In This Guide
Planning Your Visit
Lasithi, the easternmost prefecture of Crete, has a different character from the busier west. The coastline is more rugged, distances between places are greater, and several beaches remain genuinely quiet even in August. The contrast between the developed Gulf of Mirabello area and the remote southeast corner is significant.
Vai
Europe’s largest natural palm forest backs a sandy beach at the far northeast of Crete, about 100 km from Agios Nikolaos. The combination of palms, sand, and clear water is striking. The beach gets busy in summer; the area is managed and has facilities. Worth the drive, ideally early morning.
Recommendation status: Visitor-reviewed and locally confirmed
Elounda and the Gulf of Mirabello
The Gulf of Mirabello offers sheltered swimming with views across to Spinalonga island. Elounda town beach is small but pleasant; the better swimming is at the small beaches and platforms around the bay.
Recommendation status: Locally recommended
Istron (Karavostasi)
A well-organised beach about 10 km south of Agios Nikolaos, with a Blue Flag rating and reliable facilities. Popular with families staying in the area. The bay is sheltered and the water is calm.
Recommendation status: Visitor-reviewed
Agios Nikolaos town beaches
The town has a small beach at Kitroplatia, just below the town centre, and a larger option at Ammos a short walk further. Neither is exceptional but both are convenient for those based in Agios Nikolaos.
Recommendation status: Locally recommended
Makrigialos
A long, narrow beach in the far southeast, roughly 30 km from Ierapetra. Calm, shallow water and a relaxed fishing village atmosphere. Several good tavernas. A good base for exploring the quieter southeast coast.
Recommendation status: Locally recommended
Xerokampos
A remote settlement in the far southeast with several small, unspoiled beaches. Very little infrastructure — a handful of rooms and a taverna. Requires a long drive on winding roads but rewards with genuine isolation.
Recommendation status: Locally recommended
Kato Zakros
At the end of the Valley of the Dead gorge, near the Minoan palace ruins. A small pebble beach with clear water. More interesting for its archaeological context than as a beach destination, but the combination of gorge walk, ruins, and sea is excellent.
Recommendation status: Locally recommended
Practical information
Getting there: Vai and Kato Zakros require a car — plan for 2–3 hours from Heraklion. Istron and Elounda are accessible from Agios Nikolaos. Xerokampos and Makrigialos are best reached with your own transport.
Best for: Travellers with a hire car, those seeking quieter beaches (Xerokampos, Makrigialos), families (Istron), archaeology enthusiasts (Kato Zakros).
Vai
Europe's largest natural palm forest backs a sandy beach at the far northeast of Crete, about 100 km from Agios Nikolaos. The combination of palms, sand, and clear water is striking. Gets busy in summer — worth the drive, ideally early morning.
Elounda
The Gulf of Mirabello offers sheltered swimming with views across to Spinalonga island. The town beach is small but pleasant; the better swimming is at the small beaches and platforms around the bay.
Istron (Karavostasi)
A well-organised beach about 10 km south of Agios Nikolaos, with a Blue Flag rating and reliable facilities. Popular with families staying in the area. The bay is sheltered and the water is calm.
Makrigialos
A long, narrow beach in the southeast, roughly 30 km from Ierapetra. Calm, shallow water and a relaxed fishing village atmosphere. Several good tavernas. A good base for exploring the quieter southeast coast.
Xerokampos
A remote settlement in the far southeast with several small, unspoiled beaches. Very little infrastructure. Requires a long drive on winding roads but rewards with genuine isolation.
Kato Zakros
At the end of the Valley of the Dead gorge, near the Minoan palace ruins. A small pebble beach with clear water. More interesting for its archaeological context than as a beach — the combination of gorge walk, ruins, and sea is excellent.