Meakis Beach

Meakis beach is located in between the coastal settlement of Arvi and Keratokambos on the southern coast of Crete island, in the prefecture of Heraklion. It is beautiful and quiet, with sand, a few pebbles and blue waters. It is not organized, and no umbrellas or other amenities are to be found so it is best to bring everything you need with you. Rent-rooms exist at Arvi, and you can also find a taverna at the nearby village of Trochaloi. It is from here that you may approach the beach, either on foot or by driving along the dirt-road that starts there. About a kilometer to the east of Meakis is Arvi itself, which has a small port and a lovely beach.

The gorge of Arvi, one of the most spectacular gorges of Crete, is located nearby and is very popular but challenging. It is best visited during the spring or summertime, due to heavy rainfalls in the wintertime. A visit to the area can be combined with more mountain hikes; the Dikti Mountains (or Lassithiotika Ori) with its tallest peak, Spathi (2148 m) are also located nearby. The forest of Selakano, one of the most important ecosystems on the island for apiculture is another option for nature lovers wishing to explore the area. The small village of Arvi, inhabited since at least 2600 BC, offers a quiet and relaxing spot for holidaymakers and is popular with families. There are a lot of stunning beaches, however, the tourism sector has been developing very slowly, a fact that seems to suit those seeking solitude. From Heraklion, the distance to Meakis Beach is 70 km and takes about an hour and a half. On the way, you can make a stop at Lyrarakis Winery after the village of Meleses. It is a family-owned business with a long history located in one of the most important wine zones of Heraklion. Another village worth stopping in the area is Choudetsi; here a music workshop operates with an exhibition of traditional musical instruments from around the world. It is the only museum of its kind in Greece and includes rich collections that illuminate the most representative traditional music, from antiquity to the present day.