Armos Beaches

Okay, let’s drop a truth bomb: the best beaches in Crete aren’t the ones you see plastered all over Instagram. 

The real magic? It’s hiding on the Spinalonga Peninsula. 

Picture this: you’re on the north side of Spinalonga Peninsula, right across from the famous Spinalonga fortress. 

This area, called Armos, is like stepping into a time capsule. 

Old farms dot the landscape, abandoned but full of stories. 

Most folks don’t even know this place exists because there are no roads leading here. 

But that’s what makes it special. 

Sure, everyone knows about Kolokitha beach at the southeast base of the peninsula. 

But the real treasures? They’re waiting for you up north. 

Let’s break it down: 

Vathy bay is your first stop. 

It’s about two kilometers northeast of Elounda port, on the northwest side of the peninsula. 

This little cove is like nature’s own swimming pool – calm waters, amazing views of Elounda town and the mountains. 

The beach is a mix of pebbles and sand, and the water’s shallow enough for a relaxing swim. 

Next up, we’ve got Skourgeto beach. 

It’s at the very tip of the peninsula, right opposite Spinalonga fort. 

This area’s called Oxo Harakia, named after the rocks poking out of the sea. 

There are two small beaches here, sandy with some rocks, and the water’s so clear you can count the fish. 

Last but not least, there’s Pelekiti beach. 

It’s a sandy stretch at the end of a narrow ravine. 

The whole area used to be a limestone quarry for building Spinalonga fort. 

You can still see the marks where they cut the stone – it’s like an outdoor museum. 

Armos Beaches Key Information

Location	Lassithi Prefecture, Eastern Crete
Beach Composition	Sand, Pebbles
Water	Blue, Usually calm
Beach Features	Multiple small beaches, Limestone formations
Amenities	Limited, Natural shade at Vathy
Famous For	Clear waters, Historical quarry, Seclusion
Activities	Swimming, Snorkeling, Canoeing
Historical Role	Ancient settlement, Limestone quarry
Surrounding Region	Near Elounda, Opposite Spinalonga
Atmosphere	Quiet, Natural
Dining	No on-site options
Accessibility	Boat, Walking
Period to Visit	Late spring to early fall
Demographics	Nature lovers, History enthusiasts

Armos Beaches Profile

Each beach on Spinalonga Peninsula has its own personality: 

Vathy is all about calm waters and shallow depths. 

It’s perfect for those who like a gentle swim. 

Skourgeto is your go-to for snorkeling. 

The mix of sand and rocks means there’s plenty of marine life to spot. 

Pelekiti is sandy and surrounded by cool rock formations. 

It’s like swimming in a natural art gallery. 

Amenities

Let’s be real: these beaches are all about getting back to nature. 

There are no fancy beach bars or sunbeds here. 

At Vathy, you’ll find some tamarisk and carob trees for shade. 

There’s also a platform where excursion boats from Elounda stop. 

But that’s about it for amenities. 

Pack everything you need for the day – water, snacks, sunscreen, the works. 

Accommodations

While you can’t stay on these beaches, nearby Elounda and Plaka have plenty of options. 

For a wider range of choices, check out the Lassithi Beaches area. 

You’ll find everything from cozy guesthouses to luxury resorts. 

History and Significance

These beaches are like walking through a history book. 

The whole area was once a limestone quarry for building Spinalonga fortress. 

At Skourgeto, you can find pottery pieces scattered around – proof that people lived here way back when. 

And those abandoned farms? They tell the story of a once-thriving agricultural community. 

Activities

Spinalonga Peninsula is all about embracing nature and history: 

• Swimming: Each beach offers a different experience, from calm bays to open sea.
• Snorkeling: The clear waters and rocky areas are perfect for spotting fish.
• Canoeing: The best way to explore these hidden beaches is by canoe from Plaka.
• Photography: From ancient quarries to clear blue waters, it’s a photographer’s dream.
• Hiking: The peninsula offers great walks with stunning views.

Dining

There are no restaurants on these beaches, so pack a picnic. 

Before heading out, stop by a local market in Elounda or Plaka. 

Grab some Cretan cheese, olives, and fresh bread. 

Trust me, everything tastes better with a view of Spinalonga fortress. 

Best For Travelers

Spinalonga Peninsula beaches are perfect for: 

• History buffs
• Nature lovers
• Snorkeling enthusiasts
• Photography fans
• Those looking for quiet, uncrowded beaches

They’re not ideal for those seeking lots of amenities or easy access. 

Armos Beaches Map – Getting There

The adventure starts with getting there. 

The easiest way is by canoe from Plaka. 

You can also take an excursion boat from Elounda to Vathy bay. 

For the other beaches, you’ll need to hike or take a private boat. 

For the most up-to-date travel info, including boat schedules, check the Lassithi municipality website. 

Distances from Major Cretan Cities

• Chania: Approximately 200 km (124 miles), 3 hours drive
• Rethymnon: About 150 km (93 miles), 2 hours 15 minutes drive
• Heraklion: Roughly 70 km (43 miles), 1 hour drive
• Hersonissos: Around 55 km (34 miles), 50 minutes drive
• Malia: Approximately 45 km (28 miles), 40 minutes drive
• Agios Nikolaos: About 12 km (7.5 miles), 15 minutes drive
• Ierapetra: Roughly 50 km (31 miles), 1 hour drive

Note: These are approximate distances and times for driving to Elounda or Plaka, the nearest access points. From there, you’ll need to take a boat or canoe to reach the beaches on Spinalonga Peninsula. Public transportation options are limited, so renting a car is recommended for flexibility. 

Tips

• Start early to make the most of your day
• Bring plenty of water and snacks
• Pack a beach umbrella for shade
• Wear water shoes – some areas can be rocky
• Bring a good book or some games – there’s no WiFi here!
• Remember to take all your trash with you when you leave
• Respect the natural environment and any historical artifacts you find

For more travel tips and stunning photos of Crete, follow Cretorama on Instagram. 

Discoveries Around Armos Beaches

Attraction	Description	Distance
Tsifliki beach	Another quiet, beautiful beach	1.4 km (0.87 miles)
Spinalonga Beach	Beach opposite Spinalonga island	1.7 km (1.06 miles)
Agia Paraskevi beaches	Series of small beaches	1.7 km (1.06 miles)
Spinalonga Islet	Historic island fortress	1.8 km (1.12 miles)
Early Christian Basilica of Kolokitha	Ancient religious site	2.3 km (1.43 miles)
Kolokytha beach	Popular beach on peninsula	2.5 km (1.55 miles)
Plaka beach	Beach in nearby village	2.6 km (1.62 miles)
Elounda beaches	Beaches in tourist town	2.6 km (1.62 miles)
Elounda windmills	Historic windmills with views	2.7 km (1.68 miles)
Early Christian Basilica of Elounda	Ancient church ruins	2.8 km (1.74 miles)

For more information about beaches and attractions in Crete, visit Cretorama, your comprehensive guide to the island. 

Before planning your trip, check the latest travel requirements and regulations on the Greek National Tourism Organization website. 

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