CalmBeach Greece
Karteros Beach, Heraklion
See practical info for Karteros in Heraklion, including location, beach type, wind exposure, map and tips to help you decide when to visit.
The shore of the general and ancient Amnisos
Karteros stretches about 7 kilometres east of Heraklion, on the western part of a long front of fine sand, where the river of the same name meets the sea. Tradition holds that it is named after the Byzantine general Krateros, who landed here with his fleet in the ninth century in an attempt to retake Crete from the Saracens, though his campaign ultimately did not succeed.
At the eastern end of the bay stood ancient Amnisos, the seaport of Minoan Knossos. There, in 1932, the archaeologist Spyridon Marinatos excavated a Minoan villa, known as the Villa of the Lilies for its famous frescoes depicting lilies, while a little inland from the shore lies the cave of Eileithyia, a place of worship of the goddess of childbirth, mentioned by Homer and on Linear B tablets from Knossos.
The beach is organized, with sunbeds, umbrellas, a beach bar, a cafe, showers, toilets and parking, and it is easily reached by a paved road just outside the city of Heraklion.
- Region
- Heraklion, Greece
- Beach type
- Sandy
- Access
- Easy road access
- Coordinates
- 35.3327377, 25.2027325
- Organized beach
- Beach bar
- Sunbeds
- Parking
- Family friendly
About this beach
Karteros is oriented towards the north-east, so it usually has natural cover from southerly, south-easterly and south-westerly winds. Orientation only reflects which way the coast faces, not confirmed shelter, so check wind and waves in the app before you go.
Karteros has sand underfoot with shallow, gently shelving water — handy for families with young children.
For amenities, Karteros has an organised beach, a beach bar, sunbeds and parking nearby.
Open the app for live recommendation score, wind exposure, waves, best time of day and nearby alternatives.
View this beach in CalmBeach Greece
Heraklion beach guides
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Nearby beaches oriented away from the Meltemi
Other beaches in Heraklion
- Matala Sand & pebbles - Easy road access
- Potamos Malias Sandy - Easy road access
- Lygaria Sand & pebbles - Easy road access
- Kokkini Ammos Sand & pebbles - Difficult access (path)
- Kommos Sandy - Easy road access
- Agiofarango Pebbles - Easy path
- Made Pebbles - Easy road access
- Sarantari Sand & pebbles - Easy road access