I will make the same comment as to other archeological sites in Crete: for the entry fee, the site should be more visitor-centered, including additional notes, maps or labels tourists could read and enjoy along the way. Malia is quite a remarkable site to visit, very well preserved and with a lot of surface to cover. However, the entry shows a very well organized center that quickly becomed a bit disorganized: the ruin areas are limited by ropes which are difficult to find and a lot of the site is actually closed for cover renovations (or that's what it looked like). Anyhow, one of the key Minoan sites to visit in Crete.

The Minoan Palace of Malia should be on your agenda when visiting Crete. Along with Knossos and Phaistos, it was one of the three largest Minoan palaces. It was connected by road with Knossos. It was a considerable sea port. Many important archaeological artifacts were discovered here. The most famous is the “bee earrings.” Malia has had little reconstruction, which is a huge contrast with Knossos. Suggest doing some research about the site beforehand.

All most interesting parts are roped off and we were followed around our entire time there. We were the only two visitors on the site and so no idea why we were under close observation. We left early having not seen half the site.

Well worth a visit found it very interesting and more excavations are currently taking place this place is a must if you love history

Even though a section is currently closed off for maintenance, this is still a great site to visit. A well laid out information hut with maps and models of the different minoan buildings with lots of information, history and photos to bring the ruins to life. It is a large site with a mixture of covered sections with guided walkways, and open areas where you can roam more freely. There were even a couple of friendly archaeologists working on site today who were happy to take a breather from renovating paving stones to answer some questions. Full amenities: loos, cafe, shop

Beautiful site, no doubt about that! Unfortunately, the full site isn’t accessible until the 18/10. We weren’t told when buying the tickets and got charged the full price. When we shared our disappointment at the end of the tour, a man explained quite aggressively that there was a board at the entrance and that we could have decided to not buy our tickets. True: there is a note, but you need to be an expert to know what it means and, the site being far away from the city centre, you wouldn’t go back after a 40min walk. All we wanted to say is: it’s ok to pay for the entrance, but not for the full price when 1/3 of the site is closed.

Interesting site well laid out with good informative indoor space with photos nd explanations in 3 languages including English. You can download information on your smartphone about the sire which gives all the info needed to make sense of the site as you walk about, good parking nearby. Cafe was shut so can't comment on it though it looked fine.

We visited the aquarium and rescue center during our trip to Crete. The aquarium is very well organized, with a great variety of marine life, from colorful fish, turtles to reptiles. It's both fun and educational – perfect for families, but also interesting for adults. The rescue center part was especially touching. It’s inspiring to see how much effort goes into rescuing and rehabilitating injured turtles. The staff is passionate and knowledgeable, and they were happy to answer all our questions. It's heartwarming to see these beautiful creatures being cared for so well. Highly recommend visiting – it's a great way to learn, support a good cause, and enjoy the beauty of marine life!

Lovely little place run by people who enjoy their job and are good at their job. Very interactive with being able to touch and hold some of the animals. Is a small place, only took around 30 minutes to look around and interact with animals. Did not cost much to enter 10 euros which we payed for at the door, was no waiting time to enter. Although I understand this is a rescue centre they do have some long term wildlife in the facility that will not be reintroduced into nature I feel the vivariums/ tanks could be bigger and more engaging for the animals. In particular a few lizard tanks looked over crowded and some animals in small tanks. Including a very large fish which only had minimal movement.

Well worth a visit. Got to see the sea turtle and octopus being fed as well as listening to detailed history of all the amazing creatures on show. You can hold various reptiles if you are brave enough. The best thing about this place is the fact it is supporting the local ecology, is not owned by a bif corporate entity and is a labour of love. Any money you spend here directly goes to the looking after of the animals and funds future expansion.

What a wonderful little place! Please visit and keep this place in business, they are worth it. The conservation work they do is great.. the aquarium part is really good, but the best part really, is the reptile section. I will not spoil anything for you as the surprise is much better witnessed in person with no warning (its not scary, don't worry). If I can, I will be back for another visit.

Wow wow and wow, we absolutely loved it here. You can tell as soon as you walk in that they love what they do all the animals are well looked after and there fact you get to get up and close to the reptiles. Definitely worth the visit you will not be disappointed. It's a great place to visit.

Very small aquarium/terrarium in a flat and yard. To avoid the place getting too crowded they let visitors in slowly and when previous visitors exit. This means a line forms. We waited over 30 minutes in line for what is essentially a 30 minutes visit. It is a nice little place if you don’t mind most fish and reptiles being held in small aquariums with little to no shelter. There are lots of general info posters about ocean life scattered around but not a lot of specific info on the animals in each aquarium beyond their names. The yard with the free-roaming tortoises and lizards is the highlight of course, but is rather crowded. Looks like the animals are used to nudging their way between the visitors. The staff in the yard are friendly and jovial. If you are here and can find a time without a line in the entrance then the place is worth a visit.

What to say about this amazing place. We first visited back on our first trip to crete possibly 2012! And we come every year since. The place is just great. They take care of the animals. They are so clean and so well looked after. The gent who owns it is just well a gent and his staff are so knowledgeable and friendly. We look forward to it every trip and is the first thing we book, we now bring our child who has also found a love for this amazing place. Thankyou as always

Lovely small museum with small buildings and plants showing Cretan life. We went without a audio guide or tour, so used the map to identify buildings and occasionally a translation app to understand writing inside buildings. There are really no signs around so this wasn't the best plan but still spent about 45-50 minutes, including the eight minute introduction video. It wasn't very busy when there (July Sunday around 10:30) though other visitors were scattered about. Toilets and small cafe available - cafe seemed to have a few drink options, maybe a few mains snacks, and seats. Parking in a dirt shoulder/layby just outside the entrance was fine, held around a dozen cars and a few spots were free when we arrived. Note: photos generally in map order

We found this place beautiful, quiet and charming. It backs onto its own (paying) beach which can be entered from the museum - or vice versa. The little cafe in the museum serves both. The museum is one of village methods and life. Most of the stone is old, from ruined local buildings, rebuilt as representative of the usage. A child will like peeking at odd things, by the way - but not for too long!

Beautiful site, quite large, free to wander around, gates open out onto a beach and the sea. Drinks available, (licensed for spirits too) and small gift shop within cafe. Staff are lovely and friendly, honestly well worth a visit. Inexpensive too.

A very interesting museum. It also has a beautiful beach,great for snorkeling, very relaxing spot, not very crowded, with decent space between sunbeds, 7 euros a set (2 sunbeds+umbrela). They also have a restaurant and very nice staff. Ps: if you are a coffee lover get the frappe with ice-cream,it's to die for and the food is good (with decent prices; a greek salat is less than 7 euros). I will come back to this location for sure.

A small museum of traditional Cretan life and historical agriculture and artisanal occupations. Overall a nice folk museum. Mostly outdoors but with plenty of shade.

A lovely museum and a perfect way to while away a morning. We took our kids (6 and 3) and they loved running around and exploring, there was plenty to keep all ages interested. Friendly staff and beautiful exhibits (and delightfully friendly cats!), it’s a wholehearted recommendation from me.

Found this place by using Google maps to see what was in the area. It took us 30 mins to walk to here from where we stayed, and it was well worth the walk. Interesting to see how it was all made and from what materials. Finished off with a lovely cold cinnamon water.

Not a Relaxing Stay – Needs Serious Improvement We stayed at the hotel with our extended family – adults and kids – during the summer. From the moment we arrived, the service was lacking. No welcome, no guidance to rooms, and the lobby was extremely hot with no drinks offered. Rooms were spacious but had weak air conditioning and ant problems in several of them. Beds were very basic and uncomfortable. Despite being told we’d get bottled water daily, we didn’t receive any unless we asked. The dining room was overcrowded and hot, with no air conditioning. Food was okay – better for kids than adults. The evening shows were unimpressive, and the Greek restaurant had a nice view but isn’t suitable for families with small children. Although the water slides were fun, there's no shade on the way up, making the ground too hot to walk on without shoes. The music around the pool was extremely loud all day, even in the rooms – not ideal for those seeking peace and quiet. Service overall was poor, and I even witnessed a staff member yelling at a guest over a simple food request. Wouldn’t recommend for anyone looking for a calm or high-quality all-inclusive experience.

The food is excellent and the selection is amazing! The area can be a bit windy since it’s up north, but there are plenty of other attractions to enjoy – lots of pools, fun water slides, kids’ corners, playgrounds, and more. The whole resort is quite spacious and access to everything is included in the price, even the sunbeds on the beach. It’s truly a paradise for children. Snacks outside of breakfast, lunch, and dinner are fantastic as well. You can choose from fresh vegetables, fruit salads, or classics like pizza and toasties – even vegetarians will be happy. The alcohol is not cheap quality either; they serve well-known brands like Havana Club and Beefeater. And at the bar, they’ll make you a real coffee, not just one from a machine.

We are On our last day at this hotel. Last 13 days have been great. Rooms are excellent, and cleaned every day. Lots of choice of food and drink. Places to eat all over the complex. Pools are a little cold, but everyone loved the new water slides. The entertainment team Jayden etc are a great laugh well worth getting involved with some of the activities. Overall fantastic holiday.

Great hotel for family vacation. Plenty of offers for children (pools, kids club, playgrounds). Mini Disxo for children on 6 of 7 days. 3 different restaurants (2 with breakfast and lunch) with all inclusive. Also 3 different pool bars included with drinks and some snacks. The Water Park is right next door and has multiple pools for all ages. Some slides for and access to sunbeds in the park and on the beach are also included. The staff is very friendly, especially towards children. The hotel is a great destination for vacation with kids!

! Take your time reading this😁 I just camed back from my holiday with my family and i want to tell you my honest review. To be honest i had the lowest expectations because i knew that on booking the rating wasn't very good.Me and my family usualy go to hotels that are +8.5 rating,but at that time it weren't many hotels available. So when we arrived i saw verry old walls and an old reception and my first thing that i said was:I don't think this is an hotel beacause it was so old and it creeped me out😅,but hear me out after we walked in the mini streets of the hotel i fell in love.Everything is close to eachother😍From the food zone-Beach side-activities-pools-rooms it is amazing. The sea is clear as the water,the views are amazing,and the waves are the best feeling🥰 Okay,THE FOOD WAS ABSOLUTLY THE BEST FOOD FROM ALL HOTELS,guys if u like eating meat,sea food,pasta,pizza,tacos,whatever u want litreally,go HERE!😋 HEAR ME OUT,my parents are very picky when it comes to food,we went to egypt,turkey but nowhere the food was so tasty like hear,the plates where finished😁Don't get me wrong,egypt and turkey have bigger ospitality and a larger amount of food and diversification,but we prefered to be very delicious and it was!I want to thank to all the members of Star Beach Village and we will totally come back!♥️ PS: in front of the hotel there is a whole street of the city center🥰

We come here just for a few hours to let our daughter play nice and clean not to busy, the water is fairly cold for young children to play in! The play park is excellent for all ages water park area is clean and amazing for children to run free for a few hours. Amazing place to take children to burn off some energy! Bouns its next to beach.

I stayed at Star Beach in Crete and had an amazing experience. The resort is fantastic, with delicious and varied food options. The staff were always kind, friendly, and very helpful. Everything was well taken care of, and I truly enjoyed my time here. I will definitely return in the future!

Absolutely beautiful bar and beach All staff are amazing and go above and beyond to make you feel welcome Food and drinks are just perfect I couldn't recommend this place more it's just brilliant

Didn't eat there but had the most amazing mohito on 3 occasions. Extremely refreshing and large filled with loads of ice. Stunning location. Staff are lovely especially Hari. Until next year....

Comfy Sunbeds directly by the sea, really nice and helpful staff and the food is very good. U can eat in the sunbeds or the bar either way very relaxed

Great, relaxed dinner with bubble tea to help chill in the Crete heatwave. Friendly staff, great service - they even have us a box to take the food away we couldn't eat. Value for money with a smile!

Lovely place with relaxing atmosphere. The cocktails are marvelous. Good experience when you are in Stalida. Jorgos ( Sjon) is a fantastic host.

Good place for a drink. Kids enjoyed the bubble tea.

Great place the staff are the best only place i would go, way better food than my 4 star all inclusive

(Translated by Google) We took a south-east Creta tour to the Katharo plateau. Such a great experience with wonderful places and exciting stories from the country and the area. The goats and vultures that you could see during this tour, the fresh delicacies from the trees [apples, tangerines, pears and walnuts] and the fresh, cold spring water, straight from the bottling station that was embedded in the mountain, were all there Highlights that you will never forget. (Original) Wir machten eine Süd-Ost Creta Tour in die Katharo Hochebene. So ein tolles Erlebnis mit wundervollen Orten und spannenden Geschichten aus dem Land und der Gegend. Die Ziegen und Geier, die man wärend dieser Tour sehen konnte, die frischen leckereien von den Bäumen [Äpfel, Mandarinen, Birnen und Wallnüsse] und das frische, kalte Quellwasser, direkt aus der Abfüllstation, die im Berg eingelassen war, das alles waren schon Highlights die man nie wieder vergessen wird.

(Translated by Google) Kritsa route for the plateau Clear very beautiful scenery (Original) Διαδρομή Κριτσά για το οροπέδιο Καθαρό πολύ όμορφο τοπίο

(Translated by Google) Certainly the road is long, winding and bad to get there but it is beautiful and dotted with pretty kibbles! Besides, watch out for the goats which tend to wander on the road. Once we arrived at the plateau there were two taverns, we stopped for a drink in the biggest one, the reception was a little cold. Afterwards we left a little randomly on the paths of the plateau and it was an enchantment of flowering orchards, crops and the view of the snow-capped mountains still at the end of April. Sensation increased by late afternoon light. The road down into the setting sun was sublime, overlooking the sea. (Original) Certes la route est longue, sinueuse et mauvaise pour y arriver mais qu'elle est belle et jalonnée de jolies biquettes! D'ailleurs attention aux chèvres qui ont tendance à errer sur la route. Une fois arrivé au plateau il y a deux tavernes, on s'est arrêté boire un coup dans la plus grosse, accueil un peu froid. Après on est parti un peu au hasard sur les chemins du plateau et c'était un enchantement de vergers en fleurs, de cultures et la vue sur les montagnes enneigées encore fin avril. Sensation augmentée par une lumière de fin d'après midi. La route pour descendre au soleil couchant était sublime, surplombant la mer.

(Translated by Google) Lots of herds of goats and great views! Taverna Stereos very good food, very nice accommodating hosts, simple plateau, 1 shop. O.K. it's out of season. What you see there is something we saw everywhere in the mountains for two days. (Original) Viele Ziegenherden und tolle Aussicht! Taverna Stereos sehr gutes Essen, sehr nette zuvorkommende Gastgeber, einfache Hochebene, 1 Geschäft. O.K ist nun mal außerhalb der Saison. Was man da sieht, haben wir 2 Tage überall in den Bergen gesehen.

(Translated by Google) Hello everyone, To all those who love the mountains, nature, animals, escape, surprising landscapes, I advise you to take the Safari Club Land Rover climb to an altitude of 1,200 meters on the Khataro Plateau. the highest peak on the island. Yours truly. (Original) Bonjour à tous, A tous ceux et celles qui aiment la montagne, la nature, les animaux, l'évasion, les paysages surprenants, je vous conseille d'effectuer la montée en Land Rover du Safari Club à 1 200 mètres d'altitude sur le Plateau du Khataro le plus haut sommet de l'île. Bien à vous.

(Translated by Google) Interesting journey. Well, yes, goats 🐐 are nice. They love bananas. Lol. (Original) Parcours intéressant. Bof, oui, les chèvres 🐐 sont sympas. Elles adorent les bananes. Lol.

(Translated by Google) Fantastic ride, great feeling, beautiful Crete, worth the ride!!!! (Original) Φανταστική βολτα υπέροχη αίσθηση πανέμορφη Κρήτη αξίζει η βόλτα!!!!

Nice place to visit, great views from the top. For EU citizens born 2000 or later free entrance. In case you order something in the cafeteria on top, ask and check your receipts! We took two slush drinks (colored ice, see the picture), and were told it cost 10€, no receipt provided. When I checked my card transactions next day, they actually charged 13€ instead of 10! For that reason 4 stars only.

Here we have spent the most interesting part of our day! It is a very beautiful and extravagant fortress. For me this is a place where I would definitely come one more time in the future as it is very beautiful. For EU people that has no more than 25 years the entrance is free as for all the museums in Greece as I understood it!

A very nicely renovated and maintained fortress. Built during the Venetian Republic, the construction was completed in 1540, and then in 1669 it came under Ottoman control. The terrace offers a fantastic view of the sea and the city of Heraklion. It can be reached by walking for about 10 minutes from the city center. The entrance fee is 10 Euro/person, free for those under 25. I recommend it to everyone!

Good for a short visit. There's a decent amount of stuff to see and information about the island's history. You can go at the top of it where you can enjoy the views of the surrounding area and stop for a drink if you wish. The entry fee is €10, which is probably the maximum amount that would make sense for this. Would recommend.

Worth the entrance fee of €10 to explore the incredible fortress. Great views from the top across the port of Heraklion. Lots of history inside with some great displays.

The Venetian fortress Rocca a Mare is definitely interesting, even though you can get through it rather quickly. A big plus: EU citizens under 25 get free entry. From the walls you also have a nice view of the harbor and the city. Overall, worth a visit, 4 stars.

Koules Fortress (Greek: Κουλές), also known as the Heraklion Fortress, the Venetian Fortress, or Rocca al Mare, is a medieval seaside fortress in Heraklion, Crete. Built by the Venetians between 1523 and 1540, it impresses with its architecture and offers beautiful panoramic views of the harbor, the sea, and the city. We only walked around the outside and didn’t go inside. There were quite a few tourists, but it didn’t feel crowded. During our visit, we noticed quite a bit of litter and cigarette butts near the entrance, which was a bit disappointing, so it’s important to help keep such historical sites clean. I recommend taking a walk there, especially in the evening when it’s cooler and more pleasant!

Some photos of Heraklion archaeological museum. Was really fun and interesting. But I feel I wanted more time then I had to explore it all. After the guide was done we had only 20 min to explore the rest or buy some suverni. Would be great if it would have been 1-1,5 hours after extra. But overall it was a great enjoyment.

The Heraklion Archaeological Museum is actually very well-curated. There are ALOT of artefacts that ranged from pre-Minoan to Minoan and Roman/Greek history. Not only so, the museum tries to make sure that there are explanations in English for each section of the exhibit and for specific artefacts, there would be added details, with english explanations available as well. We love it that the path for the visit is well-defined as well. Visitors just have to follow the path and complete the artefacts on the first level, which leads to more on the second level, before returning to see the Roman/Greek statues at the end of the visit. There are a few things that stood out from the artefacts for us 1. Unlike most people who “Go big or go home”, the Minoans “go small”. In fact, they started to specialise in this skill of miniature craft where you find very small pieces of art, intricately designed and sculpted. 2. People had personalised seals. There were different animals as insignia and the method of utilising the seal also varied, with one version we saw, carved on a roller such that the insignia is rolled over the document/clay. 3. Written language was already available 4000 years ago. Around 2000BC, they found clays with sort of hieroglyphics on it. What was interesting to us was that the documents had lines on it, just like how our exercise books would be. The words would be written on those lines to depict perhaps the accounts or a story. The other interesting we found was that since the words were written on clay and used only for temporary accounts (i.e. not to be kept for extended period of time), the clays in the museum were actually “accidentally“ preserved due to a fire, that caused the clay to be hardened for us to see it thousands of years later. For the full review of our visit to HAM as well as details of our 5 months Round The World (RTW) trip, visit 2bearbear today!

This museum is phenomenal! Informative, clearly laid out, fabulous collection of artefacts. Super helpful for understanding and appreciating the history and culture of the Minoan people (especially alongside a visit to Knossos Palace). I would recommend spending at least two hours here—I did 1.5 hours and wished I had more time. Entry was free on the day I visited.

Totally a MUST-visit after Knossos palace. The collections are absolutely incredible - so detailed, beautifully displayed, and full of context that really ties everything together. You finally get the full picture of Minoan history, myths, and daily life (and honestly, it makes Knossos make so much more sense 😅). I loved how well-organized everything is - from tiny gold jewelry to fresco fragments. Ypu could easily spend hours here if you’re into ancient culture. Unfortunately I came 1.5h before closing so I still have a feeling that there was so much more to see. Tip: go after Knossos, not before - it’s like getting the answers after the adventure 😉

Had the option of coming here as part of a Knossos tour. It is a complete no brainer to choose to visit as the museum amplifies and expands your appreciation of the history of Crete particularly after visiting Knossos. I was unable to book tickets online beforehand, but the queue was worth standing in for 15-20 minutes, i'm unsure how long it is normally but there was on a Wednesday a later opening time of 1-8, so it was just a one of those things. However it was a superb building and rooms to view and look at the archaeological finds. Everything was densely packed in but was thoughtfully laid out and I could have spent much longer than the 1.5-2 hours I had available, and this was just prioritising the first floor with the Minoan finds.

Amazing place full of items mainly from Knossos Palace. I would recommend visiting this place prior to seeing Knossos Palace. There is a cafe with a great view over the part of Heraklion and sea port. To avoid the crowds i believe it is better to come in an afternoon.

What can I say, the archaeology in this museum is amazing. The amount and quality of the finds on display at stunning. It covers all throughout the ages. We visited Knossos before visiting the museum, everything just slots into place and you get to understand the history and relevance of the finds.

The main square is a lively place with lots of restaurants and shops around—perfect for a casual stroll or a meal. However, during our visit, the fountain wasn’t working, which was a bit disappointing. Still, the atmosphere and variety of places nearby made it worth the stop.

The wonderful Morosini Fountain, in the heart of Heraklion old town. I couldn't help but think the effect this fountain had on the city when it was unveiled in 1629. Incredibly ornate marble font with carved frescos depicting local life and well being. Meanwhile just metres away locals share al fresco dining, could be a mirror image from the fountain.

The fountain is nice. Beautiful carved frescoes all over. However, the fountain was never "on" in the 2.5 days I was there. At night, cockroaches come out of the cracks by the base. The fountain area is packed with tourists that give off a positive vibe and energy. Surrounded by restaurants all over the place and street shops hawking various wares. The fountain is at least 350 years old.

Great central location in Heraklion, Cretes capital city. Lots going on here, squares to sit and people watch, cafes,bars and restaurants plus shopping. If you're after historical- lots to see too. If you're looking for smaller and more picturesque, go to Agios Niklaus.

The vibrant social spot where, even if you don't speak the Greek [never late to try it], you can melt right into the local life. Coffee shops in Greece are a true social institution, the kind Starbucks can only envy. Take your "frapé", sit back, and soak up the lively animated conversation and joy of the locals while tracing the ever lasting attempts of foreign powers to leave their marks in Hiraklion.

Lovely fountain, we stopped here on our guided tour of Herakleion. Was here during the very end of the season and it was still incredibly busy so dread to think how packed this would be in the summer. Fountain wasn't actually on when we visited so not as majestic as hoped. Still wonderful architecture.

Nice meeting place at the historical center of the city. The fountain dates from the seventeenth century. Beautiful cafes and shops nearby.

The only reason this museum has 4 stars instead of 5 is because it's still undergoing renovations! Do not let this put you off though! Any nature lover visiting Crete should come to this museum. Everything is translated into English and it is jam-packed full of information and wonders to explore and look at! As you enter there is a long row of lockers that are free to use so you dont have to carry your bags around with you (I really appreciated this). The museum is set out over numerous floors, so there are quite alot of stairs in the building but there are also lifts available. The discovery centre part of the museum I imagine is pretty useful for kids and school education groups. I imagine that once the renovations are complete this museum really will be in good condition. I thoroughly enjoyed all the specimens on display and the different modes of information being displayed (films, interactive panels, information panels etc).

Interesting museum if you want to learn about the nature of Crete and the Mediterranean, however the main exhibits have not changed in as long as it has existed. It is located in a unique building of Heraklion which used to be a factory. It is right on the seaside but it unfortunately has no accesible viewpoints or balconies. I think it is worth visiting at least once though.

The museum is interesting for sure, but the live animals that are kept there are sadly in bad and unhealthy conditions. Enclosures seem dirty and the water they have is dirty too with algae growing in the drinking water and it just seems sad overall. I can not understand why live animals are treated like this especially in a place that has "museum" and "university" on the building. Take care of your animals.

Interesting museum but unfortunately the earthquake simulator was not open. Lots of stuffed animals on view but also some live ones. Spent about 1,5 hours there leaving a little wiser about Crete ( Greece) and its natural history. Worth a visit.

Very informative. The stuffed animals look quite real. But what makes me very sad is that they exhibit live animals here. Half of the showcases are uninhabited or “Under Construction” because the animals are probably not doing very well here and are dying. Only freedom is species-appropriate!

Quite nice, but it was quite hot on the upper floors when we were there (September 2025). The earthquake simulator, which we were most looking forward to, wasn’t working.

The museum is currently under renovation, so some areas are closed, but it remains open to visitors. We had a wonderful visit and enjoyed the diverse educational exhibits about Crete’s nature and wildlife. The interactive displays and discovery center for kids make it a great experience for families. The building is unique and right by the sea. Some parts like the earthquake simulator are still being developed, but overall the visit was very rewarding and worth it.

This place is amazing. Overwhelmed. One can ask a simple question- how would they build without having today’s technology and tools? You can explore it on your own, taking a local bus from downtown Heraklion for over 2 euros- 2nd zone. Early afternoon there are less people. If you like you can hire a local guide or use your phone to download valuable information. I recommend 2-3 hours of your time. There is a toilet before the gate - nothing inside. There are few benches you can sit while walking around. There is a cafe and souvenir shop with not expensive basic guidebooks in different languages. There is a huge parking lot, I believe for free. We did not need it, since we used a bus.

I really like how certain areas are restored next to the unrestored sections so you can really see the passage of time. Nice open site with plenty of shady spots to sit. Small cafe area at the front is fairly busy, but once you’re inside the grounds it feels very spacious and open.

Some photos of the Knossos palace and archaeological site. Was really fun and interesting. But I feel I wanted more time then I had to explore it all. Guide was amazing. But 1 hour extra would been great to walk around by one Self

Awesome historical monument. The reconstructed areas are tastefully done and the excavation has been done so you can really get a feeling for the importance of the site. The Knossos app (if you have a guide they can show you a QR code for the website) let's you see what many areas would have looked like before being ruined, so you can stand in a spot and see what it would have looked like. Well worth a visit.

The site is of course awe inspiring. Simply walking on the same grounds as the amazing ancient Minoans and trying to imagine how the palace looked like with the help of some of the restorative work done is amazing. Still, at times you feel quite lost. Can't truly understand what has been restored(except for the clear ones), what was original and most of the signs don't really help that much either. For such a historical site, there should be an improvement on all aspects.

A must for any history buffs. It’s so interesting and not difficult to walk around. Enjoy your tour with a guide. They will explain everything and help you skip the queue. There is toilets, cafeteria and a gift shop. Plus the resident peacocks and cats. Buses and Taxis easy to get to and from the site.

Well worth a visit whilst in Heraklion. We visited in October 2025 between 1pm-2pm which was ample time to tour and see the palace ruins of Knossos. It was not too crowded and was a pleasant walking tour. There is an ample sized free carpark next to Knossos palace. We purchased tickets on arrival at the palace entrance. Price was €20 for adults and €10 for seniors over 65. Gift shops and a taverna are located across the road as you depart.

This place is amazing. Overwhelmed. One can ask a simple question- how would they build without having today’s technology and tools? You can explore it on your own, taking a local bus from downtown Heraklion for over 2 euros- 2nd zone. Early afternoon there are less people. If you like you can hire a local guide or use your phone to download valuable information. I recommend 2-3 hours of your time. There is a toilet before the gate - nothing inside. There are few benches you can sit while walking around. There is a cafe and souvenir shop with not expensive basic guidebooks in different languages. There is a huge parking lot, I believe for free. We did not need it, since we used a bus.

I really like how certain areas are restored next to the unrestored sections so you can really see the passage of time. Nice open site with plenty of shady spots to sit. Small cafe area at the front is fairly busy, but once you’re inside the grounds it feels very spacious and open.

Some photos of the Knossos palace and archaeological site. Was really fun and interesting. But I feel I wanted more time then I had to explore it all. Guide was amazing. But 1 hour extra would been great to walk around by one Self

Awesome historical monument. The reconstructed areas are tastefully done and the excavation has been done so you can really get a feeling for the importance of the site. The Knossos app (if you have a guide they can show you a QR code for the website) let's you see what many areas would have looked like before being ruined, so you can stand in a spot and see what it would have looked like. Well worth a visit.

The site is of course awe inspiring. Simply walking on the same grounds as the amazing ancient Minoans and trying to imagine how the palace looked like with the help of some of the restorative work done is amazing. Still, at times you feel quite lost. Can't truly understand what has been restored(except for the clear ones), what was original and most of the signs don't really help that much either. For such a historical site, there should be an improvement on all aspects.

A must for any history buffs. It’s so interesting and not difficult to walk around. Enjoy your tour with a guide. They will explain everything and help you skip the queue. There is toilets, cafeteria and a gift shop. Plus the resident peacocks and cats. Buses and Taxis easy to get to and from the site.

Well worth a visit whilst in Heraklion. We visited in October 2025 between 1pm-2pm which was ample time to tour and see the palace ruins of Knossos. It was not too crowded and was a pleasant walking tour. There is an ample sized free carpark next to Knossos palace. We purchased tickets on arrival at the palace entrance. Price was €20 for adults and €10 for seniors over 65. Gift shops and a taverna are located across the road as you depart.

A wonderful little bay with incredible views and amazing waters. Especially in the afternoon they are unique. It is worth visiting and do not miss a mask for snorkeling, if you like exploring the seabed. In the afternoon you meet octopuses that move fearlessly on the rocks of the seabed as well as squids that take their walks, starfish and all kinds of fish!! Do not forget to visit the picturesque taverns that are there. Excellent people with kindness and respect. and everything we tried was unexpectedly delicious and fresh!

Our best beach in central Crete. Protected from the northern wind/waves. Good water clarity (excepted on the very shore) and amazing underwater variety. Fishes, turtles, rocks, cliffs, caves, it has it all. Daily sunbeds set at 10€ (July) / 15€ (August), unfortunately in the range for Cretan beaches. The beach itself gets quite crowded in high season (very limited place for extra private umbrellas/towels). More for sea-lovers than beach-lovers, maybe. Various boats/pedal boats/kayaks to rent.

Just beautiful! Sunbeds and umbrella are 15€, here is a beautiful tavern to eat lunch. And the water is clean, clear and with a lot of fish to see when snorkeling

Beautiful beach. Clean sea, clear water. Beautiful rocks nearby. Set of two sunbeds and umbrella 10 euros.

A small, wild beach with amazing views! Peaceful, beautiful, and perfect for escaping the crowds.

Beautiful place but it would not be comfortable for you if you didn’t want to rent sun lounger- it’s almost on the all territory. Not big area for children to play with sand. In water a lot of renting stuff- boats and catamarans. Parking is a little up from the beach.

Really nice place but one thing I would say is that there are so many people and especially near the shore it is very crowded. It is okay to find a sun bed in the morning but in the afternoon it gets VERY crowded. When you get further out to sea it is lovely with clear waters and LOADS of fish. Highly recommend but visit in the morning in order to get a sun bed and avoid big crowds. There are 2 cafes one is a taverna where it would be ideal to get lunch or dinner. One is a cafe that does milkshakes and plenty of ice lolly’s. There isn’t much litter in the sea either with is refreshing to see. Come here mainly if you want to snorkel since it is very good! There is very limited parking especially in the afternoon so arrive before 10:30. We have been to many beaches around the Cretan coast but homely this was the bed one!!

Fantastic beach. Calm water, little wind. Great for young children. Lots of taverna and cafe close by. Deck chairs are 6-8euro for day (include a couple bottles of water)

(Translated by Google) The wands are located very tightly and this brought discomfort for me The beach is clean and well-kept (Original) Жезлонги розташовані дуже щільно і це для мене приносило дискомфорт Пляж чистий, доглянутий

(Translated by Google) Nice little beach, free parking not far away. Loungers (2 with umbrellas) for €30 including 2 shallow water beds (Original) Schöner kleiner Strand, kostenlose Parkplätze nicht weit weg. Liegen (2 mit Schirm) für 30€ inclusive 2 flachen Wasser

Omorfo ala mikro meros.

(Translated by Google) Characteristic beach surrounded by shops and bars/restaurants! The old port is located next to it with about ten boats, it is possible to rent jet skis and small boats. I only give 4 stars because the density of umbrellas is high and there isn't the peace you deserve once you get to the beach... too bad! If it was useful to you, leave a like! 👍🏼☺ (Original) Spiaggetta caratteristica contornata da negozietti e bar/ristoranti! Si trova in fianco il porto vecchio con una decina di imbarcazioni, è possibile noleggiare moto d'acqua e piccole imbarcazioni. Do solo 4 stelle perché la densità di ombrelloni è elevata e non c'è la pace che ti meriti una volta arrivati in spiaggia... peccato! Se vi è stato utile lasciate un like! 👍🏼☺

(Translated by Google) A gem hidden among the houses and alleys towards the end of the town. Surrounded by very nice places and shops. Beautiful to look at, to take a walk, but it doesn't make you experience it as a beach as it is mixed with the marina and therefore you have a coming and going of boats which are not pleasant if you are living a beach/sea life. (Original) Una chicca nascosta tra le case e i vicoli verso la fine del paese. Contornata da locali molto carini e negozietti. Bella da vedere, da farci la passeggiata, ma non fa viverla come spiaggia in quanto è amalgamata con il porticciolo e quindi hai un andirivieni di barche e barchette che non sono piacevoli se stai facendo vita da spiaggia/mare.

(Translated by Google) The beach is suffocating! The sunbeds are stuck to each other... (Original) Plaja sufocantaaaa! Sezlongurile sunt lipite unul de celalalt...

(Translated by Google) The waters were amazing. Nice beach. Sandy and relatively shallow. The only downside is that the sunbeds in the shops are very close to each other and you can't move comfortably. You can, however, sit on the rock a little further to the right where there is shade after noon. (Original) Τα νερά ήταν καταπληκτικά. Ωραία η παραλία. Αμμώδης και σχετικά ρηχη. Το μοναδικό μειονέκτημα είναι ότι οι ξαπλώστρες των μαγαζιών είναι πολύ κοντά η μία στην άλλη και δεν μπορείς να κινηθείς άνετα. Μπορείς να κάτσεις όμως στο βράχο λίγο πιο δεξιά όπου μετά το μεσημέρι έχει ίσκιο.

A wonderful place. The owner is a very nice guy and passionate reptile owner who really cares about the welfare and rescue of these beautiful animals. He owns a huge variety of reptile species which he can tell you all about and he even let's you hold some of them. Very educational for children and adults! Help his good cause by visiting this place. Definitely recommended!

The 2 hours we spent there went like a minute. I had the joy to play with 3 chameleons climbing on my arms and neck all in the same time. An amazing interaction with their tiny claws pinching gently, such a joy! We also got to gently hold some of the snakes. The place is filled with interesting creatures, some you can hold, some not, but you can see them at least. The experience all in all is definitely worth the drive.

Small and friendly setting but has loads to show. The staff are brilliant and the animals on show were made so accessible to hold. I didnt expect so much for the 5 euro entrance, glad I came.

This is one of the few places where I was genuenly impressed - by its simple, yet beautiful reptile exhibitions. They are owned by a guy which is extremely passionate about this. When we entered the building, he greeted us and showed us each animal present, explaining in detail everything. During his speech, he talked to us about how he got his first snake at 12, which shows how big his passion is! Overall, amazing place and I strongly recommend visiting!

Remote but well worth a visit. Owner is very personable, explains details about all the reptiles and allows visitors to hold some of the snakes, chameleons and there is a friendly large tortoise wandering around the premises. Interesting place to spend 30 to 45 minutes, and for all ages and great fun for children. Just a few kilometers from Meloni Cave, also fascinating to visit.

Reptisland is an absolute must-visit in Crete! ❤️🥰 The park is home to a fascinating variety of reptiles and snakes, and the experience was truly unforgettable. The staff are incredibly kind, knowledgeable, and passionate — we learned so much about reptile life and behavior. I completely fell in love with this place! Definitely one of the best experiences of my trip. 🫶🏽✨

The owner is very friendly and knowledgeable, and has many snakes that you can handle. Some of the children were somewhat rough with the animals, and it would be nice if there were more clear instructions on how to handle the animals so they feel safe and comfortable. However, the animals generally seemed relaxed, especially the tortoise that wanders around the shop.

Well done cave but small. Beautiful cave able to be seen in under 15 minutes. (We spent 5-10 inside plus the small walk from the entrance.) It’s essentially one room that you enter via a two-way staircase then do a small loop within one main room once inside. The path is decently lit (for a cave) but it is still relatively dark. It’s a comfortable cool inside (~15-16C/60F) but didn’t require a sweater. They provide a brochure/guide plus have a few small signs in multiple languages within the cave. It did get a little busy when we were entering via the stairs but not uncomfortably so. Cafe had decent outdoor seating, though on our way out all tables were taken so we skipped it. Toilets in the car park were nicer than expected. Car park can get quite busy though there is a bit of turnover with people leaving. They indicate to be careful when parking 11-1 certain days as used as a bus turnaround spot.

If this is your first time visiting a cave, it will be an amazing experience for you. I wasn't lucky enough to visit the whole cave as most of the area was closed, but I was still amazed by what I saw. The photos and video only represent 1% of the incredible things you can see with your own eyes. It's worth renting a car as the bus isn't the best solution.

Loved this! The cave is large with intricate rock patterns. My neck hurt from looking up so much. Be sure to read about the memorial to the people who died in the cave. Recommend checking this out!

An absolutely stunning cave featuring impressive stalactites and stalagmites! The pathways are well maintained and easily accessible, even for families with children. The view at the exit is breathtaking – a true highlight of the visit. Ticket prices are very reasonable. Highly recommended! 🪨✨👨‍👩‍👧‍👦

It is a rather small cave, and one will only take 15 -20 minutes to go around. It has a historical significance to the people of Crete. The road to the cave os spectacular. There is a cafe at the premises.

Beautiful monument in a Cave setting to a town who chose not to surrender their life and town. They still serve fresh squeezed orange juice with other local treats for a refreshing morning stop with clean restrooms before and after your visit.

Interesting cave to walk in , beautifully shaped stalagtites and stalagmites all over , to be noted that you need to have to be a little in shape as it's up and down and so for the walking you need to do.

5 minutes hiking from the car park. The path is quite steep but manageable. The beach is secluded so bring drinks/snacks with you. During the middle of the day is getting really hot even the wind is hot.

It's not just a beautiful and cozy beach, it's just a beautiful place. If you drive by, you will notice how a small rock crashes into the sea from the car, even small caves are visible from the way. A small parking lot will definitely invite you to stop. You walk a little bit, 20-30 meters, and you will see this place, this beach as we saw it. The beach itself is located below, but the descent to it and the ascent is simple and it will not be difficult for you. We were going to another beach, but we stayed here and those two or three hours that we spent here gave us great pleasure. There are few people here and you will feel very comfortable. The sea is beautiful, it seems that between the rocks protruding from the water, the sea warms up more and the water becomes warmer. And the view of the sea, that of the rock, with its small caves, will not leave you indifferent. If you are in the south, be sure to visit this place, it's worth it!

Visited this beach with my partner. Was really secluded, with trees to provide some shade and a pleasant sea to swim in. We went late afternoon, but I imagine would be very hot in the middle of the day

Very private pebble beach with crystal clear water. There is a sign to the beach on the main road, so it is easy to find. The road down to the beach is rocky but worth the effort. There is not much shade so be prepared.

Amazing beach , crystal clear water , perfect location,the way down to the beach is easy, there is a rocky, bumpy path but it's no big deal. Just shade is not sufficient there so be prepared before you go.

Easily reachable by car, needs a short (5 mins) hike to reach from the parking spot. The landscape is certainly interesting. You can climb most of the rocks in the sea and jump off them.

Very nice rocky beach with clean water and natural beauty. You can park next to the road at the parking place . The beach is 200 metes down after you walk a little tricky path but the place is beautiful.

It was a nice experience. The service and the food was great. The prices were higher than average, as expected, but it was worth it for one day. 2 normal sunbeds were 20 euros, with no towels and self service. One sunbed by the pool was 35 euros per person including service, water and two towels. The beef in the picture was €45 and the fries were €8. In conclusion, it was nice but way expensive.

Christian was amazing and was really immersed with our table, we had 11 people and we were all served too for all our needs. His customer service was amazing and would 100% come back if I was here again.

We spent the whole day at the Grande Gazebo which included our own private jacuzzi and honestly it was worth every penny!! The food was excellent and the service went over beyond for us . Warm welcome, great quality, food and drinks we would definitely recommend booking a private are a for you and your loved ones . We’ll definitely come back again!!

I spent the day there because of the wind and the red flag. The place is nice and the pool is big, but the prices are too high. €25 for a set of sunbeds with nothing included, not even in the first row, and placed horizontally to the sea, which really takes away from the experience.

The best evening for our girls pre wedding! Staff couldn’t do enough for us, thank you so much, we had the best night! Amazing food and cocktails in a beautiful setting ❤️

Very random beach club. Sun-beds are organised super randomly, no minimum spend, two sunbeds are 35€. Also no table service. Prices are crazy expensive and the food looks below average.We been to a lot of beach clubs and this one is the definitely the worst. I would understand higher prices for quality, but sadly there’s no quality here.

Fantastic beach club and very reasonably priced, we came for my daughter’s 21st Birthday and Christian looked after us so well. Food at the Baja restaurant was fabulous and the surprise birthday cake was a lovely touch. Thank you Christian.

Last 3 minutes of drive up are unpaved and like others I got a flat tire. Otherwise the drive up is beautiful but also quite dramatic and treacherous. Not for the faint of heart! The cave is an amazing part of history and myth so I couldn't skip it it. One plaque at the entrance of the site gives a brief detail of its significance. Best if you read up yourself. According to Google the site is open til 8pm. Sign at entrance says 4pm. Was officially closed when I arrived but thankfully the gate door was open.

I would have given it 5 stars if not the unnecessary rails - in my opinion they could have been removed after the exploration of the cave. It is a really nice cave in terms of its shape and place, but the smell - it was hard for me to stay there longer, very strong smell of rotten wood and pigeon poop. It was very nice just to stay a bit longer next to the cave, it was very calms, only the birds and the echoes of their wing flaps bouncing off the cave. Beautiful little flowers. Our 9y/o son says spent all the time playing with the remaining snow just next to the cave. I would suggest to grab some snacks with you as it is a very nice place to sit with the view of plateau and have some snacks.

Found the car park there is a dirt track wglhich goes to another car park. The walk up was 430m and was really pretty. The caves had a guide but was full of bird poo. Personally found it a bit off putting but was free

The cave is noteworthy for its religious and mythical significance. Not an especially interesting-looking cave though still worth a visit. The highlight for us were actually the views of the mountains and the plain on the way to the cave. Spectacular scenery! Note that the last 1.5km of road to the cave is unsealed, single lane, rocky and has no Armco barriers. Daunting… if there are two cars passing each other..luckily there is very little traffic… we didn’t pass any other cars on the way up or down. Do-able.

I’ve seen many people turn back due to (presumed?) road conditions, It’s possible to drive up with a 2WD as long as you’re careful! Get to the site from Angoni in the north if you have a 2WD, other roads require a 4WD Quite a number of people in these reviews confuse this cave with the diktaen cave or psychrocave and claim this one is not worth it. The cave itself is not the typical fairytale cave- unlike the other contender - but rather the cave where you would expect Zeus to be hidden from Kronos. This has been a major site in the Minoan and Hellenic religions, evidenced by the finds made here, and just that fact makes it worth going. There is also a very interesting and imposing altar from antiquity at the entrance that is quite unique.

Great views, and interesting place. Worth to see. PS: in case 1km climbing is not for you, there's a road till the very end. It looks gravel, but in fact only beginning and the middle part are gravel. The rest is solid. With slow driving regular car can make it.

The drive up alone to this cave is worth it for the truly stunning scenery and interesting views, the plateau is incredible and looks like an African savannah, truly dripping in natural beauty. We arrived at the end of the tarmac road and carried on up the gravel road to a parking area just below the entrance, we walked up to the entrance to be greeted by a young lady and her son, she gave us a book on the area and informed us the entrance was free, she then proceeded to give us a guided tour, not a great deal to see but worth it none the less, over all a great visit and definitely worth the effort.

An impressive hiking trail that is well worth recommending. It is moderately challenging, so proper footwear is essential. Much of the route offers shaded sections, but if you hike around midday or into the afternoon, a hat and plenty of water are strongly advised.This is a round-trip trail; we started from the northern point, heading uphill first and then returning downhill. The uphill section is the more demanding part, with a total elevation gain and loss of approximately 150 meters.At both ends of the trail, you will find charming tavernas where you can rest and enjoy a meal. There are also options to call a taxi if you prefer to hike only one direction instead of the full loop.

One of my favorite places on Crete. The path through the gorge leads past ruins of mills and lush vegetation to a creek with small natural ponds. Great place for photography, hikes, and a rest from Crete’s heat.

Take plenty of water. It’s 45 mins each way. You go back the same route you came. Park on the road, the entrance is obvious. We went downhill first and then the return was all uphill. However at the end once we were almost back to the car, we went swimming in the waterfall. It was amazingly clear, cold and refreshing. Something different to do in Crete. You have to be averagely fit and be prepared in trainers. Ive never been wild swimming before so it was wonderful to do here. We went in September and there was plenty water for a dip. I was a bit worried how hard the trail would be in the heat but around 70% was in the shade. I’m also not very fit but managed it fine, taking small breaks on the way back up hill.

Nice quiet gorge, kid friendly, with a small stream of water going through it, we visited in early October so its the end of the dry season and the waterflow was good. If you are looking for short trail xlose to Rethimno, not too hard, with a little bit of water, this is for you.

Lovely gorge with cantinas on both ends. Wear some good shoes. We started from the bottom, and were very glad to descend on the return trip.

A beautiful hike for families with children. The trail has flowing water all year round and takes around 3 hours.

Fantastic trail for persons pasionate of trail walking. Parking on the street. One goes on the trail towards right for 5 ish min and then round towards the nord. At the end of the trail, if you walk dawn for a good 300 meters there is a taverna, Banana... where one can have a cold beverage. Then back, on the same trail. In July there are some natural rivel pools where one can refresh. Entire trails takes about 2 hours if you do not stop for picture and scenery. Is not difficult however it is about 6 km round trip. I would recommend trail shoes.

The palace was very important for the control of southern Crete and the trade with Egypt. It’s not as impressive as the one at Knossos because there are minor reconstructions but it is really worth the visit. Many of the most important artifacts from the Minoan era have been found here.

This is a great archeological site to visit. Unlike Knossos, which has been reconstructed in places, Phaistos is in the natural untouched state as it was discovered. There is still enough of the remains to get a good idea of how the palace was in its day. The scenery around the site is stunning.

Yet another archeological site in Greece that is nothing to write home about. On the plus side - it is a site of a former Minoan palace and you only have to share it with a few other visitors! Sadly, the site is only very small compared to other ancient sites, and even worse, some parts are fenced off. Even if you look behind every stone, you have seen everything in 45 minutes max. And I don’t even want to mention the ridiculous entry fee of 15 Euros!

Interesting site. Much less busy to the Palace of Knossos. It is further away for most tourists and it has much less to view. The entrance fee was 15 euros the day I was there and considering the balance between the "Ooo, Aaah!" factors for both places, this is Interesting if you drive by. There is controversial restorations at Knossos and here it is basically just a stone platform so there is less to see and marvel at but it is interesting, historically. 4 star rating if you are interested in history but if not....maybe 3 star.

I understand this is a very important piece of history and civilization, and I was happy to come here, but it felt underwhelming. Because it's so old and not much of the palace has survived, it's difficult to imagine how it actually looked like. There are quite a few informative boards on the site in greek and English and some pictures - maybe more illustrations would make it more accessible for a regular person. It's still a nice walk, with beautiful views - but 15 euro for entrance seemed pricey for me. It's ok but I don't think I would recommend it to any of my friends. Technicalities - the site is sunny so it can get very hot - remember to bring water and cover your head. Some benches in the shadow will help you cool down. There are lots of cute cats near the palace. There is also a toilet, a souvenir shop and cafe - I was sad to see that the souvenir shop offers really the cheapest kind of bullshit from china :( there is also a 'museum shop' with some books and postcards but also not a great selection.

I will make the same comment as to other archeological sites in Crete: for the entry fee, the site should be more visitor-centered, including additional notes, maps or labels tourists could read and enjoy along the way. Phaistos remains one of the must-see sites to understand and explore the Minoan era in Crete. The site is immense and extremely well preserved, placed atop of a hill that shows the wonderful plains of Mesara and the multiple olive trees. The site is divided in well identified part but still felt that most of it was not accessible to visit. A must-see for ruin lovers in Crete, but beware of the shoes or bringing small children with you.

Beautifull archeological site, not as reconstructed as a Knossos palace, but beautifull either way. If you have a great imagination, you can pretty much reconstruct it in your head and feel like a part of the ancient Minoan community walking the same streets and corridors as them some 3500 years ago... If you stay in Crete I believe Knossos and Phaistos are a must visit.

We visited this place yesterday, and it turned out to be a reminder not to rely too much on tourist guides, suggestions, or popular tips. The beach itself is, of course, beautiful, but it was so crowded and chaotic that it really took away from the experience. The parking lot is located a few hundred meters above the beach, and to get there you need to go down very steep stairs. One definitely has to be careful, especially for elderly visitors or those with small children. I actually witnessed a little boy falling and scraping his knees badly on the way down. On site, there is a bar, some chairs, and a toilet. The scenery is undeniably stunning – the rock formations, including the famous heart-shaped rock, are impressive. However, the sheer number of people, along with the constant arrival of boats unloading tourists, completely robs the place of its natural charm. There is no harmony, no energy, no peace. Despite the undeniable beauty, the river mouth is simply overcrowded with visitors. After about two hours we left, climbing back up the steep path to the parking lot (currently €3). Afterwards, we found another beach just 7 minutes away, where we were completely alone – and as the locals say, everyone can find their own beach here.

Beautiful beach. From the parking lot, it’s a short hike down to the beach, with beautiful views along the hike. It’s all downhill to the beach and all uphill back, so be prepared. The beach gets very crowded after 9:30-10 AM, especially when the boats start to arrive and drop people off.

A true gem to visit while in Crete! Steps are a bit steep but with care can be done. We were in our beach flip-flops and no issues! The palm tree forest, the river( can actually walk thru it upstream for scenic view) and the beach are spectacular!

Just no. That’s what comes to mind when I think about this beach. Overhyped, overcrowded, too much effort to reach and too little reward once you get there. The famous palm grove isn’t physically blocked off, but there are signs saying you can’t enter because of fire hazard. Of course, people ignore them and walk up the river from its mouth to snap photos of the palms. The water here is also colder than on most southern beaches, which doesn’t exactly make it inviting. Getting there is another issue. It’s a solid 15-minute walk each way, with the return being steep uphill. I’m a hiker, and even for me it was effort — I timed it. Expect uneven rocky stairs and a frustrating climb back if you’re not steady on your feet. If you’re absolutely set on visiting, skip the hike and use the boat service from Plakias. Otherwise, there are so many better options for your day. Souda Beach in the south, for example, is a far more enjoyable choice.

Easily the most magical place I’ve ever been with the most unique landscape EVER! Absolutely LOVED this spot and recommend exploring here if you’re in Crete!

Gorgeous beach with a river and many palm trees!! We loved it here, but 2 things worth mentioning: - water is super cold - you have to hike a bit in order to get to the beach

This place has so much potential, but unfortunately, it's being ruined by tourists who don’t seem to care. There was plastic floating in the water, which was really sad to see in what could be a magical spot. It was pretty overwhelming because it was crowded. The hike up can be intense, but it’s doable if you pace yourself. At the top, there’s a guy selling fruit and water — I highly recommend grabbing something from him. If you’re not up for the hike, I noticed there’s a boat service that picks up and drops off visitors. Overall, it is a beautiful location, but to be honest, I’m not sure I’d recommend it simply because of how busy and poorly treated it is. Definitely bring water shoes — the rocks in the water are slippery.

Our favourite beach in the Messara region of Crete by far!! Unspoilt, beautiful beach, kilometres of pristine sand. We prefer the far end part by the cliffs, there used to be sun beds under the taverna, but they seem to have removed them this year. Still, loads of fun! Not much shade, if you’re with small children (or are prone to heat strokes, like I am lol).

Very nice beach to see the sunset. The beach is sandy but the entrance in the water is full of flat rocks. We would recommend water shoes. There is a mix of nudism, naturist and clothes people. There is no food or commercial places on the beach so bring your own sun lungers / chairs / umbrellas. A lot of people with tents for shade, there is a space under the trees with shade but it was full of people when we arrived.

Great beach! It’s wide, there are not many people during the week (end of August) and therefore it‘s a complete opposite to the Matala beach (on the other side of the rock).

Nice big beach but you should be aware that there is no shade atall and that there is no sun bed rental. We went there with our baby hoping for share but there were no umbrellas and sunbeds. A local told us that it used to be the last years but this year because of the turtles they don't have ot anymore. Also, you have to be careful when going Into the water. There are huge stone plates which you don't see because of the waves. They can really hurt you.

A long, wide and windy beach, not crowded, with available parking. There are paid toilets, and further down there’s also a nudist area. The archaeological ruins are not accessible to the public, but you can see them through the fence.

Kommos Beach in Crete… pure magic! 🌊 One of the most beautiful and longest beaches on the island. As you walk down, head all the way to the right and you’ll reach the nudist section. Golden sand, shady trees, and a vibe of absolute freedom. 🏖️💙

EDIT May 2025: It should be noted that in some places on the beach, before entering the water, there are large stone slabs. You should be especially careful during strong winds when the waves hide this danger: you can not only slip but also seriously injure your feet and calves, even when wearing shoes. ___ A long sandy beach, much bigger than the one in Matala, so even in high season you will find a place here. The southern part of the beach has sunbeds and umbrellas, a cafe, a parking space and a lifeguard point. The middle section mainly belongs to the FKK. Not such much shade here, but in the FKK part you can find some places under the trees. Before coming to the beach, be sure to check the wind situation today. The beach is an open space, so there are big waves and sometimes, when the wind is very strong, the sand flies so fast that you even feel pain on your skin. It's impossible to sunbathe then - it overwhelms you like a Sphinx in the desert. The sand is different than in Red Beach in Matala.

Long beach, part near the shop and tavern, part quieter. Beach bars, sunbeds. Nudist part. Calm, clear sea. Around the rock. Plenty of parking spaces, but we were there at the beginning of May.

Great beach, many beach bars nearby, but not too crowded because it is so long... A set of wooden sunbeds with fat mattresses and bamboo-style umbrellas nearby Hotel Alegria cost 10€ (you get two bottles of water for free). The water was not too cold like it was on the other southern beaches, it gets deeply fairly quick but nonetheless it is suitable for families. Part of the beach close to a huge rock is reserved for nudists. We were having great fun with waves...

Plakias beach is wonderful for swimming near Beach Bar Mes tin Ammo and then going for a drink or snack at the bar. The water is clean and there are free umbrellas if you are a customer. Easy to spend an afternoon there and swim in the beautiful and energizing bay of Plakias.

One of the best beaches in Crete. Very clean beach area, well arranged and organized. Sunbeds available. Different bars along the beach. Toilets are very clean and well maintained. Don't miss this beach.

This review concerns only the part of the beach in front of SYNKA Super Market. 20€ for a set of sunbeds ……. This is pure theft, shame on them, people like this are making big damage to Cretan tourism. Ruthless and shameless thieves!!!!!!

Nice ⛱️ beach.You find good prise for beach loungers. Thei have tavernas and markets wher you cand find all you want .

Following a spectacular mountain drive through the Amari Valley, it was wonderful to arrive in Plakias & experience swimming in the Libyan sea. Quiter spots on this strip of sandy beach can be found - under the trees. Sun loungers & umbrellas available for hire & beach tavernas & supermarkets are also available & walkable.

Nice orthodox monastery with a small museum and a beautiful church. The site is quite amazing overlooking the ocean. Peacocks and birds also...

Really impressive monetary dating back to the 13th century. You'll have the most amazing view and will learn a lot about the history of the place. Some of the Icons are just fabulous. If you go to Preveli beach you should not miss it. But come early to beat the crowds and the arbitrary opening times of Orthodox monetaries.

Great Club. No wait like at Berghain. The bouncer is easy-going. Only 4€ entry! Photography is not allowed on the main floor but they don’t put stickers on your cameras. The soundsystem is a bit dated but the whole vibe here is awesome! Not too crowded either, but I wished the door was a bit stricter on who they allow in. Big groups of Germans in socked Birkenstocks and shorts just ruin the groove.

Peaceful place with lots of animals. Place rich in history that shows the place of Crete in WW2. Entry costs 4€ pp and you can access the museum (no photos allowed).

Preveli Monastery is a beautiful and peaceful place to visit, set in a stunning location with breathtaking views over the Libyan Sea. The church inside is wonderfully decorated, with a beautifully carved iconostasis and impressive frescoes. You can also see the relics of Greek saints, which adds a deep spiritual atmosphere. The grounds are full of life – peacocks, geese, ducks, and many singing birds make the visit even more charming. It’s a perfect spot to combine history, spirituality, and nature. A must-see if you are exploring the south of Crete!

It is worth a visit. The 4€ entry fee is maybe not warranted as besides the chapel to pray there isn't much else. You can see, from above, the animals that the monks take care of - goats, peacocks, ducesa, geese, ostrich etc. The view is also pretty nice

We were fortunate to have been blessed on two separate visits to the monastery. We were fortunate and blessed to receive Blessing by Father Antonio’s through the Holy Cross of Preveli. This cross has an original peace of the Cross of Jesus Christ embedded within it. We were very happy to have been granted and receive this blessing. Please note: We are Greek Orthodox. I’m not sure if this is possible for Christians of other denominations.

Love this beach! Blue water, nice sand, great restaurants around.

The little ones close to it are better (better water and so on) but the beach is i credibly empty (august), a lot of rentable seats, restourants under the trees, we found very easily the parking lots at 10 am.

Beautiful beach, worth your time! There are a few tavernas behind the beach and they have incredible food. You can rent an umbrella and two sun-beds for circa 7€. Visited during low season (end of october) but the water was still amazing to swim in. You should definitely pay this place a visit and it is definitely worth it.

great beach , big enough to feel spacious. The food is decent, fairly valued and the waiters at the restaurants very eager to serve and very polite. Nice and scenic route. Enough space to park. Not to be missed!!

The beach is crystal clear and we went to two of the restaurants there, Akti Damnoni and Taverna Violakis 1967. Both Tavernas have delicious foods and lovely staff. There is also an Italian Cafe at the top but we ran out of time. There is a Crete Market before the beach

Lovely beach. Worth going to the far end near the rocks. Sun beds €10 and beach service from the little bar at the top of some steps. Water so clear for snorkelling and lots of fish. Take care at that end getting in the water as there is a large area of rock under the water. It’s no problem just be aware it’s there! Plenary of car parking when we got there at 12 ish.

Nice and quiet beach. Good umbrellas and beach beds. Good taverna and the possibility to take the hop on boot to Preveli. Great.

Stunning beach! We absolutely love this beach, but you need a car to get here. It’s quiet and really lovely. It’s served, and a set of beach beds with umbrella will set you back €15 for the day. There is a nice taverna and toilets. My daughter was stung by a jellyfish, and the taverna gave her a sting stick to help ease the sting. Really lovely beach for snorkeling.

One of the best beaches I've visisted. We went in october, so it wasn't crowded. There is a small cantina on the beach. Good for snorkeling as well.

A truly wonderful beach, with incredible waters and surroundings! There is a canteen there as well and a café with a wide parking. Although the place is magical, there is a guy with sunbathing sets who is really rude.

Love it, stunning beach with lot of underwater life. And great cliffs to jump from. The shade set it 15€

Absolutely loved Skinaria Beach! It's the perfect spot if you (like me) prefer smaller, more natural beaches over long sandy ones. It's easy to get to by car but feels wonderfully secluded, surrounded by rocky cliffs that keep the water calm. The water itself is crystal clear - the coarse sand means it stays perfectly clean. It's fantastic for snorkeling around the cliffs and rocks. To top it off, around half of the beach is organised so you can get comfy beds with drink/snack service, and there's a great taverna on the beach for hot food. My favourite beach of our trip.

Visited this gem at the end of October, they were 2 sets of bed available! Blue striped ones for 10 euros each set and padded ones for 20 euros each sets! There is a snack bar near by and a Taverna (2 to 3 minutes walk) near this beach! The water is very clear, so bring ur Snorkeling gears! In late October I parked easily in the parking close to the beach! The road leading to this beach can be a tricky to new drivers, so be prepared! I will definitely visiti this place again

Small idyllic bay framed by rocks. Pristine water. It is recommended to collect your own rubbish after visiting.

Very clean and cool waters ,nice caves but you have to pay entrance fees to see from close. Organised beach with sunbeds and umbrellas (but of course you have to pay). Still there is enough space to sit at the beach without paying. Nice restaurants and cafés by the coast. Too crowded parking spaces most of the days meaning you may have to park your car 7-8 minutes far from the beach.

From the beach, the caves look picturesque, and the climb itself is quite an interesting activity. However, inside the caves, there is a predominant smell of urine, which is quite strange considering the €5 entrance fee for adults. There is also a lack of any information about the site (like an information board), or if there was one, it wasn't prominently displayed. In some places, the railings on the rocks were not secure or had been torn out.

Very impressive caves and high viewpoints of the beach!!! We explored their inside and you could see beds and pillows carved in stone! There were also paintings in some of them and we even spotted a ying-yang from when hippies lived there in the 60s. Disclaimer: You need to be very careful during the climbing to get to the upper caves!!! (athletic shoes required)

The view from the Matala caves is truly stunning and absolutely worth seeing, but visitors should be aware that safety is completely nonexistent. You climb directly on the rock, with no marked paths or proper facilities to secure the ascent. The barriers that are still in place are damaged and unstable, offering no real protection at all. Slipping is a real risk, especially in the heat or if you don’t have proper footwear. I strongly recommend wearing sturdy walking shoes, and I would not suggest this visit for people who are not confident on uneven terrain, especially families with children. Another downside: the price advertised online is €4, but once you arrive, the entrance fee is actually €5, which feels misleading. In summary, the view is absolutely beautiful, but the visit requires caution, preparation, and awareness of the risks. This is not a casual or easy outing.

Amazing neolithic caves mixed with modern day's hippy culture. It's a fantastic mixture of life feeling. Maximum recommendation!

Really nice beautiful spot. I really enjoyed my visit here. Beach is nice and clean, 12 euros for 2 chairs and umbria. Amazing food ,cave walk is very interesting. I definitely recommend

The rocks are very shallow, only 3–5 meters deep, and can be walked around in about 10 minutes. The entrance fee is €5. The price is €3 only for seniors over 65 years old. Some of the posts are broken, so it’s better not to lean on them, as they are not very stable.

Beautiful beach, but very crowded. If you want to see the caves, it’s at your own risk and there’s a €5 entrance fee. It’s better to wear water shoes because of the stones, and be careful with the waves and rocks.

Unfortunately the day we visited it was too windy and wavy and didn't have the chance to swim. A nice place with very touristy places and a lot of tourists even in early October!

The best beach to watch the sunset with local bars selling amazing food and drinks too. Ample parking and other shops available for a meander around when you've had enough sun! ☀️

This is a very nice sandy beach with plenty of room in the shade or the sun. Nice snorkeling to the right near to the caves, the entrance to which is via a wooden walkway across the top of the beach. The shops and restaurants looked nice and not too busy in October. Worth a walk to the lefthand side of the bay for views of the caves.

Town is really hippy, lots of bob barley and bob Dylan music. Caves were dangerous but stunning views. We stopped at 365 cafe Huge portions and really enjoyable lunch

Lovely beach nestled in amongst spectacular, cave riddled cliffs and with a beautiful small town above it. The water is crystal clear, the sand a fine type of small pebbles. We took our own snorkelling gear and had a great time exploring the underwater world off the beach, near the rocks, cliffs and caves. We spotted many types of fish, sea urchins and sponges.

Came off-season and glorious afternoons on the beach overshadowed by the caves in the rock face. Not too crowded and weather still in high 20s in November, and crystal clear sea still warm enough to swim in.

The walk there took some effort but still better than that of Balos in my opinion. The beach is just fine by itself but it’s wavy (which I like) and not so cold and the fact that you can be nude there made it 100x better.

If you’re into the whole nudistic beach thing, this is the place to be.. the climb there is amazing but be sure to bring water to refresh yourself. The beach and the water however are mediocre at best

A beautiful beach.However, getting there requires effort and caution. On the beach itself, there are 2 bars, some sunbeds, and umbrellas. In the water there are large rocks and stones. Be carefully when swimming 🏊‍♂️ There's a designated area for naturists. And goats that are not afraid to steal your food🙂 Definitely worth to visit.

The “owner” on the beach thinks he owns the place. Hard trail, cash only, and a lot of interesting characters - it’s hippy alright, but not the loving everyone kind: you need to be a young tattooed “cool” hippy to be included: not for the normal people - is the vibe you get here. But hey: cool beach and yes there is sand….

If you’re looking for a beach adventure that mixes stunning views with a bit of a workout, Red Beach in Matala is your spot. The hike to this beach is like a scene from an action movie—complete with rocky terrain and the occasional carved figure to keep you company. It's about a 30-minute trek from Matala, so pack your sturdy shoes and plenty of water. Once you get there, the reddish sand and crystal-clear water make the effort worth it. Don’t miss out on the infamous mojito from Gianni’s bar. Trust me, that strong drink will make the hike back feel like a breeze. Just be ready for some nudist sunbathing action, especially on the southern side of the beach. This place is the perfect blend of natural beauty, a touch of quirkiness, and a whole lot of relaxation.

May 2025: The southern part (from Jannis' bar to the left) is covered with large stones; there is not much space there, as only a few people can fit in (mostly it is an FKK zone). On this side there are also new stones in the water, so be careful. Most of the guests are naturists in the northern part (from Jannis' bar to the right), as in previous years. The textile part is in front of the tavern. ___ May 2024: The southern part of the beach (after going down to the beach from the tavern to the left) is definitely more mixed: while in previous years the FKK culture prevailed here, now there are more and more people in swimsuits. May, 2023: There are some changes and changes to the best. The waterline receded a few meters, revealing stretches of beach that earlier were under the water. The stones that covered most of the left (southern) part of the beach in 2022 have been cleaned up, so once again, coming to the beach along the path next to the Giannis tavern and turning left, you can find a lot of space to lie down on the sand at the FKK part. On the other hand, from the tavern going to the right there is still a zone with the FKK sign. The water is still crystalline (sometimes there are waves and wind), with fine sand, and the entrance to the sea is gentle.

From the parking lot it’s a 15 min walk to the beach, i did it in my sandals, so it was pretty easy, there are some challenging parts, but don’t worry, it’s still manageable. The sunbed sets cost 10 euros, with 2 beds. It’s better to arrive early if you want to have a spot there but there are plenty of space for your own parasol 🏖️ as well. It’s a very nice beach, with 2 bars and one food stand.