Beaches
Chersonissos has many beaches and although most of them are narrow, they are full of energy and life. All beaches in town have fine-grained sand and very clear water. The facilities vary from beach to beach, but there are sun lounges at all beaches and most of them are supervised by lifeguards during the summer. There are many shops, restaurants and cafés next to the beaches. Most of them are located a bit above beach level and have a beautiful view of the sea. When the families go to bed, the young tourists take over. Chersonissos is well known for its throbbing nightlife, particularly by the harbour where there are many bars, discos and nightclubs.
- Hotel Front Beach (right in front of the Hotel, 10 m)
- Chersonissos Beach (Distance 170 m, 2 min walk)
- Stalida Beach (Distance 5 km, 9 min drive)
- Anissaras Main Beach (Distance 3.7 km, 8 min drive)
- Malia Beach (Distance 8.5 km, 14 min drive)
- Limanakia Beach (Distance 1.5 km, 5 min drive)
- Gefyri Beach (Distance 2 km, 6 min drive)
- Potamos Beach (Distance 12 km, 17 min drive)
Hotel Front Beach (right in front of the Hotel, 10 m)
The main growth driver of the area is the beaches and the calm sea, which is rare in the northern coast of Crete due to regular north winds. It is very well organized and right in the heart of the city. You can find a lot of sea sport activities, bars & restaurants.
Chersonissos Beach (Distance 170 m, 2 min walk)
The first beach you come across east of the port of Hersonissos is a long sandy narrow beach, which is flooded by thousands of people. It is very well organized and close to the amenities of the city.
Stalida Beach (Distance 5 km, 9 min drive)
Stalis (or Stalida) is located 30km east of Heraklion, in the midway of Malia and Chersonissos. From a small seaside village set up by the residents of Mohos. Stalis is today a popular tourist resort, which is united with Malia town. The Stalis Beach is sandy, well organized and preferred by families.
Anissaras Main Beach (Distance 3.7 km, 8 min drive)
Anissaras Main Beach is beautiful, but the seabed is quite rocky in many places. This makes them popular to snorkelers, but waves are a regular problem. The beach close to Analipsi, the longest in the area, is “sandier” than the rest ones.
Malia Beach (Distance 8.5 km, 14 min drive)
The beach of Malia is the eastern part of the 6km long bay starting from Stalis. It is a wide beach with fine sand and shallow water. It is usually very crowded, so that there is no space between the sunbeds to fit a pin! Here you can find whatever comfort you ask. Apart from the classic umbrellas and water sports, you will find some extreme services, like massage, gym on the beach, bars at the hotel pools, and many more.
Limanakia Beach (Distance 1.5 km, 5 min drive)
The Coves of Chersonissos (Limanakia) are located 1,5km north of Hersonissos, starting from Cape Sarandaris and continuing to the east till the harbour of Hersonissos. They are really beautiful beaches with calm water because Cape Sarandaris protects them from the frequent northwest winds. Access to all coves is easy and the surrounding area is well developed. The town of Hersonissos is within walking distance, but if you want to stay at night close to the coves, there are several bars and cafes. Let’s now see the beaches, starting from the west.
Gefyri Beach (Distance 2 km, 6 min drive)
It is a small sandy beach 2km north of Chersonissos with calm waters surrounded by rocks. It is attractive to families and couples.
Potamos Beach (Distance 12 km, 17 min drive)
Potamos beach is a long sandy beach, very well organized, but less crowded than the main beach of Malia. The region, particularly its east part, is not developed due to the archaeological site. However, in the west of the beach, there are several hotels with small bays in front of them.
