Agia Pelagia

Built amphitheatrically above the sea, Agia Pelagia attracts tourists with its sheltered sandy coves, scenic coastline and full amount of facilities to provide family holidays. Heraklion Town is 20 km eastwards and regular buses are available.

A small fishing harbor with no buildings at all, this place was only used by the residents of the nearby village of Achlada half a century ago. Today it is one of the most famous seaside resorts of Heraklion region and its development has spread over 5 coves with beaches one beneath the other. From rom the north to the south these are Mononaftis, Psaromoura, Kladissos, Agia Pelagia and Ligaria. Most restaurants, cafes, shops and bakeries are lined behind Agia Pelagia beach which has formed as center of the village, but the hotels, apartments to rent and villas are scattered all around. There are a couple of municipal parking lots around the beaches and close to the center.

All beaches are organized with sunbeds and parasols and even some water sports are available. Due to the location they are sheltered from the north winds and much suitable for small kids. Agia Pelagia is the longest of all but it is narrow and gets crowded in high season. The coves of Mononaftis and Psaromoura are smaller and quieter. Ligaria is relatively large and wider than Agia Pelagia, with some space between the sunbeds. Kladissos is managed by a large hotel chain and although officially public it is not much visited from people who are not guests of the hotel.

Near Agia Pelagia is the rocky cape Stavros, with a small church on its northernmost point. It is accessible only via narrow hiking trail or by boat. The museum of El Greco is about 12 km away from Agia Pelagia, at the inland village of Fodele. Fodele has an amazing long and wide beach just next to Cape Stavros.

highlights: famous seaside resort with scenic coast and sandy coves, village in Heraklion Region, Crete, Greece