Mononaftis Beach

Mononaftis beach is 23 km from the city of Heraklion and just 1 km from the popular coastal settlement of Agia Pelagia. It is a beautiful beach, about 80 m long, with crystal clear waters that gradually deepen, soft sand, a few pebbles and a rocky bottom in some places, ideal for those that want to combine their swim with a bit of fishing and diving.

As the beach is located in an open bay surrounded by rocks, it is not sheltered, so it is affected by the strong north winds that blow in the area. The beach is fully organized with all the amenities visitors can expect. You will find umbrellas, sunbeds and showers, but also several options for water sports. Next to the beach, there are restaurants, taverns and cafes, while you can also choose to stay in the village, as there are plenty of hotels, rooms to let and apartments nearby. Although it can get quite busy, it is more relaxed than the neighbouring Agia Pelagia.

To reach Mononaftis you will follow the main road travelling north from Heraklion and turn right when you see signs towards Agia Pelagia and Achlada. In between Agia Pelagia and Mononaftis, there is another lovely beach called Psaromoura with a relaxed vibe and plenty of great restaurants. On the western side of the bay, there are more options, including the beach of Fodele, known for its amazing sunsets and high waves. Very close to the beach of Fodele, we find the charming village of the same name, where visitors can explore the pottery workshop “Keramos” that has been operating for 20 years and showcases Cretan art and traditions. The village is the homeland of Dominikos Theotokopoulos, also known as “El Greco”. There is a small museum dedicated to the painter’s life, where you can get a better idea of his influences during his youth. The area around Mononaftis is great for families with children and those that prefer quiet holidays while still being near various cultural attractions. There are a lot of great diving and snorkelling spots and you can be in Rethymno in under 1 hour and Heraklion in 30 minutes.