
North Heraklion
Karteros – Popular Sandy Beach East of Heraklion
A well-organised sandy beach 8 km east of Heraklion, with watersports facilities, sunbeds, and easy access by public transport.
Karteros Beach is one of the most popular and easily accessible beaches in the immediate vicinity of Heraklion city, located approximately 8 kilometres to the east. The beach features a long stretch of golden sand with organised sunbeds and umbrellas, watersports facilities, and several beach bars and tavernas along the promenade. Its proximity to the city makes it a favourite destination for Heraklion residents, particularly on summer evenings and weekends. The waters are shallow and calm near the shore, making it suitable for families with young children, while the open sea conditions further out attract windsurfers and jet-ski enthusiasts. Public buses connect Karteros directly to Heraklion city centre, making it one of the few beaches in the area that is easily reachable without a car. The beach is also wheelchair accessible along certain sections. The area around Karteros has seen considerable tourist development, with hotels, apartments, and restaurants catering to visitors. The nearby Karteros River, which flows into the sea at the eastern end of the beach, creates a small wetland area that is of interest to birdwatchers. The combination of convenient access, good facilities, and pleasant sandy conditions makes Karteros a reliable choice for a beach day near Heraklion.