Guys, I am just going to put it out there.
Agia Varvara is better in summer.
I know, that is a bold statement.
But hear me out, ok?
This beach is located 41km east of Heraklion, between Malia and Sissi.
It takes its name after the homonym church in the east dedicated to Santa Barbara.
The sandy beach is formed in a small bay in front of a hotel.
Opposite the bay there is the islet of Agia Varvara where you can go by swimming, but beware for the strong currents.
The beach is well organized with umbrellas and sunbeds, and there are several tamarisk trees nearby.
Like most beaches in northern Crete, Agia Varvara is vulnerable to frequent northwest winds.
The beach is located in the Lassithi Prefecture, East Crete, North Crete, Agios Nikolaos area (Mirabelo).
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The sea water color is blue.
The sand type is sand.
The depth is shallow and the sea surface is usually wavy.
The crowds are normal.
There are accommodation options nearby, food / water nearby, umbrellas / beds, sports, and a lifeguard.
The beach is accessible by paved road.
Agia Varvara Beach Key Information
| Location | Lassithi Prefecture |
|---|---|
| Beach Composition | sand |
| Water | blue |
| Beach Features | tamarisk trees, umbrella, sunbeds |
| Amenities | Accommodation options nearby, Food / water nearby, Umbrellas / beds, Sports, Lifeguard |
| Famous For | Swimming and sunbathing |
| Activities | Swimming, sunbathing |
| Historical Role | Santa Barbara church |
| Surrounding Region | East Crete |
| Atmosphere | Normal |
| Dining | Greek cuisine |
| Accessibility | Paved road |
| Period to Visit | Summer |
| Demographics | Nature lovers |
Agia Varvara Beach Profile
Agia Varvara is a sandy beach formed in a small bay.
It is well organized with umbrellas and sunbeds.
There are several tamarisk trees nearby.
The beach is vulnerable to frequent northwest winds.
For more information about Crete, visit Cretorama.
To find more beaches in the Lassithi region, check out our guide to Lassithi Beaches: Lassithi Beaches.
Amenities
The beach has accommodation options nearby, food / water nearby, umbrellas / beds, sports, and a lifeguard.
You can also visit the nearby Malia Minoan Palace and Potamos beach.
For more information about the region, you can visit the official Region of Crete website.
Accommodations
You can find a lot of hotels and rooms in Agia Varvara on the road connecting Heraklion with Malia and Sissi.
History and Significance
The beach takes its name after the homonym church in the east dedicated to Santa Barbara.
Activities
The beach is perfect for swimming and sunbathing.
Also, you can visit the nearby Malia Minoan Palace and Potamos beach.
Lastly, you can drive to Boufos Minoan settlement, which is 2.9km south of Agia Varvara.
Dining
You can enjoy traditional Greek cuisine in the nearby taverns.
Best For Travelers
Agia Varvara is one of the most beautiful beaches in Crete.
This beach is perfect for nature lovers, swimmers, sunbathers, history enthusiasts.
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Agia Varvara Beach Map – Getting There
Agia Varvara is located 41km east of Heraklion, between Malia and Sissi.
To get to Agia Varvara, follow the road from Heraklion.
There are also bus services from Heraklion.
For more information about the region, you can visit the official Greek tourism website.
For local public transportation and tickets, visit the official Lassithi municipality website.
Distences from Major Cretan Cities
- From Chania, you can reach Agia Varvara in approximately 120 km (75 miles) and with a driving time of about 2 hours.
- From Rethymnon, you can reach Agia Varvara in approximately 90 km (56 miles) and with a driving time of about 1 hour and 30 minutes.
- From Heraklion, you can reach Agia Varvara in approximately 41 km (25 miles) and with a driving time of about 45 minutes.
- From Hersonissos, you can reach Agia Varvara in approximately 30 km (19 miles) and with a driving time of about 30 minutes.
- From Malia, you can reach Agia Varvara in approximately 10 km (6 miles) and with a driving time of about 15 minutes.
- From Agios Nikolaos, you can reach Agia Varvara in approximately 50 km (31 miles) and with a driving time of about 1 hour.
- From Ierapetra, you can reach Agia Varvara in approximately 70 km (43 miles) and with a driving time of about 1 hour and 15 minutes.
You can also take public transportation (KTEL buses) from Chania, Rethymnon, Heraklion, Hersonissos, Malia, Agios Nikolaos, and Ierapetra.
Tips
As Agia Varvara is a sandy beach, ensure to carry enough water and snacks.
There are some tamarisk trees and umbrellas, providing shade.
Also, you can visit the nearby Malia Minoan Palace and Potamos beach.
Check the official website for more travel tips and information.
Follow us on Pinterest and Facebook for more photos and updates.
Discoveries Around Agia Varvara Beach
| Destination | Distance |
|---|---|
| Malia Minoan Palace | 0.9km (0.56 miles) |
| Potamos beach | 1.6km (0.99 miles) |
| Saint George Church | 2km (1.24 miles) |
| Boufos Minoan settlement | 2.9km (1.80 miles) |
| Sissi Beaches | 3.2km (1.99 miles) |
| Malia beach | 3.5km (2.17 miles) |
| Church of Panagia Galatiani | 3.5km (2.17 miles) |
| Malia Koules | 3.6km (2.24 miles) |
| Fragantonis Cave | 3.7km (2.30 miles) |
| St. George Selinaris monastery | 4.1km (2.55 miles) |
