Ever dreamed of stumbling upon a beach so quiet, you’d think you discovered it yourself?
Well, let me introduce you to Meakis Beach in Crete it’s the real deal, folks!
Picture this: you’re in Arvi, a big seaside village about 79km southeast of Heraklion and 35km west of Ierapetra.
Crete's luxury villas at unbeatable prices. Early Bird Discount up to 50% OFF! Explore Lithos today.
It’s got a nice beach, sure, but that’s not where the magic happens.
Head about 1km west, and you’ll hit the Bouboulis stream.
Cross it, walk for 5 minutes, and boom you’ve reached Meakis Beach.
Also known as Vahoudianos Xerokambos, this place is like finding treasure.
The beach sits in a quiet bay, with sand so fine it feels like powder between your toes.
The water?
Crystal clear and as blue as the sky.
And the best part?
It’s never crowded.
It’s like having your own private slice of paradise.
Now, you might be wondering about the name.
✈️🌟Exclusive Crete Travel Deals✨🌍
Turns out, it’s named after a local guy called Meakis who owned the land around here.
Talk about leaving a legacy, right?
One of the coolest things about this beach is the white sand lilies that grow all over.
It’s like nature decided to decorate the place herself.
Just a heads up though if you’re coming at midday, bring an umbrella.
The plants around are pretty low, so shade is a bit scarce.
There are some tamarisk trees on the beach, but they might not be enough for everyone.
Meakis Beach Key Information
| Location | Heraklion Prefecture, Central Crete, South Crete |
| Beach Composition | Fine sand |
| Water | Blue, Shallow, Usually calm |
| Beach Features | White sand lilies, Tamarisk trees |
| Amenities | Limited, Accommodation options nearby |
| Famous For | Quietness, Natural beauty |
| Activities | Swimming, Snorkeling, Relaxing |
| Historical Role | Part of traditional Cretan coastal life |
| Surrounding Region | Arvi village, Arvi Gorge |
| Atmosphere | Peaceful, Isolated |
| Dining | Options available in nearby Arvi |
| Accessibility | Paved road, short walk required |
| Period to Visit | Late spring to early fall |
| Demographics | Nature lovers, Couples, Solitude seekers |
Meakis Beach Profile
Meakis Beach is all about that fine, soft sand that feels amazing under your feet.
The water is shallow near the shore, perfect for a relaxing dip.
It’s usually calm here, making it great for floating around or practicing your swimming.
The beach isn’t huge, but there’s plenty of space to spread out and find your perfect spot.
Amenities
Let’s be real Meakis Beach is pretty bare bones when it comes to facilities.
There are no beach bars or sunbed rentals here.
But that’s part of its charm, right?
It’s all about enjoying nature in its purest form.
Remember to bring your own water, snacks, and sun protection.
Accommodations
While there aren’t any hotels right on Meakis Beach, nearby Arvi has some options.
You can find places to stay that are just a short drive away.
For a wider range of choices, check out other Heraklion Beaches in the area.
History and Significance
Meakis Beach might not have ancient ruins, but it’s got its own kind of history.
The surrounding area has been part of Cretan life for centuries.
The nearby Arvi Gorge has been shaping this landscape for thousands of years.
And who knows?
Maybe some ancient Minoans once walked this very sand.
Activities
Meakis Beach is all about relaxation and enjoying nature.
Swimming in the clear waters is a must.
Bring a snorkel if you want to check out the underwater scene.
Beach walks are great here, especially for collecting seashells.
And if you’re into photography, the white sand lilies make for some awesome shots.
Dining
There aren’t any restaurants right on Meakis Beach, but don’t worry – you won’t go hungry.
Arvi village has some great local tavernas where you can try fresh seafood and traditional Cretan dishes.
For more dining options across Crete, check out Cretorama.
Best For Travelers
Meakis Beach is perfect for:
* Nature lovers who appreciate untouched beauty
* Couples looking for a romantic, quiet spot
* Solo travelers wanting some peace and reflection
* Families with older kids who enjoy exploring
* Anyone who wants to escape the tourist crowds
Meakis Beach Map – Getting There
To reach Meakis Beach, you’ll need to rent a car or take a taxi from Heraklion.
The drive takes about 1.5 hours, following the road towards Viannos and then to Arvi.
For up to date travel info and car rental options, check the Heraklion municipality website.
Distances from Major Cities to Meakis Beach:
- Chania: Approximately 240 km (149 miles), 3 hours 45 minutes drive
- Rethymnon: About 170 km (106 miles), 2 hours 45 minutes drive
- Heraklion: Around 79 km (49 miles), 1 hour 30 minutes drive
- Hersonissos: Roughly 95 km (59 miles), 1 hour 45 minutes drive
- Malia: About 100 km (62 miles), 1 hour 50 minutes drive
- Agios Nikolaos: Approximately 80 km (50 miles), 1 hour 30 minutes drive
- Ierapetra: Around 35 km (22 miles), 45 minutes drive
Note: These are approximate times for driving. Public transportation to Meakis Beach is limited, so renting a car is recommended for the best experience.
Meakis Beach Tips
1. Bring plenty of water and snacks – there are no shops nearby.
2. Pack a beach umbrella for shade.
3. Wear water shoes if you’re sensitive to hot sand.
4. Bring a good book or podcast – it’s all about relaxation here.
5. Take your trash with you to help keep the beach clean.
6. Check the weather before you go – it can get windy sometimes.
For the latest travel requirements and tourist information, you can visit the official website of the Region of Crete.
Don’t forget to follow Cretorama on Instagram for stunning photos of Cretan beaches!
Discoveries Around Meakis Beach
| Attraction | Distance | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Arvi beach | 0.1 km (0.06 miles) | Main beach of Arvi village |
| Armenopetra beach | 2.3 km (1.43 miles) | Beach with unique rock formations |
| Vigla Fort in Kerato | 3 km (1.86 miles) | Historic fort with coastal views |
| Arvi Gorge | 3.3 km (2.05 miles) | Impressive gorge for hiking enthusiasts |
| Agios Antonios Monastery in Arvi | 3.4 km (2.11 miles) | Ancient monastery with religious significance |
| Keratokambos beaches | 4.2 km (2.61 miles) | Series of beautiful coastal beaches |
| Viannos Gallery | 4.2 km (2.61 miles) | Local art gallery showcasing talent |
| Richtra Waterfall at Keratokambos | 4.2 km (2.61 miles) | Scenic waterfall in natural setting |
| Kavousi Gorge | 4.5 km (2.80 miles) | Another gorge for nature lovers |
| Agia Moni monastery in Viannos | 5.1 km (3.17 miles) | Historic monastery with cultural importance |
Could anyone recommend the best time of day to visit for avoiding any crowds and getting the most serene experience?
Beautiful, pristine beach that offers a perfect escape from the crowds – exactly what you want in Crete! How deep does the water get at the swimming area?
Peaceful atmosphere away from the tourist crowds! I wonder if there’s good snorkeling around those rocky areas near the shore?