CalmBeach Greece
Kokkini Ammos Beach, Heraklion
See practical info for Kokkini Ammos in Heraklion, including location, beach type, wind exposure, map and tips to help you decide when to visit.
The red sands behind Matala
Kokkini Ammos, the Red Beach, lies on Crete's south coast about 800 metres south of Matala, hidden behind the hill of Kastri. It owes its name to its distinctive reddish sand, derived from the rocks of the surrounding area, while the cove opens westward onto the Libyan Sea.
The beach became famous in the 1960s and 1970s as a favourite haunt of the hippies who had settled in the caves of Matala, and it keeps something of that free spirit to this day, with a long naturist tradition mainly on its northern side. It is said that the rocks at the northern end bear carved figures inspired by Minoan and Egyptian themes, the work of a Belgian admirer of Matala. The wider area belongs to the Natura 2000 network.
It is an unorganized beach, with a canteen and a few umbrellas operating only seasonally, and ground of fine and coarse sand with rocks. Access is by an uphill and then downhill footpath of 15 to 25 minutes from Matala, or by boat, so it is worth carrying water.
- Region
- Heraklion, Greece
- Beach type
- Sand & pebbles
- Access
- Difficult access (path)
- Coordinates
- 34.98606, 24.74938
- Organized beach
- Sunbeds
- Snorkeling
About this beach
The shoreline at Kokkini Ammos faces west, so it usually has natural cover from northerly, north-easterly and north-westerly winds. Orientation only reflects which way the coast faces, not confirmed shelter, so check wind and waves in the app before you go.
Kokkini Ammos has sand and pebbles underfoot with water that deepens close to shore.
For amenities, Kokkini Ammos has an organised beach and sunbeds. There is a campsite nearby (Matala Camping, ~985 m).
Open the app for live recommendation score, wind exposure, waves, best time of day and nearby alternatives.
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