Here are some of Lassithi top beaches. In this article you can find some great and easily accessible beaches that you can visit on Lassithi.
Magnificent beaches can be found along the coasts of Lassithi Greece, such as the unique Vai Beach with the incredible palm forest, Istro with the picturesque surrounding, Elounda beach with a view to Spinalonga islet and the exotic beaches on Chrissi islet. Lassithi beaches are magnificent, with crystal water and a relaxing atmosphere. Most organized beaches in Lassithi are found on the northern coasts, while the southern side remains more secluded. You will find below a list of the top 20 beaches to visit in Lassithi Crete.
1. Lassithi Vai
The beautiful Vai beach, known as Palm Forest, is 94 km east of Agios Nikolaos town. It is the only indigenous wild date palm grove of Greece, extending over an area of 250 square kilometres and consists of 5000 palm trees which make it the largest known palm tree forest throughout Europe. As a result, Vai is one of the most impressive beaches in Greece.
2. Lassithi Istro
In the coastal road south of Agios Nikolaos there are five to six beaches with blue waters, from Agios Nikolaos to Mohlos. One of them is Istros which is 12 km south of Agios Nikolaos town on the road towards Ierapetra. The crystal clear blue waters and the white sand are two of the main characteristics that have made this beach so popular.
3. Lassithi Makrigialos
The coastal village of Makrigialos lies 24 km east of Ierapetra and 60 km south-east of Agios Nikolaos town, in the center of Kala Nera Bay. Because of its long stretch of sand and its crystalline blue waters, Makrigialos has become one of the most popular tourist resorts in the area. Lastly, in the wider region, there are some ruins of a Minoan mansion.
4. Lassithi Xerokampos
Xerokampos is a beach, 103 km south east of Agios Nikolaos town and 20 km from Ziros. There are few taverns and rental accommodation in the wider region, but the family atmosphere is not affected by tourism. In Xerokambos, you will enjoy delicious Cretan food and relaxing views to the sea. Some days in the summer, the beach is affected by the strong winds but in late August, the winds calm down and visitors can enjoy the crystal clear waters of Xerokambos. Furthermore, in August 29th, the locals organize a traditional feast (panigiri) in the name of Saint John.
5. Lassithi Palekastro
The beautiful beach of Palekastro is, 90 km east of Agios Nikolaos town and it faces the islet of Grandes. Also, the sand is fine and the waters crystal, while the strong wind that blows in the afternoon make this beach a popular place for windsurfing.
6. Lassithi Havania
Havania is the closest beach to Agios Nikolaos town. It consists of sand and crystalline waters. Havania is an excellent choice for all ages given the fact that it offers a wide range of facilities and watersports equipment. In addition, the crystal clear waters allure the tourists to visit this place for their summer holidays as it is a quite destination full of trees. The settlement of Agios Nikolaos is quite popular for its tourist development offering all types of accommodations, restaurants and shops.
7. Lassithi Kato Zakros
A large and relaxing beach, Kato Zakros is, 106 km east of Agios Nikolaos town. It is a lovely bay with surroundings of short vegetation and wild cliff sides. The beach is relatively close to Zakros, about 8 km from the village,which is one of the most picturesque in Lassithi. In close distance lies the archeological site of Zakros, one of the most important Minoan palaces in Crete. Also, the beach of Kato Zakros is not organized with sunbeds and umbrellas, but it provides a wonderful place for relaxation. Finally, some accommodation is available in the wider region.
8. Lassithi Ammoudara
Ammoudara is a long beach, 5 km south of Agios Nikolaos town, on the road to Ierapetra. It is actually a beautiful crystalline bay and is rarely affected by the strong summer winds, known as meltemia. Ammoudara beach is amongst the most crowded beaches in Lassithi because it is well-organized with sunbeds, umbrellas, seaside accommodation options and delicious taverns. It is a fine choice for swimming and sunbathing.
9. Lassithi Agia Fotia
The village of Agia Fotia is 8 kilometres east from Ierapetra and 47 km south east of Agios Nikolaos Town. Agia Fotia ia a lovely tourist resort, however it keeps its quiet atmosphere and authentic character. In addition to that, the beach consists of soft sand and is an excellent choice for swimming.
10. Lassithi Sissi
Sissi is a lovely coastal village and one of the best known beach resorts of Crete. Despite its popularity it is still quiet and calm. It is, 40 km east of Heraklion and 26 km north-west of Agios Nikolaos town. You can find small and clean coves around Sissi like the sandy beach of Boufos. Numerous sunbeds and umbrellas are available for rent. The bay of Avlaki, which is like a private beach with crystalline waters and white sand is also near Sissi and is an excellent choice for swimming and relaxation away from the noisy crowds.
11. Lassithi Elounda
Elounda is one of the most popular and beautiful beaches in Crete, 70 km east of Heraklion Airport and 11 km north of Agios Nikolaos town. Elounda is a beach with many sundecks, umbrellas and water sports offered to visitors. Also, along its length, the waters are crystal clear and the shore is sandy. Due to the cosmopolitan atmosphere of the village, this part of the coast seems completely unspoiled offering a few facilities. The visitors come here only for nudism and privacy. Elounda is among the most popular tourist resorts in Crete. Some excursion boats organize routes to Spinalonga, a former leper colony, which is about an hour away from Elounda.
12. Lassithi Pahia Ammos
The superb beach of Pahia Ammos (Thick Sand) is 20 km south eats south-east of Agios Nikolaos town, in the Mirambelo Gulf. Beautiful olive trees and greenhouses embelish the surrounding area. The beach, as its name indicates, has wonderful soft and thick golden sand boarded by crystalline waters.
13. Lassithi Hiona
Hiona beach is small in size (300 metres) but very beautiful. It has soft sand and clean water and in summer it is frequently affected by the strong winds that allow various watersports. Hiona has no umbrellas and sunbeds. The closest tourist facilities are in Palekastro or Sitia. Hiona is 90 km east of Agos Nikolaos town, 22 km from Sitia and 3 km north of Palekastro. It is an ideal choice for swimming and for some privacy. There are a few taverns around the beach serving delicious Cretan food.
14. Lassithi Almiros
The long and sandy beahch of Almiros is 2 km south of Agios Nikolaos town. Due to its close proximity to the capital and the beautiful crystalline waters, Almiros is quite popular in the summer. Well-organized with shallow waters, Almiros is also great for families. Many tourist facilities and accommodation are in the wider region and it is also a nice choice for excursions.
15. Lassithi Agios Nikolaos
Agios Nikolaos is a lovely coastal town in Lassithi. The area is full of tourists during the summer season and quite popular for the Cretan cuisine and the vivid nightlife.The beach of Agios Nikolaos is the closest beach to the town, with many watersports centres for all ages. You can go there with a short walking distance from the centre.
16. Lassithi Itanos
Itanos beach is 80 km east of Agios Nikolaos town. The region is not so toyristic and as a result the beaches are very peaceful and relaxing. Also the beach has small hills with low vegetation and has crystalline waters. It is safe for children and you can go there by car.
17. Lassithi Maridatis
Maridatis is a small beach, 90 km east of Agios Nikolaos town, between the famous beach of Vai and Palekastro. Maridatis is totally untouched by tourism. in fact it is quite isolated and is accessed through a track road. However,the clean waters, the white pebbles and the wild landscape create a nice environment to relax and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.
18. Lassithi Myrtos
The beach of Myrtos is located 15 km west from Ierapetra and 51 km south-west from Agios Nikolaos Town. It is a fine pebble beach with crystalline waters, a few facilities and various accommodations and taverns can be found in the little village which is full of banana and orange trees, situated on the banks of Krios River.
19. Lassithi Papadiokampos
Papadiokampos is close to Sitia but 60 km east of Agios Nikolaos town. Papadiokampos has small coves with soft pebbles or large rocks on the shore and the beach can be accessed through a track road and it doesn’t get frequented at all in summer. Therefore, it provides the ideal spot to enjoy some privacy. Finally, the closest facilities are found in Sitia.
20. Lassithi Tholos
The beach of Tholos is 26 km east of Agios Nikolaos town, on the way to Sitia. The closest tourist resort is Pahia Ammos, with there is plenty of availability in rental facilities. Tholos is a large bay with clean water and soft pebbles on the shore. As it is not much protected from strong winds, it gets frequently affected by the summer meltemia of August. Through a walking path from Tholos, visitors can see the gorge of Messona and the Minoan copper mines of Chrissokamino.