Popular Beaches at South Crete
Matala beach is a large, wide, sandy beach.
Kokkini Ammos Beach (“Red Sand”) is south of Matala. To get to Kokkini Ammos Beach, you can either follow the footpath from Matala or go by boat.
Komos Beach is a spectacular beach many kilometres long, stretching from Matala to Kalamaki.
Kalamaki Beach is an organised beach in front of Kalamaki village, north of Matala.
Kokkinos Pyrgos Beach is also an organised beach with tavernas and cafeterias.
Agia Galini Beach is about 20 kilometres north of Matala. Agia Galini is a picturesque village set out in a horseshoe shape in the hills, well worth a visit.
Kali Limenes Beach is south of Matala, and is the best choice for days when a strong north wind is blowing. There are tavernas near the middle of the beach, so you can go there for a pleasant daytrip from Matala.
AgioFaraggo Beach is for nature lovers. You will need to walk down the gorge to get to the beach, unless you come by boat.
4 SEASONS AT CRETE
Crete, Culture & Experiences
SEE YOU AT THE BEACH
Boat-trips:
You can either go on a big cruise around the islands or take some small boat-trips. From Matala there are daily cruises offering nice boat trips along the beautiful South coast. They pass lonely beaches, stop in a cave and have a break in Agiofarango, Vathy or Kali Limenes. From Agia Galini small daily ship cruises are available to Agios Pavlos, marine caves, Paximadia islands,etc. Some of the main destinations are the famous beach of Preveli, the beautiful beach of Agiofarango and the peaceful Paximadia islands.
Fishing:
There are many beautiful fishing areas around Kalamaki and Kokkinos Pirgos as well as in Kali Limenes.
Snorkeling:
As the water on the South coast of Crete is crystal clear nearly everywhere, there are many beautiful places for snorkeling. You will find most fishes and interesting places around rocks in the water. (South end of Komos beach, Kali Limenes, Vathy, etc.)
GET YOUR FRESH AIR
Biking:
Bring your own bike or rent a bike and enjoy your cycling vacations in South Crete stress free.
Horse-Riding:
In Pitsidia is a farm offering horse-riding. It's run by a Greek/ German family.
Vineyards:
There's a beautiful winery on top of the hill "Orthi Petra" at an altitude of 500 metres, north of ancient Gortina, next to the village Plouti.
They offer biological wines, tastings and guides from April until October (Monday to Saturday from 10:00 to 17:00).
Geocahing:
There are hundred of geocaches hidden around Sivas, Kamilari and South Crete.
Keywords for your journey:
Sivas, Heraklion, Crete, Greece, Matala, Komos, Red Beach, Phaistos, Komos, Kali Limenes, Kalamaki, Agiofarango, Gortys, Kazantzakis airport, Municipality of Festos.
EXPLORE YOUR SURROUNDINGS
The old houses of Sivas are built of stone, with lovely courtyards and bougainvilleas climbing the walls.
Some of the houses you see have been restored respecting traditional architecture. Sivas preserves its traditional atmosphere, making it a lovely place to stay, stroll around and explore.
The Sivas people are known for their hospitality, calmness and kindness. Many of them are still farmers or at least live from the animals they raise and what they grow in the garden, and they all follow the ecological balance approach. People, who grow vegetable and fruits, never use chemicals.
Sivas still keeps it's familiar atmosphere and is quite unspoilt from mass tourism although it offers many interesting sites in the local area like for example the popular archaeological sites of Agia Triada, Gortys, Kommos and Phaistos.
Rethymno & Chania also a breath away. Greece at its best.