5 min walk
Almyros Beach
Closest easy swim from the house. A large sandy beach with very shallow water, a cold freshwater river at one end, and enough space to work for families even on busier days.
Back to town guide chapter ii
Sea & Beaches.
The full map of our 14 recommended swims, organized beaches, and coastal hideaways.
Town Beach
Ammos Beach
The easiest city swim if you want sand, umbrellas, and zero logistics. Right by the marina, with calm water and everything you need within a short walk.
Harbour Front
Kitroplatia Beach
The classic waterfront beach in the middle of town. Good when you want to mix a swim with lunch, coffee, or a late-afternoon stroll along the promenade.
North Side
Ammoudi Beach
A very good in-town option when you want clearer water and a more proper swimming feel than the central beaches. Popular for snorkelling, sea access, and longer afternoon swims.
Beach Club
Kimzu Sea Lounge
Not a classic sandy beach, but one of the best polished seafront day spots in town if you want sunbeds, drinks, food, and direct access to the water without driving anywhere.
Quiet Cove
Gargadoros / Votsalo Beach
A quiet pebble cove just south of town with fewer crowds and a wide view across the bay. There's a cafe right next to it — good for a relaxed swim with a coffee stop without leaving Agios Nikolaos.
5 km south
Ammoudara Beach
A reliable sandy beach just outside town, with clear water, easier parking, and the right setup when you want a cleaner short-drive beach without committing to a bigger day out.
15 min drive
Voulisma Beach
The postcard beach of the area. Very wide, fully organised, and known for the bright turquoise water. Best enjoyed early in the day before it fills up.
Elounda
Schisma Beach, Elounda
If you want the main Elounda swim, this is the straightforward choice. Sheltered water, almost no waves, and an easy setup right on the bay.
Before Kolokytha
Dianiskari / Gialiskari Coves
These are the small coves on the way to Kolokytha. Extremely clear water and a more natural feel, with rock slabs to lie on rather than a fully organised sandy beach.
Iconic Bay
Kolokytha Beach
One of the signature beaches of the area. Reach it from Elounda, then finish with the short walk down to the bay. Take water with you and treat it as a proper half-day beach stop.
Across Spinalonga
Plaka Beach
A small pebble beach in the fishing village of Plaka, directly opposite Spinalonga island (just 750 m across the channel). A lower-key alternative to the busier Elounda shore ? swim with the Venetian fortress as your backdrop.??????? ???? ?????, ??????? ???????? ??? ?? ?????????? (750 ?). ????? ?????? ?? ??? ??? ??????? ???????.
Elounda Bay
Chiona Beach
A small sheltered cove in the Elounda area, part of the municipality's Blue Flag cluster. Clear shallow water and a calm swim, ideal as a quick stop between Elounda and Plaka.?????? ?????????????? ?????? ???? ??????? ?? ??????? ??????. ?????? ???? ???? ??? ??????? ??????.
Historic Village Shore
Milatos Beach
The quiet pebbled shore of Milatos village, ~25 km northwest of Agios Nikolaos. Combines a laid-back swim with a handful of fish tavernas and the famous cave up the hill ? a real half-day village escape.? ????? ??????? ??? ??????? (25 ???). ?????????? ??????, ????????????, ??? ??? ????????? ????????.