Psaromoura Beach

About 22 km west from Heraklion, and only walking distance from the coastal settlement of Agia Pelagia, is a small, enclosed cove called Psaromoura. While it is a small and quiet place, it attracts a wide range of visitors and is slowly picking up in popularity. The beach has soft sand, pebbles and crystal clear waters. It is also fully organized with umbrellas, sunbeds and showers, as well as a canteen for a snack and a drink. For those wishing to stay here for a few more days, there are various hotels, rooms and apartments to accommodate all needs. The tavernas nearby will also provide you with fresh, local flavours. There are also various water sport activities to take advantage of and the option to go on quad safaris to explore the more remote beaches in the area. To get to Psaromoura, follow the main north-coast road west out of Heraklion and turn right to go to Agia Pelagia. On the north side of Agia Pelagia, there is a cave, where the icon of Agia Pelagia was found, and this is what gave the village its name. The cave is named “the Discovery“. After it was found, a monastery was established about 1 kilometre away, but it is longer active. The beach is also mentioned in Cristofero Buondelmonti’s book, A Description of the Isle of Crete (1412). From Agia Pelagia, before you reach the Hotel Capsis, turn left, and keep on until you get to a large hill. Leave your car here, and go on foot along the road until you reach the summit of the hill, where stairs will lead you down to the beach.

If you continue north, you will reach the beach of Mononaftis, and then as you come around the bay, Fodele and East Beach. In the charming village of Fodele, only 12 km away, 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.