Gouves Beach

Gouves is a seaside tourist destination, located about 18 km from Heraklion on the northern coast of Crete island. It is an ideal spot for quiet family holidays and has all the necessary infrastructure you will need. The beaches of Gouves are small, sandy, with shallow and warm waters, perfect for families with young children. Most of the beach is well organized and protected from the winds by small artificial breakwaters.

The area has many restaurants, hotels, shops and cafes so you can find what you need for your holiday or even for your trip to the beach.

The area has been steadily growing in popularity in the last few years, more so than the nearby settlement of Gournes, where the former US base used to be. At the same time, it is a quieter and more relaxed choice compared to Malia and Hersonissos that most visitors are usually familiar with. Driving north on the coastal road, we meet the beaches of Aposelemi and Analipsi and in the other direction, there are various other options including Kokkini Hani, Vathianos Kampos, and Arina beach. The coastal path from Heraklion until Malia is characterized by small bays, mostly exposed to the northern winds with vast stretches of sand and small villages that have retained their Cretan charm. There are plenty of cafes, restaurants, local tavernas as well as shops, an ATM and a pharmacy.

In terms of local attractions, the CRETAquarium Thalassokosmos is located very close by, where you can learn more about and observe 200 mammal species. Another popular activity nearby, especially for children is the Dinosauria Park. Established in 2013, visitors here can spend the day learning about more than 30 different dinosaur species and explore interactive and creative exhibits. For a different kind of tour, consider the charming island of Dia, that on a clear day is visible in the Gulf of Heraklion. In the summer, there are frequent boat trips that start from Heraklion. It is a unique and protected ecosystem, and home to several important species. The island has one of the largest active colonies of the falcon “Mavropetritis” that seeks the isolated rocky cliffs of the island for nesting.