Crete - recommendation for beaches or nice towns within driving distance of Herakleion

[Fatyorkshirerascal]

Sorry to post on Chat but need traffic!

In Crete at the mo, near Herakleion.

Hotel fab and weather decent but not been impressed at all when we ventured further afield. Beaches grubby and towns not v scenic.

Lots of people love Crete and we've had fab holidays in Greece so thought would be a bit nicer but we've not explored much so really grateful of recommendations.

Anyone know a pretty seaside town with a beach within driving distance? Or other nice beaches or places to visit? Anxious to make most of dying sunshine!!!!

TIA!

Was in Crete for the first time this summer, stayed in a small town Sissi which is about a 40 min drive from Heraklion. Pretty town but only a small harbour for swimming.

Potamos beach is probably 30 mins from Heraklion and has a really nice restaurant on the beach called Kalyva where we had some of the best food of our holiday.

The best beach I visited was Voulisma beach near Agio Nicolau - crystal clear water, amazing!

Wish I were there!!

Thanks so much Maggiethecat we went to Voulisma beach on your recommendation and it was beautiful.

Had a good swim and sunbathe then went to Agio Nicolau for late lunch and potter.

Anyone else got any gems let me know for tomorrow!!

Glad you enjoyed it @Fatyorkshirerascal.

We visited Elounda, a pretty town, to take the boat to Spinalonga island, the old leper colony. May or not be your kind of thing but have a look to see if of any interest.

We didn’t get the chance to visit the nearby Kolokitha beach which although small supposedly rivals Voulisma in beauty. That’s for next time!

We loved Knossos and Heraklion museum and a little icon museum in Heraklion.

Heraklion is kind of beautiful in a dilapidated way too!

We also loved Rethimno and lake Kournas. We didn't go to any beaches though.

I stayed in Rethymnon pre covid. Its just over an hour drive from heraklion. Beach, easy town and beach to walk around, castle on the hill, local museums, lots of cafes, a pretty port, can watch filo pastry being made etc.

I meant Rethymnon

Lake Kournas is beautiful. Also find a gorge, Kourtaliotiko gorge was amazing. You can swim up (freezing water) to a waterfall. So beautiful.

I would make a beeline for the Takis dog shelter. It’s now on the tourist trail just to say hi to the dogs and cats. You can look it up on YouTube