach holiday. Before traveling to this part of the island, you need to learn more about the infrastructure, resorts and beaches.
Content
Resorts overview
The southern coast of Crete is washed by the Libyan Sea. There are good sandy beaches, small bays and bays for a relaxing holiday. The disadvantage of these resorts is poor infrastructure. Few hotels and hotel complexes have been built. There is only one large highway running along the south coast of the island. Therefore, these places are convenient only for a relaxing beach holiday. An alternative is diving, underwater fishing.
Plakias
This is a small resort village located 36 km from Rethymnon . Among the resorts in southern Crete, it ranks first. The reason is the good combination of sandy beaches with the natural world of the coast. There are many olive groves, high mountains that protect the coast from strong winds. In the Greek city of Plakias there are several hotels that are located on the first line. But there is little active entertainment, there are several discos and nightclubs.
Description of the Plakias resort , located on the coast of Crete, in the south of the island:
- Convenient recreation areas have been created at the mouth of the Kotsifos River. You can sunbathe on the beach or relax in the shade of the trees.
- The longest coastline is Gyalya . Its length is 1.3 km. the beginning is Cape Muri .
- Along the beach there is a cycling and walking path, which is convenient for evening walks.
- City beaches are equipped, you can rent umbrellas, sun loungers. The rental price is from 5 Euro.
In southern Crete, in this part of the resort, there are relatively many restaurants and bars. The hotels can book excursions to the sights of the island. An alternative is to travel independently in a rented car.
Advice : it is recommended to plan walks in the morning or in the evening. In summer, the air temperature rises to +35°C, which makes travel uncomfortable.
Ierapetra
This is the southernmost resort in Greece and Europe. Located 36 km from Agios Nikolaos . Geographically divided into two parts – Kato Mera and Pano Mera. The first is the historical center of southern Crete. There are no buildings of the Hellenic civilization left here, but fortresses and houses from the time of the Venetian Republic have been preserved – the house of Napoleon, the fountain of the Ottoman, the church of Afentis -Christos. These sights can be visited on your own or by booking a tour.
Description of the southern resort of Crete Ierapetra :
- The main source of income for the local budget is agriculture. On the way you can see many gardens and fields.
- Long coastline. It has many sandy and pebble beaches. The beach areas near the hotels are equipped, you can rent sunbeds and umbrellas.
- For a secluded beach holiday, you can drive to one of the bays of the coast. There are many of them in this part of Crete, but these are mostly wild beaches.
- Sights that you can visit are the church of Agios Georgios , the Venetian fortress of Kale, local gardens and parks.
There are few hotels on the first line. Therefore, you need to book tours to this part of the island in advance. An alternative to hotel complexes is villas or apartments. According to tourists, this is a convenient option for independent travelers.
Tip : Ierapetra has a very beautiful coastline. In the photo of tourists you can find many types of the underwater world.
Myrtos
It is a small village located on the south coast of Crete. It is located 13 km from the resort of Ierapetra . Feature – a lot of olive and citrus groves. The river Krio flows here , which remains cold even in the hottest months of summer. In addition to a beach holiday, you can plan a hike in the Sarakina gorge , the entrance to which is located near the village.
Features of rest in the southern resort of the island of Crete Myrtos :
- Beaches. The coating is small, gray pebbles that do not stick to the feet. During the day, it does not heat up much, which makes a beach holiday comfortable.
- Infrastructure. There are several hotels, hotels. You can visit local bars, restaurants, where they will offer dishes of national Greek cuisine or a traditional European menu.
- From Heraklion International Airport you can get there by car, order a transfer or a taxi.
Holidays in the resort of Mirtos are chosen by couples who value safety and silence. There are no big nightclubs and discos here. Playgrounds work for children, some hotels have groups of animators.
Important : there is no railway connection in southern Crete. You can only get here by public transport or taxi.
TOP beaches of south Crete
The waters of the Libyan Sea wash southern Crete. Due to the peculiarities of geography and climate, natural beaches have formed here. The coating on them is pebble or sand. Part of it is equipped – there are changing cabins, showers, you can rent umbrellas or sun loungers. Lovers of a relaxing holiday can head to one of the secluded bays of this part of the island.
Rating of the beaches of South Crete:
- Makryalos . This is an equipped beach area located 36 km from Ierapetra . Coverage – white and clean sand. There are sun loungers, umbrellas, rescue and medical services are working. There are many bars and restaurants along the coastline. Nearby are local attractions – the islands of Chrissi and Koufonisi .
- Frangocastello . This is the most beautiful beach in southern Crete. Located next to the village of the same name. Feature – at the very border is an ancient Venetian fortress. Convenient place for families with children. The sea here is calm, there are few big waves, the sunset is gentle.
- Matala . Located on the south coast near the resort of Heraklion. In the reviews of tourists you can find photos with a local rock. It forms several tiers with natural balconies. The cover on the beach of Crete is sandy, there are sun loungers and umbrellas.
- Elafonisi . Location – southwest of the island. It is shallow here, so the water warms up faster. The beach area is not equipped, there are relatively few tourists. Nearby is a small island.
Even at the peak of the season, there are few vacationers on the beaches of southern Crete. The reason is a small number of hotels and hotel complexes. It is recommended to take light snacks and drinks with you. Not everywhere there are shops and supermarkets nearby.