CalmBeach Greece
Snorkeling beaches in Heraklion
Want clear water and rocks to explore in Heraklion? These 21 beaches are good for snorkeling, usually with clearer water and a rocky or mixed seabed. Visibility is often better on low-wind days — check wind and waves in CalmBeach first.
- Koudoumas Pebbles - Passable dirt road
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Agiofarango
Pebbles - Easy path
The "Holy Gorge" of the hermits — A gorge ~1.5 km long with vertical walls full of caves ends at a remote pebble beach with crystal-clear water. The name ("Holy Gorge") comes from the…
- Karavovrysi Pebbles - Moderate access
- Kokkines Plakes Pebbles - Passable dirt road
- Elygia Pebbles - Passable dirt road
- Leprias Pebbles - Passable dirt road
- Martsalo Pebbles - Difficult access (path)
- Stena Pebbles - Easy path
- Trypiti Sand & pebbles - Passable dirt road
- Glykos Kolympos Pebbles - Easy path
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Sarantari
Sand & pebbles - Easy road access
The first of the Limanakia of Hersonissos — Sarantari lies at Cape Sarandaris, at the western end of the well-known Limanakia of Hersonissos, about 27 kilometres east of Heraklion. Its name is…
- Mononavtis Pebbles - Easy road access
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Made
Pebbles - Easy road access
The little cove with the twin islets — Mades beach lies about 20 kilometres northwest of Heraklion and 4 kilometres east of Agia Pelagia, next to Lygaria. The name of the small settlement…
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Kokkini Ammos
Sand & pebbles - Difficult access (path)
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…
- Macha Pebbles - Passable dirt road
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Matala
Sand & pebbles - Easy road access
The carved caves and the hippies — A sandy bay framed by sandstone walls pierced by dozens of caves. They were carved as tombs in Roman and early-Christian times, but many have rooms…
- Katarti Pebbles - Passable dirt road
- Trafoulas Pebbles - Difficult access (path)
- Poros Pebbles - Difficult access (path)
- Salamias Pebbles - Easy path
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Limanakia Chersonisou
Sand & pebbles - Easy road access
The little coves beside the ancient harbor — The Limanakia of Hersonissos are a string of small successive coves on Crete's north coast, between Cape Sarantari and the harbor of Hersonissos…
Which beaches in Heraklion are good for snorkeling?
The beaches listed here have rockier seabed and clearer water, where you are more likely to see fish and underwater life. Conditions vary, so check the forecast before you go.
When is snorkeling more comfortable?
Snorkel close to shore when conditions are mild and avoid strong wind, waves or currents. Check live wind and waves in the app and follow any local flags.