Alright, beach lovers, I’m about to let you in on a secret that’ll blow your flip flops off.
Ever heard of a beach named after a skin condition?
Welcome to Leprias Beach, Crete’s wildest coastal gem!
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Leprias Beach, also known as Lepries, is a small pebbly paradise tucked away in the Kalokambos area.
It’s about 73km south of Heraklion, surrounded by the rugged Asterousia Range.
Picture this: you’re hiking the trail from Tripiti to Agios Ioannis, and suddenly, you stumble upon this beauty.
The beach sits at the foot of a steep, crumbly slope that looks like, well, a leper’s skin (hence the name Leprias Greek for leper).
It’s not the prettiest comparison, but trust me, the beach itself is a knockout.
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Getting down to the beach is a bit of an adventure.
Your safest bet is to approach from the western end of the bay.
Once you’re down there, you’ll see why it was worth the trek.
The eastern part of the beach has these amazing caves that offer shade all day long – nature’s own beach umbrellas!
And if you’re feeling extra exploratory, between Leprias and Tripiti, there are more lovely beaches in Kalokambos.
These spots are favorites among local fishermen, so you know they’re good.
Leprias Beach Key Information
| Localisation | Préfecture d'Héraklion, Crète centrale, Crète du Sud |
| Composition de la plage | Galets |
| L'eau | Blue, Deep, Usually calm |
| Caractéristiques de la plage | Caves, Steep dirt slope |
| Aménagements | Aucun |
| Célèbre pour | Isolation, Natural beauty |
| Activités | Snorkeling, Spearfishing, Hiking, Nudism |
| Rôle historique | Part of ancient Cretan landscape |
| Région environnante | Asterousia Range, Kalokambos area |
| Atmosphère | Quiet, Wild, Natural |
| Restauration | None on-site, bring own food |
| Accessibilité | Hiking trail or boat only |
| Période de visite | De la fin du printemps au début de l'automne |
| Données démographiques | Adventure seekers, Nature lovers |
Leprias Beach Profile
Leprias isn’t your typical sandy beach it’s all about the pebbles here.
The water is that deep, mesmerizing bleu that Crete is famous for.
It gets deep pretty quickly, so it’s perfect for those who love a good swim.
The sea is usually calm, making it great for a relaxing float.
And the best part?
It’s almost always quiet.
You might just have the whole place to yourself!
Aménagements
Let’s be real Leprias is as bare bones as it gets.
There are no beach bars, no sunbeds, no fancy facilities.
But that’s what makes it special.
It’s just you, the pebbles, and the sea.
Oh, and those amazing caves for shade.
Pack everything you need for the day, because once you’re there, you’re there.
Hébergement
Leprias isn’t exactly a resort town.
In fact, there are no accommodations right on the beach.
Your best bet is to stay in one of the nearby villages or in Heraklion and make a day trip out of it.
For more options, check out other Plages d'Héraklion in the area.
Histoire et importance
While Leprias itself doesn’t have a long recorded history, the surrounding area is steeped in myths and legends.
The Asterousia Range has been home to hermits and monks for centuries.
And who knows?
Maybe ancient Minoans once walked these very pebbles.
The nearby Tripiti has a Minoan settlement, so the area has been inhabited for thousands of years.
Activités
Leprias is a paradise for nature lovers and adventure seekers.
Snorkeling and spearfishing are top notch here, thanks to the rocky bottom and clear waters.
Hiking the trail to get here is an activity in itself.
And for the brave, it’s a nudist-friendly beach, so you can work on that all over tan.
Don’t forget your camera the landscape is seriously photogenic.
Restauration
There are no restaurants at Leprias Beach, so pack a picnic!
Grab some local Cretan cheese, olives, and bread before you head out.
For proper sit down meals, you’ll need to head back to the nearby villages or Heraklion.
Check out Cretorama for some great Cretan food recommendations.
Le meilleur pour les voyageurs
Leprias is perfect for:
* Adventure seekers who love a good hike
* Nature enthusiasts who appreciate raw, untouched beauty
* Snorkeling and spearfishing fans
* Nudists looking for a quiet spot
* Photographers chasing that perfect rugged landscape shot
* Anyone wanting to escape the tourist crowds
Leprias Beach Map – Getting There
Getting to Leprias is part of the adventure.
You’ll need to drive from Heraklion to Tripiti (about 1.5 hours), then hike the trail to Agios Ioannis.
Alternatively, you can reach it by boat from Tripiti or other nearby beaches.
Distances from Major Cities to Leprias Beach:
- La Canée: Approximately 190 km (118 miles), 3 hours 30 minutes drive
- Rethymnon: About 120 km (75 miles), 2 hours 30 minutes drive
- Héraklion: Around 73 km (45 miles), 1 hour 30 minutes drive
- Hersonissos: Roughly 90 km (56 miles), 1 hour 45 minutes drive
- Malia: About 95 km (59 miles), 1 hour 50 minutes drive
- Agios Nikolaos: Approximately 120 km (75 miles), 2 hours 15 minutes drive
- Ierapetra: Environ 100 km (62 miles), 2 heures de route
Note: These are approximate times for driving to Tripiti, the closest accessible point by car.
From there, you’ll need to hike to Leprias Beach.
There’s no public transportation to this remote location, so a rental car is necessary.
The roads can be winding and narrow in parts, so allow extra time and drive carefully.
For the latest travel info and car rental options, check the Site officiel de la région de Crète.
Conseils
1. Wear sturdy shoes for the hike down – flip flops won’t cut it.
2. Bring plenty of water and snacks – there are no shops nearby.
3. Pack sun protection – the Greek sun is strong!
4. Bring a good book or podcast – it’s all about relaxation here.
5. If you’re into photography, the early morning light is magical.
6. Be prepared for a clothing-optional environment.
For more stunning photos of Cretan beaches like Leprias, follow Cretorama on Instagram!
Discoveries Around Leprias Beach
| Attraction | Distance | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Plage de Katarti | 0.4 km (0.25 miles) | Another beautiful, quiet beach nearby |
| Sentier Tripiti - Katarti | 0.7 km (0.43 miles) | Scenic hiking trail along coast |
| Plage de Vourlidia chez Salamias | 1.4 km (0.87 miles) | Secluded beach with crystal waters |
| Colonie minoenne de Tripiti | 1.4 km (0.87 miles) | Ancient ruins from Minoan era |
| Tripiti beach | 1,8 km (1,12 miles) | Larger, more accessible beach |
| Salamias beaches | 1,9 km (1,18 miles) | Series of small, picturesque beaches |
| Bois d'olivier d'Agios Savvas | 2 km (1.24 miles) | Ancient olive grove with history |
| Zoodochos Pigi Monastery at Kapetaniana | 2,2 km (1,37 miles) | Historic monastery with amazing views |
| Cave Peristeras à Salamias | 3,1 km (1,93 miles) | Impressive cave with local legends |
| Gorges de Trafoulas | 3,6 km (2,24 miles) | Stunning gorge for hiking enthusiasts |
