Okay, I’m about to let you in on a little secret.
There’s this beach in Crete that’s so chill, you’ll feel like you’ve stumbled into your own private paradise.
Welcome to East Tsigounas, also known as Playa de Petrakis.
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Located just 1 km east of Lendas and 76 km south of Heraklion, this quiet stretch of coastline sits at the foot of the rugged Asterousia Mountains.
It’s like nature decided to throw a party and invited the sea, mountains, and sky!
Getting here is part of the adventure.
From Lendas, you’ll drive east on a road that leads to the local port.
Keep your eyes peeled for the turnoff it’s not exactly Times Square out here!
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Once you arrive, you’ll find a small hamlet with 2-3 taverns, a few houses, and a long beach covered in beautiful round pebbles.
It’s the kind of place where you can hear the waves and your own thoughts.
One part of the beach is called Ostria, named after a local small hotel.
It’s like the beach has its own neighborhoods!
For more information about beaches in this area, check out our guide to Playas de Heraklion.
And if you’re planning a trip to Crete, Cretorama has all the info you need.
Petrakis Beach Key Information
| Ubicación | Prefectura de Heraklion, Creta central, Creta meridional |
| Composición de la playa | Round pebbles |
| Agua | Blue, usually calm |
| Características de la playa | Long stretch, tamarisk trees |
| Servicios | Taverns, umbrellas, accommodation nearby |
| Famoso por | Quiet atmosphere, natural beauty |
| Actividades | Swimming, snorkeling, spearfishing, relaxing |
| Papel histórico | Near ancient Levena |
| Región circundante | Asterousia Mountains, Lendas |
| Atmósfera | Peaceful, authentic |
| Comedor | Local taverns serving Greek cuisine |
| Accesibilidad | Paved road, car recommended |
| Período de visita | De finales de primavera a principios de otoño |
| Demografía | Nature lovers, couples, budget travelers |
Petrakis Beach Profile
Playa de Petrakis is a long stretch of pebble beach that’s perfect for those who prefer a more natural setting.
The pebbles are smooth and round, making them comfortable to walk on and great for a bit of stone skipping!
The water here is a beautiful blue color and usually calm, ideal for swimming and snorkeling.
The sea gets deep fairly quickly, so it’s perfect for those who like to dive right in.
One of the best features of this beach is the line of tamariscos along the shore.
These provide natural shade and are perfect spots for setting up camp or just relaxing out of the sun.
Servicios
En Playa de Petrakis isn’t a fancy resort beach, it’s got what you need for a comfortable day by the sea.
The local taverns offer some umbrellas, so you can snag a bit of shade if you’re not into the whole tree thing.
Existen food and drink options available at the taverns, so you won’t go hungry or thirsty.
Just remember to bring cash this isn’t exactly a credit card hotspot!
For those who like to rough it a bit, the beach is camping-friendly.
Sólo recuerda respetar el medio ambiente y no dejar rastro.
Alojamientos
If you’re looking to stay overnight, you’ve got a few options. Some of the taverns offer rooms for rent, giving you a chance to wake up to the sound of the waves.
There’s also a small hotel called Ostria cerca.
It’s not the Ritz, but it’s clean, comfortable, and has that authentic Greek island vibe.
For those who prefer to sleep under the stars, camping on the beach is allowed.
Just make sure to set up near the tamarisk trees for some natural shelter.
Historia e importancia
While Petrakis Beach itself doesn’t have a long recorded history, the surrounding area is steeped in ancient tales.
The nearby town of Lendas was once the site of an important Asklepieion a healing temple dedicated to Asclepius, the Greek god of medicine.
En Asterousia Mountains looming over the beach have been home to hermits and monks for centuries, adding a touch of spiritual significance to the landscape.
Today, Petrakis Beach represents a slice of old Crete a place where time seems to slow down and the simple pleasures of sun, sea, and good food take center stage.
Actividades
Natación is obviously a top activity here.
The clear, blue waters are perfect for cooling off on a hot day.
Snorkeling and spearfishing are popular thanks to the rich marine life.
Bring your own gear though this isn’t a resort with rental shops.
For the more active, the surrounding area offers great opportunities for senderismo.
The trails in the Asterousia Mountains provide stunning views of the coastline.
And let’s not forget the ultimate beach activity relajante.
Whether it’s reading a book under a tamarisk tree or working on your tan, East Tsigounas is perfect for unwinding.
Comedor
The taverns at Petrakis Beach are the heart of the local dining scene.
Don’t expect fancy menus or dress codes this is laid back, authentic Greek cuisine at its best.
Fresh seafood is a specialty here.
The catch of the day is often grilled to perfection and served with a squeeze of lemon and a drizzle of local olive oil.
Don’t miss out on trying some especialidades locales.
Dakos (a Cretan rusk topped with tomato and cheese) and kalitsounia (small cheese pies) are perfect for a light lunch.
Wash it all down with a glass of raki, the local spirit. Just be careful it’s stronger than it tastes!
Lo mejor para los viajeros
East Tsigounas is perfect for travelers who want to experience a more authentic, low key side of Crete. Es ideal para:
– Amantes de la naturaleza who appreciate unspoiled beaches and rugged landscapes
– Peace seekers looking to escape the crowds of more touristy areas
– Adventure enthusiasts interested in hiking, snorkeling, or spearfishing
– Parejas en busca de una escapada romántica y tranquila
– Budget travelers who don’t need luxury amenities
It’s less suitable for families with young children who need lots of facilities, or for those seeking a lively nightlife scene.
Petrakis Beach Map – Getting There
To reach Petrakis Beach, you’ll need to make your way to Lendas first. From there:
Take the road heading east out of Lendas towards the local port.
After about 1 km, you’ll see the turnoff for East Tsigounas/Petrakis Beach.
Follow this road to reach the beach.
No hay transporte público directo a la playa, por lo que hay que alquilar un coche o tomar un taxi desde una ciudad más grande.
The roads can be winding, so drive carefully!
Distances and driving times from major Cretan cities to Petrakis Beach:
- Chania: Approximately 190 km (118 miles), 3 hours 30 minutes drive
- Rethymnon: About 140 km (87 miles), 2 hours 45 minutes drive
- Heraklion: Around 76 km (47 miles), 1 hour 45 minutes drive
- Hersonissos: Roughly 90 km (56 miles), 2 hours drive
- Malia: About 95 km (59 miles), 2 hours 10 minutes drive
- Agios Nikolaos: Approximately 130 km (81 miles), 2 hours 30 minutes drive
- Ierapetra: Around 100 km (62 miles), 2 hours drive
Nota: Estos son tiempos aproximados de conducción.
The last part of the journey involves winding mountain roads, which may increase travel time.
No hay transporte público directo a la playa, por lo que es aconsejable alquilar un coche.
Para conocer el estado más actualizado de las carreteras, puede consultar el Sitio web del municipio de Heraklion.
Para obtener la información más actualizada sobre el transporte público en Creta, puede consultar la página Sitio web oficial de la Región de Creta.
Consejos
1. Bring supplies: While there are taverns, it’s a good idea to bring water, snacks, and any beach gear you might need.
2. Wear water shoes: Los guijarros pueden ser duros para los pies descalzos, especialmente cuando hace calor.
3. Respetar el medio ambiente: This is a natural beach. Take all trash with you and don’t disturb the local flora and fauna.
4. Bring cash: The local businesses might not accept cards.
5. Sun protection: The Cretan sun is strong. Bring sunscreen, a hat, and use the natural shade of the tamarisk trees.
6. Learn a few Greek words: The locals appreciate it when visitors make an effort. Start with “Kalimera” (good morning) and “Efharisto” (thank you).
Para ver más fotos de playas cretenses, síganos en Instagram y Pinterest.
Para más información sobre viajes a Grecia, incluidos los requisitos de entrada y los derechos de los turistas, visite la página Sitio web de la Organización Nacional de Turismo de Grecia.
Discoveries Around Petrakis Beach
| Atracciones cercanas | Descripción | Distancia |
|---|---|---|
| Loutra beach | Beautiful coastal area | 1.2 km (0.75 miles) |
| Ancient Levena | Historical archaeological site | 1.3 km (0.81 miles) |
| Early Christian basilica of Lendas | Antiguo recinto religioso | 1.3 km (0.81 miles) |
| Lendas beach | Playa local popular | 1.3 km (0.81 miles) |
| Panagia Vithanos church at Krotos | Iglesia griega tradicional | 1,5 km (0,93 millas) |
| Trafoulas beach | Quiet, secluded beach | 2,2 km (1,37 millas) |
| Trafoulas Gorge | Scenic hiking area | 2,2 km (1,37 millas) |
| Dyskos beach | Another beautiful local beach | 2,4 km (1,49 millas) |
| Gerokambos Domed Tomb | Ancient burial site | 3.4 km (2.11 miles) |
| Gerokambos Roman Villa | Roman-era archaeological site | 3,6 km (2,24 millas) |
Petrakis Beach Weather
Petrakis Beach FAQ
Is Petrakis Beach suitable for families with children?
What’s the best time of year to visit Petrakis Beach?
Are there any interesting hiking trails near Petrakis Beach?
Are there any water sports available at Petrakis Beach?
Is naturism allowed at Petrakis Beach?
While not officially designated as a naturist beach,Petrakis Beach is known to be nudism-friendly, especially in the more secluded areas. As always, be respectful of others and local customs.
Oh wow, Petrakis Beach was such a dreamy escape when I visited last summer! 🌊 The clear blue waters were absolutely mesmerizing and so refreshing—perfect for cooling off on a hot day! However, the pebbles were a bit of a pain (literally 👣) to walk on without proper shoes… my poor feet! 😅 Do you think it’s worth bringing water shoes next time? 🤔
Petrakis Beach 🌊✨ I visited this stunning spot last summer, and oh my, the clear blue waters were absolutely mesmerizing—like swimming in a dream! The peaceful vibe was perfect for unwinding. But ugh, those pebbles? Not so kind to my delicate feet 😔 Is there any way to rent cute water shoes nearby?